Winter in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan: Snow, Glaciers and Frozen Lakes

See snowy mountains, Bogdanovich Glacier and frozen Kolsai and Kaindy lakes on a private winter trip. Choose your route, then agree seasonal changes with Silk Travel.

Based on the local experience of Talgat, founder of Silk Travel, and our English-speaking guides. Travel arrangements and budget estimates reviewed on 26 October 2026.

Which Silk Travel route can I choose for a winter holiday?

Almost any of our sightseeing itineraries can be adapted for winter. Choose the duration and places that interest you, then tell us whether your priority is snow, frozen lakes, glacier views or skiing. We agree the seasonal substitutions before booking and refine the plan for weather and road conditions closer to departure.

Our 5-day Almaty Region tour is a starting point for a Kazakhstan trip. The 6-day Kazakhstan–Kyrgyzstan tour and 8-day Kazakhstan–Kyrgyzstan tour combine both countries. These are private tours with English-speaking guides; we adapt the stops and walking to your group.

When is the best time to come for snow and frozen lakes?

For a first winter visit, our team usually recommends January and February. In our experience, these months offer the clearest winter character in the mountains: snowy landscapes, frozen lakes and an established ski season. March is generally warmer and more comfortable for time outdoors, although conditions vary with elevation and the weather.

There is no reliable date for beautiful exposed lake ice. It depends on cold weather and a period without fresh snowfall; a frozen lake can be completely covered in snow. Choose your dates for the overall winter experience rather than expecting a particular ice pattern or a snow-free surface.

Can I see Bogdanovich Glacier without a long hike?

Yes. Our usual sightseeing option is the cable-car ascent at Shymbulak to around 3,200 metres, where, in clear weather, the viewing area offers a view towards Bogdanovich Glacier. You do not have to walk onto the glacier to enjoy the mountain scenery. We check lift operation and conditions when arranging the visit; sightseeing cable-car tickets are an extra cost when this stop replaces another location in a multi-day tour.

A closer approach on foot is a separate option to discuss with the guide, depending on the snow, footing and your preparation. We view the glacier from outside: our sightseeing tours do not go onto the glacier or enter its ice cave. We strongly discourage inexperienced visitors from attempting glacier travel or entering ice caves independently without specialist preparation and equipment.

What are Kolsai and Kaindy like in winter?

Lower Kolsai and Kaindy are usually retained in our winter programmes. Expect frozen lakes, forest and mountain scenery, with the appearance changing after snowfall. Kolsai is a place we particularly discuss with guests interested in exposed ice and winter photography. At Kaindy, the tree trunks rising from the lake create a different winter scene.

Transport and walking arrangements are usually similar to summer, but winter footing needs extra care. We can shorten walks or spend more time at viewpoints according to your comfort. A frozen appearance is not permission to walk or skate on the lake: any activity on the ice needs a separate local assessment and is not a guaranteed part of the tour.

Can we visit a frozen waterfall in Turgen Gorge?

Medvezhiy Waterfall is an option for a winter programme when the approach is suitable. The trail can be very slippery, so we do not describe this as an easy walk for every visitor. The guide assesses conditions and your ability before the walk; if it is unsuitable, we adjust the stop. Tell us in advance about any injury or difficulty walking.

Can beginners ski, and can non-skiers just enjoy the views?

Yes. A resort visit can be planned for mountain scenery or for skiing. We discuss Shymbulak and Ak-Bulak near Almaty, or Karakol in Kyrgyzstan, depending on your route. Our usual planning window for skiing is approximately December–March, subject to the resort’s actual opening, snow and lift operation. Beginners can book instruction, while experienced skiers can arrange rental if needed.

At Shymbulak, we can arrange an English-speaking instructor and rental of ski clothing, skis and boots. Clothing and suitable footwear can also be rented separately for a sightseeing visit, but we recommend bringing your own warm jacket and winter boots. Confirm rental sizes and the required items before the visit.

How much should I budget for a ski day at Shymbulak?

Allow approximately US$250 per person if you need all three items below. These are Silk Travel planning estimates, reviewed in October 2026, not fixed resort tariffs or prices for every ski area.

The instructor estimate covers 4–5 hours of instruction. Confirm the final quote, rental items and pass type for your dates before booking. Shymbulak uses different ticket categories and seasonal pricing; see the official resort information. If you only want to sightsee, you need the appropriate sightseeing lift ticket, not this full ski-day package.

What should I wear for winter sightseeing?

Bring winter boots with a good tread and your own warm jacket. Ordinary city shoes are not our recommendation for winter paths. Add warm layers, a hat and gloves, and keep sunglasses and sunscreen with you. Clothing rental is possible, but arriving with your own jacket and suitable footwear makes the journey easier from the first day.

Our standard sightseeing trips usually operate without traction attachments for footwear. This does not make every icy trail suitable: the guide can shorten a walk, choose a different viewpoint or omit a slippery section. Specialist mountain routes and glacier travel are outside the scope of these sightseeing programmes.

What changes in the five-, six- and eight-day routes in winter?

Assy Plateau is replaced in the five-day tour with a stop agreed individually before booking. Arabel Plateau is always omitted from the six- and eight-day winter tours; Jeti-Oguz, Barskoon and Fairytale Canyon usually remain. When the Kegen–Karkara crossing is unavailable, we travel through Korday and change the order of the route.

We usually keep Charyn, Lower Kolsai and Kaindy, and on the cross-border routes Karakol and Issyk-Kul. Issyk-Kul is included for lake-and-mountain scenery, not as a frozen-lake attraction. We usually use the same checked hotels and guesthouses as in summer and adapt the walking to your group’s interests and ability.

Does a winter itinerary cost more?

Winter versions of our standard five-, six- and eight-day tours usually use the published tour prices. Replacing another stop with a ski-resort visit usually does not add a tour-price supplement. Skiing, instruction, rental and cable-car tickets, including sightseeing lift rides, are paid separately. An extra tour day or a requested hotel upgrade also changes the quote.

Meals, drinking water and snacks are included in these standard multi-day tours. We agree the actual winter route, accommodation and any optional costs before the 20% booking deposit. Read the practical booking information for payment and arrival arrangements.

How do I request a winter version of a tour?

Send us your dates, number of guests, preferred duration and main wishes: snow, frozen lakes, a glacier view, skiing, or a combination. Tell us how much walking you would like and whether you need rental clothing or an English-speaking ski instructor. We will suggest seasonal changes to the route and confirm the details before booking through our tour request form.

For other seasons, see when to visit Almaty, Charyn and Kolsai. For more on food, private tours and preparation, read our Kazakhstan travel FAQ.