Question 1

Is it safe to hike or trek in Alay Mountains?

Audrey · Accepted Answer

Trekking and hiking in the Alay or Alai Mountains is quite safe and you don’t need to worry about crime or other problems. However, the Pamir-Alay Mountains are quite high in elevation, weather can change quickly, and many of the trekking or hiking trails are quite remote. Therefore, it’s important you take the necessary precautions to keep yourself safe and healthy in these mountain conditions.

This is why we advise you to go on a trekking tour with an experienced guide, stay on designated trails, and prepare for varying weather conditions by packing different layers and protection from rain and wind. Altitude sickness can also be a concern for some people as some of the trails go up to 4,300 meters. Be sure to acclimatize properly, drink lots of water when in the mountains and take appropriate measures to prevent it. You can always ask your guide for help and advice if you begin to feel altitude sickness.

Concerning safety: In the case of emergencies, we usually transport the injured person to the nearest medical clinic. Injured people will be carried by horse to the first village and then transferred to the hospital by jeep. From the farthest spot of a trek to the nearest hospital, the journey by horse and then by jeep will take one full day, approximately 10-12 hours.

In the case of a serious injury, our state emergency department rescues with helicopters. Therefore, it is advisable to have emergency evacuation and international medical insurance that covers helicopter rescue. It will also help if you bring a satellite phone with you.

Most people suffer from diarrhea during the trek. If you feel weak and cannot keep up, you can ride a horse. For this reason, we usually bring one extra horse. Additionally, it would be good to bring water filters and water purification tablets to avoid stomach issues.

Question 2

Is it safe to hike or trek in Alay Mountains?

Audrey · Accepted Answer

Trekking and hiking in the Alay or Alai Mountains is quite safe and you don’t need to worry about crime or other problems. However, the Pamir-Alay Mountains are quite high in elevation, weather can change quickly, and many of the trekking or hiking trails are quite remote. Therefore, it’s important you take the necessary precautions to keep yourself safe and healthy in these mountain conditions.

This is why we advise you to go on a trekking tour with an experienced guide, stay on designated trails, and prepare for varying weather conditions by packing different layers and protection from rain and wind. Altitude sickness can also be a concern for some people as some of the trails go up to 4,300 meters. Be sure to acclimatize properly, drink lots of water when in the mountains and take appropriate measures to prevent it. You can always ask your guide for help and advice if you begin to feel altitude sickness.

Concerning safety: In the case of emergencies, we usually transport the injured person to the nearest medical clinic. Injured people will be carried by horse to the first village and then transferred to the hospital by jeep. From the farthest spot of a trek to the nearest hospital, the journey by horse and then by jeep will take one full day, approximately 10-12 hours.

In the case of a serious injury, our state emergency department rescues with helicopters. Therefore, it is advisable to have emergency evacuation and international medical insurance that covers helicopter rescue. It will also help if you bring a satellite phone with you.

Most people suffer from diarrhea during the trek. If you feel weak and cannot keep up, you can ride a horse. For this reason, we usually bring one extra horse. Additionally, it would be good to bring water filters and water purification tablets to avoid stomach issues.