15D Ultimate Kyrgyzstan Expedition
Alay Mountains Trekking & Horse-Riding Expedition
10 – 24 September 2024
The Pamir-Alay Mountains is a relatively untrodden gem. The mountain range stretches across Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, with peaks reaching over 5,000 meters. This exedition will merge some of Kyrgyzstan’s finest trekking experiences along with a multi-day horse trek, crossing views of snow-capped peaks, glaciers, deep valleys, lush meadows, and crystal-clear lakes.
Day 1 — Arrive in Osh
Meet your new travel pals at the airport. Chill in the city and rest well before the adventure starts tomorrow!
Day 2 — Kara Bulak Village – Tepshi Camp (Meet your horse!)
Take in the breathtaking views of the majestic mountain ranges as we drive from Osh to Gulcha. Here, we’ll begin our horse ride up a dirt road. This path runs alongside the Kara Bulak stream towards the Tepshi camp, passing by shepherds’ yurts nestled among the Junipers plants.
As we approach the top of the climb, we’ll leave the road for a trail that leads up the ridge. This is where we’ll stop for lunch, taking in the rugged beauty of the Alay Mountains across the gorge formed by the Gulcha river. Afterward, we’ll descend to the Tepshi camp, where we’ll enjoy dinner with our host before calling it a night!
Day 3-5 — Horse Trek through the Alay Mountains
Over the next 3 days, we’ll embark on a horse riding adventure into the untamed beauty of the Alay Mountains. Escape the mundane city life, and experience the exhilaration of riding freely through the vast plains and steppes. We’ll ride through two mountain passes — Airy Bell Pass (2950m) and Ak Tor Pass (3040m)! Expect the trails to transform from serene pine forests to rocky mountain paths.
At night, we’ll live how the traditional nomads do, in yurts! Engage with local people, learn more about Kyrgyz traditional culture and cuisine, and we’ll even get to witness cow milking and dairy making by our hosts!
Day 6 — Drive to Sary Mogol Village
We’ll leave the mountains and drive for 3 hours to a small town near the Pamir Highway. Sary Mogol is often the starting point for many adventurers (like us)! Spend the rest of the day resting in our guesthouse and admiring the spectacular Alay Range rising like a white wall along the horizon.
Day 7 -13 — Trek Begins
Spend the next 7 days trekking in the Pamir-Alay Mountain Range, one of the most stunning mountain ranges in the world that still remains relatively unknown and off-beaten. Characterised by its rugged grandeur, we’ll walk through towering glaciated peaks, deep valleys, and lush green meadows. Summit 4 passes on this trek — Koshmoinsk Pass (3210m), Sarybell Pass (3132m), Jitpick Pass (4185m), and Travellers Pass (4150m). At the top, marvel at the panorama of imposing seven-thousanders, including Lenin Peak (7134m), the second tallest mountain in both Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan.
Day 14 — Drive back to Osh
Today starts with a 5 hour drive back into the city. Take one last look at the beautiful mountains racing past, or take a well-deserved nap. Spend the afternoon exploring the city before ending the trip with a farewell dinner at a restaurant at night!
Day 15 — Fly back home
Say bye to your new pals, this ain’t a goodbye, just a see you later 🙂