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Yurt with a smoking chimney among a snowy landscape backed by forest and mountains in Kyrgyzstan.
Brand New!

Snow, Saunas and Yurts in Kyrgyzstan

7 nights
Moderate

A winter overland adventure of hiking, horse riding and snowshoeing through the Tian Shan, Kyrgyzstan's 'Mountains of Heaven'

What's Included?

Activities & Certified Guides

All itinerary activities with local, expert, English-speaking guides

All Accommodation

2 nights in hotels, 3 nights in guesthouses and 2 nights in winter yurt camps

Meals

All breakfasts, lunches and dinners throughout the trip

Transfers

To and from the airport and everything in between

Equipment & Permits

All equipment for horseriding and snowshoeing; tickets and entry fees

Small Like-minded Groups

Solo-friendly by design, join our small n’ sociable groups of up to 12 like-minded, active and outdoorsy people
From

excluding flights
From

excluding flights

What's it like?

Yurt with a smoking chimney among a snowy landscape backed by forest and mountains in Kyrgyzstan.
Horse riding in the snow in Kyrgyzstan
People enjoying the Kermet Suu hot springs below the snowy mountains of Kyrgyzstan
Solo snowshoer stands at a viewpoint overlooking the mountains
A 4WD vehicle heading into the snowy Tian Shan Mountains
View of the yurt camp in the snowy valley below high mountains
Yurt interior with four beds in a circle
Traditional Kyrgyz Eagle hunter with an eagle perched on his arm
Four snowshoers standing in a circle
Road leading to the snowy mountains in Kyrgyzstan
Group of snowshoers walking in line through a pine forest
View of the snowy Kyrgyzstan mountains with pine forest in front

Journey through towering canyons, along vast mountain lakes and to abandoned ghost towns on this epic road trip across the Kyrgyz Steppe

Saddle up to explore the Tian Shan mountains on horseback, and snowshoe along crisp trails of powder

Immerse yourself in nomadic culture with visits to eagle hunters and yurt crafters, tucking into tasty Kyrgyz food along the way

Relax with a mix of traditional banya saunas and thermal hot springs to warm you up at the end of each day

Key Information

Day 1

Welcome to Kyrgyzstan

Hikers crossing the snow in Ala Archa National  Park, Kyrgyzstan

Driving

1.5 hrs

Hiking

2 hrs

Sauna

1 hr

Most flights arrive into Bishkek in the early hours, so you'll be picked up at the airport in the morning and head straight for the mountains. The first stop is your hotel, at the entrance of Ala Archa National Park, where you can check in early and get a couple of hours rest after your flight and the unsociably early start. Refreshed, meet up with your guide over a tasty Kyrgyz lunch and learn everything you need to know about the adventure ahead. It's then time to head out into the surrounding foothills of the Ala Too range – a perfect leg stretch and an introduction to the Kyrgyzstan mountains and winter environment. After enjoying the crisp mountain air and awesome views of the surrounding high peaks, return to your hotel where you can get to know your group and guides over a welcome dinner with a mix of the best local dishes, plus some drinks.

Day 2

Road trip across the steppe and a snowy intro to horse riding

The Burana Tower in Kyrgyzstan with people on top and snowy mountains in the background.

Driving

3 hrs

Horse Riding

3 hrs

Sauna

1 hr

Hit the road early and head east to your second national park. On the way, make a stop at Burana Tower, an 11th-century minaret located in the ruins of a Silk Road city from the Middle Ages. Golden fields, filled with hundreds of 'balbals' and stone petroglyphs, surround the tower. These balbals have carved stone faces that once acted as grave markers for the Turks who roamed the steppe hundreds of years ago. After lunch, it's time to saddle up at Chon Kemin National Park, where you'll meet the local horsemen who will be looking after you for the rest of the day. After learning the basics, you'll head out on an initiation ride through the village and on to the surrounding pastureland, flanked by pine forests and high mountains. For those that would prefer not to ride today, there is also the option to go snowshoeing (conditions allowing). In the evening, you'll be greeted with typical Kyrgyz hospitality at the local guesthouse, where you'll be treated to a hearty dinner and can enjoy an authentic 'banya' – a traditional steam bath/sauna popular across Russia and Central Asia.

Day 3

Red-rock canyons and a snowy winter yurt camp in the Tian Shan

Man enjoying the hot springs at Kermet Suu, Kyrgyzstan

Hiking

3 hrs

Driving

6 hrs

Sauna

1 hr

Your road trip continues across the mountainous landscape of Kyrgyzstan, heading further east and up into the Tian Shan mountains. Along the way, stop off for a hike into the stunning Konorcheck Canyon, with its huge clay rock formations – some up to 300m tall – before driving along the northern shore of Issyk Kul, the second-largest mountain lake in the world. Along the lake's northern shore, your host has picked out a favourite local spot at Keremet Suu Hot Springs, where you can rejuvenate from your journey in the warm, man-made pools, drink in hand. Leaving the hot springs behind, you then climb up into the hills to the winter resort of Jyrgalan. Here is where you'll spend the night, experiencing a cosy winter yurt camp. Set in a beautiful snow-covered landscape, there'll be plenty of opportunity to warm up over a delicious traditional meal, wooden banya sauna and the stove-heated yurts.

Day 4

The abandoned ghost town of Enilcheck (2500m)

A group snowshoeing into the remote mountains of Kyrgyzstan

Driving

6 hrs

Hiking

1 - 2 hrs

Today you'll drive across the dramatic winter landscapes of the Tian Shan mountains into a remote, rarely-visited corner of Kyrgyzstan. Cross the Chon Ashuu Pass at 3800m and eventually reach the abandoned ghost town of Enilchek. The drive is long but offers countless spots for improvised exploration, short hikes and snowshoeing. Enilchek is an industrial town that was abandoned after the collapse of the Soviet Union, but being so remote and hidden in the high mountains it has been preserved as an eerie ghost town. Today, only a few families of shepherds survive in this desolate landscape, surrounded by a hostile but beautiful wilderness. With your guide, discover its abandoned houses, factories and mining relics. Nearby, natural hot springs infuse the flowing river, allowing you to enjoy the warm waters from the riverbed surrounded by snowy mountain peaks. After a day of exploration, spend the night in the town's only guesthouse.

Day 5

Return from Enilcheck to Karakol, with short walks and hot springs

Orthodox Church covered in snow in Karakol, Kyrgyzstan

Driving

6 hrs

Hiking

1 - 2 hrs

Leave Enilchek after a last look around the abandoned mining city. It's a long drive back down to the Kyrgyz plains and civilisation, but again there are plenty of opportunities to stop and explore the remote wilderness – you'll take a few short hikes to explore the surrounding scenery. You'll also stop off at the Ak-Suu Hot Springs, a local mini-resort naturally warm pools, with an adjacent bar and restaurant. By late afternoon, arrive at Karakol, the regional capital, and get accommodated at your cosy guesthouse before heading out for a meal at a traditional Kyrgyz restaurant.

Day 6

Winter horse ride to Chon Kyzyl Suu Yurt Camp

Two yurts in the snow with mountains behind in Kyrgyzstan

Horse Riding

3 hrs

Sauna

1 hr

After breakfast, head out of town and meet the local horsemen of the Jety Oguz Valley. Today's horse ride takes you through beautiful pasturelands covered by snow, surrounded by red sandstone cliffs and pine forests. After a couple of hours riding through this serene landscape, you arrive at the valley of Chon Kyzyl Suu and tonight's winter yurt camp. You'll spend the night cosied up in one of the yurts, enjoy a traditional meal prepared by your host family, and also have the opportunity to enjoy the village's banya sauna.

Day 7

Nomadic traditions on the Kyrgyz Steppe and back to Bishkek

Eagle hunter sitting on a horse with eagle in hand

Driving

6 hrs

Today is the last day of your epic road trip through Kyrgyzstan. Although a long day of driving, there are some real highlights of Kyrgyz culture to see along the way. As you drive along the southern shore of Issyk Kul Lake, stop to meet a 'Berkutchi', a traditional Kyrgyz eagle hunter who hunts small game during the winter season together with his faithful golden eagle. He will demonstrate how he trains his eagle for hunting using a fur dragged behind a horse, and explain the history behind this unique tradition. After this impressive display, you'll meet Kurmanbek and Nazira, a couple of nomadic craftspeople, to discover the secrets of yurt making. Continue to Bishkek, where you can check into your hotel and enjoy a celebratory meal with your fellow adventurers to mark the end of your journey.

Day 8

Goodbye Kyrgyzstan

Sheep crossing the road in the snow in a Kyrgyz Village

Enjoy your last breakfast in Kyrgyzstan before a transfer to the airport (at any time) to catch your flight home.

The Area

map

Logistics

Starts

Bishkek Airport

10:00 on Day 1

Ends

Bishkek Airport

Any time on Day 8

Transfers

Airport transfers are included for arrivals in the morning of Day 1. There will be a group transfer from Bishkek Airport to the hotel in Ala Archa National Park, timed to capture all the early morning flights, so please aim to arrive before 10:00 (as most international flights do). If you arrive before day 1 and are staying in Bishkek, you can arrange to join this transfer from the city centre, provided you let the host know in advance. For departure, a transfer is included at any time on or after Day 8 (provided you have supplied your arrival and departure details in advance).

Travel options

There are regular flights to Kyrgyzstan from major airports across the UK and Europe, usually with a brief stopover.

Day 1

Hotel · Twin share

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 2

Guesthouse · Twin share

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 3

Yurt · Same sex dorm

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 4 – Day 5

Guesthouse · Twin share

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 6

Yurt · Same sex dorm

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 7

Hotel · Twin share

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 8

Departure day

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

What is the food like?

Typical Kyrgyz bread on a market in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan

Traditional Kyrgyz food revolves around meat and various dairy products. The preparation techniques and major ingredients have been strongly influenced by the nation's ancient, nomadic way of life, so many of the cooking techniques are conducive to the long-term preservation of food. If you get the chance, be sure to join in with the cooking and learn more about the local specialities. Typical dishes you will experience on this trip include meat-filled dumplings, noodles and tandyr nan bread.

As the local economy is traditionally based on animal rearing and breeding, vegetarianism is still largely unheard of; however, your host can arrange this if requested. For other dietary requirements (including vegan and gluten-free diets, which are difficult to cater for on this trip), please check with your host.

What is the accommodation like?

Twin hotel room with mountain view in Ala Archa National Park, Kyrgyzstan
Ala Archa

On the first night of the trip, you will stay in the Olive Hotel at the entrance of Ala Archa National Park. This is a comfortable hotel, well-appointed for the ski and winter tourism season. It's got a swimming pool and Finnish sauna, as well as having comfortable rooms and modern amenities. You'll stay in twin rooms with a fellow traveller of the same gender.

Double room in Karakol Guesthouse, Kyrgyzstan
Chon Kemin, Enilchek & Karakol

In Chon Kemin, Enilchek and Karakol, you’ll stay in small family-run guesthouses in either twin or triple rooms. These are basic but clean, with shared facilities.

Kyrgyz Yurt in the snow at Jyrgalan Yurt Camp
Jyrgalan & Chong Kyzyl Suu

For two nights, you'll have the unique experience of staying in winter yurt camps. Yurts have been used by the nomadic people of Central Asia for thousands of years; they are well-insulated and contain a central stove to keep them warm in even the coldest winter temperatures.

The yurt camp in the Chong Kyzyl Suu Valley is owned by a local family, with three yurts available for guests (whilst the family sleep in an old Soviet-style wagon). You'll be sharing a yurt with up to six people. There is a wooden latrine and one banya (Russian-style bathroom/sauna). There is electricity, but no plugs. Meals are taken in the wagon with the family.

The yurt camp in Jyrgalan is high in the mountains and set up to serve Kyrgyzstan's fledging winter tourism scene, an important source of income for the local communities. This camp is also run by a local family; it has three cosy yurts, as well as a traditional wooden banya sauna to use. You'll be sharing a yurt here with up to six people.

Twin room in the Navat Hotel, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.
Bishkek

In Bishkek you'll stay at the Navat Hotel, or a hotel of similar standard such as Hotel Evropa or Hotel Damas. You'll stay in twin-share rooms.

Upgrades

For solo travellers looking for their own space, an optional private room can be booked for an extra charge, see Optional Extras for the price. Please request this at the time of booking, as this is subject to availability. This is only available on the nights of Day 1, Day 2, Day 5 and Day 7.

This trip has been rated as Moderate

No previous experience is needed for any of the activities, only an average level of fitness and a sense of adventure.

The included horse riding is gentle and suitable for beginners who have not ridden before. The horse handlers and guide will be with you throughout the activity to assist you with mounting/dismounting and what to do in different scenarios.

The hikes will be a mixture of walking and snowshoeing, depending on conditions, and are gentle explorations of the environment for up to three hours at a time. Snowshoeing only requires sturdy boots and a sense of adventure, the skill can be picked up very quickly with basic instruction from your guide.

What if i need to skip an activity?

All activities and sauna/hot springs visits can be skipped if preferred. If you are not keen on horse riding, you can opt to snowshoe or walk along the same routes.

What will I need to carry?

You will only need to carry a day pack with personal items such as food, water and extra layers during any of the activities. A vehicle will be with you for the duration of the trip, so any excess luggage or things not needed for the activity can be left there.

Kyrgyzstan experiences cold and dry winters, with Siberian or Arctic winds resulting in consistently low temperatures. On this trip, it can be expected to regularly experience temperatures between the range of -0°C to -15°C, and when travelling in the mountainous regions more like -10°C to -20°C. Kyrgyz winters are usually sunny, however, which means that even if the temperature is below freezing, the feeling is much warmer.

Temperatures can drop below this to extremely cold temperatures in certain conditions. Cosy yurts and guesthouses will keep you warm during the night and the local people and infrastructure are well-equipped to deal with these conditions.

Dry micro-climates occurring regularly can turn a snowy winter into a dry one, and therefore a planned snowshoeing activity into a hiking one. The most likely time of year for there to be snow cover in the area this itinerary explores is mid-December to early March. Most of Kyrgyzstan's high altitude mountains remain snow covered year-round.

This trip is brand new

We’re still waiting to collect any reviews from other travellers on this trip. However, all our hosts go through an extensive vetting process to ensure that your adventure is awesome.

Itinerary Activities

  • Guided snowshowing in Ala Archa National Park
  • Guided Burana Tower visit
  • Horse riding in Chom Kemin National Park
  • Guided hiking in Konorcheck Canyon
  • Guided urban exploration to Enilcheck ghost town
  • Horse riding in Jetz Oguz Gorge
  • Cultural visit to traditional eagle hunter and yurt crafters

Guides

  • Expert, English-speaking local guides

Accommodation

  • 1 night in 3-star hotel with pool and sauna in Ala Archa
  • 1 night in basic guesthouse with banya sauna in Chom Kemin
  • 1 night in a winter yurt camp in Jyrgalan
  • 1 night in a basic guesthouse in Enilchek
  • 1 night in comfortable guesthouse in Karakol
  • 1 night in a winter yurt camp with banya sauna in Chong Kyzyl Suu
  • 1 night in a 3-star hotel in Bishkek

Meals

All of your meals are included throughout the whole trip. This breaks down as:

  • 7 tasty breakfasts
  • 7 local lunches
  • 7 Kyrgyz dinners

Transfers

  • Group arrival transfer from Bishkek Airport on Day 1
  • Departure transfer to Bishkek Airport at any time on Day 10
  • All transfers during the trip

Equipment

  • All your horse riding kit
  • All your snowshoeing kit

Our trips are hassle-free by design. We include all the activities and equipment, as well as many of the meals, so you can simply rock up with your rucksack and share the adventure with your new pals.

Travel to and from the trip

Our trips do not include flights, trains or other travel to the start point and back from the end point.

Tips

Tips are not included in the trip cost. These are entirely at your discretion but there is an expectation to tip for good service. Your guide will help with advice, however we suggest the below as a guideline per person:

  • Horsemen, driver and assistant: 70-200 KGS ($1-3 USD) per day
  • Guide: 200-350 KGS ($3-5 USD) per day

Of course, you are free to tip more or less, and the amount should be reflective of your perception of service and quality – a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.

Travel insurance

Travel insurance is compulsory for all of our adventures and you are required to provide your policy information before departing. Your insurance should include adequate protection for overseas medical treatment, evacuation/repatriation, your baggage and equipment and the specific activities involved on your adventure. We also strongly recommend it includes cancellation and curtailment insurance, should you be unable to join your trip for specific reasons such as illness. Our recommended travel insurance provider is Campbell Irvine, as their insurance offers all of the above.

Visas

Visa requirements often change, and you are responsible for obtaining any required visas for this trip. Please check with your nearest embassy or consulate for up-to-date advice.

Personal Expenses

You know your own spending habits best, so please budget an appropriate amount for things like optional meals and drinks, shopping, optional activities, and laundry.

Enjoy 12.5% Off Outdoor Gear

In need of a few more items? All bookings receive a 12.5% discount to use at Cotswold Outdoor, Snow + Rock and Runner's Need.

What's included?

  • All horse riding equipment (including riding helmets)
  • All snowshoeing equipment (snowshoes and poles)
  • Your host provides common thermos bottles with hot tea throughout the trip as well as warm blankets during the driving and down time

What do I need to bring?

BAGS

  • Soft duffel bag or rucksack
  • Daypack (20-30 litres)
  • Waterproof liner or drybags for kitbag/rucksack

CLOTHES

  • Down jacket
  • Waterproof jacket
  • Waterproof trousers
  • Breathable wicking layers
  • Fleece jacket or similar
  • Thermals (merino best)
  • Warm hat (plus a hat that will fit underneath a horse riding helmet)
  • Warm gloves/mitts, plus liner gloves
  • Buff or neckscarf
  • Warm trousers/leggings
  • T-shirts
  • Underwear and socks
  • Warm hiking socks - wool is best
  • Swimwear
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunhat
  • Sleepwear
  • Sturdy winter hiking boots (worn-in)
  • Sandals/trainers for in accommodations

OTHER

  • Universal travel plug adapter
  • Power bank or solar charger
  • Passports (and visas)
  • Travel insurance documents
  • Ear plugs
  • Suncream
  • Personal first-aid kit (inc. blister treatment)
  • Personal items (biodegradable toiletries, sanitary wear etc)
  • Toilet kit (toilet paper, biodegradable bags to carry paper out to dispose of)
  • Quick-dry towel
  • Alcohol hand-gel
  • Headtorch or torch
  • Reusable water bottle x1 litre (or x2)
  • Biodegradable wet-wipes
  • Energy bars and snacks - read our article on Best Hiking Snacks
  • Water purification tablets/treatment system
*Requests for optional extras can be made after booking on your “My Bookings” page

Double or Twin Room in Bishkek (per room)

Payable Before Departure

Double or Twin Room in Bishkek (per room)

Single Room in Bishkek (per room)

Payable Before Departure

Single Room in Bishkek (per room)

Optional Private Room Upgrade (Days 1, 2, 5 & 7 only)

Payable Before Departure

Optional Private Room Upgrade (Days 1, 2, 5 & 7 only)

Per Person

We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity.

What's the number?
It works out on average at 184kg of CO2 emissions per person, including all local transport, accommodation, food, activities, guides, staff and office operations.

The only thing it doesn’t include right now is flights and travel to the destination. We do make an overall estimate across all our customers separately, but as we don’t book flights, have customers from all corners of the world, and no way of reliably knowing their travel plans, we simply can’t include an individual number in the figure on display here. We’ve got a goal to fix that, so that when you book, there is a way to measure and mitigate the carbon emitted by your flight too.

But what does the number mean?
Yep, hard to picture eh? To give you an idea:

  • Driving 1000miles/1609km would be approx. 281kg of CO2 in an average car (or 140.5kg per person if there was 2 of you in it).
  • A return economy class flight London - New York would be approx. 1,619kg (1.66 tonnes) per person.
  • 10 trees in a temperate forest are estimated to remove approx. 250kg of CO2 from the air in a period of 5-10 years.

What are we doing about it?
Our trips are relatively low-carbon by design, and we're working with all our hosts to develop long term carbon reduction plans. We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity, ensuring the protection of the reserve and its wildlife.

Want to know more?
Amazingly, no international travel company has ever publicly published their carbon measurements before, as far as we know. We believe that must change, quickly. So we’re openly sharing the method we used in the hope that other companies will be able to more easily follow suit and build on what we've done so far. You'll find it all here.

Despite the sub-zero temperatures in winter, snow is not guaranteed across Kyrgyzstan due to the dry continental climate. However, the mountainous areas visited such as Ala Archa, Jyrgalan and Jety Oguz (including the two winter yurt camps used) are expected to have significant amounts of snow from November through to March. All activities included in the trip can take place with or without snow, and they are equally enjoyable. Your guide may slightly alter the snowshoe/hiking routes and distance in order to offer the best and safest possible experience. Visits to Burana Tower and Konorcheck Canyon are unlikely to feature snow, although the snowy high mountains are visible from most places in Kyrgyzstan! Occasionally, the pass to Enilcheck is blocked by snow (although efforts are made to clear it daily); in this event you will spend an extra night in Jyrgalan and undertake a day snowshoeing there.

For most of this trip, the temperature dial will be below freezing with expected temperatures dipping to as low as -20°C in the mountains.

It is therefore important to ensure you bring all items on the kit list to provide an appropriate layering system to keep warm. This will include thermal base layers, warm mid layers (fleece / insulated jacket, fleece lined trousers), a warm down jacket and a waterproof/windproof shell. To keep your hands warm you should also consider layers including a liner glove and insulated mitts (mitts will keep your hands warmer than gloves!).

On your feet, you'll need warm hiking/skiing socks (pack a few pairs!) and warm winter hiking/snow boots - often winter boots will have a temperature rating they are comfortable down to.

Your guide will check your clothing and equipment during the first night's briefing and can offer the option of purchasing/hiring additional equipment. Often local clothing can be best suited to the local conditions.

In addition, your vehicle will be at the start/end of each activity and your guide will be carrying spare clothing and a thermos with hot tea and snacks to keep you warm on the go. If the weather conditions do not allow safe operation an alternative activity will be organised for that day (e.g. visits, sauna sessions, cooking classes, etc.)

The overlanding style of this trip means there are drives each day, some covering long distances. This style of travel allows you to see the best of Kyrgyzstan in the time available, including accessing some remote areas and the best locations for exploring and experiencing the wild natural environment and local communities that make up the highlights of this trip.

The driving is undertaken in large, comfortable 4-wheel drive mini busses (e.g. Mercedes Sprinter), or depending on the conditions you may also use Kamaz Trucks or several jeeps. The journeys are broken up with multiple stops each day for the main itinerary activities, such as the hikes and horse riding, as well as stops at hot springs, restaurants and cultural sites along the way. On the longer days of driving (to and from the remote town of Enilcheck), your guide will make multiple stops along the way for short hikes to viewpoints and exploration of the mountain pass you are travelling over.

You'll have one English-speaking tour leader with you throughout the trip, as well as the drivers of the 4x4 vehicles used to transport you and your luggage. For groups above six people, you will also have an assistant guide. For the horse riding activities you will be joined by local horsemen who look after the horses.

Absolutely. Your host can look after any luggage you don't need during the trip.

Your host carry 20l water tanks in the vehicle throughout this trip, so there is always drinkable water to fill up with if you have your own bottle. You may also wish to pack pack a filtration system of your own (e.g. Sawyer or Steripen) or water purification tablets (e.g Aqua Tabs or Micropur) if you want to fill up from other sources.

Tips are not included in the trip cost. These are entirely at your discretion but there is an expectation to tip for good service. Your guide will help with advice, however we suggest the below as a guideline per person:

  • Horsemen, driver and assistant: 70-200 KGS ($1-3 USD) per day
  • Guide: 200-350 KGS ($3-5 USD) per day

Of course, you are free to tip more or less, and the amount should be reflective of your perception of service and quality – a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.

This trip visits locations at or above 2500m. At this altitude some people may experience symptoms associated with Altitude Sickness, also known as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). Previous experience at high altitude is not necessarily an indicator of future performance. Your guide(s) are trained to mitigate the risks associated with altitude, by carefully managing the rate of ascent and the intensity of the activity, and to provide the appropriate support response should someone feel ill during the trip. Should you experience health issues during your trip you should inform your guide immediately so the proper care can be provided. Owing to the nature of this trip, it is essential that your personal travel insurance policy provides cover up to the maximum altitude visited on this trip as well as emergency medical evacuation by helicopter.

This trip visits locations where daytime temperatures can be extremely cold and consistently below freezing (0C/32F) during the times of year when this trip operates. Temperatures at night will likely be even colder. Personal care should be taken to keep warm as best possible in the conditions, such as wearing appropriate clothing and proper hydration and nutrition. Very cold temperatures can impair an individual’s physical abilities to perform an activity that they may otherwise be able to do competently at warmer temperatures. In severe cold conditions people may experience symptoms associated with Exposure, Frostbite and Hypothermia. Your guide(s) are trained to mitigate the risks associated with cold temperatures, by carefully managing the intensity of the activity, and to provide the appropriate support response should someone feel ill during the trip. Should you experience health issues during your trip you should inform your guide immediately so the proper care can be provided.

Sure can! Over 70% of our travellers travel solo, it’s a great way to meet like-minded people.

Our team of Adventure Hunters co-create exclusive adventures which are run by highly vetted, specialist hosts. The trip is run by our trusted host partner in the destination. We only work with independent, local, in-destination experts who know the very best places to explore and how to stay safe. Read more information about the local teams we partner with. You’ll be introduced to the host straight after making a booking via the Much Better Adventures platform.

Much Better Adventures refer to the UK Government’s official travel advice when designing trips and monitoring trip operations. We recommend that all customers are familiar with the practical information provided on the Government’s FCDO website, where current travel advice can be found by searching for the applicable destination(s).

For customers joining this trip from other international destinations – please also read the official travel advice applicable to your country of residence/origin, as this may differ.

We recommend checking out the country-specific information and also talking to a travel nurse.

We automatically convert prices from the local currency that a host receives to your chosen currency. We update our exchange rates on a daily basis so this does mean that prices displayed on the site are subject to currency fluctuations, which is why you may see them change over time.

If you wish to change the currency you pay in, head to the bottom of the page.

All of our group adventures are specially designed for adults to enjoy (18+) as we want these adventures to bring together outdoorsy people who are truly like-minded. Children can be accommodated on some private departures.

You're always in good company on one of our adventures.

Our trips are typically made up of a mixture of solo travellers and small groups of 2 or 3 friends, with most in their 30s-50s.

Our sociable adventures are solo-friendly by design and naturally attract outdoorsy people with a shared mindset; a love for adventure, a desire to push themselves and meet awesome, like-minded people along the way.

It’s this camaraderie that has so often turned a great adventure into a life-changing one.

Don't just take our word for it:

  • 95% of people rate the group dynamics on our trips 5/5
  • 90% of people recommend joining a trip to make new friends
  • 75% of people have met people on our trips that they would now consider friends

See here for more info about the Much Better Adventures tribe.

Interested in a more exclusive experience? Opt for a 'Private Group' through the dates and prices tab to book this adventure for just you and your chosen companions.

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Tried & Trusted

We’re rated ‘Excellent’ on Trustpilot with over 1000 verified trip reviews averaging 4.8/5.

Connect before you go

You'll be invited to join a WhatsApp group to get to know each other before your big adventure together. Full details

DEPARTURE DATES

January 2025

Sunday 12th January 2025

to Sunday 19th January 2025
Guaranteed to run
Hurry, only 3 spaces left
Illustration of a group of people kayaking

Go private and split the bill with ease.

Forget complex logistics, we've taken care of all the details to ensure a hassle-free get together. All of the adventure, none of the faff.

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