8 Days Trekking in Kyrgyzstan: Alay Mountains Adventure

Driving distance/time: 220 km, 4 hours Trekking distance/time: 6 km, 3-4 hours 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.

Trekking distance/time: 14 km, 4-5-hours Ascent / Descent: 461m, 115 m After breakfast, we’ll begin our trek toward the first yurt camp, following an easy car road winding through open valleys and passing by yurt camps. Along the way, we’ll encounter grazing animals like yaks, sheep, and horses, with eagles soaring above and marmots scurrying. Refreshing spring waters offer scenic rest stops. This trek provides a chance to observe the nomadic lifestyle up close. At the yurt camp (3,300m), relax, have lunch, then hike nearby hills for acclimatization. In the evening, enjoy dinner under the stars before resting in the yurt.

Trekking distance/time: 15 km, 8-9 hours Ascent / Descent: 1059 m / 859 m 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.

Trekking distance/time: 19,4 km, 7-8 hours Ascent: 866 m Descent: 1596 m Day four starts easy and downhill. The trail winds through the valley, crossing rivers and shifting from rocky alpine to green terrain with juniper bushes. Look back for glacier and peak views. Pass grazing cows and yurts, stopping for tea and lunch. Reach Little Sary Mogul village, then walk 3.5 km on a dusty road to Kyzyl Shoro village for lunch and a hot shower at a homestay. Head east to a gorge, ascending 860 m to Koshmoinok Pass at 3,210 m. Descend into Koshmoinok Valley for dinner and an overnight stay in a yurt at 2,800 m.

Trekking distance/time: 24 km, 9 hours Ascent: 1299 m Descent: 1095 m After breakfast, cross a stream and ascend to Sarybell Pass at 3,132 m (1 hour) for views of the Kichik Alay Mountains. Follow the path along hillsides to the stunning 'Three Dragon Gorge' with red rock formations, snow-covered Pamir landscapes, and varied alpine views. Descend through red rocks into a cliffed riverbed, reaching Kozhokelen village in 3 hours. Enjoy a late lunch in a guesthouse with hot showers and internet. Walk along the river to a yurt camp at Jiptick Pass’s base (3 hours), passing through a scenic gorge with evergreen trees. Enjoy dinner with a local family and stay overnight in a yurt.

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.

Trekking distance/time: 11 km, 3 hours Ascent: 40 m Descent: 320 m 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.

Trekking distance/time: 20 km, 6 hours Ascent: 760 m Descent: 760 m Driving: 5 hours 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 4,150 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).