8 Days Trekking in Kyrgyzstan: Alay Mountains Adventure

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Embark on an 8-day trekking adventure in Kyrgyzstan’s Alay Mountains. Experience breathtaking vistas, nomadic culture, and diverse landscapes. Book your unforgettable journey now.

Duration: 8 days

Cancellation: 24 hours

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Highlights

OSH TO SARY MOGUL VILLAGE

Alay Mountains - Driving distance/time: 220 km, 4 hours Trekking distance/time: 6 km, 3-4 hours
Begin the journey from the historic city of Osh, Kyrgyzstan, to the village of Sary-Mogul (3,000 meters). The route to Sary-Mogul offers breathtaking scenery, making the drive enjoyable! After two and a half hours, pause for a…

OSH TO SARY MOGUL VILLAGE

Alay Mountains - Driving distance/time: 220 km, 4 hours Trekking distance/time: 6 km, 3-4 hours

Begin the journey from the historic city of Osh, Kyrgyzstan, to the village of Sary-Mogul (3,000 meters). The route to Sary-Mogul offers breathtaking scenery, making the drive enjoyable! After two and a half hours, pause for a delightful 4-hour hike to the stunning Isumrudnoe Lake. Enjoy lunch before continuing the drive to Sary-Mogul. Upon arrival, take in the spectacular views of the snow-capped Pamir Mountains, towering over 7,000 meters in the distance. Relish a home-cooked dinner and spend the night at a welcoming family-run guesthouse. In Sary Mogul, several small convenience stores are available for any last-minute needs.

ACCLIMATIZATION DAY – HIKE FROM SARY MOGOL TO ZHANYRYK YURT CAMP

Alay Mountains - Trekking distance/time: 14 km, 4-5 hours Ascent / Descent: 461m, 115 m

After breakfast, the trek begins towards the first yurt camp, following a gentle car road through open valleys and passing by yurt camps. Along the way, encounter grazing animals such as yaks, sheep, and horses, with eagles soaring above and marmots scurrying around. Refreshing spring waters provide scenic rest stops. This trek offers a wonderful opportunity to observe the nomadic lifestyle up close. At the yurt camp (3,300m), relax, have lunch, and then hike nearby hills for acclimatization. In the evening, enjoy dinner under the stars before resting in the yurt.

TREK FROM ZHANYRYK YURT CAMP OVER SARY MOGUL PASS (4,306M) TO CAMPSITE

Alay Mountains - Trekking distance/time: 15 km, 8-9 hours Ascent / Descent: 1059 m / 859 m

After breakfast, a 30-minute drive from Sary Mogul village north leads to the trek’s starting point. The trek begins with an hour-long walk to the first viewpoint. Some sections are slightly challenging due to the narrow trail and terrain of scree and small pebbles. Pause to enjoy the views of the Pamir Mountains from the viewpoint before descending into a valley for lunch by a riverbank with glacier views. After lunch, head to Sary Mogul Pass at 4,306 meters (1 hour). As you ascend, glaciated peaks and alpine lakes come into view. At the top of the pass, Besh Kol offers stunning views of the alpine lakes and nearby peaks. After descending, walk down to the campsite at 3,557 meters. Enjoy dinner under the stars at the yurt camp.

TREK TO KOSH MOINOK VALLEY VIA KYZYL SHORO VILLAGE

Alay Mountains - Trekking distance/time: 19.4 km, 7-8 hours Ascent: 866 m Descent: 1596 m

Day four begins with an easy downhill trek. The trail winds through the valley, crossing rivers and transitioning from rocky alpine to lush terrain with juniper bushes. Look back for views of glaciers and peaks. Pass grazing cows and yurts, stopping for tea and lunch. Reach Little Sary Mogul village, then walk 3.5 km on a dusty road to Kyzyl Shoro village for lunch and a hot shower at a homestay. Head east to a gorge, ascending 860 m to Koshmoinok Pass at 3,210 m. Descend into Koshmoinok Valley for dinner and an overnight stay in a yurt at 2,800 m.

TO JIPTICK YURT CAMP VIA KOZHOKELEN VILLAGE OVER SARY BELL PASS

Alay Mountains - Trekking distance/time: 24 km, 9 hours Ascent: 1299 m Descent: 1095 m

After breakfast, cross a stream and ascend to Sarybell Pass at 3,132 m (1 hour) for views of the Kichik Alay Mountains. Follow the path along hillsides to the stunning ‘Three Dragon Gorge’ with red rock formations, snow-covered Pamir landscapes, and varied alpine views. Descend through red rocks into a cliffed riverbed, reaching Kozhokelen village in 3 hours. Enjoy a late lunch in a guesthouse with hot showers and internet. Walk along the river to a yurt camp at Jiptick Pass’s base (3 hours), passing through a scenic gorge with evergreen trees. Enjoy dinner with a local family and stay overnight in a yurt.

TREK TO YURT CAMP AT DARBAZATASH VALLEY OVER JIPTICK PASS AT 4,185 METERS

SARY-MOGOL VILLAGE – TULPAR KOL LAKE

Lake Tulpar-Kol - Trekking distance/time: 11 km, 3 hours Ascent: 40 m Descent: 320 m

Walk to Sary Mogul village (3 hours). Arrive at your homestay and enjoy a home-cooked lunch. Take a shower and enjoy the WiFi*. After lunch, drive to the yurt camp at Tulpar Kol Lake near Lenin Peak Base Camp (1 hour). Tulpar Kol is a series of lakes nestled in the foothills of the Pamir Mountains – a perfect spot for photography and leisurely walks. Dinner and overnight stay in a yurt.

TREK TO TRAVELLERS’S PASS (4150 meters) – OSH CITY

Lake Tulpar-Kol - Trekking distance/time: 20 km, 6 hours Ascent: 760 m Descent: 760 m Driving: 5 hours

Rise early. After breakfast, head south from Tulpar Kol to the alpinist Peak Lenin Base Camp. After passing the Base Camp, begin the ascent to Traveller’s Pass. The trail gradually ascends, except for the last 20 minutes, which features a steep zigzag path leading to Traveller’s Pass at 4,150 meters. Enjoy the magnificent views of glaciers cascading from the massive peak. Visit the viewpoint on the right of the pass for an even better view of Lenin Peak at 7,134 meters, the highest peak in the Pamir-Alay Mountains. Break for lunch there. Return to the yurt camp the same way you came. Bid farewell to the Pamirs and drive back to Osh city (5 hours).

What's Included

Luggage horses
English speaking trekking guide
Lunch
Dinner
Transport from/to Osh city
Breakfast
Accommodation 7 nights
Horse man

What's Not Included

Hotel and meals in Osh city
Services outside of the standard program
Tips
Travel and health Insurance

Additional Information

Explore the best of the Alay Mountains on this tour and 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…

Location

Destination Osh / Дестинация Ош

Kurmanjan Datka

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings

4.9

(82 Ratings)

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V3302ccchristiank

Aug 28, 2025

Unforgettable - We’re still totally blown away and keep dreaming about this unforgettable, exciting, and adventurous trip to Kyrgyzstan! It was just amazing. And with Eshim, we had such a fantastic guide and horseman. I can’t wait to come back… Christian

Review provided by Tripadvisor

Teruot366

Aug 11, 2025

Beautiful nature and warm hopitality - Beautiful nature and warm hospitality. I enjoied the 8 day treckkingvery much witha professional te of guiding. It was an enjoyable time of unexpected horse ridiing in the monuntains.

Review provided by Tripadvisor

Alexcl6264zm

Aug 11, 2025

An amazing hike - An amazing but challenging hike through a staggeringly beautiful country. A shout out to our fantastic guide Baiysh Tobaaev and horseman Nurlan made sure we all got through.

Review provided by Tripadvisor

Caseyh817

Aug 10, 2025

Legendary is an understatement - What an absolutely life changing trip, with some of the most stunning, wild nature I have ever encountered. Every day was breathtaking new mountains and canyons and valleys, traversing past villages and locals. And our lead guide (Baiysh) was the best guide I have ever had in my life (and I’ve done many treks). He was personable, highly experienced, highly competent and always was open to answering questions and educating us on the local culture. Couldn’t recommend this trek more

Review provided by Tripadvisor

Alinab982

Aug 8, 2025

Great hiking experience, I would repeat it again ☺️ - I loved the experience, it was authentic, raw and full of memorable moments! When I subscribed for this trip, this is exactly how I imagined it! This region of Kyrgyzstan is insanely beautiful! Both Pamir and Alay mountains are having a unique character and stunning views! Big thanks to the organizers and our guides who cheered us up when the altitude sickness was kicking in. It was beautiful, fun and I’d repeat it again ☺️

Review provided by Tripadvisor

237ryszardj

Jul 29, 2025

The Trip of a Lifetime in the Kyrgyz Mountains! - The Trip of a Lifetime in the Kyrgyz Mountains! Together with my friends, we spent 8 unforgettable days trekking through the Alay Mountains and one extra day near Peak Lenin – a true once-in-a-lifetime adventure. The landscapes were absolutely breathtaking: majestic peaks, green valleys, rushing rivers, and glaciers that looked like they were taken straight from a postcard. The route was perfectly designed – challenging yet rewarding, allowing us to fully enjoy the beauty of nature. A huge part of what made this trip so special was our incredible guide, Baiysh Toobaev. He is not only an expert in the mountains, knowing every kilometer of the trail by heart, but also a passionate storyteller who shared with us the culture, traditions, and daily life of Kyrgyzstan. With Baiysh, we always felt safe, well taken care of, and inspired to explore more. We also want to give special thanks to our amazing horsemen, Nurlan and Sali, whose help during the entire trek was priceless. They supported us with transporting the gear, assisting in the camps, and making sure we could focus entirely on enjoying the adventure. Both Baiysh and our horsemen went above and beyond to ensure we would bring home the best possible memories. Thank you for all the time you dedicated to us, the endless laughter, and the warm, family-like atmosphere you created throughout the trek. Because of you, this trip was not only safe and comfortable but also truly joyful and unforgettable. If anyone dreams of a genuine mountain adventure in Kyrgyzstan – we wholeheartedly recommend it!

Review provided by Tripadvisor

Onelifephoto

Jul 28, 2025

Incredible Mountain Adventure in Kyrgyzstan! 🇰🇬⛰️ July 2025 - 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 I’ve just returned from 8 unforgettable days of trekking in the stunning mountains of Kyrgyzstan – and I can honestly say it was one of the most amazing experiences of my life! The scenery was absolutely breathtaking – endless landscapes, fresh mountain air, yurts, wild horses… pure magic. Everything was exceptionally well organized by Visit Alay. A special thank you goes to our guide, Baiysh Toobaev, whose deep knowledge of the region, passion for local history and culture, and endless positivity made every day meaningful and inspiring. He truly brought the spirit of Kyrgyzstan to life for us. I also want to thank our fantastic horsemen, Nurlan and Sali. Their skill and calm presence made a huge difference – guiding us through some of the most remote, wild, and jaw-droppingly beautiful places, far from any tourist trail. Thanks to them, we felt safe, confident, and completely immersed in nature. Kyrgyzstan is a land of raw beauty, authenticity, and warm hospitality. If you’re dreaming of an off-the-beaten-path adventure in the mountains – this is it. And Visit Alay is the team to go with. I promise you’ll come back with unforgettable memories and a heart full of joy ❤️ Huge thanks again to Baiysh, Nurlan, and Sali – I’ll never forget this incredible journey. Hope to return one day!

Review provided by Tripadvisor

Serafemm_ph

Jul 28, 2025

Unforgettable trip with Visit Alay in Kyrgyzstan! 🇰🇬🐎 - I spent 8 amazing days in Kyrgyzstan, and I can honestly say it was one of the best trips of my life. Breathtaking landscapes, fresh air, mountains, yurts, horses – simply magical! Everything was perfectly organized by Visit Alay. Huge thanks to our guide Baiysh Toobaev, who not only knew every corner of the region but also shared stories about the local culture, traditions, and history with great passion. Always smiling, helpful, professional, and full of positive energy! I also have to mention Nurlan and Sali, our incredible horsemen. Thanks to them, we were able to reach some of the most wild and beautiful places, far away from the typical tourist paths. Their experience and calm presence made us feel safe and confident throughout the journey. Kyrgyzstan is a country you absolutely must see – wild, raw, authentic, and incredibly hospitable. If you’re planning a mountain adventure, be sure to go with Visit Alay. I guarantee you’ll return with unforgettable memories and a full heart ❤️ Once again, thank you to Baiysh, Nurlan, and Sali for this incredible time. Hope to see you again!

Review provided by Tripadvisor

Louwinw

Aug 24, 2025

Great Reviews, Terrible Reality: Our Experience with Visit Alay - TL;DR: Visit Alay looks great online but was a huge disappointment in reality. Poor organisation, misleading group size, unclear payment rules, inadequate hygiene, and zero empathy when several of us fell sick (including me). Instead of care, our guide asked for a review” – so, here it is. Kyrgyzstan is stunning, but I would not recommend booking with Visit Alay. When my partner and I first stumbled upon Visit Alay, we were thrilled. 4.9 stars on Tripadvisor? Groups capped at 10-11 people? Everything sounded great! We thought we had found the ideal company for our first trip to Kyrgyzstan. If you’re here for a feel-good travel tale, this is not it. Let’s begin with the low point: Several of us fell ill during the trip, from contaminated food or water, and toilets at camp were left filthy with diarrhea residue. I was hit the hardest. Imagine stomach cramps, vomiting, nausea, fever, and flu-like joint pain all at once. On the day before the Lenin Peak hike, I was bedridden, drenched in sweat, freezing, and holding on for dear life - feeling like I’d been run over by a truck. While I was lying in bed trying to consult my doctor back home, our primary guide, Oshman, walked in. Did he check on me? Barely. Instead, as my partner was explaining my symptoms to the doctor over the phone, Oshman interrupted, not with help, but to remind us to “leave a good review.” When I needed a doctor, we were told to wait 1.5 hours for a cab since they wanted to “find a good car, like a Mercedes, with air conditioning.” That turned into 3 hours of being dragged out of bed several times with false alarms, only to end up in an old Japanese car with no A/C for a 3 to 4 hour drive while I burned with fever. And the chaos didn’t stop there. A family member with a baby was added to our car at the last minute. Once we had finally left, the car suddenly turned back halfway because the guides realised they had forgotten some guests’ sleeping bags that needed to go back to Osh. When we finally arrived, I wasn’t taken straight to a hospital; first, they dropped off the woman, then drove us to the Visit Alay office where, instead of concern, we were urged to collect our stored belongings because they were “closing soon”. No empathy, no responsibility. Money Before departure, Visit Alay sent us an email instructing guests to bring cash: either Euros (preferably large notes) or USD. We brought USD in 20-dollar bills since they only specified note size for Euros. When we arrived, they refused our money, saying smaller bills had a “lower rate.” Instead of acknowledging their lack of clarity, they insisted we pay using an online link. After we paid, they apologised with a: “New employees wrote the email.” Not What We Paid For We had booked with the promise of a small group. Instead, we were merged with another group of 10, meaning 20+ people plus guides and horsemen. This meant that food (especially protein) ran short, sleeping conditions worsened, and what could have been tranquil evenings turned into noisy nights of local guides partying with guests. Visit Alay advertises: “As evening falls, enjoy dinner under the stars, soaking in the tranquility of the remote mountain setting before resting in the cozy comfort of the yurt.” Reality? Dinner (and everything else) consistently delayed with no further clarification, competition for showers, pressure on the accommodation, and 06:00 wake-up calls after nights of loud chatter. The Guides Our secondary guide, Shadi, deserves all the praise: warm, helpful, and genuinely caring. But Oshman, the primary guide, seemed disengaged, uninformed, and largely absent from responsibility. He walked ahead on hikes without checking on the group, rarely communicated plans, and often behaved more like another guest than the leader we depended on. Traveling in Kyrgyzstan is beautiful and worth it, but I cannot in good conscience recommend this company.

Review provided by Tripadvisor

Lassewinterberg

Aug 24, 2025

Beautiful trip, terrible agency - The stunning Best of Alay Mountains trek was truly breathtaking, unfortunately the amazing scenery was not enough to counter Visit Alay’s poor service and lack of professionalism. Here is a list of issues we had with the agency, each deduct a star from an otherwise beautiful trip: 1. We asked in advance if we could pay in Euros. We got an email saying that Euros were only big notes and that we could just bring dollars to otherwise pay with card and an extra fee. Our bank in Denmark only had 20 dollar notes, but since we had an email confirmation that dollar payment were OK we bought currency to pay for our trip. Upon arrival at the Visit Alay office they declines payment with 20 dollar notes even though they asked us specifically to bring dollars, because apparently they get a poorer exchange rate on small notes in the local bank. We argued a bit since we thought Visit Alay should take the payment in dollars since they asked for it, they declined. Only when we then paid through an online link did the woman at the Visit Alay office apologize, even though she blamed “new employees” for the miscommunication and never accepted the payment in the currency they asked us to bring. 2. The trek was advertised as tranquil and serene. But Visit Alay had booked another private trek on the exact same route as us on the same dates meaning that including guides and horsemen around 25-30 people had to share one toilet and one dinner yurt at every stop. Throughout the trip both guides and people from other groups seemed to be partying staying up late and even blasting music through bluetooth speakers in the evenings. In other words there were not much tranquility and the advertised size of the group was doubled at dinner time. 3. Maybe the two large groups were too much for the local kitchens to handle. More than half of the people trekking got stomach issues along the trek including my wife and I. We had to skip the last day to get to a doctor in Osh. 4. When the local group of guides facilitated a taxi-ride back to Osh we had to wait three hours because “they would send us a nice car, a Mercedes from Osh”, we got picked up in an old Japanese car without A/C, a broken windshield and the drivers seat in the wrong side. After leaving he turned around, because they forgot some of Visit Alays sleeping bags that they wanted to bring back together with a woman and her baby. A hot car and a three hour wait was far from ideal for a medical transfer of my wife who had fever and stomach pains. This unfortunately leaves just one star for the great mountain views and the very alert and competent second guide Shadi, that was very attentive and helpful throughout the hike. Unfortunately the rest of our experience with Visit Alay was pretty dissapointing.

Review provided by Tripadvisor

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