Interested in an unforgettable high altitude hiking adventure in the heart of Central Asia? Then look no further than the Lenin Peak Base Camp Trek in the Pamir-Alay Mountains of southern Kyrgyzstan. While we won’t take you to the top of Lenin Peak (7,134 meters / 23,405 feet) on this trekking tour, you’ll get pretty close when you overnight at Peak Lenin Base Camp (4,400 meters / 14,435 feet) and hike to nearby Yuhina Peak at over 5,130 meters / 16,830 feet. This high altitude trek will take your breath away…in many ways.

Our guided Lenin Peak Base Camp Trek is a challenging 8-day trek crosses four mountains passes over 4,000 meters / 13,120 feet and summits one peak over 5,000 meters,  offering an incredible high altitude experience with stunning views of the surrounding snow-covered peaks, glaciers, alpine lakes and valleys. Along the way you’ll have chance to learn about traditional Kyrgyz culture, stay at yurt camps, and enjoy the warm hospitality of the Pamir-Alay Region.

Highlights from the Lenin Peak Base Camp Trek Tour include:

• Stunning views of glacier-covered Lenin Peak (7,134 m), including from Traveler’s Pass (4,150 meters) and up-close from Lenin Peak Base Camp (4,400 m) and Yuhina Peak (5,130 m).
• Beautiful mountain vistas at Sary Mogul (4,303 m) and Jiptick (4,185 m) mountain passes with alpine lakes and high desert moonscapes so you feel as though you’ve landed on another planet.
• Diverse natural landscapes, from turquoise alpine lakes and lush green valleys to high desert moonscapes and the red rock formations of “Three Dragons Gorge”.
• Sleeping in a traditional Kyrgyz yurt where you’ll have an opportunity to meet Kyrgyz shepherds, learn about traditional nomadic culture, and enjoy home-cooked meals.
• A commitment to community tourism so that your tour will benefit local communities and families in the Pamir-Alay Mountains.

Combine this trek with a Pamir Highway Trip: If you are interested in continuing on the Pamir Highway to or from Tajikistan, you can easily combine this trekking tour with one of our other Pamir Highway Trips.

Driving distance: 70 km / 4-hours

Depart from historic Osh City to the village of Kojokelen (2200m), the starting point of the trek. There is remarkable scenery along the way to Kojokelen village, so enjoy the ride! After 3,5 hours of driving, we reach the village, a quiet rural village nestled in the foothills. Before dinner, take a short walk to the beautiful gorge above the village. We will enjoy a home-cooked dinner and an overnight stay at a family-run guesthouse

Accommodation: Shared guesthouse
Meals included: Lunch, Dinner
Facilities: Wi-fi, electricity, hot shower and western-style toilets

Trekking distance/time: 12 km/7-hour,  Ascent/Descent: 1013 m/ 412 m

After breakfast, we say “Goodbye” to our hosts and start our trekking by crossing the wooden bridge. We start ascending the uphill for 5-hours with spectacular views of the gorge with red rock formations. The red rock formations forming the “Three Dragon Gorge ”is one of the most beautiful spots in all of Kyrgyzstan. Views of the rugged Kichik Alay Mountains open up on top of the pass. From there, follow the path as it winds along the edge of the hills. You can see the snow-covered Pamir landscapes in the distance with various grades of high-, mid-, and low alpine landscapes along the way. The trail then descends through the evergreen juniper forest into a beautiful Kosh-Moinok valley (40 minutes). Time to rest. Enjoy a home-cooked meal and overnight in a yurt camp.

Accommodation: Shared yurt camp
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Facilities: No wi-fi, no electricity, no shower, outdoor toilets

Trekking distance/time: 20 km/ 8-hour,  Ascent/Descent: 1749 m/ 868 m  

The second day is relatively strenuous and uphill. We fuel ourselves with a generous breakfast before setting off. The trail becomes steep and ascends approximately 400 meters through grass meadows and pastures to Koshmoinok Pass at 3,210 m (1 hour). After the pass, the trail winds its way down through evergreen trees and continues to the edge of the valley until it reaches Kyzyl Shoro village (2 hr). Break for lunch in the village at a homestay. Enjoy a hearty home-cooked meal, charge your devices and take a quick hot shower*. After lunch, almost flat walk until you get to the next village. At this point, the trail turns away to the south and from the trailhead begins the steep 9 km climb along the well-trodden path through fields filled with grazing cows and shepherd’s yurts inviting you for tea. As the trek progresses through the valley, the trail cuts back and forth across the river several times. With the increase in elevation, the terrain begins to change from mid-mountain green forest to high alpine rocky and dry landscapes. Finally, the Campsite! After 4-5 hours of intensive trekking, we reach our yurt camp.  Dinner and overnight in a family-run yurt at 3,600 meters. 

Accommodation: Shared yurt camp
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Facilities: No wi-fi, no electricity, no shower, outdoor toilets
*Wi-fi, electricity and hot shower available during lunch in Kyzyl Shoro village

Trekking distance/time: 15 km/ 7-hours, Ascent/Descent: 925 meters/ 1053 meters

After breakfast, we head to Sary Mogul Pass at 4,303 meters. Walk along the stream all the way up to the foot of the pass (1,5 hours). Head up to the top of the pass on a barely seen trail in a zigzag formation on loose scree (1 hour). The ascent to the pass is steep and covered in loose scree. As you arrive at the pass, the glaciated peaks and alpine lakes begin to appear. Enjoy your accomplishment at the top of the pass with its otherworldly and stunning views. While descending, some parts of trails are a bit challenging as the trail is narrow and the terrain is composed mainly of scree and small pebbles. We break for lunch at the riverbank with glacier views all around. After lunch, we head into a valley to follow the small stream all the way to a finish point of the trail (3 hours). Dinner & overnight in a yurt at 3300m.

Accommodation: Shared yurt camp
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Facilities: No wi-fi, no electricity, no shower, outdoor toilets

Trekking distance/time: 15 km/ 4-hours, Ascent/Descent: 25 meters/ 325 meters

Today is an easy walk on an unpaved road along the river leading down to Sary Mogol village (3hr). We spot many yurts of shepherds tending their livestock and busy with everyday activities of nomads. Arrive at your homestay and enjoy a home-cooked lunch. Take a shower, and enjoy the wi-fi*. After lunch, we will drive to the yurt camp at Tulpar Kol near Lenin Peak Base Camp (1 hour). Tulpar Kol is a series of lakes set in the foothills of the Pamir Mountain – it is a great spot for photography and easy walking. Dinner and overnight stay in a yurt.

Accommodation: Shared yurt camp
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Facilities: Mobile Internet, solar panel, hot shower, western style outdoor toilets

Trekking distance/time: 15 km/ 8-hours,  Ascent/Descent: 910m/ 280m

This day is the most challenging of the circuit. Wake up early. After breakfast, we will head south from Tulparkol Lake to Camp One standing at 4400 meters right at the foot Lenin Peak. We pass by mountaineering camps and  begin the ascent to Traveler’s Pass. Traveler’s Pass summit is a steep switchback to more great views of the Pamirs. After summiting the pass we will descend for lunch. Enjoy lunch with the many marmots in the area! After lunch is a gradual climb to Camp One. The last stretch before Camp One is a challenging uphill climb, complicated by the often adverse weather conditions. The trails of this section are subject to quickly changing quality and accessibility. Use extreme caution. Arrive at Camp One. Enjoy the glaciated valley of Lenin Peak. Dinner and accommodation in alpine tents. Camp One has a small convenience store for basics – water, drinks, and simple foods can be bought if needed. Prices are higher than what you will find in Osh City.

Accommodation: Two person tents
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Facilities: Paid Wi-Fi , electricity only for 2-3 hours at night, no hot shower, outdoor toilets

Trekking distance/time: 6 km/ 7-hours,  Ascent/Descent: 700 m/  700 m

Wake up early to explore the glaciers and crevices of the valley. After breakfast, we will begin an ascent of nearby Yukhina Peak at 5130 meters. A steep ascent (4-hours) and thin air make it a challenging hike. A towering and massive glaciated peaks open up on the top. Enjoy your accomplishment. Lunch on Yukhina Peak. Return to Camp One for dinner (2-hours).

Accommodation: Two person tents
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Facilities: Paid Wi-Fi , electricity only for 2-3 hours at night, no hot shower, outdoor toilets

Trekking distance/time: 15 km/ 6-hours,  Ascent/Descent: 280m/ 910 m

After breakfast, we will return to the yurt camp at Tulpar Kol Lake where our driver is waiting for you. Lunch at Tulparkol Lake and transfer to Osh. 

Accommodation: No
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch