This special trip takes you to Central Asia and the heart of the Silk Road. As you arrive through the Kulja Valley you’ll already be following in the footsteps of Marco Polo and Sven Hedin, who used this route to cross the Pamir Plateau to reach Chinese Turkistan. The trek into the Alay Mountains and High Pamirs to Pik Lenin (7,134 m) advanced base camp, the second highest peak in the range, takes you along ancient trails and pristine natural environments.

Leaving Osh by car, head south towards the Alay Mountains and into the picturesque Ak-Bura Valley. Here, the trek heads towards the Djiptyk Pass, (4,186 m) through mountain forests and meadows with crystal-clear streams and views of the Alay Valley’s 4,000-meter peaks. From the pass, you can see the glaciated peaks of the Pamir Mountains to the South, with Pik Lenin at over 7,000 meters dominating the skyline. Next, descend into the wide valley of the Chapdara River, passing through its canyons. From here, it’s over the Pamir Plateau towards Achik Tash, the renowned Pik Lenin base camp, which sits in hilly green landscape, surrounded by little lakes and with wonderful views of Pik Lenin’s glistening snow-covered flanks. After 5 days trekking, you’ve reached your destination. On the last day, a scenic drive takes hikers over the Taldyk Pass (3,615 m) and back to Osh via the Pamir Highway.

This 6-day trek is technically straightforward but does require surefootedness and is nonetheless demanding because of the altitude that ranges between 3,000 and 4,300 meters. Careful planning will afford good acclimatization. Walking slowly and steadily, especially during the first few days at altitude will prevent altitude sickness because it allows the body to adjust (altitude, appetite and sleeping).

The climate in Kyrgyzstan is mostly temperate, with dry, warm summers and cold winters. At lower altitudes it can top 30°C during the day but at higher altitudes it can get close to freezing at night. The best time to travel therefore is mid-June to mid-September. For trekking, a daypack with rain gear, warm clothing, thermos bottle, etc. is sufficient. The rest of your personal belongings will be carried by porters. Essential items include sturdy, ankle-high, waterproof trekking boots, gaiters, a sleep mat and sleeping bag (with a comfort range down to -10°C), and trekking poles for walking at higher altitudes. Clothing must provide effective protection against the strong sun high up, cold, wind, snow and rain.