12-Day Kyrgyzstan Trekking Tour in the Alay Mountains
Trek through the wild heart of southern Kyrgyzstan on an active small-group adventure across remote valleys, colourful gorges and spectacular mountain passes reaching more than 4,300 metres.
A remote trekking adventure through southern Kyrgyzstan
This 12-day Kyrgyzstan trekking tour combines two of the most beautiful multi-day routes in the Alay Mountains with genuine encounters in the semi-nomadic communities that live between them.
The journey begins with a 3-day trek through the lower Alay Mountains. The gradually increasing altitude gives you time to acclimatise while hiking across Kum Bell Pass and Ak Tor Pass. You then continue into the higher Alay, where a 7-day route connects Sary Mogul Pass, the Five Lakes, Koshmoinok Valley, Three Dragons Gorge and Jiptick Pass.
The landscapes change almost every day: green grazing valleys become rugged alpine terrain, red-rock gorges give way to turquoise lakes, and high passes reveal sweeping views across the glaciated Pamir-Alay range. The final hike leads past Lenin Peak Base Camp to Traveller’s Pass, with close views of one of Central Asia’s highest mountains.
It is a journey through remote mountain terrain, you experience a part of Kyrgyzstan that few travellers reach and spend meaningful time with the families who call these mountains home.
The group is supported by an experienced English-speaking trekking guide, assistant guides, drivers, horsemen and local hosts. Pack animals carry the main luggage during the trekking days, so you only walk with a daypack.
If you’re from Belgium or the Netherlands, you can read the description in Dutch.
12-DAY BEST OF ALAY KYRGYZSTAN TREKKING TOUR DATES 2027:
July 19th – July 30th
August 9th – August 20th
Tour price: To be confirmed*
→ Book by December 1st, 2026, and receive a 5% early-booking discount!
*depending on group size, see tour costs below for more info
The Best of Alay Kyrgyzstan Trekking tour at a glance
- Duration: 12 days/12 nights with departure on Day 13. The final overnight in Osh is included as most international and domestic flights leave at night or in the early morning.
- Group: Small international group (maximum 10 travellers)
- Arrival & Departure: Osh
- Trekking: 10 hiking days and approximately 141 km in total.
- Longest day: up to 20 km and approximately 8 hours of hiking.
- Highest point: Sary Mogul Pass at 4,306 m.
- Difficulty: demanding; previous mountain-trekking experience and very good fitness are required.
- Accommodation: hotel room in Osh, homestays and traditional yurts.
- Luggage: horses carry up personal trekking gear, you carry your own daypack.
- Guides: experienced local English-speaking trekking guide, supported by assistant guides, horsemen, drivers and local hosts.
“This trip was once again truly special, completely different from everyday life. It was active, challenging and incredibly beautiful, yet also wonderfully relaxing because we were so well taken care of and the group consisted of like-minded people. We want more of this!”
“We are not usually group-travel people, but this trip changed our minds. It was great in every way: beautiful nature, warm and welcoming people, great organisation and a really nice group of fellow hikers. This trip takes some physical effort, but it is absolutely worth it.”
“Simply a perfect trip, with vast landscapes and truly breathtaking views. It offered a wonderful insight into Kyrgyz culture and the nomadic way of life, and the food was excellent. The itinerary was very well designed for gradual acclimatisation, even for travellers arriving from sea level-but you do need to be fit!”
What Makes This Kyrgyzstan Trekking Tour Different?
This journey combines two contrasting parts of the Alay Mountains. The first trek leads through greener valleys, juniper forests and semi-nomadic settlements, allowing you to settle into the rhythm and acclimatise gradually. The second takes you into the dramatic high-altitude landscapes around Sary Mogul and Lenin Peak, crossing passes above 4,000 metres.
The scenery changes almost every day: from alpine meadows and turquoise lakes to glaciers, rocky passes and red sandstone gorges. Once the trekking begins, relatively little time is lost to long transfers. Most nights are spent in modest yurts and guesthouses run by local families, where you can experience Kyrgyz hospitality and learn more about life in these remote mountain communities.
My own connection with Kyrgyzstan began in 2017, when I travelled and lived there for almost a year. In 2021, I spent several weeks trekking through the Alay Mountains. I still remember thinking that I had seen the most beautiful part of the route, only for the landscape to surprise me again the following day.
That experience became the foundation of this tour, which I designed together with my friend and trusted local partner Aziret from Visit Alay. The journey is led by an experienced local English-speaking guide and supported by horsemen, drivers, yurt-camp hosts and guesthouse families. This local collaboration also ensures that the biggest part of the tour price directly supports the communities you visit.
With a maximum of 10 travellers, the group remains small and personal. I remain your point of contact before the journey, help you prepare properly and work directly with Visit Alay. It is a demanding adventure, but one rooted in places I have personally walked and genuinely want to share with you.
IS this Tour for you?
This tour is designed for fit and adventurous hikers who want to spend most of their journey on foot and are happy to exchange comfort for remote landscapes, local encounters and long days in the mountains. This journey is a good match if you:
- have previous experience with multi-day mountain trekking;
- can hike up to 20 km and approximately 8 hours in one day over steep, rocky and uneven terrain;
- can manage ascents of up to approximately 1,150 metres (not daily) and long descents;
- are comfortable sharing yurts and modest rooms with other group members;
- accept outdoor or squat toilets and several days without a hot shower, electricity, Wi-Fi or mobile coverage;
- can carry a 30- to 40-litre daypack containing water, waterproofs, warm layers, snacks and personal essentials;
- enjoy travelling with people of different ages, backgrounds and nationalities;
- understand that mountain weather, trail conditions and local circumstances can require changes to the itinerary.
The route is non-technical, but previous experience with mountain hikes and good endurance are essential.
If you are unsure whether your experience or fitness level is sufficient, please contact me before booking. I would rather help you make an honest assessment than have you arrive unprepared.
12-day Itinerary
Note: This itinerary can be modified in case of weather conditions and other unforeseen circumstances.
Day 1: Arrival in Osh, welcome meeting and group dinner.
Day 2: Osh – drive to Chyyirchyck Pass – Kum Bell Pass – Sary Oi Valley; 16 km.
Day 3: Sary Oi Valley – Ak Tor Base; 12 km.
Day 4: Ak Tor Base – Ak Tor Pass – Murdash Valley; 12km – drive to Sary Mogul.
Day 5: Sary Mogul – Sary Mogul Pass – yurt camp; 12 km.
Day 6: Yurt camp – Kyzyl Shoro – Koshmoinok Pass – Koshmoinok Valley; 20 km.
Day 7: Koshmoinok Valley – Sarybell Pass – Three Dragons Gorge – Kojokelen; 12 km.
Day 8: Kojokelen – Jiptick yurt camp; 10 km.
Day 9: Jiptick yurt camp – Jiptick Pass – Darbazatash Valley; 16 km.
Day 10: Darbazatash Valley – Sary Mogul – Tulpar Kul; 11 km.
Day 11: Lenin Peak Base Camp and Traveller’s Pass day hike; 20 km.
Day 12: Cultural programme at Tulpar Kul and return to Osh; final hotel night.
(Day 13: Airport transfer and departure from Osh)
Note: Distances, hiking times and elevation figures are approximate. Weather, river levels, trail conditions, the condition of the group and local circumstances may require the guides to adjust the route.
Day 1: ARRIVAL IN OSH
Welcome to Osh. You will be met at the airport and transferred to the group hotel. Hotel check-in times apply, so an early check-in may involve an additional charge. You can use this day to rest or explore Osh.
The tour officially begins at 6 pm with a welcome meeting. You will meet your fellow travellers and the local team, receive a detailed briefing and check the equipment needed for the trek. We then share a welcome dinner.
Meals included: Dinner.
Accommodation: Shared twin room in hotel.
Facilities: Wi-Fi, hot shower, western-style toilets.
Day 2: Transfer from OSH to CHYYIRCHYCK PASS, Trek to KUMBELL PASS and SARY OI VALLEY
Trekking distance: 16 km Trekking time: 6 hours Ascent: 842m Descent: 1147m
After breakfast, we drive from Osh along part of the Pamir Highway to Chyyirchyck Pass at approximately 2,300 metres. This is the starting point of our three-day trek through the lower Alay Mountains.
The trail begins with a steeper section before climbing more gradually past seasonal settlements. We may meet shepherds tending their animals or families milking mares. After approximately two and a half hours, we reach Kum Bell Pass at 3,154 metres. The final approach is steep, but the views open beautifully behind us.
We stop for a picnic before descending for approximately three and a half hours through grassland and juniper forest to Sary Oi Valley. A local shepherd family welcomes us to their yurt camp for dinner and our first night in the mountains.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Accommodation: Shared yurt.
Facilities: No wi-fi, no electricity, no hot shower, outdoor toilets.
Day 3: SARY OI VALLEY to Ak Tor Base
Trekking distance: 12 km Trekking time: 4-5 hours Ascent: 856m Descent: 227m
Today is a shorter trekking day. We cross a bridge and follow the Jyly-Suu River through juniper forest and green valleys where horses and cattle graze. Small semi-nomadic settlements appear along the route.
We reach the foot of Ak Tor Pass in the early afternoon. In clear weather, Ak Tor Peak rises above the valley at approximately 4,000 metres. We spend the night in a yurt camp beside the river, allowing time to rest before tomorrow’s pass crossing.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Accommodation: Shared yurt.
Facilities: No wi-fi, no electricity, no hot shower, outdoor toilets.
Day 4: Ak Tor Base to Ak Tor Pass and MURDASH VALLEY, transfer to Sary Mogul Village
Trekking distance: 12 km Trekking time: 6 hours Ascent: 658m Descent: 1183m
After breakfast, we begin the two-hour ascent to Ak Tor Pass at 3,557 metres. The route is not technical, but several steeper sections make the climb demanding. From the top, layered mountain ridges and granite peaks extend in every direction.
We follow the ridge before descending through the hills towards Murdash Valley. Our vehicle meets us at the end of the trail for a scenic transfer to Sary Mogul along the Pamir Highway.
We arrive in the early evening and settle into a family-run guesthouse. A hot shower, electricity and a proper bed are particularly welcome after three days on the trail.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Accommodation: Shared room in guesthouse.
Facilities: Wi-Fi, hot shower, western-style toilets.
day 5: SARY-MOGUL VILLAGE to SARY-MOGUL PASS and CAMPSITE
Trekking distance: 12 km Trekking time: 7 hours Ascent: 1054 m Descent: 477 m
After breakfast, a short drive takes us to the start of the higher Alay trek. We follow a narrow trail beside a stream to the first viewpoint, descend into a valley and continue towards a flat meadow surrounded by glaciers.
After our picnic, we begin the final ascent to Sary Mogul Pass at 4,306 metres, the highest point of the tour. Glaciated peaks and the turquoise Five Lakes gradually come into view. Reaching the pass is a major achievement and one of the defining moments of the journey.
A steep descent brings us to the yurt camp at approximately 3,750 metres, where we eat dinner and spend the night.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Accommodation: Shared yurt.
Facilities: No wi-fi, no electricity, no hot shower, outdoor toilets.
Day 6: CAMPSITE – KYZYL SHORO VILLAGE – KOSHMOINOK PASS – KOSHMOINOK VALLEY
Trekking distance: 20km Trekking time: 6-7 hours Ascent: 868m Descent: 1749m
The day begins with a long descent. As we lose altitude, the rocky high-alpine terrain becomes greener and juniper bushes return. We pass fields and the small settlement of Little Sary Mogul before following an unpaved road to Kyzyl Shoro.
We have lunch at a homestay and can freshen up before starting the second half of the day. The trail climbs through grassland and pasture towards Koshmoinok Pass at 3,210 metres. After crossing the pass, we descend for approximately one hour into Koshmoinok Valley.
Tonight we stay with a semi-nomadic shepherd family at a yurt camp at approximately 2,389 metres.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Accommodation: Shared space in yurt.
Facilities: Outdoor toilet.
day 7: KOSHMOINOK VALLEY – SARYBELL PASS – THREE DRAGON GORGE – KOJOKELEN VILLAGE
Trekking distance: 12km Trekking time: 5-6 hours Ascent: 412m Descent: 1013m
We cross a stream and climb for approximately one hour to Sarybell Pass at 3,132 metres. From the top, the rugged Kichik Alay Mountains open before us.
The path winds along the hills above the unusual red formations of Three Dragons Gorge. This is one of the most colourful parts of the route, with views ranging from distant snow-covered mountains to lower alpine valleys.
We descend beside a stream and continue through evergreen trees to Kojokelen village. A home-cooked dinner and hot shower await at the guesthouse.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Accommodation: Shared room in guesthouse.
Facilities: Hot shower, outdoor toilet, electricity, wi-fi.
Day 8: KOJOKELEN VILLAGE – JIPTICK YURT CAMP
Trekking distance: 10km Trekking time: 4 hours Ascent: 833m Descent: 69m
Today’s shorter walk follows an unpaved track beside the river through a gorge lined with evergreen trees. We may meet families herding animals or working around their summer camps as we approach the foot of Jiptick Pass.
We arrive at the yurt camp around lunchtime. During the afternoon, the local family shows us how traditional bread is prepared and baked in a large heated kazan. We eat our bread with dinner that evening.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Accommodation: Shared space in yurt.
Facilities: Outdoor toilet.
Day 9: JIPTICK YURT CAMP – JIPTICK PASS – DARBAZATASH VALLEY
Trekking distance: 16km Trekking time: 8 hours Ascent: 1150m Descent: 931m
We begin on a gradual trail towards the foot of Jiptick Pass before tackling the longer climb to the top. At 4,185 metres, the pass offers an expansive view of the snow-covered Pamir Mountains, with Lenin Peak rising in the distance.
After lunch, we follow a steep trail down into Darbazatash Valley at approximately 3,274 metres. We eat and sleep at a simple yurt camp beside a stream.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Accommodation: Shared space in yurt.
Facilities: Outdoor toilet.
Day 10: DARBAZATASH VALLEY – SARY-MOGUL VILLAGE, drive to Tulpar Kul Lake
Trekking distance: 11km Trekking time: 3 hours Ascent: 34m Descent: 286m
An easy morning walk leads out of Darbazatash Valley towards Sary Mogul. The broad Alay Valley stretches ahead, backed by the snow-covered Pamir-Alay range.
We reach the guesthouse around lunchtime, where there is time to shower and rest. In the afternoon, we drive to Tulpar Kul and settle into a yurt camp near the lake.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Accommodation: Shared space in yurt.
Facilities: Outdoor toilet (Wi-Fi and hot shower in afternoon)
Day 11: day trek to PEAK LENIN BASECAMP and TRAVELLER’S PASS
Trekking distance: 20km Trekking time: 6 hours Ascent: 760m Descent: 760m
We hike from Tulpar Kul towards Lenin Peak Base Camp and continue past the expedition tents towards Traveller’s Pass at 4,150 metres. The trail climbs gradually until the final twenty minutes, when a steeper zigzag path leads to the pass.
We picnic with views of the glaciers flowing from Lenin Peak, which rises to 7,134 metres. We then return to Tulpar Kul along the same route and spend our final night in the Alay Mountains at the yurt camp.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Accommodation: Shared space in yurt.
Facilities: Outdoor toilet.
Day 12: CULTURAL EVENT at Tulpar Kul – RETURN TO OSH
Before leaving Tulpar Kul, we attend a small cultural programme introducing Kyrgyz traditions and folklore. After a final home-cooked lunch, we drive back to Osh.
On the way, we stop at a workshop run by a local women’s cooperative for a felt-making demonstration and an opportunity to buy locally made souvenirs.
We check into the hotel in Osh and meet for a final dinner together. The hotel night is included, giving you time to shower, repack and rest before your flight.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Accommodation: Shared room in hotel.
Facilities: Wi-Fi, hot shower, western-style toilets.
(Day 13: Departure from Osh)
Your driver will transfer you to Osh International Airport. Many international flights leave early in the morning, so departing during the night between Day 12 and Day 13 is also possible. Otherwise, you can enjoy breakfast at the hotel before your airport transfer.
Note: This itinerary can be modified in case of weather conditions and other unforeseen circumstances.
FAQ: WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW about THe Best of alay Kyrgyzstan Trekking Tour
In case you have more questions about this tour, don’t hesitate to contact me.
TOur Costs
Price for the 12-day Best of Alay Mountains Trekking Tour (depending on group size):
- from 3 to 6 people: to be confirmed
- from 7 people on: to be confirmed
What’s included in this price?
- Airport transfers in Osh on Day 1, Day 12 or Day 13, or one day before the programme.
- Private transport listed in the itinerary with experienced local drivers.
- Experienced English-speaking trekking guide and the required local support team.
- All accommodation listed in the itinerary, based on shared rooms and sleeping spaces.
- All meals specifically listed in the daily itinerary.
- Activities and entrance fees specifically listed in the itinerary.
- Border-zone permit for the Pamir-Alay region.
- Horses or donkeys and horsemen for group equipment and up to 10 kg of personal trekking luggage per traveller.
- Cooking and trekking support equipment used by the local team.
What’s not included in this price?
- International airfares to and from Kyrgyzstan
- Transport to and from Osh (we can arrange Bishkek – Osh airfare tickets for an additional price of €55, see FAQ above)
- Visa application fee (however, Kyrgyzstan is visa-free for most EU and other countries. Check this link to see if you can visit the country without having to obtain a visa)
- Medical or travel insurance (mandatory to join our trip). I recommend SafetyWing, HeyMondo or IATI backpacker if you want a good insurance provider (in case you don’t have one yet).
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
- Alcoholic beverages, soft drinks and bottled water
- Personal expenses and souvenirs
- Single supplement in hotel and guesthouse (€70)
- Sleeping bag: can be rented for an additional price of €60 for the total duration of the tour
Booking & Cancellation
Confirm your participation with a deposit of €350 per person.
Deposits can be made via a standard bank transfer in EUR or via online transfer (Wise) in EUR or USD.
As soon as I receive your booking, I’ll send out the payment details. You have 48 hours to pay the deposit. If not, I have to cancel your participation and reserve the place for the next person who books.
The remaining tour costs can be paid by credit card on the first day of the tour or via online transfer at the latest 10 days before the start of the trip. Transaction or card fees may apply.
The departure is guaranteed when at least 3 travellers have booked. You will receive confirmation as soon as the minimum group size has been reached. Wait for this confirmation before purchasing non-refundable flights.
If you have any more questions or want more info, please contact me here!
Cancellation policy
If for any reason you can’t join this tour, we’ll refund your deposit – minus €100 administrative costs – if you cancel at the latest 3 months before the start date of the tour.
In case we have to cancel this tour due to unforeseen circumstances beyond our control (pandemic, political reasons, natural disasters,…), you will receive a refund of the tour payments received, minus any non-refundable transaction costs. Flight costs, visa costs, insurance and other personal expenses are not reimbursed.
Travel insurance with suitable cancellation and interruption cover is strongly recommended from the moment you book.
For questions about the tour, contact me here.
Journal of Nomads Best of Alay Kyrgyzstan Trekking Tour Reviews: What Travellers Say
Read what previous travellers say about the Best of Alay Trekking tour with Journal of Nomads.
This was one of the best two weeks of my life. The whole organization was perfect, which left us to focus on the incredible scenery, connect with each other, and have fun. The itinerary was well put together, the guides took good care of us, and I managed to have an authentic experience in a country most people haven’t even heard of. It’s physically challenging, but with a little preparation, this would be doable for most people. I can not recommend enough the tour, and can’t wait to join the next one!
This trip was once again truly special, completely different from everyday life. It was active, challenging and incredibly beautiful, yet also wonderfully relaxing because we were so well taken care of and the group consisted of like-minded people. We want more of this!
A horse was available in case anyone needed assistance, which was reassuring. We had a fantastic guide, and communication with both Journal of Nomads and the local Visit Alay team was excellent. Everything felt professional and trustworthy. Just go!”
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