Heights of Alay (8 days trekking tour)

  Discover the Alay Mountains (also known as the Alai Mountains) in southern Kyrgyzstan, one of the most stunning mountain regions in the world that is still unknown…for now. Our Best of Alay Mountains Trek (8-days) combines some of the best trekking and hiking in Kyrgyzstan with stunning mountain landscapes, views of glacier-covered Lenin Peak (7,134 m), high altitude adventure, Kyrgyz nomadic culture, and much more.

Our expert trekking guides will take you on an unforgettable journey through this beautiful, off-the-beaten-track Pamir-Alay mountain range in Kyrgyzstan.

Day 1: DEPART FROM OSH TO SARY MOGUL VILLAGE
Depart from the historic city of Osh, Kyrgyzstan to the village of Sary-Mogul (3,000 meters). There is remarkable scenery along the way to Sary-Mogul, so enjoy the ride! After two and half hours of driving, we stop for a short 4-hour of hiking to the beautiful Isumrudnoe lake. Have lunch and continue driving to Sary-Mogul. After arrival, you can enjoy the incredible views of the 7,000+ meter high snow-capped Pamir Mountains in the distance. We will enjoy a home-cooked dinner and an overnight stay at a family-run guesthouse. In Sary Mogul, there are several small convenience stores for last-minute purchases.

Day 2: TREK FROM SARY MOGUL VILLAGE OVER SARY MOGUL PASS (4,306M) TO CAMPSITE
After breakfast, we will drive for 30 minutes from Sary Mogul village north to the starting point of the trek. We begin the trek by walking along for about an hour to the first viewpoint. Some parts are a bit challenging as the trail is narrow and the terrain is composed mainly of scree and small pebbles. We will take a break and enjoy the views of the Pamir Mountains from the viewpoint before descending into a valley for lunch. We will break for lunch by a riverbank with glacier views. After lunch, we will head to Sary Mogul Pass at 4,306 meters (1 hour). As you ascend, glaciated peaks and alpine lakes will begin to appear. At the top of the pass, we will see Besh Kol – this viewpoint has stunning views of the alpine lakes and nearby peaks. After descending we will walk down to the campsite at 3,557 meters. Enjoy your dinner under the stars at the yurt camp. 

Day 3: TREK TO KOSH MOINOK VALLEY VIA KYZYL SHORO VILLAGE
Compared to the first day, the beginning of the second day is relatively easy-going and mainly downhill. As the trek progresses through the valley, the trail cuts back and forth across the river several times. With the decline in elevation, the terrain begins to change from high alpine rocky and dry to mid-mountain green punctuated by the alpine lush of juniper bushes. Don’t forget to turn around from time to time to enjoy views of the surrounding glaciers and snow-covered peaks above and behind you. Pass through fields filled with grazing cows and shepherd’s yurts inviting you for tea. Break for lunch near these yurts. After a few kilometers, you’ll reach the farmlands of the nearby village, Little Sary Mogul village. Pass through the village and walk for 3,5km along the dusty road to Kyzyl Shoro village. Break for lunch in Kyzyl-Shoro village at a homestay. Take a quick hot shower. After leaving your homestay, walk to the gorge to the east of the village. The trail slowly goes up, and ascends approximately 860 meters through grass meadows and pastures to Koshmoinok Pass at 3,210 m. After the pass, descend into Koshmoinok Valley (1 hour). Dinner and overnight in a yurt camp at 2,800 meters. 

Day 4: TO KOJOKELEN VILLAGE OVER SARYBELL PASSES
After breakfast, cross over the stream and walk up to Sarybell Pass at 3,132 m (1 hour). Views of the rugged Kichik Alay Mountains open up on top of the pass. From there, follow the path as it winds along the edge of the hills. The red rock formations forming the “Three Dragon Gorge ” are one of the most beautiful spots in all of Kyrgyzstan. You can see the snow-covered Pamir landscapes in the distance with various grades of high-, mid-and low alpine landscapes along the way. The trail then descends through the red rocks and into a cliffed riverbed. You will follow the road through the cliffs until arrival in Kojokelen village (3 hours). Enjoy a home-cooked meal and overnight in a guesthouse. Hot showers, electricity, and internet are available in the village.

Day 5: TO JIPTICK YURT CAMP
Today is an easy walk on an unpaved road along the river leading up to the foot of Jiptick Pass. Enjoy walking in this beautiful gorge with evergreen trees, and engage along the way with Kyrgyz nomads who are busy with their daily activities, including shepherding their animals. Arrive at the yurt camp. Have lunch. After we will participate in a bread-making master class of shepherds, which is backed in a heated big Kazan. Enjoy a home-cooked meal and your newly backed bread with a local family and overnight in a yurt.

Day 6: TREK TO YURT CAMP AT DARBAZATASH VALLEY OVER JIPTICK PASS AT 4,185 METERS
From the yurt camp, the trail ascends gradually along the river to the foot of Jiptick Pass (1 hour). Take the switchbacks to the pass (2 hours). Jiptick Pass (4,185 meters) is breathtaking. In the distance, you can see the Pamir Mountains. Lenin Peak (7,134 meters) can also be seen in the distance during clear weather. Break for lunch. The path descends steeply down to Darbazatash Valley (3 hours). Arrive in the valley (3274 meters). Dinner and overnight stay at the yurt camp.

Day 7: SARY-MOGOL VILLAGE – TULPAR KOL LAKE
Walk to Sary Mogul village (3 hours). Arrive at your homestay and enjoy a home-cooked lunch. Take a shower and enjoy the WIFI. After lunch, we will drive to the yurt camp at Tulpar Kol Lake near Lenin Peak Base Camp (1 hour). Tulpar Kol is a series of lakes set in the foothills of Pamir Mountain – it is a great spot for photography and easy walking. Dinner and overnight stay in a yurt.

Day 8: TREK TO TRAVLERS’S PASS (4100 METERS) – OSH CITY
Wake up early. After breakfast, we will head south from Tulpar Kol to the alpinist Peak Lenin Base Camp. After passing the Base Camp, we will begin the ascent to Traveller’s Pass. The trail goes slowly up except for the last 20 minutes where it becomes a steep zigzag trail that ends up on the Traveller’s Pass at 4,100 meters. Enjoy the magnificent views of glaciers tumbling off the massive peak. Go to the viewpoint on the right of the pass and get an even better view of Lenin Peak at 7,134 meters, the highest peak in this Pamir-Alay Mountains. Break for lunch there. Return to the yurt camp in the same way you came. Say goodbye to Pamirs and drive back to Osh city (5 hours).