Day 1: Osh — Sary-Mogol

A morning departure from Osh to Sary-Mogol through the scenic Alay mountains and valley. Detour to visit the Kolduk lake – a beautiful mountain lake, located to the east of Kolduk village. The lake’s surface beautifully reflects the pair of cliffs with sticking plants and fir trees of the surroundings. Walk around the lake, take photos, and enjoy the grandiose view before continuing the trip to Sary-Mogol. Enjoy your lunch at Alay Travel Hotel in Sary-Mogol, before departing to the Tulpar-Kol Lake (1 hour driving). You are welcome to walk around the lakes. Dinner and night at the yurt camp.

Day 2: Tulpar Kol Lake — Travelers’ pass –Tulpar Kol Lake (6-7 hours walking)

Enjoy your filling breakfast and get some energy before driving to the Tulpar Kol yurt camp (1 hour drive). Leave your heavy bags before heading to the Traveler’s Pass. You are going to have a challenging, yet rewarding ascent through some of the most spectacular mountain scenery in Central Asia. The trail will lead you through the rugged terrain, glacial streams, rocky slopes, and alpine meadows. On top of it, you will enjoy your lunch with epic views before heading back to the yurt camp. Within 7 hours of hiking (round trip), your body will become acclimatized and adjust to the thin air. Have your dinner and a well-deserved rest at the yurt camp.  

Day 3: Tulpar Kol Lake – Tuiyuk – Sary-Mogol (6 hours walking, 1.30 hours driving)

Prepare yourself for the incredible scenery of the entire Alay Valley and 40 lakes. Those who struggle with high altitude can follow an alternative path to the shepherd’s yurt in the Tuyuk Canyon. Enjoy a short walk to the charming view of the canyon and the snow-capped peaks of Pik Latvia (6,218 m) and Pik Estonia (6,202 m). Shout out to the travelers from Baltic countries! The panoramic peak is at 4100 meters, and the peak itself, from which you can see the entire Tulpar-Kol lake, is at 4080 meters. The slope is not very steep, but you will have to climb to 3375 meters (without equipment), then descend to the main canyon. After lunch, continue hiking to Kashar (shepherd’s hut), from where you’ll be picked up by car and returned to Sary-Mogol.

Day 4: Sary-Mogol village – Sary-Mogol yurt camp

You start the day by driving to the trailhead (1 hour), where you will start a challenging trek by going up to the Sary-Mogol Pass (4,200 m) and Besh-Kol lake. The route takes 6–8 hours of walking up the rocky path. At the top of the pass, you will be embraced by another stunning view of Besh-Kol lakes. Carry your journey on to the Sary Mogol yurt camp. 

Day 5: Sary-Mogol yurt camp – Koshmoinok (6 hours)

Your adventure follows the river, descending towards the end of a beautiful mountain gorge. Grandiose views of the Kichik Alay mountain range will accompany you to the small village of Kyzyl-Shoro, and stop for lunch at the local homestay or cafe. After lunch, you go further to the yurt camp in Koshmoinok.

Day 6: Koshmoinok to Kojo-Kelen village (6 hours)

Another day filled with epic panoramic views and pristine nature of Sary-Bel Pass (3150m), decorated with the sounds of birds and rushing rivers. The trail will lead you to the picturesque village of Kojo-Kelen, renowned for its red rock formations and authentic charm. The village will welcome you with renowned Kyrgyz hospitality at the local cozy homestay. 

Day 7: Kojo-Kelen village to Jiptik yurt camp (6 hours)

The morning starts with a hike along the dirty country road of Jiptik gorge. It follows the banks of the crystal clear waters of the Ak-Buura River (the main source of drinking and irrigation water of Osh). With a slight rise in elevation, you will feel ascending towards the yurt camp before the Jiptik Pass.

Day 8: Jiptik yurt camp to Sary-Mogol (6 hours walking; 1 hour driving)

Today, you are ascending to the Jiptik Pass, standing at an elevation of 4,1855 meters above sea level. It is a thrilling route for adventure enthusiasts. Crossing the pass offers breathtaking views of the Alay Valley, surrounding peaks, and the dramatic landscapes of the Pamir-Alay mountains. The climb to the pass is steep but manageable for those with good physical fitness. The trail winds through rugged terrain, alpine meadows, and rocky paths. At the top, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of snow-capped peaks, including the Lenin Peak (7,134 meters), and the vast expanse of the valley below. The trail descends into greener landscapes, eventually leading toward lower elevations with easier walking paths.

Once you cross the pass, you can continue until Darbaza-Tash. From here, you will be picked up by car and driven to Sary-Mogol. Overnight in the guesthouse.

Day 9: Sary-Mogol – Osh

Your 9-day journey through the Alay Mountains is coming to an end. Enjoy your breakfast, say your farewells, and head back to Osh. But the journey isn’t over yet, as you will be driving through the picturesque Alay valley on M41.