"Edelweiss meadow" Yurt Camp   

1. Walking tour to Onion meadow (3800m)

This is where real onions grow and where suricates live! You will travel up to observation deck which will offer you a wonderful view over the Achik-Tash valley (translated as “Open rock”). Onion meadow is a sacred meadow located close to the yurt campsite “Edelweiss Meadow” at a 3800m altitude where real onions grow. In the midst of a Pamir summer, the surface of the meadow resembles a colorful flower carpet. Tens of brave and curious suricates live in the meadow. They allow to be photographed and even make up funny poses.
Travel time: 3 hours; altitude difference +- 200m.

2. Hike to the sacred Tulpar-Kol lake (10km)

The sacred Tulpar-Kol lake is located among many turquoise and emerald lakes in front of the tall snow top mountains. The locals say that this lake can be traveled to with good intentions only. According to the legend, at the time of invasions, one persistent tribe that lived here fiercely resisted the invaders. When there were no men left to fight, the remaining women, children, and elderly people drowned all their belongings in the lake and later gave their lives to its waters. The lake became sacred.
Travel time: 5 hours; altitude difference +- 100m.

3. Hike to the observation deck over Petrovsky Peak (6km)

Rise up to the altitude of 4100m where you will see the breathtaking panoramic view of the Alay valley with colorful lakes, majestic Zaalay range and its main peak – the Lenin Peak.
Petrovky Peak (4730m) is located close to the “Edelweiss Meadow” campsite. Technically the walk up to the peak is not difficult. From the altitude of 4100 meters you will witness a majestic view over the Alay valley and its hills, as well as the humongous glacier of the Lenin Peak.
Travel time: 4-5 hours; altitude difference +- 400m.

4. Hike to the Pass of Travelers (4150m)

The hike up to the Pass of Travelers on a good road normally takes around 1.5-2.5 hours. The road to the pass lies along the picturesque Onion meadow, a waterfall, and a beautiful canyon of the left tributary of the Achik-Tash river. From the pass you can see the incredible view of the 19th Party Union peak (5920m), Spartacus peak (6183m), Lenin peak (7134m), and the glacier of the same name.
Distance: 11kilometers; altitude difference +- 550m.

5. Hike to the “Solnechny” campsite (4400m) to the foot of the Lenin peak (12km)

The route to the “Solnechny” campsite lies along the Onion valley, the Pass of Travelers, suricates meadow, the Spirits of Alay castle, and the Lenin glacier.
Accommodation at the “Solnechny” campsite. Rest.
“Solnechny” campsite is a cozy and warm island of comfort along the glaciers and snow top slopes. “Solnechny” is located close to the path leading to the Lenin peak. You will get to witness the incredible view of the Lenin peak wall, the path to the high altitude camps and the moving mountain climbers. You can also see an avalanche on a distant slope or a group of butterflies passing by. It is always lively and exciting here.
Accommodation: one night at the “Solnechny” campsite.
Travel time: 6-7 hours; altitude difference + 800m.

6. Hike up to the observation deck over the Zaalay Range (5km)

Hike up to the 4750m altitude, where you will witness the main view over the majestic northern wall of the Lenin peak and the glacier of the same name.
You can spend the day at the campsite, relax, take photos of the beautiful views around you, walk around the surroundings. You can also hike a little higher up to the nearby cliff to oversee the landscape from an even higher altitude. Technically this hike is not difficult and it gives you a chance to see the great Pamir region from a new perspective.
Accommodation: one night at the “Solnechny” campsite.
Travel time: 4 hours; altitude difference +- 350m.

7. Hike to the yurts of locals, tour of the traditions and habitat of Kyrgyz nomads, kumiss tasting

You will visit the yurts where locals live, you will find out what the lives of Kyrgyz nomads are like and will taste the traditional kumiss. The main ingredient of a traditional kumiss is mare milk. It is a very nutritious drink that perfectly satisfies thirst and is rich with microelements.
During the summer, shepherds and their families move to the green meadows where their livestock roam across the mountain slopes. Nomad lifestyle and traditions can be experiences through their yurts where you will see their home necessities which are handmade, which is beautiful and rather handy; you will also taste the traditional mare milk drink – kumiss.

8. Uzgen pilaf cooking class

Uzgen pilaf is a very unique dish due to the fact that in order to make a proper kind of said pilaf, you will need the most elite rice variety in Kyrgyzstan – Uzgen rice which grows in one region only. One of the main characteristics of this rice is its dark maroon color. It grows in ecologically clean area and is watered by the mountain water. Uzgen rice remains crumbly after it is cooked and keeps all its nutrients in full even when it is fully cooked.
An experienced oshpaz (pilaf cook) will tell you about all the details and hacks of the process of preparing a perfect pilaf and all those who are interested will have the opportunity to participate in this ritual.

9. Tandyr cooking classes

Tandyr is a traditional Middle Eastern clay over which is typically used to bake flatbread and samsa. The dough foods are being stuck to the inner walls of tandyr and are being cooked by the heat that remains inside the oven after it was burned. Due to its cooking method, breads come out incredibly tasty and flavorful – the dough is crunchy and the filling is juicy. It is quite a breathtaking experience – to witness an experienced master skillfully work their way around a tandyr. It is even more interesting to participate in this exciting process.

10. Horseback riding

There is nothing more exciting than to feel like a true nomad for a couple of hours. To saddle up a horse, ride around, glance over the snow top mountains, enjoy the smell of fresh wild grass, and talk to the locals – this is a wonder that deserves to be experienced at least once in a lifetime.