Heights of Alay: The Bestselling Trekking Experience in Alay Mountains
Highlights of the trip
- Epic sceneries of the titanic Alay mountains
- Prestine nature
- Nomadic and rural lifestyles
- Turquoise lakes and waterfalls
Alay mountains – Central Asia’s Trekking Utopia. The place where the titanic mountains blend with rushing rivers, lush-green pastures and nomadic spirit. Immerse into this utopia by joining the Bestselling Heights of Alay Trek.
Tour Details
Available
June (mid) - Early September
Schedule
Upon request
Duration
4 days (3 days of pure hiking)
Price
upon request
Difficulty
Moderate - challenging
Required items
Trekking boots (+light shoes), weatherproof warm clothes, hat, gloves, sunscreen, sunglasses
Itinerary
Day1: Sary-Mogol town via Sary-Mogol pass to the yurt camp.
Heading to the starting point of the trek from Sary-Mogol (1h of driving). The trek starts with a challenging ascent towards the Sary-Mogol Pass (4270 m). After 6-8 hours of trek through the rocky path, you will be rewarded with a stunning scenery of Beshkol lakes. Enjoy the views before heading further towards the yurt camp for an overnight.
- Trekking distance: 14 km. (8.70 miles)
- Time of hiking: 6 hours (excluding the driving time)
- Ascent/Descent: 910/790 meters
- Highest and lowest points: 4270/3380 meters
- Accommodation altitude: 3382.00 Meters (11095.80 Feet)
- Utilities: No electricity, no internet, and no signal (power bank is recommended)
Despite the lack of roads and limited infrastructure, local families set up yurts and offer overnight stays (shared living) with a flush toilet to make your time as comfortable as possible.
Day 2: Walking to Koshmoinok (6 hours)
On the second day, 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 all the way to a small village before you turn right onto the dirt road. After 2–3 hours, you will reach a small Kyzyl-Chara village and stop for lunch at the local homestay or cafe. After lunch, you go further to the yurt camp in Koshmoinok.
- Trekking distance: 18km (11.18 miles)
- Hiking time: 7h (excluding lunch and break time)
- Ascent/Descent: 830/1460 meters
- Highest and lowest points: 3467 /2467 meters
- Accommodation altitude 2822.00 Meters | 9258.53 Feet
- Utilities: No electricity, no internet, and no signal (power bank is recommended)
Despite the lack of roads and limited infrastructure, local families from Kyzyl-Shoro village (Begali and Nurdoolot) installed a solar (water) heater shower and running toilet. They have two shared yurts and a dining hut.
Day3: 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. After settling, you will discover the signature sights of Kojo-Kelen. The first is a waterfall: a hidden cascade that offers a refreshing ambiance, perfect for relaxation and photography. Second is the Blue Cave Pool – a wonderful spot where the turquoise water glows inside a natural cave—ideal for a quick dip or simply admiring.
Culminate your evening with a stroll around the village, immersing yourself in the peaceful rural lifestyle, before enjoying a hearty dinner featuring local dishes.
- Trekking distance: 10 km (6.50 miles)
- Hiking time: 6h (excluding lunch and break time)
- Ascent/Descent: 340/960 meters
- Highest and lowest points: 3127 /2230 meters
- Accommodation altitude 2230.00 Meters | 7316.27 feet
- Accommodation type: local homestay, shared rooms on the traditional floor blankets with a hot shower and a flush toilet.
- Utilities: there is electricity and Wi-Fi