We arrange both options. There are pros and cons of both options, but no matter which you choose, we provide the experience of local guides, reliable drivers, and accommodation and meals. The price varies based on the number of participants and services included.  Hence, feel free to request the suitable option, and we will reply promptly.

On the one hand, we evaluate the Height of Alay treks as moderate to challenging, with elevations of 4200-4300 meters and steep ascents and descents over rocky, scree-covered terrain. On the other hand, the travelers, knowing this information, must thoroughly evaluate their physical condition and prior high-altitude trekking experience. Even the experienced hikers should consider spending a night in Osh city (just under 1000 meters asl) and maybe taking day trips to nearby mountains at lower altitudes. Increasing your hydration upon arrival and bringing altitude sickness pills are other good ideas. 

Triple meals are provided along the trek. Breakfasts and dinners are usually served at the yurtcamps and homestays, while lunches are either at the yurtcamps, homestays, village cafes, or in lunchboxes. Please let us know in advance if you have dietary restrictions. 

Water is available along the route. Thanks to the mountain springs, you can refill your bottles, while the yurt camps and homestays can either provide boiled water or purchase and transport bottled water from the urban area. No matter what, we strongly insist that you bring purification filters or purification pills (powder) to purify water from rivers and springs. It can also be a bottle with an installed filtration system. Take all possible measures to stay hydrated along the route. 

Accommodation is provided at homestays and yurtcamps. Depending on your itinerary and location, utilities, comfort, and network availability may vary. Whether the yurtcamps have mobile connection, internet, hot showers, running water, toilets, and electricity is usually highlighted in the itinerary. Despite highlighting it in a “necessary items ” section, we strongly recommend you bring reliable power banks and wet wipes.

The best season for most of the Alay mountains trek is mid-June to mid-September. This time of year, daytime temperatures range from +20 to +25 degrees Celsius, while nighttime temperatures fall to +5 to 15 degrees at night. In case of rain, the temperature at night might fall to 0. Other factors may affect temperatures in the mountains, and the best way to be ready for temperature variations is to wear layered clothing. Despite the average heat in the mountains, don’t forget about the sun’s effect on high altitudes. Bring proven, reliable skin and eye protection.

If somehow you visit Kyrgyzstan during a time that falls outside the range of the best hiking season, don’t despair. Whether it is a bit earlier (let’s say, end of May, beginning of June) or later (end of September), we can adjust to your needs, given the prevailing challenges and the added adventure. 

Here are the recommended items to make your Heights of Alay comfortable. 

• Warm clothing that comes in layers. As mentioned above, temperatures range from 25 degrees down to 0, and sometimes below freezing. Being able to put on and take off clothes upon request is crucial to avoid heat loss, sweating, and energy loss. Pay particular attention to reliable, water- and windproof light jackets and pants that will protect from rain, wind, and strong sunlight in the mountains. A down jacket with its superior warmth-to-weight ratio will add more heat to your overnight stays without adding a burden to carry. For the comfort of your feet on varying terrain, ascents, and descents, bring good hiking shoes. 
• Personal hygiene and medical kit. In addition to your basic hygiene items, we recommend bringing wet wipes and antiseptic hand gel. Lipsticks or balms for lips, as the sun and wind will easily affect them. A medical kit should include pills for diarrhea, headaches, altitude sickness, blisters, and other minor illnesses.     
• To stay hydrated, you need a refillable water bottle (best if it has an installed filtration) instead of carrying plastic bottles. Pack the water purifying pills or powder in case of drinking the water from a spring.  
• Skin protection. Protect your skin and eyes from the sun using the combination of sunglasses, sunscreen (SPF with higher digits), and a hat. 

If your trekking tour falls during the peak season (mid-June to mid-September), you do not need sleeping bags or tents. If we arrange your trek for late spring, early summer, or late autumn, you might need tents and sleeping bags, since the yurt camps won’t be there and the weather can get cold. On top of that, there will be a certain necessity to hire porters to carry additional items. Nevertheless, you can rent tents, sleeping bags, and other items in Osh or Sary-Mogol. As of walking sticks, you are welcome to have them to ease your hike.    

Nowadays, to hike in the Alay Mountains, travelers first come to Osh. Osh city is a transit point to many nearby destinations, not only in Kyrgyzstan, but also in China, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. Besides its location, Osh offers visitors a range of experiences to explore the local history, cuisine, and culture. Heading further into the Alay Mountains, travelers take the M41, also known as the Pamir Highway. They drive through the scenic Kichi-Alay mountains and Alay Valley all the way to Sary-Mogol. It is a small town that serves as a starting point for most of the trekking experiences in the area. Our tour packages included transfers from Osh to Sary-Mogol in minivans. But if you are an independent hiker, you can take a shared taxi or minibus from Osh.