Explore the best of the Alay Mountains on this tour. Discover one of the most stunning mountain regions in the world that are still unknown…for now. This off-the-beaten-track tour combines some of the best landscapes, trekking and nomadic cultural experiences in all of Kyrgyzstan, including:
- Incredible mountain vistas at Sary Mogul (4,306 m) and Jiptick (4,185 m) mountain passes where you’ll feel as though you’ve landed on another planet
- Stunning views of snow- and glacier-covered Lenin Peak (7,134 m) in a distance on top of Jiptick Pass.
- Diverse landscapes, from turquoise alpine lakes and lush green valleys to high desert moonscapes and the red rock formations of “Three Dragons Gorge”
- Sleeping in a traditional yurt where you’ll have an opportunity to meet Kyrgyz shepherds, learn about traditional nomadic culture, and enjoy home-cooked meals
- Community-Based Tourism. Your use of us will contribute to local communities
Destination: Alay Mountains, southern Kyrgyzstan
Duration: 6 days / 5 nights
Accommodation: 5 nights yurts
Trekking Distance: 102 km
Max Elevation / Min Elevation:: 4,306 meters / 2,186 meters
Total Elevation Gain/Loss: 4435m+ / 4827m-
Months Possible: Mid-June – early September
Difficulty: Moderate to Demanding
Start/End Point: Sarymogol village
Itinerary: Osh city – Pamir-Alay Mountains – Osh city
Combine with a Pamir Highway Trip: If you are interested in continuing on the Pamir Highway to or from Tajikistan, we can easily combine this trekking tour with one of our other Pamir Highway Trips. This will allow you to experience the best of the Alay Mountains and the Pamir Highway together in an easy, seamless way.
DAY 1: TRANSFER FROM OSH TO SARY MOGOL THEN TREK TO ZHANYRYK YURT CAMP
Driving distance/time: 220 km / 4 hours, Trekking distance/time: 14 km, 4-5-hours Ascent / Descent: 461m, 115 m
At 8 a.m., we will embark on a 4-5-hour drive from Osh to Sary Mogol village, passing through the scenic Taldyk Pass at 3,600 meters, where the legendary Silk Road once traversed. After the pass, the majestic Pamir Alay mountains begin to unfold, offering breathtaking panoramic views, and if the weather is clear, we’ll be treated to a stunning view of Lenin Peak from Sary Mogol village. Upon arrival, we’ll stop for lunch to savor delicious local cuisine and experience the warm hospitality of the village. Following lunch, we’ll begin our trek toward the first yurt camp, following an easy car road that winds through open valleys and passes by yurt camps, making the route enjoyable and accessible. Along the way, we’ll encounter grazing animals such as yaks, sheep, goats, and horses, while spotting eagles soaring overhead and marmots scurrying through the grass. Refreshing spring waters will offer scenic rest stops as we continue. The trek also provides a unique opportunity to observe the lifestyle of nomadic people, witnessing their herds, traditional dwellings, and daily routines up close. Upon reaching the yurt camp, located at 3,300 meters, you can relax and settle into your accommodation. As evening falls, enjoy dinner under the stars, soaking in the tranquility of the remote mountain setting before resting for the night in the cozy comfort of the yurt.
Meals included: Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Shared Yurt camp
Facilities: No wi-fi, no electricity, no hot shower, outdoor toilets
DAY 2. TREK FROM ZHANYRYK YURT CAMP OVER SARY MOGUL PASS (4,306M) TO CAMPSITE
Trekking distance/time: 19,4 km, 7-8 hours, Ascent: 866 m, Descent: 1596 m
After breakfast, 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 our established camp.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Shared Yurt camp
Facilities: No wi-fi, no electricity, no hot shower, outdoor toilets
DAY 3: TREK TO KOSH MOINOK VALLEY VIA KYZYL SHORO VILLAGE
Trekking distance/time: 19.4 km, 8 hours, Ascent: 866 m, Descent: 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.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Shared Yurt camp
Facilities: No wi-fi, no electricity, no hot shower, outdoor toilets
*Wi-fi, electricity and hot shower available during lunch in Kyzyl Shoro village
DAY 4: TO JIPTICK YURT CAMP OVER SARY BELL PASS
Trekking distance/time: 24 km, 9 hours, Ascent: 1299 m, Descent: 1095 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 late lunch in a guesthouse. Hot showers, electricity, and the internet are available in the village*. After lunch there 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. Enjoy a home-cooked dinner with a local family and overnight in a yurt.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Shared Yurt camp
Facilities: No wi-fi, no electricity, no hot shower, outdoor toilets
*Wi-fi, electricity and hot shower available during lunch in Kozhokelen village
DAY 5: TREK TO YURT CAMP AT DARBAZATASH VALLEY OVER JIPTICK PASS AT 4,185 METERS
Trekking distance/time: 16 km, 8 hours, Ascent: 1150 m, Descent: 931 m
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.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Shared Yurt camp
Facilities: No wi-fi, no electricity, no hot shower, outdoor toilets
DAY 6: TREK SARY MOGOL VILLAGE – OSH CITY
Trekking distance/time: 11 km / 3-hours, Ascent / Descent: 34 m / 286 m
Walk to Sary Mogul village on an unpaved road (3 hours). While walking, enjoy the expansive view of the Alay Valley and snowcapped mountain ranges of Pamir-Alay in a distance. Arrive at your homestay and enjoy a home-cooked lunch. Take a shower, check your emails if you wish. After lunch, drive to Osh city
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: No
See the video of this trek here.
Price for the Heights of Alay Valley Trek Guided Tour
| Number of people | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5,6,7,8,9,10 |
| Price per person | 1160 | 740 | 620 | 580 | 550 |
Included:
English speaking guide (Assistant guide will be provided from 6 people)
All accommodation 5 nights in yurt (Note: 3-5 person shared rooms for yurt and homestays)
All meals as indicated in itinerary + snacks
Transport from/to Osh (from 6 people mini-bus will be provided)
Horse to carry your gear 15 kg/person)
Horseman
Not included:
Services outside of the standard program
Tips
Bottled water (Please bring water filters to clean the mountain springs)
Travel and Health Insurance
Flights or other domestic/international transport
*Please let us know in advance if you are vegetarian/vegan or if you have food allergies.
Join the following groups for summer 2025(If the following dates do not suit your travel plans, please contact us, we will post a new tour with your dates and try to collect more people to join you)
