Bayankol Backcountry Camp
January — March
Bayankol, Kazakhstan
Join us to visit the only backcountry camp in the valley and experience freeriding below the treeline in an area where no one has ridden before!
We’ve opened this new freeride area just a couple of years ago! Our six-day Bayankol Camp will see us riding an undiscovered valley in the Central Tien Shan mountains surrounded by some of Kazakhstan’s highest peaks, including the 7,000m Khan Tengri. Each day will see us riding new lines, some of which will never have been ridden before! In the evenings we’ll enjoy a traditional Russian banya (sauna).
The Bayankol valley is located in the northern sector of the Central Tien Shan, and runs for 70km from its source to its end point in the Tekes valley. At its head are the Bayankol and Zapadniy glaciers, surrounded by 5- and 6,000m peaks, including the most easily accessible 6,000m peak in Kazakhstan, Marble Wall, as well as many other 5,000m summits.
To take part in the Bayankol camp you will need to be an experienced skier or snowboarder (with off piste / backcountry experience) and in good physical shape (there will be a lot of uphill involved!).
Cost: from €750 per person
Price includes: Guide, transfers to and from Almaty (4-5 hours in each direction), accommodation in a heated mountain hut, banya, three meals per day. Avalanche equipment rental (beeper, shovel, probe) is available on request.
Programme:
Day 1. Meet in Almaty, transfer to Bayankol, hiking in Bayankol valley.
Days 2-6. Skitouring / splitboarding from the mountain hut. The choice of lines will depend on weather and snow conditions, as well as the group’s experience and physical fitness.
Day 6. Transfer to Almaty.
Days 7-8 (optional). We’re happy to organise a 1-day tour to Shymbulak or Ak-bulak ski resorts (two main ski resorts in Almaty region) / a sightseeing tour in Almaty (visiting the most popular attractions of the city) / a sightseeing tour in Almaty region (visiting the best nature spots around Almaty such as Big Almaty lake, Charyn canyon etc).
What to bring:
Safety:
1. Beeper
2. Avalanche probe
3. Avalanche shovel
4. Ski / alpine crampons
5. Helmet
Equipment:
1. Skis / snowboard / snowshoes
2. Ski boots / snowboard boots
3. Ski / splitboard poles
4. Goggles
5. Climbing skins
Clothing and accessories:
1. Rucksack
2. Sleeping bag
3. Torch (with spare batteries)
4. Medical kit
5. Down jacket / vest
6. Waterproof shell (jacket and trousers)
7. Ski gloves
8. Thermal underwear
9. Fleece / midlayer
10. Thinner gloves for ascending / wearing at base camp
11. Balaclava
12. Hat
13. Skiing / trekking socks
14. Regular socks
15. Thermos
16. Suncream
17. Sunglasses
