Yurt-based Backcountry In Tau-turgen Gorge
About this tour
Let's take a break from mobile connection and the Internet, enjoy virgin nature, starry sky, authentic ski touring and freeriding on untouched slopes without using any lifts and motorized machines, only climbing skins and human power. Tau Turgen Gorge is a quite remote area located in the Ile Alatau Mountain Range on the territory of the National Park Ile Alatau. Local terrain is friendly for skiers and split boarders with different skill level: from the beginner to the advanced and pro. Elevation range 1800-3200 meters with highest point in peak Bakhtiyar 3200 meters high. The area is rarely visited by people in winter, so you can be sure that no one will disturb your peace and you can fully enjoy the atmosphere of wilderness and authenticity while staying in the yurt like a real nomad.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Almaty, Kazakhstan to Turgen, Kazakhstan
Meeting the guide at your place in Almaty at 6:30 am. Departure to the Tau-Tugen Gorge by SUV (90 km). Arrival to the check point of Ile Alatau National Park. Packing stuff on the sledges and skinning up along the road 2,5 km to the Yurt Lodge with gaining 200 vertical meters. Arrival to the yurt, rest. Light lunch with snacks and short ski-touring session to the one of the closest spots. Return to the Yurt Lodge. Dinner and rest.
Day 2: Turgen, Kazakhstan
Breakfast and preparations. Touring to the Kuyuk peak with an altitude of 2800 meters. It will be possible to make one or two runs with 900-1500 vertical meters in total. On the way you will pass a small horse farm and when following a picturesque ridge enjoy the view of Kapchagay Reservoir and Altyn Emel valley. On the top you will be amazed by the stunning panorama of Turgen glaciers and endless valley of the Asy plateau. Return to the yurt. Rest, light snacks. Evening sauna and dinner.
Day 3: Turgen, Kazakhstan to Almaty, Kazakhstan
Breakfast, preparations. Touring to the Cone peak with an altitude of 2650 meters. On the way you will enjoy the view of shepherd’s yurts where they stay with their packs during the summer time. It will be possible to make one or two runs with 800-1200 vertical meters in total. Coming back to the yurt. Rest and tea with snacks. Packing stuff and departure back to the car by skis. Transfer to Almaty city with the stop for dinner in local cafe on the way. Arrival to the city. End of the program.
What's included
1. Accommodation in the Yurt Lodge for 2 nights. 2. Return transfer from Almaty. 3. Food for sel-cooking. 4. English-speaking KMGA skiing guide. 5. National Park eco fee. 6. Sledge for carrying the baggage and food to the Yurt. 7. Evening sauna. 8. Dinner in the cafeteria on Day 3. 9. Drinking water.
1. Rental of ski and avalanche equipment. 2. Food and drinks not indicated in the program and/or not included into the tour price. 3. Visa support and registration on the territory of Kazakhstan, if required. 4. Personal expenses and other expenses not indicated in the program. 5. Insurance policy.
What to know
Depending on weather and snow conditions, the guide can make adjustments to the the program. It is required to have appropriate insurance policy covering freeride, alpine touring and backcountry, including rescue by helicopter. To participate in the program you need to have confident level of off-piste skiing or boarding and be fit enough for performing daily outdoor activities.
Route & locations
Almaty, Kazakhstan to Turgen, Kazakhstan