Alay Travel Guide

Total time:  6-7hours
Walking distance:  5+5 km
Driving distance: 255km
Max Elevation: 3640 m (Taldyk Pass)
Min Elevation: 1000m (Osh)
Overnight at 3500m (Tulpar-Kol)
Tour category: easy 

Day 1
Start from Osh to Tulpar-Kol

Departure from Osh, in the morning on the way visit the lake Kolduk (One of the beautiful mountain lakes in Alay. It is located on the eastern side of the Kolduk village) from the highway approximately 5km, 20 minutes driving to the lake.
It is known for their pristine turquoise waters and stunning mountain surroundings, the lakes are a hidden gem for adventure seekers and nature lovers.
Walking around the two lakes for about 1 hour then driving to Tulpar-Kol

Day2. Day hikes around Tulpar-Kol

The around Tulpar-Kol Lake is a paradise for hikers. Known for its proximity to Lenin Peak (7134 m), this region offers trails of varying difficulty levels, with stunning alpine scenery, glaciers, and vast pastures dotted with yurts. Below are some of the best hiking options around Tulpar-Kol:

1. Tulpar-Kol to Lenin Peak Base Camp

• Distance: ~6 km round trip
• Duration: 2–3 hours
• Difficulty: Easy to moderate
• Description: Popular short hike from Tulpar-Kol to Lenin Peak Base Camp (~3,600 m) with panoramic glacier views, bustling with climbers in summer.

2. High Pass Trek (Tulpar-Kol to Travelers’ Pass)

• Distance: ~12–15 km round trip
• Duration: 6–8 hours
• Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
• Description: Trail through alpine meadows ascends to Travelers’ Pass (~4,200 m) with breathtaking views of Lenin Peak and Alay Valley.

3. Pik Panorama of Tulpar-Kol

• Distance: ~10–12 km round trip (varies depending on the exact trail).
• ·  Duration: 3–4 hours.
• ·  Difficulty: Moderate to challenging (due to steep sections and high altitude)
• Description:
• Pik Panorama is a stunning viewpoint of Tulpar-Kol lake, offering a breathtaking panoramic view of Lenin Peak, the Alay Valley, and the series of glacial lakes collectively known as the «40 Lakes.» Reaching this point is a challenging yet rewarding hike, making it a highlight for experienced trekkers and photographers.
• Elevation: Approximately 4,100 meters (stunning view of lakes and can be walked up until 4500m).
• Viewpoint: From Pik Panorama, you can see:
• Tulpar-Kol Lake below, reflecting the towering Lenin Peak and surrounding mountains.
• A chain of small, shimmering glacial lakes, often referred to as the «40 Lakes,» spread out in the valleys.
• Lenin Peak and its glacier-draped flanks dominating the skyline.
• The route from Tulpar-Kol Lake to Tuyuk Canyon is a hidden gem for trekkers in the Alay Valley. This trail not only offers solitude and pristine landscapes but also provides some of the best views of Peak Estonia (6,202 m) and Peak Latvia (6,134 m), two impressive peaks in the Zaalaysky Range.

 4. Tulpar-Kol to Tuyuk Canyon-Tulpar-Kol

• Distance: ~15–20 km round trip, depending on the exact viewpoint you aim for in Tuyuk Canyon. 
• Duration: Full-day hike (5–7 hours round trip). 
• Difficulty: Moderate to challenging (due to some steep sections and loose terrain). 
• Trail to Tuyuk Canyon: 
• The terrain transitions from grassy slopes to rocky paths as you enter Tuyuk Canyon. 
•  The canyon narrows, revealing dramatic cliffs and a striking contrast of red and gray rocks. 
• Wildlife: Keep an eye out for eagles, marmots, foxes and rarely ibex in the canyon. 
• Nomadic Culture: During summer, you might pass herders and yurts, offering opportunities for cultural interaction. 
• Horse riding is available to Tuyuk canyon by pre-booking

Day3. Your final way