KAZAKHSTAN

Bogdanovich glacier Backcountry

Authentic nomadic experience with the base camp in traditional Kazakh Yurt at an altitude of 3163 meters above sea level, combining ski-touring on exhilarating alpine terrain with the warmth of local hospitality.

Geo-tech Overview

The adventure begins with a scenic ascent via gondola to Talgar Pass, the highest point of Shymbulak Mountain Resort. From here, the surrounding terrain unfolds – a playground of steep couloirs, expansive glaciers, and rugged ridgelines, including Til’ Glacier, Shkol’nik, Chkalov, Edelweiss, Fizkul’turnik and other peaks. With elevations ranging from 3000 to over 4000 meters, the area offers a vertical drop 600-1000 meters per descent. After a day of thrilling uphills and descents with stunning views the heated Yurt with authentic sleeping arangement in combination with nutritious and delicious home-made national dishes will be a well-deserved intimate and rustic piece of heaven for getting relaxation and satisfaction. Evenings are marked by breathtaking sunsets over the glaciers, starlit skies, and the serene sounds of nature.

March – May
4 days
intermediate, advanced
Ile Alatau
3163 — 4100 m.a.s.l.
Almaty

THE ADVENTURE BEGINS HERE

MAP AND WEATHER

meteoblue

Things You Don’t Want to Miss

Trail Highlights

Panoramic view of the glaciers and sharp peaks incredible burning sunsets and sunrises.
View to the lights of the night city.
Deep starry night skies.
Discovering new couloirs and glaciers.
Moderate lines on wide and open slopes and more challenging steep terrain.
Hanging out and relaxing in traditional yurt after exhausting day of backcountry.

PROGRAM SCHEDULE:

Day 1

Meeting the guide in the lobby of your hotel at 8:30 am and transfer to the Small Almaty Gorge. Ascent to the Talgar pass (altitude 3163 meters) by cable car. Yurt Lodge check-in. There is a traditional yurt, so the sleeping places will be arranged on the floor in the sleeping bags. Pillows and mats will be provided. The whole yurt and the floor are heated. It has electricity and outlets. Meals are served in the separate Yurt-Restaurant located nearby. There is a seperate bathroom near the Yurt-Restaurant with hot tab water and toilet seat. There is no shower or sauna, only wet wipes and snow. Drinking water is not provided, so you will need to buy it in Almaty before or in the Yurt-restaurant bar. Riding in the area of the resort with elements of sidecountry to the closest spots – couloirs of Shkol’nik and Edelweiss peaks. Elevation gains 500-800 meters, duration 4-5 hours. Coming back to the Yurt and rest. Dinner in the Yurt-Restaurant in traditional style. Overnight in the sleeping Yurt.

Day 2

Getting up early in the morning, breakfast and preparations. Backcountry in the area of Bogdanovich glacier to the Chkalov couloir, Pioneer or Abay passes. Elevation gains 600-1000 meters, duration 5-6 hours. Coming back to the Yurt. Rest. Lunch can be arranged in one of the restaurants on the Talgar pass or near the basic station of Shymbulak. Free time. Dinner in the Yurt-Restaurant in traditional style. Overnight in the sleeping Yurt.

Day 3

Getting up early in the morning, breakfast and preparations. Backcountry in the area of Bogdanovich glacier to Karlytau peak or Komsomol pass. Elevation gain 1000 meters, duration 6-7 hours. Coming back to the Yurt. Lunch can be arranged in one of the restaurants on the Talgar pass or at the middle cable station of the resort. Free time and rest. Dinner in the yurt-restaurant. Overnight in the sleeping yurt.

Day 4

Getting up early in the morning, breakfast and preparations. Backcountry in the area of Bogdanovich glacier to Ayak or Til glaciers. Elevation gains 600-900 meters, duration 5-6 hours. Coming back to the Yurt. Packing and check-out. Descent to the Medeu. Transfer to Almaty. Farewell dinner in one of the local restaurants.

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Useful Information

Tips & Resources

PRICE LIST:

2200 EUR for one person
1300 EUR per person for the group of 2
1200 EUR per person for the group of 3
1100 EUR per person for the group of 4-5
950 EUR per person for the group of 6-7
850 EUR per person for the group of 8-10

Accommodation:

Perched at 3,163 meters on Talgar Pass, this authentic yurt camp offers a genuine taste of nomadic life. The Kazakh-style yurts feature warm floors, colorful «korpe» quilts, and hand-stitched pillows, creating a simple and cozy atmosphere where guests share meals and stories. At the center of the camp is a yurt-restaurant, serving traditional dishes cooked over an open fire. Evenings may include spontaneous dombra music, making this stay not just accommodation but an introduction to Kazakh hospitality and culture.

NECESSARY GEAR AND CLOTHING:

Safety:

– avalanche safety kit: shovel, probe, transciever
– airbag backpack (optionally)

Personal clothing and accessories:

– thermal base layer
– membrane jacket and pants
– insulation layers, downy sweater or vest
– warm down jacket
– extra set of thermal base layer
– lightweight trekking shoes or boots
– sleeping bag with temperature rate 0C – +5C degrees in comfort zone
– softshell gloves
– warm mittens
– beanie
– cap
– neck warmer
– sunscreen with a high degree of UV protection SPF 50+

– sunglasses
– personal AID kit

(pain and flu medication, adhesive tape, individual medications in case of having chronic diseases)

– isothermal foil survival blanket

– repair kit (spare parts and tools for adjustment and repair your bindings, duct tape, rubber straps)
– thermos
– water bottle
– head lamp
– personal hygienic items
– spare batteries for your electronic devices
– adaptor for outlet charging, if needed (220V 50Hz European outlet)

Equipment:

– freeride backpack with skis/splitboard fixation (volume 30-40 liters)
– helmet
– goggles with a spare lens for low visibility conditions
(better to have 2 goggles)
– skis/splitboard
– ski touring/snowboard boots
– proper touring bindings
– climbing skins
– telescopic poles
– ski crampons
– ice axe
– boot crampons

Food:

– individual snacks (energy and protein bars, muesli, dry fruits and nuts, special mount nutrition and etc.)
– soft drinks, juces, sparkling and etc.

Services included in the package:

Accommodation in the Yurt lodge at Shymbulak Mountain Resort with half meal board (breakfast and dinner).
Shymbulak daily ski-passes.
All transfers according to the program.
English-speaking skiing guide.
Drinking water.
Farewell dinner on Day 4.

Services included in the package:

Accommodation in Almaty before or after the tour.
Rental of ski and avalanche equipment (available upon request).
Meals not indicated in the program and/or not included into the tour price.
Visa support and registration on the territory of Kazakhstan, if required.
Personal expenses and other expenses not indicated in the program.
Insurance policy.

ADDITIONAL INFO:

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 and backcountry in remote places, 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 backcountry activities.

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