Alay Travel Guide

Hiking in the mountains is not a simple activity. 

The climate will vary: it will be cold in the morning and evening, but when the sun is out (approximately from 09:00 to 16:00), it will be warm (if the weather is clear). It will become cold again before sunrise. During the ascent (walking), sweating occurs, and sometimes you may need to strip down to your underwear. You will experience intense thirst, lose a lot of fluids, and burn fat.

🌄 Walking in the mountains and mountaineering are activities that trigger an adrenaline rush. This active form of tourism is a sport that challenges everyone and requires patience.

🌱 Hiking Essentials
🌀 Clothing: Dress in layers – this allows you to remove or add clothing as needed.

1. Underwear: Medium-thickness thermal underwear for comfort while walking. Soft and textured fleece is recommended, especially favored by climbers – it is warm, comfortable, and pleasant to the touch.
2. Down jacket or sweater: Designed to retain warmth.
3. Jacket or down jacket: Should be breathable, warm, and lightweight. Many climbers wear down jackets because they retain heat well and take up little space in a backpack when folded.
4. Outer layer: A lightweight rain jacket or stormproof shell, especially necessary in rainy weather.
5. Pants: With thermal lining and fleece material – not too thick, but not too thin, to retain warmth and ensure comfort during movement. It is important that the pants are comfortable, as there may not always be an opportunity to change clothes during the hike. Outer pants must be windproof and waterproof.
6. Gloves: Waterproof and medium-thickness, as it can be cold in the morning and evening, especially when using trekking poles or setting up a tent.
7. Hat: Fleece or another warm hat that covers the ears and cheeks.
8. Face mask: Recommended at temperatures of -10 to -20 ℃ before sunrise. Used to protect the face, nose, and teeth from frost.
9. Warm socks: At least 2 pairs.
10. Footwear: High-altitude mountaineering boots (three-layer), waterproof on the outside, with soft thermal lining inside, and lightweight. Modern models weigh no more than 2 kg per pair. (It is advisable to try this out beforehand, if possible, on the slopes for a few hours, so that your feet do not feel discomfort later.)

🛀 Hygiene Items: Liquid toothpaste, toothbrush, soap, towel, razor.
🌞 Protective Items: Sunscreen, special protective dark glasses, lip balm, toilet paper, a collapsible (elastic) water bottle that can be placed in a bag and drunk from using a hose (preferably 3 liters), and a headlamp with spare batteries.
💉 Safety Items: Medications in tablet or powder form for treating colds, heat-related illnesses, and altitude sickness. In the mountains, stomach issues, blood pressure problems, altitude sickness (suffocation), burns, and frostbite are common. As the body weakens due to energy loss, it is recommended to bring painkillers and vitamin supplements, preferably taken before the start of the tour.
💼 Insurance: If you plan to climb mountains, insurance is necessary. In Kyrgyzstan, for example, insurance coverage of at least $30,000 is required for climbs on Lenin Peak, Khan Tengri, and Pobeda Peak. When ascending snowy peaks, it is recommended to have a beacon and GPS tracker for emergency communication.

Hiking Gear:
A hiking backpack is the most important piece of equipment and must meet the following requirements.
The volume of the backpack is calculated based on the expected load and is measured in liters (40, 60, 80, 100, 120 liters). Its height should be such that the backpack fits from shoulder level to waist level. Otherwise, carrying the backpack will be uncomfortable and may cause discomfort during movement.
The backpack should be made of high-quality, breathable materials. The straps should be thick, wide, and have a soft inner surface to prevent discomfort and chafing during prolonged use. The waist belt should be made of rigid plastic to ensure comfort when carrying heavy or irregularly shaped items.
It is desirable for the backpack to be covered with a waterproof cover.
If you are a climber and plan to ascend snowy peaks, you will need a lot of gear. In this case, you can hire porters to carry your belongings. If you plan to carry your gear yourself, choose a large-capacity backpack designed for heavy loads.

⛺ Tent: For snowy peaks, a lightweight and durable high-altitude tent that can be set up and taken down quickly is recommended. For trekking at altitudes between 3,000 and 4,000 meters above sea level, high-altitude tents are preferable. If such a tent is not available, a lightweight waterproof model with a water resistance rating of 3,000–4,000 mm is suitable.
🛏 Sleeping Bags: Sleeping bags designed for climbing snowy peaks should be lightweight (weighing up to 1 kg) and preferably filled with down, which retains warmth at temperatures as low as -20 ℃ and below. For camping tours, the choice of sleeping bag depends on the climatic conditions of the area where the hike will take place.
Sleeping Pad: This is one of the most important pieces of equipment, providing protection from the cold and moisture coming from the ground. There are two main types of sleeping pads: inflatable and polyethylene. A simple polyethylene pad is preferable as it is lighter, more durable, and less prone to damage compared to an inflatable one. The disadvantage of inflatable pads is that they need to be repaired if punctured, and they are usually heavier. For multi-day hikes, a polyethylene pad with a thickness of at least 1.5 cm is recommended.

🍲 Food:
For climbing, it is recommended to bring freeze-dried meals that can be quickly prepared by adding water. Also, include dried fruits and high-calorie chocolate bars in your diet. They will help maintain energy levels and keep you feeling full longer. It is important to choose lightweight foods with minimal waste to make carrying easier and avoid littering the environment.

Cooking Kit:

• Gas stove with a canister (230g)
• 2-3 boxes of matches (lighters bought at the market may not work at high altitudes, or bring high-quality lighters)
• Spoon, knife, plastic mug, deep plate
  Many items may turn out to be unnecessary, so it is important to monitor the weight of your gear.

Mountaineering Kit:
A set of descent and safety equipment: rope, crampons, ice hooks, ascenders, small shovel-like tools, and an ice axe.