Destination: Alay valley
Description: A moderately-difficult day trek that takes you to a series of turquoise alpine lakes, glaciers, gorges, and the highest point of 4,195 meters. Along the way, you’ll pass a yak-filled jailoo (high pasture), and enjoy views of Peak Lenin and the Pamir Mountains in the distance.
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Sarymogol village - Dam jailoo - lakes - back to Sarymogol village
Description: A moderately-difficult day trek that takes you to a series of turquoise alpine lakes, glaciers, gorges, and the highest point of 4,195 meters. Along the way, you’ll pass a yak-filled jailoo (high pasture), and enjoy views of Peak Lenin and the Pamir Mountains in the distance.
Take a transfer from Sary Mogul village to Kashka-Suu village, then drive 11km up a dirt road to reach the starting point of the trek at Damjailoo yurt camp. From the yurt camp, trek up a moderately-steep hill following simple shepherd paths along the way. Don’t forget to turn around from time to time to enjoy the view of Peak Lenin and the Pamir Mountains behind you.
Continuing along the shepherd paths, generally uphill and following the same direction of the stream, you’ll reach “Yak Valley”, a wide alpine meadow home to herds of grazing yaks. Walk left up and over the next incline until you reach the first lake and a small stream beyond for a pleasant lunch (or camping) spot, with the availability of fresh water and a relatively wind-sheltered position at the base of the next incline.
Continue on the path up this incline, looking back from time to time for great views of the first alpine lake and the snow-covered Pamir Mountains in the distance. Make your way around the left side of the hill for stunning views of glaciers on one side and the deep turquoise Lakes on the other, all ringed by mountains and alpine landscape. Then, make your way up to the highest point of the trek, 4,195 meters. The walk up to the highest point, and the peak itself both offer terrific photographic and panoramic opportunities.
Once you are done exploring the peak, the lakes, the glacier wall, turn around. The route back down is the same as the way up. A view of Peak Lenin and the Pamir Mountains will keep you company the entire way until you reach the endpoint, Damjailoo yurt camp.
*Note: this trek can be expanded into an overnight trek that includes visiting other lakes hidden in mountains slopes.
Will be posted soon