The Alay Mountains, part of the stunning Pamir-Alay range in southern Kyrgyzstan, offer an unparalleled trekking experience. Known for their towering snow-capped peaks, including the majestic Lenin Peak (7,134 meters), and vast alpine meadows, the region is a haven for adventure seekers.
With its unspoiled nature, the Alay Mountains provide diverse trails, from scenic valleys to challenging high-altitude passes like Jiptik and Sary Mogol. Along the way, trekkers can enjoy cultural encounters with nomadic shepherds, stay in traditional yurts, and explore landmarks like the serene Tulpar-Köl Lake.
For those seeking dramatic landscapes, cultural immersion, and an authentic off-the-beaten-path experience, the Alay Mountains are the perfect destination.
Route:
Osh – Kojokelen – Jiptik Pass – Sary Mogol – Tulpar-Köl – Base Camp of Lenin Peak –Yuhin Peak (5130 m.) – Sary Mogol Pass – Kojokelen – Osh
Tour Highlights:
This 10-day journey combines the thrill of trekking with the comfort of vehicle support, making it ideal for adventure seekers ready to challenge themselves while enjoying the region’s stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage.
After lunch, the adventure kicks off with a trek into the picturesque Kojokelen Gorge, heading south through lush valleys and rugged terrain. The day’s route covers approximately 10 kilometers, taking you to the foot of the Jiptik Pass.
End the day surrounded by nature, setting up camp in the wilderness and spending the night under the stars in a cozy tent.
From the pass, descend into the expansive Alay Valley, where the scenery transitions into lush meadows and rugged landscapes. Arrive at Darbaza Tash, meaning “Stone Gates,” a striking natural formation that marks your next stop.
Settle into your camp near a traditional nomadic yurt. In the evening, enjoy a warm welcome and a hearty dinner prepared by a local nomadic family, immersing yourself in their hospitality and culture. Spend the night camping under the serene mountain skies.
Reach Sary-Mogol by lunchtime and settle into a cozy guesthouse. Spend the afternoon resting and preparing for the high-altitude trek to Lenin Peak Base Camp the following day. The past two days of trekking serve as excellent acclimatization for the higher elevations ahead.
In the evening, enjoy a home-cooked dinner in the guesthouse and recharge with a comfortable night’s sleep, ready for the adventure to continue.
After crossing the pass, descend carefully to the left moraine of the glacier. Continue trekking for approximately three hours, navigating rocky terrain and crossing a river. Early morning is ideal for the river crossing, as water levels are lower during this time.
The trail then winds across the glacier moraine before reaching Camp 1, your destination for the night. Set up camp and spend the evening surrounded by the majesty of the high-altitude landscape. Dinner and overnight stay in a tent.
The summit rewards you with a breathtaking panorama of the North Face of Lenin Peak and the vast Alay Valley—a view that will leave you in awe of the region’s grandeur.
After taking in the spectacular scenery, descend back to Camp 1 to rest and recover. Dinner and overnight stay in your tent, surrounded by the serene beauty of the high-altitude landscape.
Upon reaching the Tulpar-Köl Valley, you’ll be warmly welcomed by the local nomads in their vibrant yurt camp. Immerse yourself in their hospitality and savor a unique treat: fresh yak milk, offered directly by the nomads.
Spend the evening sharing stories, enjoying the serene beauty of the valley, and resting comfortably in a traditional yurt.
After descending back to the yurt camp, enjoy a traditional lunch before transferring by car to the village of Sary-Mogol. Arrive in the village in the evening and settle into a cozy guesthouse for dinner and an overnight stay. This peaceful day is an excellent way to prepare for the next stage of your journey.
After lunch, start the ascent to the Sary-Mogol Pass (4,300 m). From the summit, you’ll be rewarded with awe-inspiring views of the pristine Besh-Kol mountain lakes and the vast Alay Valley. The untouched wilderness, with its crystal-clear lakes and wildlife such as mountain goats, offers an unforgettable experience for nature enthusiasts.
Descend into the Kosh-Moinok Valley, a picturesque highland jailoo (summer pasture) in the Nookat region, where rolling meadows and grazing livestock create a peaceful atmosphere.
Set up camp in the wild or stay in a local shepherd’s yurt, experiencing the authentic nomadic lifestyle. End the day with a hearty dinner and rest under the starry sky in this serene and remote valley.
As you progress, you’ll reach the adjacent Kok-Moinok Valley, known for its serene beauty and untouched landscapes. The trek ends at a yurt camp situated near the base of the Kok-Moinok Pass, where you’ll set up camp for the night.
Enjoy a relaxing evening at the camp, surrounded by the tranquility of nature, as you prepare for the next day’s ascent. Dinner and overnight stay in your tent or the yurt camp.
Descend toward the charming village of Kojokelen, where your trek concludes in the late afternoon. Take some time to reflect on your incredible journey through the Alay Mountains.
From Kojokelen, a vehicle will transfer you back to Osh, where you’ll check into a comfortable hotel for the evening. Enjoy a well-deserved rest and perhaps a celebratory dinner to mark the end of your adventure.
The trek is rated as difficult, involving high-altitude passes (up to 4,300 meters), long trekking days, and varying terrain. Participants should have a good fitness level and prior trekking experience.
Yes, we recommend bringing the following:
Weatherproof trekking clothing (jackets, pants, gloves).
Sturdy trekking boots.
Hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
Sleeping bag (for cold conditions).
Small daypack for essentials.
We can assist with equipment rentals if needed—please let us know in advance.
Guesthouses: Comfortable shared rooms in Osh and villages. (twin and triple rooms)
Yurt camps: Traditional nomadic yurts with shared spaces.
Tents: Quality tents provided for nights in remote areas.
Accommodations are simple but clean and designed for trekkers.
Electricity and Wi-Fi may be available at guesthouses or some yurt camps, but availability is limited. We recommend bringing a power bank for charging devices.
This trek reaches high altitudes (over 4,000 meters). The itinerary is designed to allow proper acclimatization. We recommend staying hydrated, ascending gradually, and consulting a doctor about preventive measures before the trip.
Yes, we can accommodate most dietary preferences (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, etc.). Please inform us in advance so we can plan accordingly.
You will interact with local nomads, visit yurt camps, and enjoy traditional meals prepared by Kyrgyz families. These experiences provide a unique insight into the Kyrgyz way of life.
Our team is trained to handle emergencies, and a support vehicle is available at certain stages of the trek. However, participants must have travel insurance that includes high-altitude trekking and emergency evacuation.
The tour price varies depending on the season and the number of participants. Unlike group tours, this is a fully private experience tailored to your preferences. If you gather a group from your side, it’s welcomed, and we’re open to negotiating the price based on your specific requests and interests. We strive to accommodate your needs and ensure a personalized and enjoyable journey for you and your companions. Feel free to contact us ….
