The Pamir-Alay is a mountain system stretching across Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan, encompassing various ranges from west of Tianshan mountains and north of the main range of Pamirs. This is a moderate 7-day trek over Sary Mogul (4,303m) and Jiptick (4,185 m) passes, features stunning views of alpine lakes, glaciers, the Pamir Mountains, and moon-like landscapes.
Wee hours depart from Kuala Lumpur International Airport via one transit stop, arrival in Kyrgyzstan’s capital Bishkek after lunch, transfer to hotel and refresh. Late afternoon take a stroll in city centre to feel the local vibes.
Early morning domestic flight to Osh in southern Kyrgyzstan bordering Uzbekistan. Upon arrival, sightseeing in Osh, an important crossroads along the ancient Silk Road. Visit the sacred Suleiman-Too, a rocky outcrop that forms the backdrop of the city, a pilgrimage site since pre-Islamic era, there are caves with petroglyphs. After early lunch, drive to Sary Mogol (altitude 3000m) in eastern Pamir ranges bordering Tajikistan, overnight at homestay.
After breakfast, drive for an hour to the head of the trekking trail. The morning trek takes about 4 hours up a steep trail with numerous bends to reach Jiptick Pass (4185m), sighting herds of wild yaks and wild goats near the pass, and if lucky might spot Marco Polo sheep on craggy slopes. Break for lunch on top of the high pass, stunning view of two mountain ranges – Pamir and Alay. Later, descend the pass to lower valley and reach the shepherd yurts (3038m) 4 hours later for overnight stay.
Wake up to sounds of cow mooing and goat bleating, watch local shepherd morning routine of milking cows and making creams. After breakfast, trek mostly downhill to Kojokelen village (2237m), a picturesque hamlet where wildflowers bloom in the valley and red-earth cliffs jutting out of the summer greenery. After lunch in the village, one may opt to rest & relax at homestay, explore the surroundings, or take a short hike to a nearby cave. At night, possible to enjoy banya (Russian sauna bath).
After breakfast, hike up to the Sary Bel pass (3100m), passing summer pasture field (known as jailoo) flanked by red cliffs. Break for picnic lunch on top the pass, enjoy vista view of undulating mountain ranges and alpine meadows below. Later trek downhill to Kosh Moynok valley where horses and sheep grazing on grassland with river flowing by. Overnight in tent (camping ground) on the jailoo (2824m).
After breakfast begin a long day of trekking. Start with a dauting climb up a steep trail to Kosh Moynok pass (3223m) and then down to Kichik Alay Valley. Break for lunch in a village in the valley. Later, trek across a relatively flat territory along the river before trekking uphill again to reach the camping ground for overnight stay (3000m). Sleep in tent and dinner prepare over open fire.
Another long day of trekking. Start with trekking uphill to reach Sary Mogol pass (4320m), the highest point of this trek. Along the way, bumping into more yaks and other livestock like sheep and cow than meeting people in this sparsely populated region. Awesome panorama landscape from top of the pass, with view of cyan-blue moraine lakes below framed by black rock walls. Later trek down to the 5 lakes named Besh Kol and view of glaciers nearby. Overnight in tent at Ak Kya (3800m).
Today mostly downhill trek along the river, numerous river crossings, meeting shepherds and their grazing livestock along the way. Picnic lunch en-route. Upon arrival back in Sary Mogol Village (3000m), enjoy a good scrub down in the shower or relief fatigue by having Russian banya (sauna bath). Overnight at homestay, mingle with host family.
After breakfast, drive for an hour to Tulpar lake yurt camp, and then have a hike to see panorama of Lenin Peak, second highest peak in Kyrgyzstan bordering Tajikistan. Later, trek back to the lakeside yurt camp for lunch. Afternoon drive back to Osh via route M41 or more commonly known as the Pamir Highway, which links Kyrgyzstan with neibouring Uzbekistan and Tajikistan and all the way to Afghanistan. Upon arrival in Osh, check into a guesthouse.
Explore the Osh Bazaar in the morning, reminiscent of the city’s Silk Road heydays and full of central Asia characteristics, a mix of Uzbek and Kyrgyz ethnicity. After lunch, take a domestic flight back to the capital city Bishkek, transfer to hotel. After dinner, retire early to bed in preparation for an early flight the next day.
Wee hours transfer to the airport, board an early morning flight, and bid farewell to Kyrgyzstan. Arrival in Kuala Lumpur at night. End of tour.
A *security deposit of RM1,250 is payable to secure booking. Balance fee RM 5,000 to be collected upon booking deadline or when the tour is fully booked.
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A passionate globetrotter, Lam Li once spent two years on an overland journey from Asia to Europe, and another half a year tramping along the ancient Silk Road in Central Asia. A former journalist, Lam Li is keen on collecting local tales while on the road, and she strives to understand the social and political fabrics of places she visited. She has lived and worked in Beijing for six years, and has published a book in Chinese entitled “The Wall Street Diary: US under Financial Storm” . She has also recorded her travelogue on film, and directed a feature-length documentary named “Surviving Beijing”.
