THE YURTS

AT JALPAK TASH

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All of our guided and self-guided tours in Kyrgyzstan are based from our private yurt camp. The setup features 3 traditional yurts: one kitchen/dining yurt, and separate yurts for clients and guides. All are heated by wood burning stoves. The camp is also open to bookings by guides.

The camp sits at 2,550m in a summer pasture known by locals as Jalpak Tash. Access from our partner village is via a 6km/4mi skintrack that follows a horse path used by villagers for hunting and harvesting wood. The site is surrounded by 3,400-3,600m peaks to the west, south and east, providing immediate access to endless backcountry terrain. To our northwest is Lake Issyk-Kul, the second largest alpine lake in the world and the major contributor to our snowpack, providing the warmth and moisture required for the lake-effect snowfall that the eastern and southeastern shores are known for.

All food served at Jalpak Tash is prepared by our local partners and will exceed your expectations (or so we hear!). Our breakfast menu is Western-inspired, featuring omelets, frittatas, burritos, pancakes and french toast, and always the option of muesli or porridge. The dinner menu highlights traditional Kyrgyz cuisine, and is prepared in a large cast iron cooking dish called a kazan over the wood burning stove. For après ski sessions we keep a nicely stocked yurt bar with local beers, vodka, and cognac available for purchase. Our full menu is highlighted below.