The Petrovsky Pass Loop is a popular aclimitization hike for mountaineers preparing to summit Pik Lenin. Starting from the brown two-story semi-permanent building at the Gulburak camp (3610m), the loop starts on a gravel road before traversing around the base of the ridge on the right side of valley (facing Pik Lenin) and begins ascending an easy track up to the ridge. The climb turns left and steepens after reaching a signpost on a grassy saddle.
Once on the ridge, the trails is great running until you reach Petrovsky Pass (4005m). The views of the green valley and massive peaks on the left side and the scree-filled and colorful glacial valley on the right-side are mind blowing the whole way.
From the pass, it's a steep gully descent back to the valley - sometimes on epic pillowy dirt, and sometimes on tricky hardpack and scree. Ideally leave camp before the hikers to avoid having groups below you in the gully - more for their comfort than actual safety, as it's not steep enough to have truly dangerous rockfall.
Once out of the gully, it's a cross-country sprint back to the brown building.
