Alay Valley

The Alay Valley is a broad high-altitude corridor between major mountain ranges, with long views towards the Pamir peaks. It is a landscape to travel through slowly, using villages as bases for walks, horse rides and onward routes. The eastern and western parts belong to different local administrative districts, and Chon-Alay should not be confused with Alay District. Choose a specific base such as Sary-Mogol when planning activities. Altitude, wind and distances are significant even where the valley looks open and easy, while higher routes require additional preparation and sometimes border permissions.