Heights of Alay trek Q&A

[fkmuramoto]

Hi everyone!

I’m currently in Uzbekistan and I’m trying to plan a Heights of Alay self-supported hike (6D/5N or less). I should arrive in Osh on June 6th (next week!!) and possibly head to the trail head the following day.

Questions:

A. How are the trail conditions at the moment? Are there yurts already along the way or is it still early? If yes, how can I plan yurt stays?

B. Where can I rent 1-2P tent / sleeping bag in Sary Mogol (if possible)? Else in Osh, but best if in Sary Mogol as I don’t plan to return to Osh after the hike. Also where to buy fuel for canister stove and food supplies?

C. Any place to help me with transportation from Osh to the trailhead and after the hike, from Sary Mogol to China via Irkeshtam (including permits)?

Lastly, if anyone wants to join me, PM! I’m a 36yr old Brazilian, male, traveling Uzbekistan/ Kyrgyzstan this June. I’m a finance professional based in Singapore and also an avid trail runner.

Cheers,
Fernando

[steven]

1. Don't know
2.at CBT Sary Mogol. Not sure if they have fuel in Sary Mogol, maybe best in Osh at CBT.
3. CBT Osh or CBT Sary Mogol (no permits needed to cross Irkeshtam)

[fkmuramoto]

Thanks so much Steven!

[Pearce_os]

Not sure if you left yet but we just got back from a 5 day hike in the Alays and any pass over 3000m was borderline impassable. It snowed and rained every day, it took us 5 days to do 42kms. I think your hike might be closed till July. The CBT office in Osh said if the current weather continues it might not even open up...

[mazeno]

https://fergana.agency/news/108034/
https://rus.ozodi.org/a/29986142.html
https://fergana.agency/news/108148/

[thl989]

Can I get way with not bringing a tent and sleeping bag on the 6-day trek? Debating doing this after nearly a month in Uzbekistan and would rather not haul it around. Are there enough yurts and homestays along the way? I see some indicated on the GPS tracks but still some gaps.

[steven]

Last year it was not possible but this year it should be possible. Not if you do it in 6 days, but if you do it in 5 days instead.

[mareklen]

Not sure if you left yet but we just got back from a 5 day hike in the Alays and any pass over 3000m was borderline impassable. It snowed and rained every day, it took us 5 days to do 42kms. I think your hike might be closed till July. The CBT office in Osh said if the current weather continues it might not even open up...

Hi all

Does anybody have any news how the situation looks like in July? I also plan to do this trek in about 2-3 weeks.

Thanks
Marek