The Heights of Alay
11-day trekking expedition across the Pamir-Alai range — Lenin Peak base camp, Tulpar-Kol Lake and remote pastoral villages.
Who it's for
Strong hikers with prior altitude experience above 4,000 m. Daily 5–7 hours walking, several big ascent days.
Guides
Mountain-certified lead guide, French-speaking; local horseman team for pack horses.
Accommodation
Tents on most trek days; yurt camps at Tulpar-Kol; village homestay before/after.
Luggage
Soft duffel + day pack. Pack horses carry main luggage.
The Heights of Alay
11-day trekking expedition across the Pamir-Alai range — Lenin Peak base camp, Tulpar-Kol Lake and remote pastoral villages.
The Heights of Alay — 11 days
The most committing trek in the EcoNomad portfolio: a south-Kyrgyzstan expedition through the Pamir-Alai range, including Lenin Peak base camp at 4,400 m, Tulpar-Kol Lake, and the high passes of the Chon-Alai district. For experienced trekkers in good condition.
13 days, 13 camps
Osh arrival
Arrival in Osh (direct flight from Bishkek or international). Briefing and gear check.
Osh to Sary-Mogol village
Long drive south along the Pamir Highway. Stop at the Sary-Tash crossroads — the white Pamir wall rises ahead. Continue to Sary-Mogol village at 3,150 m.
Sary-Mogol to Sary-Mogol Pass
Acclimatisation walk to the Sary-Mogol Pass viewpoint with views of Lenin Peak.
Sary-Mogol to Kosh-Moinok Pass
Trek over Kosh-Moinok Pass (3,800 m). Descent to camp.
Camp to Kojo-Kelen village
Continue down to Kojo-Kelen village. Apricot orchards, traditional mud-brick homestay.
Kojo-Kelen to Jiptik Pass
Climb Jiptik Pass (4,185 m). Big day with sweeping panorama south to the Pamir.
Jiptik to Darbaza-Tash
Continue down through narrow gorges to Darbaza-Tash camp.
Darbaza-Tash to Sary-Mogol to Tulpar-Kol
Descend to Sary-Mogol, transfer by 4×4 up to Tulpar-Kol Lake at 3,650 m at the foot of Lenin Peak.
Tulpar-Kol to Lenin Peak base camp
Acclimatisation hike up to Lenin Peak base camp at 4,400 m. Unobstructed view of the south wall of Lenin Peak.
Tulpar-Kol to Sary-Mogol to Osh
Descent and long drive back to Osh. Hot showers and a city night.
Osh — Sulayman-Too — departure
Morning visit to Sulayman-Too sacred mountain (UNESCO) and Jayma Bazaar. Afternoon transfer to airport for departure.
International return flight
Arrival home.
Notes
- Border-zone permit required (EcoNomad arranges).
- Altitude up to 4,400 m — bring altitude meds if you have used them before.
Included
- National-park permits and entry fees
- Accommodation throughout the trip
- All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Local guide on each day
- All ground transport during the trip
Not included
- Travel and medical insurance
- Tips for guides and drivers
Where you sleep
Hotel in Osh (3*); village homestays in Sary-Mogol and Kojo-Kelen; tents on the trek (3 nights); yurt camp at Tulpar-Kol (2 nights).
Ulan
Ulan is the co-founder and executive director of our tourism company. Passionate about mountains, nomadic culture, and sustainable tourism, he has been guiding travelers across Kyrgyzstan for many years, sharing both the natural beauty of the country and the daily life of local communities. Specialised in adventure travel, trekking, horseback expeditions, and ski touring, Ulan combines deep field experience with strong organisational skills and a modern vision of responsible tourism. Fluent in Russian, French, and English.
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