Highlands of Alay Valley Trek

After breakfast, we will travel for 30 minutes north from Sary Mogul village to the trek's starting location. We start the journey by walking for about an hour to the first viewpoint. Some sections are difficult since the route is narrow and the ground is mostly scree and tiny pebbles. We'll take a pause at the lookout to take in the views of the Pamir Mountains before descending into a valley for lunch. We'll stop for lunch along a riverbed with views of glaciers. After lunch, we will go for 1 hour to Sary Mogul Pass at 4,306 meters. As you climb, glaciated peaks and alpine lakes will appear. We will stop at Besh Kol at the top of the pass, which offers spectacular views of the alpine lakes and adjacent peaks. We will walk down to the campsite at 3,557 meters after descending. Dinner will be served under the stars at our established camp.

• Trekking distance/time: 15 km / 7-hours,
• Meals: B, L, D,
• Accommodation: tent,
• Ascent / Descent: 1059 m / 859 m

In comparison to the previous day, the start of the second day is rather simple and mostly downhill. As the journey continues into the valley, the route crosses the river multiple times. As height decreases, the scenery changes from high alpine stony and dry to mid-mountain green interrupted by alpine lush of juniper shrubs.

Remember to look around from time to time to take in the vistas of the surrounding glaciers and snow-capped peaks above and behind you. Pass across fields of grazing cows and shepherd's yurts that invite you to tea. Take a break near these yurts for lunch. After a few kilometers, you'll arrive in the farmlands of Little Sary Mogul settlement.

Pass through the settlement and walk down the dusty road for 3,5km to Kyzyl Shoro village. Lunch will be served at a guesthouse in Kyzyl-Shoro village. Take a short, hot shower. Walk to the gorge to the east of the settlement after leaving your accommodation. The route gradually ascends 860 meters through grass fields and pastures to Koshmoinok Pass at 3,210 meters. Descend into Koshmoinok Valley (1 hour) after passing through the pass. Dinner and accommodation in a yurt camp at 2,800 meters.

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

Today, hike up to 3,132-meter Sarybell Pass by crossing the river. it takes one hour. At the summit of the pass, views of the untamed Kichik Alay Mountains unfold. Proceed along the trail as it contours the hillsides from that point on. One of Kyrgyzstan's most breathtaking locations is the "Three Dragon Gorge," which is made up of red granite formations.

In the distance, the snow-covered Pamir landscapes are visible, with different elevations of high-, mid-, and low-alpine landscapes seen along the route. The route then drops into a cliffed riverbed and through the red rocks. It will take three hours to reach Kojokelen village as you follow the road through the cliffs. Spend the night in a guesthouse and have a supper prepared at home.

Today connection and hot water is available at the homestay

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

It's an easy walk down an unpaved road by the river today, which leads to the base of Jiptick Pass. Stroll down this lovely ravine lined with evergreen trees and interact with Kyrgyz nomads who are out and about going about their everyday lives, including herding their livestock. Upon reaching the yurt camp.

Have a meal. Following that, we'll take part in a shepherds' master class in bread-making, which is held in a heated large Kazan. Spend the night in a yurt while sharing a home-cooked supper and your freshly baked bread with a local family.

• Trekking distance/time: 10 km,  4 hours,
• Meals: B, L, D,
• Accommodation: yurt camp,
• Ascent: 835 m,  
• Descent: 69 m

The trek ascends slowly along the river from the yurt camp to the base of Jiptick Pass (1 hour). To reach the pass, follow the switchbacks (2 hours). The 4,185-meter Jiptick Pass is spectacular. You can make see the Pamir Mountains in the distance. In fine weather, Lenin Peak (7,134 meters) is also visible in the distance. Take a lunch break. The route drops sharply to the Darbazatash Valley in three hours. Reach the valley floor (3274 meters). Dinner at the yurt camp and an overnight stay.

• Trekking distance/time: 16 km, 8 hours,
• Meals: B, L, D,
• Accommodation: yurt stay
• Ascent: 1150 m,  
• Descent: 931 m

Walk for three hours on an unpaved way to the the village of Sary Mogul. Enjoy the wide view of the Alay Valley and distant snow-capped Pamir-Alay mountain ranges while strolling. After arriving at your homestay, savor a homemade meal. Have a shower and, if you'd like, read your emails. Take a trip to Osh City after lunch.

• Trekking distance / time: 11 km / 3-hours,
• Meals: B, L,
• Ascent / Descent: 34 m / 286 m