Alay Valley

Alay Valley. At the southernmost tip of Kyrgyzstan, 120 km from the city of Osh, lies a vast gorge known as Chon Alai or Alai Gorge. It is one of the largest mountain valleys in Kyrgyzstan. The Pamir Highway passes through the Alai gorge. Two large ridges, the Alai Range and the Zaalaisky Range, form the valley. The average altitude of the valley is 3000 meters. The mountain range is 25 km wide at its widest point and 8-10 km wide at its narrowest point. In prehistoric times there was a huge glacier here, traces of which can be seen even today. The Alai Valley is a truly spectacular place, world famous for its stunning scenery and visited by thousands of tourists every year. The main attraction for tourists is Lenin Peak, the second largest peak in Kyrgyzstan, which can be seen from almost anywhere in the valley. The road to the base camp of the summit passes through the Alai valley. In addition to the summit, the valley is also known for the famous Pamir Road (one of the highest mountain roads in the world, connecting Osh in Kyrgyzstan and Khorog in Tajikistan). It was also part of the Great Silk Road that ran through the Alai Valley. Today Alai is still the center of nomadic life. Yurts and livestock are scattered along the mountain slopes. In the Alai Valley, visitors can learn about the Kyrgyz way of life and nomadic culture, which has remained unchanged over the centuries.