Pamir Mountains and historical cities of Central Asia

• How to Come to "Edelweiss Meadow Camp"
• Visas and Permits

How to Come to "Edelweiss Meadow Camp"

A journey to our "Edelweiss Meadow Camp" on Edelweiss Meadow at the foot of Lenin Peak (3,600 m) takes 5-6 hours if you set out on it from Osh where you can easily get by air; international flights arrive in the city every day. We shall travel in a comfortable motor vehicle along the Pamir Highway over picturesque mountain passes, through cute native mountain villages and Alay Valley.
Russian nationals do not need visas to enter Kyrgyzstan; only their internal passports are required to visit the country. There are regular direct flights to Osh from Moscow and other Russian cities and CIS countries, so if you arrive in Osh in the morning, you will have dinner in "Edelweiss Meadow Camp" traditional Kyrgyz yurt in the Pamirs in the evening the same day already.
If you have time to stroll about Osh, you will be pleased with the views and colors of this Asian city. Osh is often referred to as ‘the southern capital’ of Kyrgyzstan. It is the country’s second largest city. You will meet kind and hospitable people and see green busy streets with a lot of cozy cafes. You will visit the exotic local bazaar, and Suleiman Mountain - the main Osh’s place of attraction and the only Kyrgyzstan’s World Heritage Site. The mountain rises in the middle of the city, which enhances its impressiveness and indicates that the Pamirs are not far already.

There are three ways to get to "Edelweiss Meadow Camp":

1. Via Osh, proceeding to the camp by road (Thanks to Kyrgyz visa-free regime regulations and the flights to Osh from Moscow and other CIS cities, including Turkish Airlines flights, this is the best way today, since it allows for saving money and, most importantly, time.)
2. Via Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, proceeding to Osh and thence to the camp by road (The journey from Tashkent to Osh will take 6-7 hours. On the way to Osh you will travel through the picturesque Kamchik Mountain Pass and Ferghana Valley. Nationals of non-CIS countries will need Uzbekistan visas to come via Tashkent.)
3. Via Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan, proceeding to Osh by air and thence to the camp by road. (Note the flight baggage allowance is 15 kg, with additional weight to cost 0.7 EURO per kg.)

Visa to Kyrgyzstan

Under current rules visa-free stay within unlimited period on the territory of Kyrgyzstan is granted for the nationals of the following countries:

List of states granted visa-free stay up to 90 days: Mongolia, Ukraine.

List of states granted visa-free stay up to 60 days

Visa-free access to Kyrgyzstan up to 30 days: Malaysia.

Read more about visa to Kyrgyzstan here »»

• Useful Information
• Route Map

Useful Information

• Our "Edelweiss Meadow Camp" is a perfect holiday place for families with children. It is just a happy hunting ground for them to play various games, hike with their parents, swim in the lakes, ride horses, fly kites (Light winds always blow in the area, so kites take off easily there.) and engage in many more other exciting activities.
• There is always saddled horse available in the camp to go on a riding excursion around the Achik-Tash River valley - it is so beautiful there! You can ride to the lakes, Leek Meadow with a lot of funny marmots, or just anywhere you like in the area just for riding pleasure.
• This year we are bringing mountain bikes to the camp! The entire Alay Valley, including Achik-Tash River valley, is perfect for bike riding excursions. The terrain is almost flat there; even AN-2 aircraft uses it. There are a lot of tracks in the valley, and the views you will have while driving around will be really stunning. None of our guests has ever gone bike riding there, so you can be among the pioneers this year.
• Every summer Kyrgyz herding families set up their yurts in Achik-Tash River valley - just like centuries ago. They bring sheep, cows, goats and even yaks to the local pastures. While the men on horseback handle the cattle, the women do housework and make various handicrafts. Their yurts feature traditional felt and woven rugs and decorations. As a guest you will always be welcome in the yurts; the hosts will be happy to show you their works and tell how they make them.
• Anyone seeking out inspiration - photographers, writers, artists, musicians, etc. - will certainly find it in the camp. The terrific views and remoteness from civilization will be as benefitting as nowhere else.
• Besides two large traditional Kyzrgyz yurts for communal use, "Edelweiss Meadow Camp" features comfortable spacious camping tents with bed clothes in them. The camp holds 100 people at a time, and so does "Sunny Camp".
  The guests yurts are heated in the evening, with campers getting together in them and staying till late at night.
• Three times a day the camp provides each guest with delicious meals made by our committed masters of cookery. There is a store of fresh fruit in the camp (apples, pears, grapes, peaches, apricots, melons and watermelons), as well as fresh vegetable salads, Asian sweets, dry fruit, various nuts, candies, crackers, several types of tea and coffee. It is also possible to buy juices, mineral water, beer and even stronger alcoholic beverages on site.
• "Edelweiss Meadow Camp" boasts a real sauna, which is equipped for washing and steam-bath taking purposes. It is relaxing and comfortable inside, and there is always hot and cold water in abundance in it.
• The camp features internet access. In addition, we can help you to browse and record your photos or videos, or play your favorite movies and music. Even a discotheque can be arranged if you like; there are always campers who enjoy dancing.
• There is always a professional doctor on duty in the camp, as well as a rescue team ready to help.
• The camp features a volleyball court with a net. Just build teams and play! Cheering rooters will certainly be there.
• Mobile communications, such as portable radios and satellite phones, are never a problem in the camp. Cellular phone reception is also good in the area; many campers use cell phones instead of walkie-talkies.
• We care for nature. The camp trash is carefully sorted and taken to the city waste sites or eliminated in the camp without harm to the environment.

Route Map

1. What is Vacation in the Pamirs?
2. What is the best time to arrive for Vacation in the Pamirs?
3. What is the minimal age for the participation in ‘Vacation in the Pamirs’ program? Can children stay at high altitudes?
4. What is the night and day temperature in the camps?
5. What kind of clothes should I wear in the area?
6. Should I get travel insurance?
7. What are the chances of running into dangerous creatures such as venomous snakes, spiders, scorpions, ticks?
8. What services are included in the program?
9. Can people with health problems take the tour?
10. What should I do if I feel bad in Camps?
11. What facilities do the camps feature?
12. What currency is used in Lenin Peak area?

1. What is Vacation in the Pamirs?
   Vacation in the Pamirs is a unique tour allowing for combination of several recreational activities. While it provides a lot of adventure opportunities, such as hiking and horse riding, it is also intended for adults with no special training, and children. The tour program is optional; the campers will have complete freedom in planning their stays during the tour.
2. What is the best time to arrive for Vacation in the Pamirs?
   You can choose one of the four arrival dates to suit your convenience. See the table Dates above.You are to arrive in Osh early on the day chosen, or the day before. The time of departure from Osh to "Edelweiss Meadow Camp" is 06:00. If you arrive on the previous day we can reserve a room in an Osh’s hotel for you and meet you at the airport.
3. What is the minimal age for the participation in ‘Vacation in the Pamirs’ program? Can children stay at high altitudes?
   As the "Edelweiss Meadow Camp" is situated at an elevation of 3,600 m, we strongly recommend that you avoid taking children under 8 there.
   According to UIAA, only children aged 8 and older react to high-altitude conditions in the same way as adults do, and have the same symptoms of the mountain disease. As for younger children, their reaction is unpredictable and, therefore, they should not be brought to an altitude of more than 3,000 to 4,000 m, while their sleep altitude should not be higher than 2,500 m.
   If you take your child to high-altitude areas, you must make sure he/she is absolutely well. Please, consult your pediatrician before going to the mountains with your child.
   The particular risks of exposure of children to high altitude have not been thoroughly studied and much of the advice must necessarily be extrapolated from adult data with due considerations of the influence of growth and development. As known so far children are not under more restrictions to acute exposure to altitude than adults.
   Note: Young children are generally poor at communicating their physiological discomfort, i.e. unlikely to say they are dangerous cold, can’t feel their fingers (assuming they have enough language skills). They would probably just become very quiet and still. A child’s thermal regulation is immaturely developed, as is their ability to adapt to hypoxic exposure when compared to an adult.
   Reflection from snow and a thinner atmospheric layer at high altitude make the risk of solar ultraviolet radiation burns more likely than at sea level. Children are more likely to burn than adults if exposed to excess sun. Appropriate sun-block creams (protection from UVA and UVB, SPF at least 30, applied before sun exposure), hats, long sleeves and goggles are required to prevent sunburn or snowblindness.
   Adequate clothing is essential to prevent misery, hypothermia, and frostbite.
   Brochure UIAA with recomendations for parents.
4. What is the night and day temperature in the camps?
   The day temperature in "Edelweiss Meadow Camp" in July-August varies from +5°С to +30°С; at night it is from +3°С to +15°С. The season is usually sunny and precipitation-free at this altitude. It might snow, rarely; if it does, the snow fallen melts quite quickly.
   It snows more often in "Sunny Camp", since it is located at an altitude of 4,400 m. It is up to +25°С in sunny weather and around 0°С in bad weather there.
5. What kind of clothes should I wear in the area?
   We recommend that you have the following clothes and gear:
   • A moderate-sized backpack to hike with (30-40 l);
   • Transport trunk. Not essential, but it facilitates the transportation of the things to "Edelweiss Meadow Camp" and further horseback transportation to "Sunny Camp".
   • Sun cream (SPF 25-40).
   • Sunglasses.
   • Trekking boots (Scarpa kailash GTX, Salomon Quest 4D GTX, The North Face Wreck Mid GTX or similar).
     Scarpa kailash GTX Scarpa kailash GTX Salomon Quest 4D GTX Salomon Quest 4D GTX Salomon Quest 4D GTX The North Face Wreck Mid GTX SALEWA MTN Trainer GTX SALEWA MTN Trainer GTX Teva Keen Garmont Dragontail MNT GTX Garmont Dragontail MNT GTX Garmont Dragontail MNT GTX
   • Hiking shoes (SALEWA MTN Trainer GTX, Garmont Dragontail MNT GTX or similar), andor sandals (Teva, Keen or similar) to travel within and between the lower camps ("Edelweiss Meadow Camp" and "Sunny Camp"). Besides, you need a pair of light and open footwear for Osh, which features high summer temperatures.
     Scarpa kailash GTX Scarpa kailash GTX Salomon Quest 4D GTX Salomon Quest 4D GTX Salomon Quest 4D GTX The North Face Wreck Mid GTX SALEWA MTN Trainer GTX SALEWA MTN Trainer GTX Teva Keen Garmont Dragontail MNT GTX Garmont Dragontail MNT GTX Garmont Dragontail MNT GTX
   • Downy jacket / PrimaLoft or ThermoBall synthetic insulated jackets (BASK Valdez or similar)
   • Assault jacket GORE-TEX (RedFox Vector GTX III or similar).
   • Assault trousers GORE-TEX or Bib and brace overalls GORE-TEX (RedFox Vector GTX III or similar).
   • Suit POLARTEC (for instance, jacket BASK Kondor V3 + trousers BASK Vinson Pro V2).
   • Skin tight linen thermals POLARTEC - two sets: thin thermals to wick moisture away from the skin (for instance RedFox Dry Zone) and thick ones for insulation (for instance, jacket + trousers BASK)
   • Thin Gloves, Fleece, Polartec, WindBloc and thick insulated gloves (for instance, RedFox Ice)
   • Peaked cap or panama hat + insulated winter hat. A light sun runner cap(Outdoor Research Sun Runner Cap, Outdoor Research Activeice Cap or similar) or panama hat (Outdoor Research Conzumel Sombrero, Outdoor Research Helios Sun Hat or similar) + insulated hat (Outdoor Research Windwarrior Hat, Outdoor Research Peruvian Hat or similar).
     Outdoor Research Sun Runner Cap Outdoor Research Activeice Cap
   • Knitted T-shirts.
   • Socks-POLAR, thermal socks, like Boreal TREK Thermolite or similars + ordinary socks.
   • Lip balm.
   • First-aid kit (personal).
6. Should I get travel insurance?
   Yes, it is even necessary. Before setting off, you should get it covering the sum of 10,000 - 15,000 USD. Though the tour is safe, you understand it is important to be insured against possible risks.
7. What are the chances of running into dangerous creatures such as venomous snakes, spiders, scorpions, ticks?
   Our experience in the area proves such chances are very slim.
8. What services are included in the program?
   The services included are aimed at providing as much comfort as possible. The cost of the tour includes:
   • Meeting / seeing off at airport
   • All transfers as per program
   • One-night accommodation in Osh’s best hotel (3*) with breakfast (the last day)
   • Accommodation in "Edelweiss Meadow Camp" in spacious camping tents (with double share)
     (Tents feature with electricity, beds, mattresses, blankets, pillows and linens - blanket covers, pillowcases, sheets.)
   • Full board (including hot dish courses; vegetarian meals possible) by professional chefs
   • Heated guests yurts in "Edelweiss Meadow Camp" and "Sunny Camp" for leisure, meals and entertainment
   • Mountain guide
   • Free transfer of personal baggage (under 15kg) from "Edelweiss Meadow Camp" (3600m) to "Sunny Camp" (4400m).
   • Necessary equipment rental:
     • Sleeping bag (for visiting "Sunny Camp");
     • Telescopic ski sticks for walking;
     • Rainwear;
     • Headlamp;
     • Sleeping pad;
     • Metallic vacuum flask 0,5 - 1,0 litres;
     • High gaiters to protect your feet from snow;
     • First-aid kit group.
   • Preparation of all necessary documents required to visit border guard zone, ecotax
   • Storage boxes in both Camps
   • Sauna and shower cabins in "Edelweiss Meadow Camp"
   • Electricity consumption (220 V; 50 Hz).
9. Can people with health problems take the tour?
   You should take into account the altitude of the 3,600-meter in our "Edelweiss Meadow Camp". It is the altitude where some people may find symptoms of mountain sickness. That is why those suffering from cardiovascular diseases, high blood pressure and asthma should see their doctors for advice about taking the tour.
10. What should I do if I feel bad in Camps?
    There is always a doctor on duty in both Camps and you can ask him. Both camps have stores of medicines for most probable cases of sickness there.
    If a guest has a serious condition requiring hospitalization, he/she will be transported to the nearest hospital. This person’s travel insurance is to cover all the expenses in this case.
11. What facilities do the camps feature?
    "Edelweiss Meadow Camp" (Base Camp) on the picturesque Edelweiss Meadow features the following:
    • Traditional Kyrgyz yurts, including one for communal use, where campers have meals, socialize and enjoy various entertainments (The yurts have heating stoves lighted daily, chairs and tables, electricity supply, audio and video equipment, as well as a bar to buy snacks and various beverages in the communal one.)
    • Comfortable and spacious 4-pax half-barrel tents on special platforms, with sleeping boards, mattresses and all necessary bed clothes
    • Sauna (operated daily in the afternoon)
    • City standard flush toilet
    • Tap stands with soap and mirrors
    • Storage yurt
    • Volleyball court, ball
    • Full board (including hot dish courses; vegetarian meals possible) by professional chefs
    • Electricity supply, Internet access, two-way radios, satellite phone.
    "Sunny Camp" (Camp 1) on Lenin Peak moraine has the following:
    • Two yurts featuring heating stoves (lighted daily), with tables and chairs, electricity supply, audio and video equipment, as well as a bar to buy snacks and various beverages in one of them
    • Specious half-barrel tents
    • Toilet (always kept clean)
    • Storage yurt
    • Satellite phone, two-ways radios, battery charging facility
    • Sauna.
12. What currency is used in Lenin Peak area?
    US dollars, euros, Russian rubles and Kyrgyz soms are all accepted. However, US dollars are preferable.

If you have any other questions about the tour, do not hesitate to contact our managers. We are always ready to help.

Contact Details:
E-mail: adventure@centralasia-travel.com