Explore the Alay Mountains in southern Kyrgyzstan, a breathtaking off-the-grid range. This tour mixes prime trekking trails with glacier-clad views of Lenin Peak (7,134 m), high-altitude excitement, Kyrgyz nomad traditions, and plenty more.
Our seasoned guides will lead you through an unforgettable adventure in this gorgeous Kyrgyz mountain area.
Catch incredible mountain vistas at Sary-Mogul Pass (4,306 m) and Jiptick Pass (4,185 m) – alpine lakes, endless peaks, and that otherworldly feel like you’ve touched down on another planet.
Stunning glacier views of Lenin Peak (7,134 m), including close-up looks at Lenin Peak Base Camp and Traveler’s Pass (4,100 m).
Diverse landscapes – from turquoise alpine lakes and green valleys to high-desert moonscapes and the red rocks of “Three Dragons Gorge.”
Sleep in traditional yurts where you can meet Kyrgyz shepherds, learn about nomad culture, and enjoy hearty home-cooked meals.
A focus on community tourism, so your trip supports local families and communities in the Pamir-Alay Mountains.
Trekking Distance:106 km
Max Elevation: 4,306 meters
Min Elevation: 2,186 meters
Total Elevation Gain/Loss: 4435m+ / 4827m-
Your itinerary
Day 1
Depart Osh to Sary Mogul village
Breakfast. Depart from the historic city of Osh, Kyrgyzstan, to Sary-Mogul village at 3,000 meters. Take in the remarkable scenery along the drive to Sary-Mogul!
After two and a half hours, stop for a short 4-hour hike to the beautiful Isumrudnoe Lake. Have lunch, then continue driving to Sary-Mogul. Upon arrival, enjoy incredible views of the snow-capped Pamir Mountains over 7,000 meters in the distance. Savor a home-cooked dinner and overnight stay at a family-run guesthouse. Small convenience stores are nearby for last-minute purchases.
Distance: 4 hours driving. Meals: Dinner. Accommodation: Homestay
Day 2
Trek from Sary Mogul village over Sary Mogul Pass (4,306m) to Campsite
After breakfast, drive 30 minutes north from Sary-Mogul village to the trek’s starting point. Begin with an hour’s walk along the trail to the first viewpoint – some spots get tricky with narrow paths and pebbly ground.
Take a break there to soak in Pamir Mountain views, then descend into a valley for lunch by the riverbank, glacier vistas ahead.
After lunch, head up to Sary-Mogul Pass at 4,306 meters (1 hour). Glaciated peaks and alpine lakes come into sight as you climb. At the top, check out Besh Kol with its stunning lakes and nearby peaks. Descend to camp at 3,557 meters for dinner under the stars.
Trekking distance/time: 15 km / 7-hours. Meals: B, L, D. Accommodation: tent. Ascent / Descent: 1059 m / 859 m
Day 3
Trek to Kosh Moinok valley via Kyzyl Shoro village
Day two starts easier than the first, mostly downhill through the valley. The trail crosses the river several times, and as elevation drops, the rocky alpine dryness gives way to greener mid-mountain slopes dotted with lush juniper bushes.
Turn around now and then to catch views of glaciers and snow peaks behind you. Pass grazing cows and shepherd yurts offering tea, then break for lunch nearby.
After a few kilometers through Little Sary-Mogul village farmlands, walk 3.5 km along a dusty road to Kyzyl-Shoro village. Lunch at a homestay there, plus a quick hot shower. Head east from the homestay into the gorge – the trail climbs steadily 860 meters through meadows and pastures to Koshmoinok Pass at 3,210 meters. Descend into Koshmoinok Valley (1 hour). Dinner and overnight in a yurt camp at 2,800 meters.
Trekking distance/time: 19,4 km, 7-8 hours. Meals: B, L, D. Accommodation: yurt camp. Ascent: 866 m, descent: 1596 m
Day 4
To Kojokelen village over Sarybell passes
After breakfast, cross the stream and head up to Sarybell Pass at 3,132 meters (1 hour). Rugged Kichik Alay Mountain views open up at the top.
Follow the path winding along the hill edges. The red rock formations of “Three Dragon Gorge” rank among Kyrgyzstan’s most striking spots, with distant snow-covered Pamir landscapes blending high-, mid-, and low-alpine scenes.
The trail drops through the red rocks into a cliff-lined riverbed. Follow the road through the cliffs to Kojokelen village (3 hours). Enjoy a home-cooked meal and overnight in a guesthouse—hot showers, electricity, and internet available.
Trekking distance/time: 14 km, 5 hours. Meals: B, L, D. Accommodation: homestay. Ascent: 464 m, descent: 1026 m
Day 5
To Jiptick yurt camp
Today brings an easy walk along an unpaved road by the river, up to the foot of Jiptick Pass. Take in the beautiful gorge with its evergreen trees, and chat with Kyrgyz nomads along the way as they tend to daily tasks like shepherding.
Arrive at the yurt camp for lunch. After, join a bread-making demo with the shepherds, baking in a big heated kazan. Savor a home-cooked meal with your fresh bread alongside a local family, then overnight in a yurt.
Trekking distance/time: 10 km, 4 hours. Meals: B, L, D. Accommodation: yurt camp. Ascent: 835 m, descent: 69 m
Day 6
Trek to yurt camp in Darbazatash valley over Jiptick pass (4,185 m)
From the yurt camp, the trail climbs gradually along the river to the foot of Jiptick Pass (1 hour). Take the switchbacks up to the pass (2 hours). Jiptick Pass at 4,185 meters takes your breath away—with Pamir Mountains in the distance, and Lenin Peak (7,134 meters) visible on clear days. Break for lunch.
The path drops steeply into Darbazatash Valley (3 hours). Arrive in the valley at 3,274 meters. Dinner and overnight at the yurt camp.
Trekking distance/time: 16 km, 8 hours. Meals: B, L, D. Accommodation: yurt stay. Ascent: 1150 m, descent: 931 m
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.
Trekking distance/time: 11 km, 3 hours. Meals: B, L, D. Accommodation: yurt stay. Ascent: 40 m, descent: 320 m
Day 8
Trek to Traveler’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 Traveler’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 Traveler’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 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).
Trekking distance/time: 20 km, 6 hours. Meals: B, L. Ascent: 760 m, descent: 760 m. Driving: 5 hours
Note: The tour length can be adjusted to match your time and what you want.
What is included
Transportation in Pamir Alay Mountains: Osh airport – inner transfers during trekking – Osh
Accommodation in home-stays, yurts, tents during trekking – 7 nights
Horses to carry equipment, foods and kitchen utensils for camping during our trek
English speaking Local Guide for trekking
Meals: full board during trekking and as mentioned in the program
Border permit for Tulpar Kol Lake and Lenin Peak area
Not included
Alcohol beverage during tour
Portage service of the personal belonging and luggage during trekking
Any extra excursions
Tips
