The Best Pamir Trekking (16 days)

Hiking time: 6–7 hours; altitude gain: +600 m.

The day begins with a route through apple and apricot orchards. By midday, the gorge narrows, and the trail leads through the canyon of the Lyaily-Mazar River to its confluence with the Uryam River.

Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner.

Overnight in tents (1800 m).

Hiking time: 6–7 hours; altitude gain: +1100 m.

Turning into the Uryam River valley, we traverse beautiful alpine pastures and forested slopes. After a steep ascent and passing through a narrow section of the gorge, we reach the upper valley—a breathtakingly scenic and wide-open landscape.

Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner.

Overnight in tents (2900 m).

Hiking time: 5–6 hours; altitude difference: +400 m, -400 m.

Today, we embark on a one-day radial trek to the upper valley of the Uryam River, one of the most picturesque valleys in the region. Along the way, we will enjoy stunning views of the canyon's towering rock walls, a magnificent waterfall, and fragrant blooming meadows.

Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner.

Overnight in tents (2900 m).

Hiking time: 6–7 hours; altitude difference: +860 m, -950 m.

Crossing Uryam Pass (3760 m) is one of the most spectacular moments of the trek. A well-established trail and breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains accompany us throughout the day.

From the pass, we enjoy panoramic views of Parus Peak (5037 m) and the summit of Sabakh Peak (5283 m). After descending from the pass, we set up camp with a stunning view of the massive northern face of Aksu Peak (5355 m).

Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner.

Overnight in tents (2800 m).

Hiking time: 5 hours; altitude difference: +500 m, -500 m.

The highlight of the trek—a hike to the northern face of Aksu Peak (5355 m). This pyramid-shaped peak, crowned with snow, drops almost 2 kilometers vertically on its northern side. The grand cirque of Aksu Peak is adorned with a stunning array of neighboring summits, including the twin-headed Iskander Peak (5120 m), Admiralteets Peak (5090 m), Petrogradets Peak (5163 m), and Blok Peak (5239 m).

Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner.

Overnight in tents (2800 m).

Hiking time: 7 hours; altitude loss: -1600 m.

The final day of our trek through the Ak-Mechet River Valley is marked by lush green meadows, alternating with juniper forests, crystal-clear streams, and towering mountain peaks. Upon reaching Uzgarish village, we will enjoy a farewell festive dinner in the spirit of Eastern hospitality.

Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner.

Accommodation and overnight in a guesthouse (1200 m).

After breakfast in a hospitable Kyrgyz home, we set off on our return journey to Osh, arriving by evening. There will be some time for a short walk around the city.

Meals: breakfast, lunch.

Accommodation and overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast. A visit to a supermarket before the journey.

Transfer to the Pamirs, to the “Edelweiss Meadow” camp via the Great Pamir Highway, which ranks among the top 10 most scenic roads in the world according to National Geographic. The drive is exceptionally picturesque, so grab a window seat: we’ll witness the red mountains and rivers, the vast expanses of the Alay Valley, the dizzying switchbacks of Taldyk Pass (3600 m), and finally, the snow-covered northern face of the towering Lenin Peak (7134 m).

Arrival at the tourist yurt camp, located on Edelweiss Meadow (3600 m), offering the best view of Lenin Peak. Accommodation and lunch.

An afternoon walk to Leek Meadow (3800 m) – a protected alpine meadow that was once a climbers’ base and is now home only to marmots and wild green onions. During the brief but intense Pamir summer, the meadow transforms into a vibrant green carpet filled with colorful flowers, and by late August, it becomes a silent realm of ochre hues. Our scenic route follows the edge of the Achik-Tash Canyon, where we will see whimsical rock pillars, a conical pyramid, the confluence of two rivers, and multicolored mountains. We will hear the rush of water and the ringing silence of the stones.

Hiking time: 2 hours; altitude difference: +250 m, -250 m.

Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner.

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

Hike to the lakes of Achik-Tash Valley and the sacred Tulpar-Kol Lake.

Hiking time: 5–6 hours; altitude difference: -260 m, +260 m.

This morning, we begin with a scenic walk through the picturesque “fjords” of the Achik-Tash Valley, dotted with a collection of stunning, multicolored lakes. These lakes vary in size, some merging into one another and changing shape each year. Their crystal-clear turquoise waters reflect the towering peaks of the Pamirs, while herds of shy yaks often graze along the shores.

We then continue towards the large and pristine Tulpar-Kol Lake. Descending to the river, we cross a bridge to the other side, where the sacred lake lies. According to local shepherds, bathing in the lake, taking its water, watering livestock, or fishing is forbidden. It is believed that one should approach the lake with a clear mind; visitors may pray on the shore, immerse or sprinkle ailing body parts with its water, and receive the gift of healing. We will walk around the lake, observing its winding shoreline from different perspectives, and learn about the daily life and traditions of the nomadic Kyrgyz people whose yurts are set up 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 camp.

Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner.

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

Hiking time: 3–4 hours; altitude difference: +500 m, -500 m.

Ascent to an altitude of 4100 m, offering a breathtaking panoramic view of the picturesque Alay Valley, the majestic Trans Alay Range, and its highest peak—Lenin Peak (7134 m). From this vantage point, we will see the entire labyrinth of lakes in the Achik-Tash Valley, where we hiked the day before, along with multiple Base Camps, Tulpar-Kol Lake, and the neighboring snow-covered gorge.

Return to camp. Rest and preparation for tomorrow’s ascent to Camp 1.

Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner.

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

Trek to “Solnechniy” Camp at the foot of the towering Lenin Peak.

Hiking time: 6–7 hours; altitude gain: +800 m.

The route to “Solnechniy” Camp passes through familiar landmarks: Leek Meadow, Marmot Meadow, Castle of the Spirits of Alay, Travelers' Pass (4150 m), and the magnificent Lenin Glacier.

After descending from the pass, the trail levels out and runs parallel to the left lateral moraine. Crossing a fast-flowing mountain river, we ascend onto the path leading to the Lenin Glacier. From there, we continue along the glacier’s surface to the advanced “Solnechniy” Camp (4400 m), situated on the medial moraine.

Accommodation at “Solnechniy” Camp. Rest.

Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner.

Overnight at “Solnechniy” Camp (4400 m).

Hiking time: 6–7 hours. Altitude gain/loss: +730 m, -730 m.

The ascent is guided and does not require special equipment.

Stage 1: Departure from “Solnechniy” Camp (4400 m). Crossing the glacier to reach the starting point of the ascent along the ridge of the left (orographic) moraine of the Lenin Glacier.

Stage 2: Ascent along the moraine ridge. The incline ranges between 20–25°. Reaching a gentler section and transitioning to the southern slope, leading to a wide couloir that directly approaches the summit of Pic Yukhin.

Stage 3: Climbing the right side of the couloir (relative to the direction of ascent), where the incline reaches up to 30° in some sections. The terrain is mostly snow-covered, with occasional small and medium scree. Upon exiting the couloir, a left turn leads to a narrow snow ridge, followed by a 15-meter traverse to the summit plateau and the peak of Pic Yukhin (5130 m).

Stage 4: Descent via the same route.

Return to “Solnechniy” Camp, rest.

Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner.

Overnight at “Solnechniy” Camp (4400 m).

Hiking time: 5 hours; altitude loss: -800 m.

On the way down, we will enjoy breathtaking views of multicolored rock formations, peculiar stone towers, and the dramatic “Edge of the Earth” Canyon in the Achik-Tash River Valley.

Accommodation at “Edelweiss Meadow” Camp. Rest.

Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner.

Overnight at “Edelweiss Meadow” Camp (3600 m).

Transfer to Osh via the famous Alay Valley and the high mountain passes of Taldyk (3615 m) and Chiirchik (2408 m).

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

We recommend a self-guided walk through the city center: you can visit the Osh Bazaar to buy souvenirs or take the stairway trail up to the sacred, twin-peaked Suleiman-Too Mountain. In about half an hour, you can reach the viewing platform at an altitude of 1092 m, offering a breathtaking panoramic view of the entire city of Osh. At the summit, you’ll find a massive Kyrgyzstan flag waving and the historic Babur’s House (15th–16th centuries), the grandson of Tamerlane. The mountain’s location in the very heart of the city adds to its charm, and if you go closer to sunset, you’ll witness the most spectacular views.

Meals: breakfast.

Overnight at the hotel.

Transfer to the airport. The end of the program.

Meals: breakfast.