Kozho-Kelen Valley and the Pamir Peaks
Beautiful trekking and easy ascents in the Pamirs
| Country: | Kyrgyzstan, Pamir Mountains | ||
| Tour duration: | 10 days / 9 nights | ||
| Itinerary: | Osh - Kozho-Kelen village - the Jiptyk Pass -
Sary-Moghul village - Base Camp of Lenin Peak (3600 m) on Edelweiss Meadow - Osh |
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This group adventure tour covers 2 beautiful highland regions in southern Kyrgyzstan. The route goes at altitudes of 2200 m - 5130 m along the picturesque mountainous terrain from the foot of the Alay Range throughout the Alay Valley to the snowy highlands under Lenin Peak. The mountain tour consists of two logical parts: trekking in the first half and ascents in the second.
In the vicinity of the distinct mountain village of Kozho-Kelen the Blue Grotto, a 50-meter waterfall and grandiose red-orange cliffs are situated, which tourists will see on the first day of their trip to Kyrgyzstan. Next, you will have to take a simple mountain hike through the Jiptok pass (4185 m) and descent into the green Alay valley, from where you will get by comfortable transport straight to the cozy Yurt camp of Lenin Peak on the Еdelweiss Meadow (3600 m). Here you will have a close acquaintance with the Pamir Highlands: leaded by an experienced mountain guide, you will not only explore the colourful surroundings of the Base Camp, but also make 2 full ascents to Petrovsky Peak (4700m) and Yukhin Peak (5130m).
The tour is designed for a wide range of mountain tourists with good physical preparation, wishing to explore the picturesque areas of Pamir and who are also ready to climb the snowy five-thousand-meter summit, from where breathtaking views of the colossal wall of Lenin Peak and the endless Alay Valley are at your gaze.
- Itinerary,
Services & Cost - Visa
- Frequently Asked Questions
| Itinerary: | ||
| Day 1 | Arrival in Osh. Transfer Osh - Kozho-Kelen village (100 km, ~ 2 hrs). |
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Walks in nearby gorges: the Blue Grotto, canyons, waterfalls, wonderful panoramas, red rocks, an exotic village. |
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| Day 2 | Kozho-Kelen - trekking to the Jiptyk Pass (18km, 8 hrs, + 1280m). |
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A walk upstream along the Ak-Bura River valley to the Jiptyk Pass, Alpine meadows, high-altitude pastures. |
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| Day 3 | Crossing the Jiptyk Pass (4185 m) and descent to the Sary-Moghul village in the Alai Valley (18 km, 8 hrs, +675m, - 1015 m).
Transfer to the Base Camp on Edelweiss Meadow at Lenin Peak foot (40km, 2 hrs). |
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In the morning you will be awoken by the ‘snoring’ of semi-wild yaks. You will traverse some absolutely wild areas to ascend the Jiptyk Pass (4185 m), from where you will observe a breathtaking panorama with the slopes of the Trans-Alai Range shining with ice and snow and Lenin Peak (7134 m) dominating all other summits. In good weather you can discern other giants of the Pamir Mountains - Communism (7495 m) and Korzhenevskoi (7105 m) Peaks. |
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| Day 4 | Hike up to Puteshestvennikov Pass (4,200m). Going further up along the ridge. Overnight at the Base Camp (3,600m). |
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The acclimatization walking trip to the Puteshestvennikov Pass is an amazing Pamir trekking and an important stage in the preparation for the three ascents. Very soon you will get accustomed to breathing at a high altitude, your organism will begin working properly, your heartbeat will stabilize and your eyes will become open to the incredibly beautiful ragged surroundings. As we leave the Lukovaya (Leek) Meadow behind us we walk along a beaten path to a waterfall and further to the saddle of the pass. It takes from 2 to 2.5 hours to get there, so there is no need to hurry. On the pass we shall have a rest, a snack and a photo session on the background of grandiose panoramas. We shall then walk on up along the ridge, as high as possible, following the guide’s advice and trying to breathe regularly. By the evening we shall return to the Base Camp. |
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| Day 5 | Ascent to Petrovsky Peak (4,700m). Overnight at the Base Camp (3,600m). |
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Distance covered during the day: 14-15 km. Step 1: Departing from the Base Camp on the Edelweiss Meadow; traversing the Achik Tash River Valley crosswise; crossing the numerous broad branches of the Achik Tash River; approaching the foot of the grass-covered slope, on which we shall go up to the ridge. Step 2: Starting to climb the slope towards Petrovsky Peak; the steepness of the slope reaches 35° in some places; getting onto the ridge and further along it on a long path; the relief consists of grassy slopes, which then pass into a mixture of grass and scree and then scree alone. Step 3: As you reach the portion of the route consisting of mixed rocks and snow, you must put on belay systems, crampons and high gaiters and make your ice-axe ready at hand; the guide carries the main rope; attention: the slope’s steepness reaches 50° in places. Step 4: As soon as you reach the snow-and-ice portion of the slope, you must make rope teams (if the guide regards it necessary to do so); from this moment on you must set the pace by the weakest member of your group; all the members of the group must climb close to each other; as the team reaches Petrovsky Peak, all must stay together, no one is allowed to detach from the body of the group; the group may stay on the summit for 20 to 30 minutes, in case there is no wind; in windy weather people must not remain there for more than 10 minutes; climb the mountain in thunderstorm or snowfall is strictly prohibited. Step 5: The group will descend the mountain along the same route as they climbed it; the descending technique consists in doing what you did when you were ascending, only in reverse order. |
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| Day 6 | Ascent to Camp 1 (4400 m). | |
 The ascent to Puteshestvennikov Pass (4,200 m) on a well-trodden track usually takes 1.5 to 2.5 hours - depending on the physical conditions of the participants. It’s always windy on the pass, which may also be snow-covered. Take a deep breath of air into your lungs as the panoramic view that opens up before you from the “Marmots’ Glade” lying just below the pass is astonishing. Local residents of the glade - marmots - whistling out different tunes dart in and out their holes, heedless of observing visitors. Descent from the pass is simple and does not take long. Carry on along the track that goes nearly horizontally, keeping in parallel to the left-hand side moraine. Cross a rapid stream and carry on uphill along the path leading to the Lenin Glacier - approximately 2.5 to 3 hours. Crossing the stream can sometimes be difficult because of high, violent water. Further along the body of the Lenin Glacier takes only 30 to 40 minutes. Mind crevasses! Note the bolder with a cross image and walk along the moraine to Camp 1 for 20 to 30 minutes. Total ascent time is about 3 to 4.5 hours. Our Camp 1 is set up on the moraine of the Lenin Glacier and truly is most comfortable camp of the area. Three spacious and comfortable yurts provide nice and constant warmth. In 2007’s season we have managed to couple (!) two yurts - an achievement unheard of even by experienced Kyrgyz shepherds! The yurt is the place you can get a delicious meal, cup of tea or brewed coffee. Listen to music, guitar playing, or use your PC to look through your photos or maybe even organize a party for a special occasion: completion of a successful assent, for instance! You are accommodated in the same kind of comfortable base tents. |
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| Day 7 | Ascend to the top of the Yukhin Peak (5,130 m). Descend to Camp 1 (4,400m). Overnight at the Camp 1 (4400m). | |
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| Day 8 | Descent to Base Camp (3600 m). | |
 Upon arrival why not have a vapour bath followed by a traditional special dinner set in the Kyrgyz yurt to celebrate your glorious return to BC. Upon preliminary agreement your dinner could include a very nicely done hunk of lamb. Indulge yourself in oriental exotics! Relax sitting on the traditional Kyrgyz “kurpacha” (mattress) and have a delicious piece of freshly cooked lamb. This is the essence of the international culture of the nomadic peoples and what a culture it is. |
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| Day 9 | Drive from Base Camp of Lenin Peak to Osh. Hotel check-in. Overnight at the hotel. | |
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So, our tour is over. After breakfast we pack our things and drive back. The iridescent hills of the Achik Tash valley… The boundless Alay valley… the bridge across the Kyzyl Suu River and the uphill serpentine road to the Taldyk Pass… then the downhill serpentine to the Gulcha River valley… the city of Osh. Check-in at the hotel in twins/double rooms, with breakfast. In Osh you can walk about the city, visit the Sulaiman-Too Mountain and the Museum organized just within the hill or call at the Osh bazaar to buy a couple of souvenirs. The most popular souvenirs are handmade felt items, which vary greatly in type and color and are nice to the eye and heart. |
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| Day 10 | Transfer to airport. Departure. | |
The cost of the tour includes:
- Meeting/seeing off at the airport;
- All transfers on comfortable air-conditioned transport according program;
- Accommodation in hotels (double-room accommodation) with breakfast - Osh (1 night);
- All needed documents arrangement (permit to the border zone, OVIR registration);
- Rescue party registration;
- Rent of portable radio station with 1 set of batteries (AAA, 4 pcs);
- Lunch boxes during transfer Osh - Base camp - Osh;
- Services on the active part of the trip (days 1-3):
- Meals on full board basis (3-times a day hot meals);
- Accommodation in Guest House per 2-4 people in a room (1 night);
- Accommodation in twin sharing tents (1 night);
- Services of mountain guide, cook and service staff;
- Rent of pack transport for carrying of personal and common baggage of the participats;
- First aid kit for group;
- Rent of bivouac and kitchen equipment (days 1-3):
- Tents;
- Tables, chairs;
- Kitchenware.
- Services of mountain guide for the period of active part;
- Accommodation in Base Camp (3600 m) in spacious camping tents per 2 members.
Facilities of camping tents in BC:- heating;
- beds, mattresses, coverlet, and pillows;
- changeable bed linen: flat sheets, bedsheets, and pillowcases;
- electrical outlets and individual lighting - desk lamp;
- chair;
- Accommodation in Camp 1 (4400 m) in spacious camping tents per 2 members. Facilities of camping tents in C1: wooden decks, thermal isolation, foam mattresses;
- Meals in BC and C1 - Full board: 3 times hot meals made by professional cookers, including vegetarian meals under request;
- Using the infrastructure of Base Camp and Camp 1:
- Yurt - companion cabins (decorated in national style) with heat in Base Camp (3600m) and Camp 1 (4400m) for the rest and entertainments (music, guitar, table-top games, etc.);
- Shower facilities in BC;
- Washstand and toilet at BC and C1;
- Storage-yurt at BC and C1;
- Electricity 220 В; 50 Hz;
- Medical services at BC and C1;
- Consultation concerning the route.
The cost of the tour doesn’t include:
- Visa invitation and visa fee;
- International flights;
- Medical insurance.
Hotels.
This tour comes with the following accommodation in city:
| City | Hotels | |
| Osh | Sunrise Osh hotel 3* | or similar |
Note:
Participants of this program should have special clothes and equipment listed below:
| Clothes and equipment for the program "In Tian-Shan and Pamir mountains": | ||||
| 1 | A moderate-sized backpack to hike with (30-40 l); | |||
| 2 | Transport trunk. Not essential, but it facilitates the transportation of the things to Base Camp and further horseback transportation to Camp 1. | |||
| 3 | Sun cream (SPF 25-40). | |||
| 4 | Sunglasses. | |||
| 5 | Trekking boots (Scarpa kailash GTX, Salomon Quest 4D GTX, The North Face Wreck Mid GTX or similar). | |||
| 6 | 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 (Base Camp and Camp 1). Besides, you need a pair of light and open footwear for Osh, which features high summer temperatures. | |||
| 7 | Downy jacket / PrimaLoft or ThermoBall synthetic insulated jackets (BASK Valdez or similar) | |||
| 8 | Assault jacket GORE-TEX (RedFox Vector GTX III or similar). | |||
| 9 | Assault trousers GORE-TEX or Bib and brace overalls GORE-TEX (RedFox Vector GTX III or similar). | |||
| 10 | Suit POLARTEC (for instance, jacket BASK Kondor V3 + trousers BASK Vinson Pro V2). | |||
| 11 | 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) | |||
| 12 | Thin Gloves, Fleece, Polartec, WindBloc and thick insulated gloves (for instance, RedFox Ice) | |||
| 13 | КPeaked 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). | |||
| 14 | Knitted T-shirts. | |||
| 15 | Socks-POLAR, thermal socks, like Boreal TREK Thermolite or similars + ordinary socks. | |||
| 16 | Lip balm. | |||
| 17 | First-aid kit (personal). | |||
Transportation.
Depending on the size of a group the following means of transportation are used during the tour:
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"Toyota Sequoia"  |
"Mitsubishi Delica"  |
"Mercedes-Benz Sprinter"  |
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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:
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List of states granted visa-free stay up to 90 days: Mongolia, Ukraine.
List of states granted visa-free stay up to 60 days
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Visa-free access to Kyrgyzstan up to 30 days: Malaysia.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who can attempt this trek? Should the participants of the tour have prior trekking experience or prepare themselves physically?
- Can people with health problems participate in this programme?
- Is travel insurance compulsory for this tour?
- What is the weather like in the mountains?
- Is it possible to swim in the lakes?
- What are the probabilities of encountering some dangerous creatures (besides relatively harmless mosquitoes) such as snakes, spiders, scorpions, mites etc.?
- Is it allowed to pick up mountain herbs and flowers? Which plants should be avoided?
- What should and what shouldn’t I take with me?
- How are meals organized during the trek programme?
- How about communication facilities during trek travel?
- How good is Internet access?
- Visa, permits.
- Who can attempt this trek? Should the participants of the tour have prior trekking experience or prepare themselves physically?
This trekking is rather easy and is suitable for anyone with good physical condition. Tourist above 16 and under 65 years of age can join this tour provided they have no serious health problems and their doctor does not object to participation in such kind of tourist activities. Children above 14 can also join this trekking tour provided they are accompanied by their parents.
The offered trekking tour can be graded as simple-average, which means no special skills in mountaineering are required. The escort team consists of an experienced high altitude guide able to choose the right path and advise you on the precautions to be taken in each section of the route. During the tour you will have to trek on foot long distances. Therefore the only condition for those willing to participate in this trekking programme is absence of medical contraindications to such activities. - Can people with health problems participate in this programme?
Please note, that the route of the tour runs through mountains with considerable altitude differences (the maximum altitude is 2750 m above sea level). The participants can experience some symptoms of altitude sickness which disappear when the descent from the mountains starts. Therefore the tour may not be suitable for persons suffering from heart or respiratory problems (hypertension, asthma). We recommend you to consult your doctor before planning this tour. - Is travel insurance compulsory for this tour?
Yes, it is. The medical insurance of up to $ 10,000- 15,000 should be obtained before leaving your homeland. - What is the weather like in the mountains?
In the summer the weather is fair and sunny with daytime temperature reaching +28°С. At night, however, and on rainy days the temperature drops to +8 or + 10ºС which makes the availability of warm jacket rather useful. - Is it possible to swim in the lakes?
Most definitely it is. In summertime the temperature in the lakes is about 17-19°С. No wonder many travelers like to experience some bracing bathing. So don’t forget your swimsuit. - What are the probabilities of encountering some dangerous creatures (besides relatively harmless mosquitoes) such as snakes, spiders, scorpions, mites etc.?
Though such a probability exists, it is too small as proved by our long experience of organizing trekking tours. - Is it allowed to pick up mountain herbs and flowers? Which plants should be avoided?
It is advisable not to touch the plants you are not familiar with as some of them can be rather toxic (for example giant fennel can sting you when you touch its leaves). It is forbidden to pick up Red Book plants. The mountain slopes are home to many medicinal herbs including mint, origan, thyme, which you can pick up and brew a delicious ‘mountain tea’. The banks of the rivers are covered with bushes of dog rose and sea-buckthorn. - What should and what shouldn’t I take with me?
We provide spacious two person tents and big mess tent to be used in inclement weather, as well as foodstuff, tableware, tables, chairs, portable WC, first aid kit, gas burner and gas cylinders (or primus stove and gasoline) in case it is raining and the wood is wet and does not burn.
You should also have on you any special medicine you usually take in case of health problems. Should you need any detailed information regarding personal gear you can contact our tour operators. - How are meals organized during the trek programme?
You will be escorted by a cook and other service staff responsible for arranging regular and tasty meals. You don’t need to bother about tableware, kitchen utensils and equipment as we provide all these as well as tables, chairs, and tents throughout the whole trek programme.
Drinking water is provided from crystal-clear mountain springs. However, it is recommended to drink only boiled water. In cities and during long transfers it is advisable to use bottled water.
Below you can find the menu of one of the trekking days:
Breakfast:
First dish: cereal porridge (semolina, oats, rice).
Second dish: cooked eggs with sausages, omelette, pancakes, thick pancakes, toasted bread, cottage cheese pancake, etc.
Buffet table: cheese, sausage, assorted bread, butter, ketchup, marmalade, chocolate paste, sweets, cookies, wafers, dried cream, honey, sugar, halavah.
Drinks: selection of hot drinks, such as tea (black and green), coffee, cocoa.
Lunch:
Buffet lunch: assorted bread, fresh salads, canned fish, cheese, sheep cheese, assorted meat appetizers, tea (black and green) sweets, cookies, wafers, fruits (apples, pears), dried fruits (apricot, raisin, figs, etc.), assorted nuts.
*In case of camp lunch first course is added.
Dinner:
First course - soup (European or local cuisine).
Second course - various dishes of European cuisine with assorted garnish, as well as a choice of local dishes.
Buffet table: assorted bread, cheese, sausage, ketchup, spices (mustard, various dressings), sweets, cookies, wafers, sugar.
Drinks: selection of hot drinks, such as tea (black and green), coffee, cocoa, thin jelly.
Dessert: watermelon, melon, fruits. - How about communication facilities during trek travel?
Cellular telecommunication is available in Osh and on the way to Aflatun settlement. In the mountainous areas, especially in mountain valleys, there are difficulties with signal receipt. Tour manager is equipped with portable satellite terminal to provide uninterrupted external link. Moreover, the group is provided with walkie-talkie to ensure trouble-free connection between trekkers. - How good is Internet access?
Internet access is available only in Osh. There are many internet-cafes there. - Visa, permits.
Kyrgyzstan has considerably simplified its visa policy and today citizens of 70 countries of the world enjoy visa-free access to this Central Asian state.
Visa-free entry to the territory of Kyrgyzstan is granted for the nationals of the Russia, the CIS countries and a number of citizens of European and other foreign countries.
The details on Kyrgyz visa, rules of entry and stay on the territory of Kyrgyzstan you can find here.
To enter the territory of Kyrgyzstan the foreign national must have a foreign passport valid for not less than 6 months following the termination date of the tour.
It is also important that before their trip to Kyrgyzstan foreign nationals arrange travel medical insurance with coverage of up to $10,000-15,000.
Photo of the tour:
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Video of tours to Kyrgyzstan:
 Сharms of Kyrgyzstan’s nature |
 Riding motorbikesthrough Kyrgyzstan |
 RideThePlanet:Kyrgyzstan Whitewater |
 In an off-road vehicle across Kyrgyzstan |
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