Kyrgyzstan Expedition - Best of Alay Mountains Trek 1-12 September, 2026

Date 01 Sep 2026

Days 12

Distance 126.00KM

Difficulty Challenging

Price Per Person 1300.00 JOD

Short description

Discover the Alay Mountains (also known as the Alai Mountains) in southern Kyrgyzstan, one of the most stunning mountain regions in the world that is still unknown…for now. Our Best of Alay Mountains Trek (8-days) combines some of the best trekking and hiking in Kyrgyzstan with stunning mountain landscapes, views of glacier-covered Lenin Peak (7,134 m), high-altitude adventure, Kyrgyz nomadic culture, and much more.

Regional Description

Itinerary

Day 1: Amman – Bishkek (1, 2 Sep, 2026)

Accommodation: SK Hotel

General info: Fly from Amman to Bishkek, where you will be met by your guide at the airport before transferring to your hotel for check-in.

Day 2: Depart for Osh City - Overnight in Osh (2 Sep, 2026)

Accommodation: Osh Grand Hotel Chavo

General info: Depart for Osh city on an afternoon flight at 16:20, offering a smooth and comfortable journey across Kyrgyzstan’s diverse landscapes. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and settle in for an overnight stay in Osh, one of the country’s oldest and most culturally rich cities. Meals (B, D)

Day 3: Depart Osh to Sary Mogul Village (3 Sep, 2026) - 6 km

Accommodation: Guesthouse in Mogul Village
Distance: 6 km

General info: Depart from the historic city of Osh, Kyrgyzstan to the village of Sary-Mogul (3,000 meters). There is remarkable scenery along the way to Sary-Mogul, so enjoy the ride! After two and half hours of driving, we stop for a short 4-hour of hiking to the beautiful Isumrudnoe Lake. Have lunch and continue driving to Sary-Mogul. After arrival, you can enjoy the incredible views of the 7,000+ meter high snow-capped Pamir Mountains in the distance. We will enjoy a home-cooked dinner and an overnight stay at a family-run guesthouse. In Sary Mogul, there are several small convenience stores for last-minute purchases. Meals (B, L, D)

Day 4: Acclimatization Day – Hike from Sary Mogul to Zhanyryk Yurt Camp (4 Sep, 2026) - 14 km

Accommodation: Yurt Camp
Distance: 14 km
Elevation gain/loss (meters): 461+/115-

General info: After breakfast, we’ll begin our trek toward the first yurt camp, following an easy car road that winds through open valleys and passes by yurt camps, making the route enjoyable and accessible. (Optionally, you can also take a 2–3 hour horse trek on this day before arriving at the yurt camp). Along the way, we’ll encounter grazing animals such as yaks, sheep, goats, and horses, while spotting eagles soaring overhead and marmots scurrying through the grass.

Refreshing spring waters will offer scenic rest stops as we continue. The trek also provides a unique opportunity to observe the lifestyle of nomadic people, witnessing their herds, traditional dwellings, and daily routines up close. Upon reaching the yurt camp, located at 3,300 meters, you can relax and settle into your accommodation. Lunch at the yurt camp. After, take a short hike to nearby hills for proper acclimatization. As evening falls, enjoy dinner under the stars, soaking in the tranquility of the remote mountain setting before resting for the night in the cozy comfort of the yurt. Meals (B, L, D)

Day 5: Trek from Zhanyryk Yurt Camp Over Sary Mogul Pass (4,306m) to Campsite (5 Sep, 2026) - 15 km

Accommodation: Yurt Camp
Distance: 15 km
Elevation gain/loss (meters): 1059+/859-

General info: After breakfast, we will begin the trek by walking for about an hour to the first viewpoint. Some parts are a bit challenging as the trail is narrow and the terrain is composed mainly of scree and small pebbles. We will take a break and enjoy the views of the Pamir Mountains from the viewpoint before descending into a valley for lunch. We will break for lunch by a riverbank with glacier views. After lunch, we will head to Sary Mogul Pass at 4,306 meters. As you ascend, glaciated peaks and alpine lakes will begin to appear. At the top of the pass, we will see Besh Kol – this viewpoint has stunning views of the alpine lakes and nearby peaks. After descending, we will walk down to the campsite at 3,600 meters. Enjoy your dinner under the stars at the yurt camp. Meals (B, L, D)

Day 6: Trek to Kosh Moinok valley via Kyzyl Shoro village (6 Sep, 2026) - 19.4 km

Accommodation: Yurt Camp
Distance: 19.4 km
Elevation gain/loss (meters): 866+/1596-

General info: Compared to the previous day, the beginning of the fourth day is relatively easy-going and mainly downhill. As the trek progresses through the valley, the trail cuts back and forth across the river several times. With the decline in elevation, the terrain begins to change from high alpine rocky and dry to mid-mountain green, punctuated by the alpine lush of juniper bushes. Don’t forget to turn around from time to time to enjoy views of the surrounding glaciers and snow-covered peaks above and behind you. Pass through fields filled with grazing cows and shepherd’s yurts inviting you for tea. After a few kilometers, you’ll reach the farmlands of the nearby village, Little Sary Mogul village. Pass through the village and walk for 3,5km along the dusty road to Kyzyl Shoro village. Break for lunch in Kyzyl-Shoro village at a homestay. Take a quick hot shower*. After leaving your homestay, walk to the gorge to the east of the

village. The trail slowly goes up and ascends approximately 860 meters through grass meadows and pastures to Koshmoinok Pass at 3,210 m. After the pass, descend into Koshmoinok Valley (1 hour). Dinner and overnight in a yurt camp at 2,800 meters. Meals (B, L, D)

Day 7: Trek Jiptick yurt camp via Kozhokelen village over Sary Bell pass (7 Sep, 2026) - 24 km

Accommodation: Yurt Camp
Distance: 24 km
Elevation gain/loss (meters): 1300+/1100-

General info: After breakfast, cross over the stream and walk up to Sarybell Pass at 3,132 m (1 hour). Views of the rugged Kichik Alay Mountains open up on top of the pass. From there, follow the path as it winds along the edge of the hills. The red rock formations forming the “Three Dragon Gorge ” are one of the most beautiful spots in all of Kyrgyzstan. You can see the snow-covered Pamir landscapes in the distance with various grades of high-, mid and low alpine landscapes along the way. The trail then descends through the red rocks and into a cliffed riverbed. You will follow the road through the cliffs until arrival in Kozhokelen village (3 hours). Enjoy a late lunch in a guesthouse. Hot showers,

electricity, and the internet are available in the village*. After lunch, there is an easy walk on an unpaved road along the river leading up to the yurt camp at the foot of Jiptick Pass ( 3 hours). Enjoy walking in this beautiful gorge with evergreen trees, and engage along the way with Kyrgyz nomads who are busy with their daily activities, including shepherding their animals. Arrive at the yurt camp at 3,050 meters. Enjoy a home-cooked dinner with a local family and overnight in a yurt. Meals (B, L, D)

Day 8: Trek to Yurt Camp at Darbazatash valley over Jiptick pass (8 Sep, 2026) - 16 km

Accommodation: Yurt Camp

Distance: 16 km
Elevation gain/loss (meters): 1150+/930-

General info: From the yurt camp, the trail ascends gradually along the river to the foot of Jiptick Pass (1 hour). Take the switchbacks to the pass (2 hours). Jiptick Pass (4,185 meters) is breathtaking. In the distance, you can see the Pamir Mountains. Lenin Peak (7,134 meters) can also be seen in the distance during clear weather. Break for lunch. The path descends steeply down to Darbazatash Valley (3 hours). Arrive in the valley (3274 meters). Dinner and overnight stay at the yurt camp. Meals (B, L, D)

Day 9: Sary-Mogul village – Tulpar Kol Lake (9 Sep, 2026) - 11 km

Accommodation: Yurt Camp

Distance: 11 km
Elevation gain/loss (meters): 40+/320-

General info: 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, we will drive to the yurt camp at Tulpar Kol Lake near Lenin Peak Base Camp.

Tulpar Kol is a series of lakes set in the foothills of Pamir Mountain – it is a great spot for photography and easy walking. Dinner and overnight stay in a yurt. Meals (B, L, D)

Day 10: Trek to Traveller’s Pass (4150m) – Osh City - Overnight in Osh (10 Sep, 2026) - 20 km

Accommodation: Osh Grand Hotel Chavo

Distance: 20 km
Elevation gain/loss (meters): 760+/760-

General info: Wake up early. After breakfast, we will head south from Tulpar Kol to the alpinist Peak Lenin Base Camp. After passing the Base Camp, we will begin the ascent to Traveller’s Pass. The trail goes slowly up except for the last 20 minutes, where it becomes a steep zigzag trail that ends up on the Traveller’s Pass at 4,150 meters. Enjoy the magnificent views of glaciers tumbling off the massive peak. Go to the viewpoint on the right of the pass and get 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 in the same way you came. Say goodbye to the Pamirs and drive back to Osh city (5 hours). Meals (B, L, D)

Day 11: Travel to Bishkek - Bishkek City tour, Overnight in Bishkek (11 Sep, 2026)

Accommodation: SK Hotel

General info: Travel to Bishkek on a morning flight departing at 08:40, arriving in the capital ready to begin your exploration. Enjoy a guided city tour through Bishkek’s wide boulevards, lively squares, and distinctive Soviet-era architecture, offering insight into the country’s culture and history. After the tour, transfer to your hotel for an overnight stay in Bishkek. Meals (B)

Day 12: Airport Departure (12 Sep, 2026)

General info: Early breakfast at the hotel, then spend the day in Bishkek for any last-minute shopping before transferring to the airport for your flight. Meals (B)

What To Bring?

All attendees will get a 20% discount on all the gear at TREKS shop

Basics

The most common mistake people make is overpacking. Go light!
No cotton. Go for wicking fabric like fleece and wool.
Temperatures vary along the trail, depending on elevation. So be prepared for changing weather. The higher we get, the colder it becomes! We can expect temperatures to drop below -10 C.
You can rent hiking equipment from TREKS if you’d prefer not to purchase it.

Equipment

Hiking backpack (daypack 30-45 liters)
Hiking poles - save the knees and ankles
Sleeping bag with a temperature rating of at least -15 C
Sleeping bag liner (optional)- for those who get exceptionally cold
Pillowcase
Headlight - hands-free light!
Lithium batteries for any electronics
Duffle bag for extra clothes and gear
Reusable water bottle or bladder- must carry and drink 3 liters of water per day

Footwear

Lightweight hiking boots. Wear boots in advance to break in and loosen them up
Tennis/running shoes (optional) - to wear around camp after the hike
Sandals/flip-flops - to give your feet and toes their much-needed rest

Clothes

Synthetic hiking socks and extra pairs
Underwear and extra pairs
Lightweight hiking pants
Comfortable hiking shirts - both long sleeves and short sleeve
Shorts/swimsuit
Fleece sweater- we cannot stress how important this piece of clothing is.
Down jacket- worn on cold nights and summit night
Thermal underwear (tops and bottoms) - for cold nights at high altitude
Waterproof insulated jacket or rain jacket, to protect against possible rain, snow, or wind
Waterproof insulated pants or rain pants
Warm sleeping clothes - PJs

Hand & Headwear

Sunglasses - UV protection
Cap, Buff, or head-cover - protect the head, face and neck from direct sunlight
Wool hat
Lightweight gloves
Ski gloves

Personal Items

Preferably organic/ natural soaps- to reduce environmental contamination
Toothbrush
Natural toothpaste
Hand sanitizer
Wet wipes
Toilet paper
Travel towel - small & lightweight
Deodorant
Nail clippers
Sunscreen & lip balm- SPF 30 or higher
Insect repellent

Food/ Trail Snacks

Nuts, seeds and dried fruits. Dates and dried figs are some of our favorites!
Chocolates
Electrolyte powder - adds essential vitamins and minerals that are lost through physical exertion

First Aid

Any personal medication
Blister treatment (although the travel team will be carrying a comprehensive first aid and medical kit)

Travel Requirements

Passport with at least 6 months before expiry
Visa Fees of approx 52.00 USD (E-Visa, choose option: Saper Visa, from the following link)

Kyrgyzstan Expedition - Best of Alay Mountains Trek 1-12 September, 2026

Short description

Regional Description

Itinerary

Day 1: Amman – Bishkek (1, 2 Sep, 2026)

Day 2: Depart for Osh City - Overnight in Osh (2 Sep, 2026)

Day 3: Depart Osh to Sary Mogul Village (3 Sep, 2026) - 6 km

Day 4: Acclimatization Day – Hike from Sary Mogul to Zhanyryk Yurt Camp (4 Sep, 2026) - 14 km

Day 5: Trek from Zhanyryk Yurt Camp Over Sary Mogul Pass (4,306m) to Campsite (5 Sep, 2026) - 15 km

Day 6: Trek to Kosh Moinok valley via Kyzyl Shoro village (6 Sep, 2026) - 19.4 km

Day 7: Trek Jiptick yurt camp via Kozhokelen village over Sary Bell pass (7 Sep, 2026) - 24 km

Day 8: Trek to Yurt Camp at Darbazatash valley over Jiptick pass (8 Sep, 2026) - 16 km

Day 9: Sary-Mogul village – Tulpar Kol Lake (9 Sep, 2026) - 11 km

Day 10: Trek to Traveller’s Pass (4150m) – Osh City - Overnight in Osh (10 Sep, 2026) - 20 km

Day 11: Travel to Bishkek - Bishkek City tour, Overnight in Bishkek (11 Sep, 2026)

Day 12: Airport Departure (12 Sep, 2026)

What To Bring?

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Kyrgyzstan Expedition - Best of Alay Mountains Trek 1-12 September, 2026