Peak Lenin Base Camp Trek

Upon arrival to Manas International Airport, you will be met by the local guide and driver and transferred to Bishkek city. Early checkin is included at your hotel so you can head up to your room to refresh after your flight. After some rest we head off to visit the famous Osh bazaar. This bazaar is a great example of the trading life lived by the locals and is a great chance to buy handmade souvenirs or dried fruits. We then head to the city centre to begin our walking tour around the main Ala Too Square, the legacy of the Soviet Union. We will pass by the Manas Monument, which is dedicated to the main hero of the Kyrgyz people, witness the State Flag and the ceremony of changing of the Guards of Honour. We will view the monument of the Revolution of 2010, the White House and Lenin statue. Plus walk around old Alo Too Square which has a number of historical buildings such as the fine art gallery and the Kurmanjan Datka monument. From here we will transfer across to the Victory Square dedicated to those who perished in World War Two before enjoying lunch as well as dinner at a local cafe.
Overnight: Asia Mountains Hotel or similar (700m)
Driving: 30kms ...more ...less

Heading out from the city today we will visit the Ala Archa National Park, which is located roughly 50 minutes drive south of Bishkek. This park was established in 1976, named after the vibrant river that flows through it. Today is a gentle introductory trek to get our blood flowing and our feet moving. Although Bishkek sits roughly 700m above sea level, we will be heading up to roughly 2,000m today to visit one of the waterfalls that cascade through the park. Keep an eye on the majestic peaks that frame your trek today as you will be climbing towards them later in the adventure. After this starter day, we will head back to Bishkek for the evening.
Overnight: Asia Mountains Hotel or similar (700m)
Walking Distance/Time: 7kms; 4-5hrs.
Driving Distance/Time: 80kms; 2hrs.

We will rise early for our flight to Osh, the nearest city from which expeditions to Lenin Peak begin. Osh (called 'The Southern Capital") is the biggest city in southern Kyrgyzstan. It is a city with a host of side-streets, cozy open-air cafes and restaurants, bazaars and the main point of interest - "Sulayman-Mountain". This "mountain" rises in the middle of the town against a background of urban life, reminding us of the proximity of the Pamir-Alay Mountains.
Once we have arrived and settled into our accommodation, we will head out to view the town. We firstly visit the largest market in Central Asia - the Osh Bazaar. If you are missing anything for your adventure this is the perfect time to top up your backpack as you can buy practically anything here; just make sure not to get lost in the endless maze of shops and vendors. Afterwards we will visit the Suleiman Mount, one of the main shrines of the Islamic world in Central Asia, and the historical museum which is located right in the main cave. Follow in the footsteps of the pilgrims and head all the way up to the top of the hill where you can take in a bird's eye view of the city including the little Mosque of Babur, the founder of the Great Mogul Dynasty. Finishing our tour, we will take a short walk around and through the central square and city park. Tonight, your guide will take you through preparations for your upcoming trek.
Overnight: Sunrise Hotel or similar
Altitude: 970m

After breakfast we start our drive from Osh to the village of Kozho-Kelen; it will take us around 4 hours to travel the 100kms. Along the way you will experience some of the gorgeous natural beauty that Kyrgyzstan is famous for including mountains, fields of flowers and how the shepherds live. Make sure to keep an eye out for the Papan Reservoir, which provides all Osh city residents with water and is used for the irrigation of Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan. Upon arrival in Kozho-Kelen (2300m) we will stay in the house of a local family and go on an acclimatization walk (2 - 3 hours). The trail to Blue Grot and a waterfall goes through narrow mountain canyons, where one can see unusual forms of cliffs and rocks. Then we return to the guesthouse, and have a rest and dinner.
Overnight: Guest-House (2270m)
Walking Distance/Time/Ascent & Descent: 8kms; 2-3hrs; +1300m
Driving Distance/Time: 100kms; 4hrs.

After breakfast we start trekking along the mountain river to the foot of Dzhyptyk pass. Fabulously beautiful mountains, clean air, mountain spruce, junipers, natural drawings on the rocks harmoniously complement the landscape. This is a unique place that best addresses the meaning of the word “jailoo” (mountain pasture where shepherds bring herds to graze), where the eye catches the fantastic valley below topped by snow-capped peaks of the majestic mountains, that are visible on the horizon. Upon arrival to the tent camp, dinner and overnight.
Overnight: Tent Camp (3050m)
Walking Distance/Time/Ascent & Descent: 11kms; 5-6 hrs; +780m

Today we cross the Dzhyptyk pass and head to the Alai valley. To start it is a light trek through alpine meadows to Dzhyptyk gorge, before we ascend to the pass along a steep scree slope. The way to the pass usually takes around 45 hours. From the top of the pass you can enjoy a view of the Alai Valley and the majestic Pamirs. If we are in luck and have good weather, you can see the 7,000+ Lenin Peak and a great panorama of the Zaalay range. After lunch we descend to the gorge along an older closed road to the “Rock Gate”, just a little more to go and we arrive at the yurt camp. Accommodation in yurt camp, dinner, rest.
Ovenight: Yurt Camp (3250m)
Walking Distance/Time/Ascent & Descent: 10kms; 6-8 hrs; +1135m / -935m

Today we will hop onboard a 4WD jeep to take us across to the Achik-Tash Base Camp sitting under the base of the spectacular Lenin Peak. At the Base Camp there is a covered warm two-story dining room with a capacity of 160 people, with a separate bar, store and lounge area. Accommodation is in spacious tents with double occupancy beds. The entire camp, as well as each tent, is equipped with electricity. A luxury to enjoy before we begin our trek.
Overnight: Tent Camp (3600m)
Driving Distance/Time: 80kms; 2hrs.

Today you have the option to spend the whole day in Base Camp to rest, prepare and pack for the climb up to Camp 1.
Alternatively, if you're looking to push yourself we may go a little further afield by climbing to the ridge of nearby Petrovsky Peak at 4200 m, from where there are spectacular views of the valley below and the Achik Tash tract.
Overnight: Tent Camp (3600m)
Optional Walking Distance/Time/Ascent & Descent: 8kms; 4-5hrs; +600m / -600m.

Today we will start to head further up the foothill of Lenin Peak. After breakfast we are heading for “Camp 1” over the Puteshestvennikov pass (4,150m). The ascent to the pass usually takes 1-1.5 hours by a good path. From the pass you’ll see excellent views of Lenin Peak and Lenin glacier; if we're lucky (or not) there may be snow on the pass.
We then descend to the left moraine of the Lenin Glacier and continue trekking up to 3 more hours, before crossing the river carefully. The best time for crossing is early morning, as the river rises rapidly after this time. We will continue trekking to reach "Camp 1".
Overnight: Tent Camp (4400m)
Walking Distance/Time/Ascent & Descent: 14kms; 4-5hrs; +800m.

After breakfast we will ascend Yukhin Peak (5,130 m). There is a breathtaking view to the north face of Lenin Peak and the Alai Valley from the top. The classical route does not involve steep rock or ice climbing and does not require special equipment. Afterwards we will descend back to Camp 1.
Overnight: Tent Camp (4400m)
Walking Distance/Time/Ascent & Descent: 8kms; 5-7hrs; +730m / -730m

After breakfast, we start our return to the Peak Lenin Base Camp. Firstly, we hike up a little bit, then descend for almost 4 hours. Upon arrival we’ll have a well-deserved rest and shower.
Overnight: Tent Camp (3600m)
Walking Distance/Time/Ascent & Descent: 14kms; 4-5hrs; +100m / -800m

We leave the mountains behind as we drive back to the city of Osh. We check-in to our hotel and have the rest of the day free to explore the town a bit or relax.
Overnight: Sunrise Hotel or similar (950m)
Driving Distance/Time: 300kms; 6hrs.

We make a relatively early start this morning for the flight back to Bishkek. The remainder of the day is at leisure.
Overnight: Asia Mountains Hotel or similar (700m)

After breakfast, the trip concludes with a transfer to the airport for onward arrangements.
Driving: 30kms