Trekking Across the Pamirs: Trans-Alay Range & the Fann Mountains (Bishkek-Bishkek)

Transfer to Kyrgyz-Ata National Park, located in the foothills of the Alay Mountains. We’ll take a scenic walk up the picturesque gorge to an altitude of about 1600 meters, reaching a viewpoint with stunning views of the surrounding peaks. Along the way, we’ll see juniper forests, thickets of barberry and wild rose, a rushing river with crystal-clear water, yaks grazing, horses, and the endlessly beautiful vertical perspective in the distant haze. There, the fresh mountain breeze already whispers hints of tomorrow's ascent into the high mountains.

Lunch in a yurt will feature a tasting of national dishes and kumis, along with an acquaintance with daily life and traditions of nomads. Optional horse riding (extra charge).

Return to Osh. The slight gain and drop in altitude today is a part of acclimatization before the high mountains.

Travel time: 4 hrs; altitude difference: +640 m, -640 m.

Meals: breakfast, lunch.

Overnight at the hotel.

Transfer along the Pamir Highway, which is ranked among the top 10 most beautiful roads in the world by National Geographic. The drive promises to be incredibly scenic, so grab a window seat: we’ll see red mountains and rivers, the vastness of the Alay Valley, and the dizzying serpentine road of the Taldyk Pass (3600 m), and finally, the snowy northern face of the seven-thousander, Lenin Peak (7134 m).

Upon arrival at the yurt camp, situated in the Edelweiss Meadow (3600 m) with the best views of Lenin Peak, we’ll check-in and enjoy lunch.

Afterward, we’ll take a walk to the Lukovaya (Leek) Meadow (3800 m) – a protected meadow that was once place for climbing camps but is now inhabited only by marmots and wild green onions. During the height of the swift Pamir summer, the meadow turns into a vibrant green carpet with a riot of colors, and by the end of August, it becomes a silent realm painted in ochre hues.

We'll follow a beautiful route along the edge of the Achik-Tash Canyon, where we’ll see whimsical pillar-like rocks, a conical pyramid, the confluence of two rivers, and colorful mountains. We’ll hear the rush of water and the resonant silence of the stones.

Walking time: 2 hrs; distance: 7 km; altitude difference: +250 m, -250 m.

Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner.

Overnight at “Edelweiss Meadow” yurt camp (3600 m).

Travel time: 5–6 hrs; distance: 4+7 km; altitude difference: -260 m, +260 m.

We’ll start this morning with an easy hiking along the picturesque "fjords" of the Achik-Tash Valley, dotted with a variety of beautiful, colorful lakes. Some of them even join together, changing shapes every year. Their sparkling turquoise surface reflects the impressive peaks of the Pamirs, and herds of yaks often graze along the shores.

Next, we’ll head to the large, pristine Tulpar-Kol Lake. We’ll descend to the river and cross a bridge to the other side, where the sacred lake lies. The locals believe one shouldn't take water, bathe, and feed cattle or fish. According to shepherds, it's best to come to the lake with a clear mind. You can pray on the shore, dip sick parts of your body or sprinkle them with water, and you'll definitely receive healing. We’ll walk around the lake, taking in its winding shapes from different view points, and learn about the daily life and traditions of the nomadic Kyrgyz whose yurts are nearby. Along the way, we may encounter donkeys, horses, and untouched meadows filled with delicate blooming edelweiss, vibrant buttercups, and alpine forget-me-nots.

Return to the yurt camp.

Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner.

Overnight at “Edelweiss Meadow” yurt camp (3600 m).

Trekking time: 3-4 hrs; distance: 5 km; altitude difference: +500 m, -500 m.

Petrovskiy peak (4700 m) is one of the easier and closer peaks in relation to the Base camp. Hiking up to the altitude of approximately 4100 m where you can enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of the picturesque Alay Valley, the majestic Zaalaysky Ridge, and its highest peak, Lenin Peak (7134 m). From this view point, we’ll see the whole labyrinth of lakes in the Achik-Tash Valley that we explored yesterday, along with numerous Base Camps, Tulpar-Kol Lake, and the neighboring snowy gorge.

Return to the yurt camp. Rest and preparation for tomorrow's ascent to “Sunny” camp 1.

Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner.

Overnight at “Edelweiss Meadow” yurt camp (3600 m).

Travel time: 6-7 hours; distance: 12 km; altitude difference: +800 m.

The route to the “Solnechniy” (“Sunny”) camp runs through the Lukovaya (Leek) Meadow, the Marmot Meadow, the Spirit Castle of Alay, thePuteshestvennikov (Traveller’s) Pass (4150 m), and the magnificent Lenin Glacier. On this trail, you might meet groups of climbers either ascending or descending from the upper camps or the summit of Lenin Peak.

At the Puteshestvennikov (Traveller’s) Pass, we’ll enjoy a break and one of the best views of the magnificent Lenin Peak (7134 m) and its glacier, as well as the nearby six- and five-thousanders.

Following is the descent from the pass – it is pretty easy and quick. After that, the trail turns into a virtually horizontal surface and stretches in parallel to the left moraine dump over a very long distance. We then cross a wild mountain river and ascent the trail that leads to the Lenin Glacier. Afterwards, we move along the body of the glacier until we reach Camp 1, which is located on the middle moraine.

Arrival in the “Solnechniy” camp 1, accommodation, and rest.

Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner.

Overnight at “Solnechniy” camp 1 (4400 m).

Travel time: 6-7 hours; distance: 6 km; altitude difference: +730 m; -730 m.

The route is led by a guide, without special equipment.

Stage 1: Starting from Camp 1 (4400 m) on the middle moraine of the Lenin glacier. Traversing the glacier crosswise and beginning to ascend the left (orographically) moraine of the Lenin Glacier.

Stage 2: Ascending the moraine’s ridge. The slope’s steepness reaches 20–25°. Entering a gentler area and crossing it towards the southern slope – to a wide couloir leading directly onto the summit of Yukhin Peak (5130 m).

Stage 3: Ascending the right (in the direction of the movement) side of the couloir, the slope’s steepness reaches 30° in some places. Most of the time we walk on snow, in some places on scree of small or medium-size stones. Left turn after the emergence from the couloir. After walking for some 15meters on a narrow snow-covered ridge we reach the upper plateau just beneath the peak and the summit proper.

Stage 4: The group will descend the mountain along the same route as they climbed it.

Return to the “Solnechniy” camp 1 (4400 m), and rest.

Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner.

Overnight at “Solnechniy” camp 1 (4400 m).

Travel time: 5 hours; distance:12 km; altitude difference: -800 m.

Descent to the “Edelweiss Meadow” Base camp (3600 m) by taking the familiar trail through the Traveler’s Pass. Enjoy stunning colored rocks, stone towers and the "Land's Edge" canyon in the Achik-Tash river valley.

On arrival in the Base camp – dinner and rest.

Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner.

Overnight at “Edelweiss Meadow” yurt camp (3600 m).

Travel time: 5 h; distance: 280 km.

After lunch transfer to Osh through the famous Alay Valley, high-altitude Taldyk pass (3645 m) and Chiirchik pass (2408 m).

Arrival in Osh. Check-in at the hotel. Leisure time.

Meals: breakfast, lunch.

Overnight at the hotel.

Transfer to the Kyrgyz-Uzbek border, customs formalities.

Transfer to Tashkent via the scenic Kamchik Pass (2285 m), a route of vital importance for the country as it serves as the main transport and passenger corridor between the capital and the Fergana Valley.

Arrival in Tashkent, check-in at the hotel. Free time.

Tashkent is the multifaceted capital of modern Uzbekistan. Tashkent’s architecture is a fascinating blend of different eras and styles. The city boasts archaeological sites dating back over 2,200 years to the Zoroastrian era, magnificent medieval landmarks, grand 19th-century structures, and one of the most beautiful metro systems in the world. Alongside its rich historical heritage, Tashkent is also home to cutting-edge modern architecture, reflecting the dynamic growth of Uzbekistan’s capital.

Meals: breakfast.

Overnight at the hotel.

Sightseeing in Tashkent (Old City): visit to Hast-Imam Square, the spiritual center of the city, where the original manuscript of the Uthman Quran and a strand of the Prophet Muhammad’s hair are preserved; the Barak-Khan Madrasa and Kafal-al-Shashi Mausoleum, among the oldest architectural monuments in the Uzbek capital.

Visit to Chorsu Bazaar, the most famous and historic market in Tashkent. Under its massive domed structure, you can find local products, fragrant spices, handmade crafts, and souvenirs. In the Old City, beyond its traditional oriental architecture, you will see authentic mahallas—historic residential quarters with adobe houses, narrow streets, and a timeless atmosphere.

Lunch at the famous Central Asian Plov Center "Besh Qozon", where 10 tons of delicious plov are cooked daily in giant cauldrons.

Transfer to Samarkand, the ancient capital of Sogdiana, once known as Marakanda. One of the oldest cities in the world and the former capital of Tamerlane's vast empire, Samarkand is a living museum and a historic hub of the Silk Road. To this day, it retains the unique aura of medieval Asia.

Meals: breakfast, lunch.

Overnight at the hotel.

Transfer to “Jartepa” Uzbek-Tajik land border, customs formalities. Further transfer to the Zeravshan river valley and the mountain camp “Artuch”.

Here our trekking in the Fan Mountains starts. This region is an incredibly beautiful corner abounding in alpine lakes and snow-capped peaks, situated at the junction of two major mountain ranges in the Pamir-Alai system – the Hissar and Zeravshan Ranges.

Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner.

Overnight in the mountain camp “Artuch” (2200 m).

Well-trodden trail takes us up to Kulikalon lakes along the scree slope of the western part of the Kulikalon basin. We steadily climb up and enjoy a view to three peaks – Adamtash (4579 m), Mirali (5106 m) and Maria (4790 m) which making the famous Kulikalon Rock Wall. At the foot of the wall there are turquoise necklace of amazing Kulikalon Lakes. Our camp is located on a green meadow, on the shore of one of the lakes, Bibidjanat Lake.

Travel time: 5 hours; altitude difference: +642 m.

Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner.

Overnight in tents (2842 m).

While ascending to the Alaudin Pass (3757 m) we enjoy a bird-eye view of Kulikalon Wall, Dushaha Lake and the entire Kulikalon Lake system at its foot. From the pass there's a grand view of amazing Alaudin Lakes, as well as the snow-&-ice-clad 5000+m peaks of the Fan Mountains: Chapdara Peak (5049 m), Bodkhona Peak (5152 m) and Zamok Peak (5020 m).

Travel time: 6 hours; altitude difference: +915 m; –971 m.

Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner.

Overnight in tents (2786 m).

Today our point of destination are Mutnye Lakes, they got their name because of the deep gray color of the water. The trail passes by the small lake Piala named for its round-shape bottom, and then takes us to the Mutnye Lakes located in the very heart of the Fan Mountains and surrounded by the most beautiful 5000+m peaks: Chimtarga (5489 m), Energiya (5120 m), Mirali (5106 m), Zamok (5020 m), Bodkhona (5152 m). They are especially beautiful after sunset, when the surrounding peaks are reflected in the water as in a mirror.

Travel time: 4 hours; altitude difference: +700 m.

Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner.

Overnight in tents (3490 m).

The ascent to the cirque of Chimtarga pass is not difficult technically, but the altitude difference between Mutnye Lakes and the place of our next tent camp is more than 1000 m. Efforts will be rewarded with beautiful views of the dominant peaks – Chimtarga (5489 m) and Energiya (5105 m). Our camp is located at a height of 4500 m, that is the highest point of overnight stay on the entire route. The weather is quite cold there, and warm clothes will be required.

Travel time: 6 hours; altitude difference: +1010 m.

Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner.

Overnight in tents (4500 m).

Today we will ascent to the highest point of the entire route – the Chimtarga pass (4780 m). Stunning views open from the pass: from the both sides of the pass there are Energiya Peak and Chimtagra Peak, and on the opposite side – the peaks of the Mutnye Lakes circle: Zamok (5020 m), Bolshaya (Big) Ganza (5306 m), Malaya (Small) Ganza (4946 m), Krasnye Zori Peak (4746 m) and others. Quite far away, on the south there seen the peaks of Hissar Range and on the North – the peaks of Zeravshan Range. Undoubtedly, most of us feel these moments as a climax of the trek. From the pass we descend to the Zindon Praviy (Right) River valley and get to the Bolshoje Allo Lake. Lake Bolshoje Allo was formed as a result of an earthquake in 1912, in a hollow between huge vertical rock walls.

Travel time: 8 hours; altitude difference: +280 m; –1670 m.

Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner.

Overnight in tents (3110 m).

Descent along the Zindon River valley to the Archimaidan River valley. We overcome a giant blockage that collapsed in the earthquake of 1912 and formed Bolshoje (Big) Allo Lake. We overcome a giant blockage that collapsed in the earthquake of 1912 and formed Lake Bolshoje Allo. Then we will see the emerald-turquoise Maloje (Small) Allo Lake, located at an altitude of 2340 m. Visiting the shepherds' dwelling and tasting ayran – a healthy and refreshing fermented milk homemade product.

After descending to the Archimaidan River valley – transfer to Penjikent and check-in at the hotel.

Travel time: 6 hours; altitude difference: –1146 m.

Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner.

Overnight at the hotel.

Transfer to “Jartepa” Tajik-Uzbek land border, customs formalities; further transfer to Samarkand.

Samarkand is probably the best-known Uzbekistan’s historic city. Over 2,750 years of age, it has a rich history and boasts world-famous masterpieces of medieval Islamic architecture, most of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Accommodation at the hotel after 14:00. Free time without transportation or guided excursions.

We recommend a self-guided walk through the city center. You can visit Registan Square, the most famous and iconic square of Samarkand, as well as the Siab Bazaar, where you will find the Samarkand bread, known for its unique texture and flavor. The market is bursting with fresh fruits, vegetables, and an array of aromatic spices, offering a true taste of the Silk Road’s rich culinary heritage.

Meals: breakfast.

Overnight at the hotel.

Transfer to the airport. The end of the tour program. Departure from Samarkand.

Meals: breakfast.