About
Example Itinerary
An Olympian's Adventure: Exploring the Snowcapped Serenity of Karakol
- Duration
- 7 days / 6 nights
- Price Per Person
-
Terms & Conditions
Price is based on double or twin hotel room occupancy and includes accommodation, transfers, car/driver, English-speaking guide, activities and entrance fees, breakfasts and some casual lunches while touring. Flights and optional special activities will be quoted separately. Most personal expenses, including dinners, alcoholic beverages, spa treatments and gratuities can be paid on the spot while traveling. Prices may vary depending on season, choice of accommodation and other factors.
- Interests
- Skiing
- Destinations
- Kyrgyzstan
Located in the eastern portion of the Issyk-Kul Valley, Karakol is its own unique landscape surrounded by magnificent mountains. Karakol offers a great deal of challenge and intrigue to fans of backcountry skiing. At 7,546 feet to 11,155 feet above sea level, Karakol’s terrain provides a wide range of slopes for experienced skiers. The Karakol ski base was built during the Soviet era when it was used to train Olympic athletes; today, the ski season runs from December to March and offers 12.5 miles of runs, with opportunities for off-piste skiing.
This itinerary is an example. It’s designed to inspire you and provide you with thoughtfully curated ideas. You can choose to do this exact itinerary or completely personalize it. All trips are 100% bespoke.
Highlights
- Snow Sports: From December to March, Karakol offers excellent skiing conditions, with off-piste options, gorgeous scenery and perfect powder.
- Lake Issyk-Kul: Enjoy views of blue-hued Issyk-Kul, one of the largest and deepest lakes in the world, which doesn't freeze even in Kyrgyzstan's harsh winters.
- Architecture: The Russian Orthodox Church, the Dungan Mosque and the Russian Quarter's "Gingerbread Houses" are just a few examples of Karakol's architectural attractions.
Day-by-Day
Day 1
Map ▲Karakol »
Meet our team at the airport and allow us to transfer you to Karakol on a stunning six-hour drive. Make stops along the way to enjoy local culinary traditions and take pictures in the most beautiful locations. Upon reaching Karakol, enjoy a delicious dinner and comfortable night.
Hotel Options
Day 2
Map ▲Karakol »
Begin your winter adventures as you ski and snowboard across the endless mountains in the heart of the Karakol wilderness. When you finish with your challenging and exhilarating day on the slopes, relax in the resort hotel with cocktail, basking in the glow of the fireplace.
Karakol
Day 3
Map ▲Karakol »
After a delicious breakfast, enjoy another day of winter fun as you explore new areas of your snowcapped surroundings. Push your skiing and snowboarding talents to the limit, honing technical skills and enjoying the speed and power this remote area allows you to achieve. Later, return to the hotel for a peaceful evening of food and drink.
Day 4
Map ▲Karakol »
Once breakfast is finished, enjoy a quiet stroll through this winter wonderland. Bring your camera to document the natural glory omnipresent in this gorgeous town. After, strap on your skis or snowboard and return to the slopes for an exciting afternoon of action and adventure.
Karakol
Day 5
Map ▲Karakol »
Enjoy a warm breakfast, then return to your favorite trails and ski or snowboard until your heart is content. Perhaps set a new personal best while perfecting your form and ability. Once evening falls, return to the hotel and enjoy a final, tranquil night in this glorious establishment.
Day 6
Map ▲Bishkek »
Rise early and enjoy brief final exploration of charming Karakol, visiting the local history museum, the ancient Russian Orthodox Church and the stunning Dungan Mosque. Then, begin your scenic, lakeside return to Bishkek, stopping at the Przhevalsky Museum en route. Upon arrival, check into your new hotel and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.
Hotel Options
Bishkek
Day 7
Map ▲Departure
If your flight is in the evening, spend the day exploring Bishkek: journey through the city, stopping to see iconic sites such as Victory Square, the State Circus, the Opera House, the National History Museum, Ala-Too Square and more. Then, dine in an intriguing restaurant and transfer to the airport: home or your next destination awaits!
Why Remote Lands?
Exclusively Asia
With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.
With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, in the continent that our north American founders Catherine and Jay have adored and explored for decades, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.
Travelogues
An Asia-focused magazine brought to you by Remote Lands - a platform for adventure, luxury, and authenticity from experts and explorers around the continent.
World Nomad Games: The Most Unusual Sporting Event of the Year
- Author
- Richard Collett
Richard Collett travels to the World Nomad Games in Kyrgyzstan for an inspiring story of sporting greatness, cultural pride, and dead goat polo – also known as Kok Boru – in one of Asia’s most interesting competitions.
With the Eagle Hunters of Kyrgyzstan
- Author
- Richard Collett
Aidar and Nursultan, Kyrgyz eagle hunters, train their deadly predators on the edge of Issyk-Kul Lake, a window into the past and a demonstration of nature’s raw power.
Building a Yurt on the Shores of Issyk Kul Lake
- Author
- Richard Collett
Richard Collett travels to Kyrgyzstan to build a yurt on the shores of Issyk Kul Lake with a traditional builder, from the wooden willow planks to the tunduk.
What Others Say
Here is a small selection of the kind words our clients have said about us recently.
A family from Berlin
We truly fell in love with Bhutan and found it a perfect destination to travel with our 4 and 6 year old children.
A California father and son
Also unforgettable was our experience driving through Beijing in an old fashioned motorcycle side car followed by lunch with a local family in their traditional hutong house.
