Fly into Almaty International Airport (ALA), Kazakhstan, easily accessible via connecting flights from major European hubs and Middle Eastern carriers.

Accommodation & Meals

• 7 night accommodation
• Daily breakfast and dinner prepared by the expedition chef

Transport

• Return transfer between Almaty Airport and Shymbulak ski resort area by 4x4 vehicles
• Snowmobile support for transportation of luggages to the basecamp

Activities

• 6 full days of guided glacier ski touring

Support

• Two local certified guides for safety and best routes
• Esploro Travel team leader, speaking English and Italian
• Small group size (max 7 guests + Esploro Travel team leader) for an intimate expedition experience

• International flights to/from Almaty (TOS)
• Travel insurance (mandatory for participation)
• Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks
• Personal sleeping bag (bring your own)
• Ski/snowboard gear
• Meals in Almaty
• Personal expenses
• Anything not expressly listed under What’s Included

Challenging

This trip is designed for experienced skiers and splitboarders comfortable riding in any conditions, from crust and ice to deep powder, and climbing 1,000+ vertical meters per day with skins at high altitude, for several consecutive days. Solid fitness, backcountry awareness, and prior touring experience are essential. 

April and May are prime months for ski touring on the Tuyuk-Su glacier. Snow and ice conditions are at their best, with stable coverage and longer days offering plenty of time on the slopes. Skiing takes place between 3000 and 4300 meters of altitude, where crisp alpine air and sweeping glacier views set the scene. Expect daytime temperatures just above freezing, with colder nights dropping well below zero.
Weather in the Tian Shan can shift quickly — clear skies may give way to fresh snowfall within hours — so proper layering is essential. Most of the time, you’ll be touring in calm mountain air, surrounded by towering peaks and vast stretches of untouched alpine terrain.

Clothing & Footwear

• Thermal base layers (top & bottom – merino or synthetic)
• Breathable mid-layer (fleece or wool)
• Waterproof Gore-Tex jacket and pants
• Insulated down or synthetic jacket (for cold stops and evenings)
• Warm hat, gloves, and buff/neck gaiter
• Ski touring boots (well broken in)
• Comfortable shoes or slippers (for basecamp use)

Ski Touring Gear

• Touring skis or splitboard, with skins and ski crampons
• Backpack (30–40L) with ski carry system
• Avalanche safety gear — beacon, shovel, probe (mandatory)
• Avalanche airbag backpack not mandatory but strongly recommended
• Sunglasses for glacier light conditions
• Ski goggles for variable light, at least two pairs, one for strong light and one for foggy conditions

Sleep Essentials

• Microfiber towel
• Sleeping bag (comfort rating: 0°C)
• Earplugs
• Reusable water bottle

Gear & Optional Add-Ons

• Sunglasses
• Camera + spare batteries/memory cards
• Headlamp or flashlight

Toiletry & Medication

• Personal toiletries (in travel sizes)
• Basic first aid kit (plasters, antiseptic, personal meds)
• Lip balm & moisturizer (cold and wind are harsh!)
• Wet wipes / tissues

Travel Essentials

• Travel insurance (mandatory)
• Plug adapters for type C and type F (Schuko). If you come from EU or most of rest of Europe, no need of plug adapter.

Ski Touring

Q: Will I ski every day?
A: That’s the plan. We aim for 6 days of backcountry touring, weather and conditions permitting. Each day, the guide selects the best lines based on safety and snow quality 

Q: What kind of skiing is this?
A: This is human-powered ski touring. You’ll skin uphill using climbing skins, then ski down untracked lines. You need prior ski touring or splitboarding experience and solid fitness: this is not for first-timers.

Q: What if I’ve never ski toured before?
A: Unfortunately, this trip isn’t suitable for beginners. You need to be comfortable with off-piste terrain, avalanche gear, and long days in the backcountry. But if you're new to ski touring, get in touch: we may be able to recommend an intro-level trip or a prep course.

Q: How many people per group?
A: Maximum 7 guests, plus our Esploro Travel team leader, per departure, ensuring personal attention, safer terrain management, and a more intimate group dynamic.

Q: Do I need avalanche training?
A: Prior avalanche education (like an AIARE 1 or equivalent) is strongly recommended, but not mandatory. What is required: familiarity with using a beacon, probe, and shovel — and respect for the mountains.

Q: Will I be cold?
A: It’s glacier Central Asia — so yes, it can be cold. But if you're dressed right, you'll stay comfortable. Expect temps between –5°C and –15°C, plus windchill. Bring good base layers, waterproof outerwear, and warm gloves/hats. A full gear list is provided upon booking.

Weather

Q: What’s the weather like?
A: Expect full-on Central Asian spring conditions: snow-covered glaciers, jagged peaks, and thin, crisp air at altitude. Days are long enough for extended tours, but rapid weather shifts and high-mountain winds are always possible. Layering is key.

Life on the basecamp

Q: What is the accomodation like?
A: We'll sleep on small russian-style hut ad the foot of the glacier, or tented campsite.

Q: What’s the sleeping arrangement?
A: The hut has bunk bed, while for the tented camp we'll share each tent with two persons.

Q: Will there be internet?
A: No. It will be a week of disconnection from ordinary life.

Q: Is there a shower?
A: No, there's no shower options on the glacier. Pure expedition vibes.

Q: Who cooks?
A: We will have a chef designed to cook breakfasts and dinners

Q: Are drinks included?
A: Coffee, tea, and water are included. Alcohol and soft drinks are not, but feel free to bring your own.

Gear & Preparation

Q: What gear do I need?
A: You must bring your own ski touring setup (or splitboard): skis with touring bindings, skins, poles, boots, and avalanche safety gear
(beacon, shovel, probe). Also pack base layers, waterproof outerwear, gloves, hat, goggles, and a 30–40L backpack with ski carry. A full checklist will be provided.

Q: Can I rent gear?
A: Yes, a limited amount of rental gear may be available in Almaty. Let us know well in advance if you need anything.

Q: What fitness level is required?
A: You need to be in good shape, comfortable with 3 or 4+ hour uphill climbs at high altitude, and managing your own transitions and gear. This isn’t elite-athlete-level stuff, but you do need endurance and ski confidence in off-piste terrain.

Travel & Logistics

Q: How do I get to Tuyuk Su?
A: The nearest airport is Almaty (ALA), well connected with major European and Asian hubs.

Q: How do we get to/from the Tuyuk Su Glacier?
A: We provide access by 4x4 vehicle transfer from Almaty to the Shymbulak area, followed by a touring approach into the mountains, with the help of a snowmobile for luggage. Full logistics are arranged and shared upon booking.

Q: Do I need travel insurance?
A: Yes. You must have comprehensive travel insurance that covers ski touring, remote activities, and trip cancellation.

Q: What about visas?
A: Many nationalities, including EU citizens, can enter Kazakhstan
visa-free for short stays. However, requirements vary by passport, so always check the latest regulations with your local Kazakh embassy or consulate.