DISCOVER HAKKARI’S UNTAPPED SKI FRONTIER
Hidden deep in eastern Turkey, the Hakkari–Yüksekova region offers raw alpine terrain, deep snow, and true off-the-map ski adventure. Far from resorts and crowds, you’ll explore vast, untracked slopes beneath dramatic peaks where every run feels like a first descent.
Beyond the skiing, Hakkari reveals a rich mountain culture shaped by resilience and tradition. Evenings are spent sharing authentic Kurdish and Anatolian meals, warm hospitality, and stories of life in the high mountains—offering a rare connection to a region where culture and landscape are inseparable.
Dates
Trip Profile
Price
5th -14th Feb
100% Touring
3500 $
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1 — Arrival in Van → Transfer to Hakkari → Briefing & Welcome Dinner
Arrival: Van Ferit Melen Airport .
Transfer: Private van to Hakkari (approx. 2 hours; road/weather dependent).
Hotel check-in: Hakkari city.
Evening session (mandatory)
Equipment check and fit (touring setup, skins, crampons if used)
Avalanche transceiver refresher (send/search + partner practice)
Safety briefing: group spacing, stop points, communication, terrain traps
Group introductions and trip overview
Dinner (included): Local restaurant in Hakkari
Overnight: Hakkari hotel
Day 2 — Hakkari Touring Day 1: Orientation & Snowpack Assessment
Goal: settle pace, confirm systems, choose the best snow/safest terrain for day one.
Tour: 700–900 m ascent (conditions dependent).
Focus: efficient skinning, transitions, safe descent spacing.
Meals (included):
Breakfast (hotel)
Packed lunch (on tour)
Dinner (local restaurant)
Overnight: Hakkari hotel
Day 3 — Hakkari Touring Day 2: North-Facing Powder & Longer Objective
Goal: step up to a stronger day and target colder aspects.
Tour: 900–1,100 m ascent.
Terrain: broad bowls, ridgelines, and quality descents where snow stays light.
Meals (included): Breakfast + packed lunch + dinner
Overnight: Hakkari hotel
Day 4 — Hakkari Touring Day 3: Remote Valley Exploration or Big Line Day
Goal: choose the best objective based on weather and stability.
Tour: 900–1,200 m ascent.
Plan A (stable / good visibility):
bigger terrain and longer descent options (including couloir-style features only if appropriate)
Plan B (conservative):
lower-angle powder harvesting and multi-lap options
Meals (included): Breakfast + packed lunch + dinner
Overnight: Hakkari hotel
Day 5 — Final Hakkari Tour + Transfer to Yüksekova
Morning: breakfast and hotel checkout (luggage managed by the support vehicle).
Tour: final Hakkari objective (chosen to maximize quality while respecting transfer time).
Optional uplift access: If conditions and group preference suit, local lifts may be used to access a high point efficiently for a longer descent.
Afternoon: transfer to Yüksekova (approx. 1.5–2 hours).
Check-in: Yüksekova hotel.
Dinner (included): Cozy traditional restaurant
Overnight: Yüksekova hotel
Day 6 — Yüksekova Touring Day 1: Best-Conditions Pick
Yüksekova is a gateway to multiple mountain groups, offering diverse options from shorter powder laps to bigger objectives.
Tour: 700–1,000 m ascent.
Focus: selecting the highest-quality snow and safest terrain for the day.
Meals (included): Breakfast + packed lunch + dinner
Overnight: Yüksekova hotel
Day 7 — Yüksekova Touring Day 2: Longer Objective / Summit or Ridge Tour
Tour: 900–1,200 m ascent (conditions dependent).
Options: ridge-and-summit tour with multiple descent aspects, or valley-based laps if stability dictates.
Meals (included): Breakfast + packed lunch + dinner
Overnight: Yüksekova hotel
Day 8 — Yüksekova Touring Day 3 + Evening Transfer to Van
Tour: flexible finale day (often a slightly shorter “best snow” mission).
Afternoon/Evening: return, pack, and transfer to Van city (road/weather dependent).
Hotel check-in: Van.
Dinner (included): Van restaurant dinner
Overnight: Van hotel
Day 9 — Van Free Day: Lake Van & Akdamar Island + Gala Dinner
A relaxed final day before departure—ideal for recovery, culture, and closing the trip properly.
Sightseeing (included):
Lake Van excursion
Boat to Akdamar Island
Visit Akdamar Church (Cathedral of the Holy Cross)
Evening (included):
Gala farewell dinner in Van
Trip debrief, highlights, photos, and departure planning
End of trip.
IFMGA Led
Accommodation
Fitness Level(Skin up)
Riding skills
2 different locations
Akdamar Island
100% Touring
IFMGA Led
Safety is our highest priority. All of our ski expeditions are led by a fully certified IFMGA Mountain Guide, ensuring that every decision made in the mountains is informed, conservative, and grounded in world-class training and experience.
We operate with a strict guide ratio of 1:4, and for groups of up to 10 participants we add a second guide, typically an experienced local guide who knows the terrain and snowpack intimately. This combination gives you the safest possible experience while also maximising your enjoyment.
Touring Trip
This expedition is a 100% ski touring program. You should be prepared to skin uphill each day, typically for several hours at a steady pace. Rest days or easier days can be arranged as needed, depending on group energy and weather conditions.
On selected days, access via nearby ski resorts may be used for two high-quality tours, allowing for bigger objectives or varied terrain, subject to group agreement and conditions.
Fitness Level
This trip includes a mix of easy and moderate ski touring days. Participants should be prepared to skin uphill for approximately 700–800 metres on non-technical terrain, leading to breathtaking viewpoints and rewarding descents. Routes and daily objectives are adapted by the IFMGA guide to suit group ability and conditions, ensuring a safe, enjoyable, and progressive mountain experience.
Ride Difficulty
Snowpack conditions in Turkey are generally reliable and well bonded; however, as with any alpine environment, conditions can vary depending on recent snowfall, wind, and temperature changes. Skiing is typically not highly technical, but participants should be comfortable riding black runs in a resort environment in order to enjoy the tours safely and confidently.
Descents range from smooth, open powder runs to steeper lines, with terrain selection always adapted to snow conditions and the skill level of the group.
A good benchmark:
If you can ski or snowboard black runs confidently in a resort, you are well prepared for this trip
Accommodation
Throughout the trip, we stay in a combination of comfortable, well-located, and authentic accommodations that allow proper rest and recovery after long days in the mountains:
Hakkari: A comfortable hotel in the city, offering warm rooms, modern amenities, and easy access to nearby touring areas.
Yüksekova: A local hotel ideally positioned as a gateway to surrounding mountains, providing a relaxed and welcoming base for ski touring days.
Van: A well-appointed hotel in the city for the final night, offering comfort and convenience before departure.
All accommodations are heated, clean, and selected for comfort, ensuring a good night’s rest after demanding ski days while allowing guests to experience the character and hospitality of the region.
Locations
We explore two distinct mountain regions, creating a diverse and memorable ski touring experience in eastern Turkey.
Around Hakkari, we tour a wide range of terrain close to the city, from accessible touring routes to larger alpine objectives, with dramatic peaks and expansive valleys offering consistently rewarding descents.
In the Yüksekova region, we access a broader mountain landscape with varied terrain character and snow conditions, providing opportunities for both longer objectives and playful powder runs in a more open, remote setting.
This combination delivers varied skiing, multiple snowpacks, and a deeper insight into the raw alpine character of eastern Turkey, resulting in a well-balanced and immersive ski touring adventure.
Why us:
Daily avalanche and weather assessments
Terrain selection based on current conditions
Mandatory avalanche equipment (beacon, shovel, probe)
Instruction on safe travel, spacing, and group management
Clear communication throughout the tour
Conservative decision-making focused on longevity, not risk
Your guide’s goal is simple:
Keep you safe, help you progress, and make sure you have one of the most memorable ski touring experiences of your life.
What’s included
All ground transfers: Van Airport ⇄ Hakkari ⇄ Yüksekova ⇄ Van
8 nights accommodation as listed
Breakfast daily (hotel)
Packed lunches on all ski days (sandwich/lunch box)
Dinner every night (restaurant dinners in town; final night gala dinner in Van included)
IFMGA-certified guide leadership, plus a second experienced local guide for groups of 5–10 participants
Day 1 safety session (equipment check + avalanche transceiver refresher)
Day 9 sightseeing logistics: Lake Van + Akdamar Island / Akdamar Church visit
- Liability insurance and travel insurance
International flights
Rental equipment (skis, splitboards, boots, etc.)
Safety equipment such as avalanche beacon, probe, and shovel
Personal ski insurance or snow sports coverage
Tips / gratuities
itinerary
Click on the photo!
Day 1 — Arrival in Van → Transfer to Hakkari → Briefing & Welcome Dinner
Arrival: Van Ferit Melen Airport .
Transfer: Private van to Hakkari (approx. 2 hours; road/weather dependent).
Hotel check-in: Hakkari city.
Evening session (mandatory)
Equipment check and fit (touring setup, skins, crampons if used)
Avalanche transceiver refresher (send/search + partner practice)
Safety briefing: group spacing, stop points, communication, terrain traps
Group introductions and trip overview
Dinner (included): Local restaurant in Hakkari
Overnight: Hakkari hotel
Day 2 — Hakkari Touring Day 1: Orientation & Snowpack Assessment
Goal: settle pace, confirm systems, choose the best snow/safest terrain for day one.
Tour: 700–900 m ascent (conditions dependent).
Focus: efficient skinning, transitions, safe descent spacing.
Meals (included):
Breakfast (hotel)
Packed lunch (on tour)
Dinner (local restaurant)
Overnight: Hakkari hotel
Day 3 — Hakkari Touring Day 2: North-Facing Powder & Longer Objective
Goal: step up to a stronger day and target colder aspects.
Tour: 900–1,100 m ascent.
Terrain: broad bowls, ridgelines, and quality descents where snow stays light.
Meals (included): Breakfast + packed lunch + dinner
Overnight: Hakkari hotel
Day 4 — Hakkari Touring Day 3: Remote Valley Exploration or Big Line Day
Goal: choose the best objective based on weather and stability.
Tour: 900–1,200 m ascent.
Plan A (stable / good visibility):
bigger terrain and longer descent options (including couloir-style features only if appropriate)
Plan B (conservative):
lower-angle powder harvesting and multi-lap options
Meals (included): Breakfast + packed lunch + dinner
Overnight: Hakkari hotel
Day 5 — Final Hakkari Tour + Transfer to Yüksekova
Morning: breakfast and hotel checkout (luggage managed by the support vehicle).
Tour: final Hakkari objective (chosen to maximize quality while respecting transfer time).
Optional uplift access: If conditions and group preference suit, local lifts may be used to access a high point efficiently for a longer descent.
Afternoon: transfer to Yüksekova (approx. 1.5–2 hours).
Check-in: Yüksekova hotel.
Dinner (included): Cozy traditional restaurant
Overnight: Yüksekova hotel
Day 6 — Yüksekova Touring Day 1: Best-Conditions Pick
Yüksekova is a gateway to multiple mountain groups, offering diverse options from shorter powder laps to bigger objectives.
Tour: 700–1,000 m ascent.
Focus: selecting the highest-quality snow and safest terrain for the day.
Meals (included): Breakfast + packed lunch + dinner
Overnight: Yüksekova hotel
Day 7 — Yüksekova Touring Day 2: Longer Objective / Summit or Ridge Tour
Tour: 900–1,200 m ascent (conditions dependent).
Options: ridge-and-summit tour with multiple descent aspects, or valley-based laps if stability dictates.
Meals (included): Breakfast + packed lunch + dinner
Overnight: Yüksekova hotel
Day 8 — Yüksekova Touring Day 3 + Evening Transfer to Van
Tour: flexible finale day (often a slightly shorter “best snow” mission).
Afternoon/Evening: return, pack, and transfer to Van city (road/weather dependent).
Hotel check-in: Van.
Dinner (included): Van restaurant dinner
Overnight: Van hotel
Day 9 — Van Free Day: Lake Van & Akdamar Island + Gala Dinner
A relaxed final day before departure—ideal for recovery, culture, and closing the trip properly.
Sightseeing (included):
Lake Van excursion
Boat to Akdamar Island
Visit Akdamar Church (Cathedral of the Holy Cross)
Evening (included):
Gala farewell dinner in Van
Trip debrief, highlights, photos, and departure planning
End of trip.
Tour info
IFMGA Led
Safety is our highest priority. All of our ski expeditions are led by a fully certified IFMGA Mountain Guide, ensuring that every decision made in the mountains is informed, conservative, and grounded in world-class training and experience.
We operate with a strict guide ratio of 1:4, and for groups of up to 10 participants we add a second guide, typically an experienced local guide who knows the terrain and snowpack intimately. This combination gives you the safest possible experience while also maximising your enjoyment.
Touring Trip
This expedition is a 100% ski touring program. You should be prepared to skin uphill each day, typically for several hours at a steady pace. Rest days or easier days can be arranged as needed, depending on group energy and weather conditions.
On selected days, access via nearby ski resorts may be used for two high-quality tours, allowing for bigger objectives or varied terrain, subject to group agreement and conditions.
Fitness Level
This trip includes a mix of easy and moderate ski touring days. Participants should be prepared to skin uphill for approximately 700–800 metres on non-technical terrain, leading to breathtaking viewpoints and rewarding descents. Routes and daily objectives are adapted by the IFMGA guide to suit group ability and conditions, ensuring a safe, enjoyable, and progressive mountain experience.
Ride Difficulty
Snowpack conditions in Turkey are generally reliable and well bonded; however, as with any alpine environment, conditions can vary depending on recent snowfall, wind, and temperature changes. Skiing is typically not highly technical, but participants should be comfortable riding black runs in a resort environment in order to enjoy the tours safely and confidently.
Descents range from smooth, open powder runs to steeper lines, with terrain selection always adapted to snow conditions and the skill level of the group.
A good benchmark:
If you can ski or snowboard black runs confidently in a resort, you are well prepared for this trip
Accommodation
Throughout the trip, we stay in a combination of comfortable, well-located, and authentic accommodations that allow proper rest and recovery after long days in the mountains:
Hakkari: A comfortable hotel in the city, offering warm rooms, modern amenities, and easy access to nearby touring areas.
Yüksekova: A local hotel ideally positioned as a gateway to surrounding mountains, providing a relaxed and welcoming base for ski touring days.
Van: A well-appointed hotel in the city for the final night, offering comfort and convenience before departure.
All accommodations are heated, clean, and selected for comfort, ensuring a good night’s rest after demanding ski days while allowing guests to experience the character and hospitality of the region.
Locations
We explore two distinct mountain regions, creating a diverse and memorable ski touring experience in eastern Turkey.
Around Hakkari, we tour a wide range of terrain close to the city, from accessible touring routes to larger alpine objectives, with dramatic peaks and expansive valleys offering consistently rewarding descents.
In the Yüksekova region, we access a broader mountain landscape with varied terrain character and snow conditions, providing opportunities for both longer objectives and playful powder runs in a more open, remote setting.
This combination delivers varied skiing, multiple snowpacks, and a deeper insight into the raw alpine character of eastern Turkey, resulting in a well-balanced and immersive ski touring adventure.
Why us:
Daily avalanche and weather assessments
Terrain selection based on current conditions
Mandatory avalanche equipment (beacon, shovel, probe)
Instruction on safe travel, spacing, and group management
Clear communication throughout the tour
Conservative decision-making focused on longevity, not risk
Your guide’s goal is simple:
Keep you safe, help you progress, and make sure you have one of the most memorable ski touring experiences of your life.
included
What’s included
All ground transfers: Van Airport ⇄ Hakkari ⇄ Yüksekova ⇄ Van
8 nights accommodation as listed
Breakfast daily (hotel)
Packed lunches on all ski days (sandwich/lunch box)
Dinner every night (restaurant dinners in town; final night gala dinner in Van included)
IFMGA-certified guide leadership, plus a second experienced local guide for groups of 5–10 participants
Day 1 safety session (equipment check + avalanche transceiver refresher)
Day 9 sightseeing logistics: Lake Van + Akdamar Island / Akdamar Church visit
- Liability insurance and travel insurance
Excluded
International flights
Rental equipment (skis, splitboards, boots, etc.)
Safety equipment such as avalanche beacon, probe, and shovel
Personal ski insurance or snow sports coverage
Tips / gratuities
FAQ — Before You Join the Tour
1. What skill level is required for this trip?
A moderate fitness level is sufficient to reach most of the summits on this tour. We typically ascend between 700 and up to 1,200 meters per day, and we adjust the pace based on the group’s overall ability (however, a minimum of 800 meters of ascent per day is compulsory).
2. How are the transfers organised?
All transfers between the airport, accommodation, and ski areas are arranged by private vehicle or minivan. Everything is coordinated before the trip begins, so participants do not need to book any transport themselves. International flights are not included in the price however we can help you book your flight if needed.
3. Is this trip suitable for beginners?
This program is not suitable for beginners. If you are new to backcountry skiing, we recommend joining one of our beginner-friendly ski/split touring trips, which are specifically designed for entry-level riders, before progressing to a full touring program.
4.Can I join the trip with my splitboard?
Eastern Turkey offers excellent snow conditions and diverse terrain well suited to splitboarding. The region delivers reliable winter snow, open slopes, and backcountry terrain that allows splitboarders to fully enjoy touring and quality descents.
All splitboarders are welcome to join this tour, with routes and daily objectives adapted to suit both ski tourers and splitboarders, ensuring a rewarding and inclusive backcountry experience.
5. What is included in the price?
The trip generally includes:
- Accommodation, Comfortable 3- and 4-star hotels
- All meals and drinks
Private transfers
Full ski-touring program led by an IFMGA guide
A second local guide for groups of 5–10 participants
Liability insurance and travel insurance
Daily safety briefings and snow-education sessions
6.What is not included?
International flights
Rental ski/splitboard equipment
Personal safety gear (beacon, shovel, probe)
Personal expenses
Snacks and drinks purchased during the day
Tips for guides
7.Is Hakkari and Yüksekova safe to travel?
Yes. While Hakkari and Yüksekova are remote regions and may appear with travel advisories, our trips are carefully planned, locally informed, and professionally guided. We operate only in appropriate areas, work with trusted local partners, and prioritise safety in all transport, accommodation, and daily activities. With proper planning and experienced guidance, these regions can be visited safely and responsibly.
8. How is each ski day planned?
Each day’s objective is chosen based on weather and snow conditions to ensure safety and enjoyment. A typical day includes 4–6 hours of ski touring with breaks and optional shorter ascents if needed.
9. What is the group size?
Our guiding ratio is usually 1 guide per 4 participants. For groups of 5–10, a second experienced local guide will join to maintain safety and quality.
10. Is travel insurance required?
Yes. We include basic travel insurance, but it does not cover skiing. Participants must arrange their own ski-specific insurance, and we can assist with recommendations. Liability insurance is included, but personal coverage is still required.
11. What happens in case of bad weather?
If weather conditions are unsafe, the guide will adjust the plan to a safer zone, shorten the day, or replace the activity with technical training or avalanche-safety sessions. Safety is always the priority.
12. Can dietary requirements be accommodated?
Yes. We can accommodate most dietary needs (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, allergies) as long as you inform us at least one week before the trip.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Professional guiding, fun group and deep snow like nowhere else. One of the best ski touring adventures of my life.”
— Marcus L., Germany
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Fantastic experience from start to finish. The guides were highly skilled, the terrain was incredible, and the snow quality was better than anywhere I’ve toured before. Kyrgyzstan truly surprised me in the best way.”
— Emily S., United Kingdom