Accommodation on our treks is a mix of local homestays, yurt camps, and occasional tent camping depending on the route. We work with local families and providers so all of our accommodation along the treks and hikes are locally owned and have a personal, local feel to them. They are simple, but clean and comfortable....
Archives: FAQs
FAQ
Will I need to carry all my gear while trekking?
It depends on the trek you do. Not all of our treks include luggage horses and porters. Most of our multi-day treks include pack animal support (usually horses or mules) or porters to transport the heavy gear. For the treks that do not include luggage support in the standard price, you have the option of...
FAQ
Do I need to bring camping gear like a tent?
No, you don’t need to bring tents or cooking gear – we provide all communal camping equipment on our organized treks. Our trekking tours typically include tents, sleeping pads, cooking stove, and utensils when camping is required. Many of our treks in Kyrgyzstan use established yurt camps or homestays each night, so you may not...
FAQ
What should I pack for a trek or hike in Kyrgyzstan?
We provide a detailed packing list for each trekking tour, but here are the essentials you should bring for mountain treks and hikes: Warm clothes and layers as it gets warm during the day, but it can go below freezing at night and when it rains. This means having layers like fleece and light jackets...
FAQ
How do I prepare physically for a trekking tour?
It is always a good idea to do some physical training in advance so you can fully enjoy your trek. Cardiovascular fitness and leg strength are the most important. We recommend you start taking regular hikes or long walks in the weeks (or months) leading up to the trip. Gradually increase distance and carry a...
FAQ
Does the Lenin Peak Base Camp Trek involve climbing Lenin Peak?
No, our Lenin Peak Base Camp Trek is a high-altitude trekking tour in the Pamir-Alay Mountains that does not include a summit climb of Lenin Peak (7,134 m). Climbing to the summit of Lenin Peak is a technical mountaineering expedition requiring special gear, permits, and 2+ weeks of time. Our trek, by contrast, is designed...
FAQ
How difficult is the Best of Alay Mountains Trek?
The Best of Alay Mountains Trek is one of our most popular trekking tours, and for good reason. We rate the Best of Alay Mountains Trek as Medium-Difficult because it is quite challenging in some parts, especially the rocky and scree-covered trails before and after Sary Mogol (4,306 m) and Jiptick Pass (4,185 m). In...
FAQ
How difficult are the treks you offer? Do I need prior hiking experience?
The difficulty level of our hiking and trekking tours in Kyrgyzstan varies depending on the route, altitude and condition of the trail. Some hikes are suitable for beginners with an easy or moderate level of difficulty, while others are quite challenging and require good fitness levels, prior trekking and hiking experience at altitude. You don’t...
FAQ
Can I travel in Kyrgyzstan in the winter? Do you offer winter tours in Kyrgyzstan?
Kyrgyzstan in winter (December through February) is cold and snowy, particularly in the mountains. Although our trekking or horseback riding tours are not offered during winter, you can still enjoy cultural tours and city visits. And Kyrgyzstan offers a lot of other winter activities and sports like skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing and winter yurt stays. If...
FAQ
What is the weather like during the summer trekking season in Kyrgyzstan?
In summer (June–August), weather in Kyrgyzstan’s mountains is generally sunny and mild, but it varies greatly by elevation and time of day. During the day in the mountains temperatures can reach 20–25°C (68–77°F). The temperatures vary during the day depending upon the altitude, wind and other weather conditions, so it’s still important to bring layers...