Heights of Alay Valley Trek

Trekking in Pamir - Alay Mountains

Destination: Pamir – Alay Mountains, southern Kyrgyzstan

Duration: 4 days / 3 nights

Accommodation: 2 nights guest house / 1 night yurt

Trekking Distance: 48 km

Max Elevation / Min Elevation: 4,306 meters / 2,186 meters

Total Ascent / Descent: 2387 meters / 3481 meters

Months Possible: June – early September

Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult

Start/End Point: Osh city

Itinerary: Osh city – Pamir-Alay Mountains – Osh city

Combine this trek with a Pamir Highway Trip: If you are interested in continuing on the Pamir Highway to or from Tajikistan, you can easily combine this trekking tour with one of our other Pamir Highway Trips

DAY 1: TREK FROM SARY MOGUL VILLAGE TO CAMPSITE OVER SARY MOGUL PASS AT 4,306m

Trekking distance/time: 15 km/7-hours,  Meals: B, L, D ,   Accommodation: yurtcamp,  Ascent/Descent: 1054 m / 477 m

After a hearty breakfast, drive for 20 minutes from Sary Mogul village to the starting point of the trek. Walk along the stream on a one-person trail all the way up to the first viewpoint (1 hour). Some parts are a bit challenging as the trail is narrow and the terrain is composed mainly of scree and small pebbles. Enjoy a break and views of the Pamir Mountains at the viewpoint before descending into a valley to follow the small stream all the way to a flat meadow. We break for lunch at the riverbank with glacier views all around. After lunch, we head to Sary Mogul Pass at 4,306 meters (1 hour). As you ascend, the glaciated peaks and alpine lakes will begin to appear. Enjoy your accomplishment at the top of the pass with its otherworldly and stunning views. The descent from the pass is steep and covered in loose scree, so consider long sliding strides or “skiing” down in a zigzag motion as you navigate the snaking path. After descending, we walk down to the campsite and set up the tents at 3,934 meters. Enjoy your dinner under the stars.

DAY 2. TREK TO KOSH MOINOK VALLEY VIA KYZYL SHORO VILLAGE

Trekking distance/time: 19,4 km / 7-8 hours,   Meals: B, L, D,   Accommodation: yurt camp,  Ascent / Descent:: 866 m / 1596 m

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 3: TO KOJOKELEN VILLAGE OVER SARYBELL PASS

Trekking distance/time: 14 km / 5-hours,  Meals: B, L, D,   Accommodation: homestay,  Ascent: 464 m,  Descent: 1026 m

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 4: TO OSH CITY

Driving distance/time: 100 km drive / 3-hours

Breakfast. Drive through numerous villages on the way. Observe the local life in the villages. Stop at the beautiful water reservoir Papan that provides Osh city with clean water. 

 

Guided price all-inclusive:

number of people 1 2 3 4 5 6
price per person in USD 570 450 330 300 260 240

Included: 
Tour guide
Transport from/to Osh
B&B + dinner in Sarymogol village
Shared accommodation: yurt and homestays (Note: 3-5 person shared rooms for yurt and homestays)
Transport to drop at the start point
Lunch, dinner, and breakfast during trekking days
Meals of personal

Not included:
Bottled water
Hotel and meals in Osh city

Alcoholic drinks
Services outside of the standard program
Tips
Travel and Health Insurance
Flights or other domestic/international transport
Luggage horse
Horsemen
Sleeping bag
Border permit

*Please let us know in advance if you are vegetarian/vegan or if you have food allergies.

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