Tour description
In the northwestern corner of Tajikistan, along the border with Uzbekistan, lay the rugged and beautiful Fann Mountains, a branch of the Western Pamir-Alay Range. They divide the northern territory of the country, in the Fergana Valley, from Dushanbe and the south. It is a compact range, with around 100 stunning peaks, many over 5,000m, and renowned alpine lakes. Famed among nature lovers and mountaineers, these mountains nonetheless see very few visitors, and their natural beauty and cultural treasures have remained virtually unchanged to this day.
Access is easiest from Penjikent in the northwest or Dushanbe in the south, across high, unforgettable passes with breathtaking views. Ancient Tajik Mountain villages line these routes, whose faithful residents dress traditionally and follow the ways of their ancestors. Authentic “chaikhanas” sit perched over roaring mountain streams, offering “osh” (plov) and tea in Central Asian style, and roadside springs are crowded with locals gathering sparkling glacial water. Herds of sheep and cattle wander the mountainsides and roads, often driven by young boys riding donkeys. Local people are some of the kindest in the world, always ready to welcome the visitor with a warm smile and polite bow; prepare to be invited for tea! If in need of a place to stay, Tajik people never hesitate to open their home to the traveler. Aside from the few vehicles on the main roads, there is little sign of modern life to be found.
The only road from Dushanbe north across the Fanns is on the very good condition. Several enormous tunnels of 5 km or more are being carved out of the bases of several ridges, and will replace the most treacherous and difficult passes. The passes are an exciting experience in themselves, winding steeply up to 3,600 meters on rough dirt roads; there are places where one can look down and see the wrecks of dozens of vehicles (mostly from winter driving). Trip between Dushanbe and Penjikent, and as well from Dushanbe to Khujand takes 4-6 hours.
The Fann Mountains is the country of turquoise lakes, breathtakingly high peaks and ancient legends. You can hardly find such a marvelous place anywhere in the world, with over 30 beautiful mountain lakes and a dozen peaks more than 5,000 m high concentrated on a relatively small area of 650 km2. The picturesque Zindon and Archamaydan valleys, the fabulous beauty of Big Allo Lake surrounded by vertical rocks, splendid Kulikalon, Alaudinand Marguzor Lakes, legendary Iskanderkul Lake, amazing waterfalls and astounding and impressive Chimtarga, Energia, Chapdara and Big Hansa Peaks attract large numbers of trekkers and climbers from around the world. The cleanest streams playing in the sun, soft carpets of grass under the feet and bottomless sky without a single cloud – all this in combination with the inimitable colours of the numerous lakes and the majesty of white-collared peaks will undoubtedly be forever imprinted in a traveller’s memory…
Geographically, the region is a part of the Pamir-Alai mountain system bordered by the Hissar Range on the south, Zeravshan Range on the north, the chain of Marguzor Lakes on the west and the Dushanbe-Ayni Highway on the east. Sometimes the Yagnob Wall (Zamin-Karor Massif) near the village of Margib (Margeb, Mageb), east of the area, is also referred to the Fann Mountains.
The Fann Mountains feature soft climate, with stable sunny weather prevailing throughout summer. Best time for travelling and recreation in the Fann Mountains is between July and September.
The Fann Mountains nine peaks exceeding 5,000 m above sea level. The highest point of the region is Chimtarga Peak (5,489 m). Other 5,000-metre mountains are Big Hansa (5,306 m), Bodkhona (5,138), Mirali (5,132), Chapdara (5,050), Energia (5,120), Zamok (‘Castle’) (5,070), Little Hansa (5,031) and Moscow (5,046).
Lakes numbering 30 plus and contrasting the harsh looking ridges and peaks are true pearls of the area. They vary in type and origin, some of them having been formed through the blocking of narrow mountain valleys with landslides (Iskanderkul, Big Allo and Marguzor Lakes), while others created by glaciers (Kulikalon, Alaudin, Moutiye, Piala, Ziyorat and Chukurak Lakes). Almost all of the Fann lakes are fed by streams.
The region’s largest rivers are the Fandarya with its tributaries, the Pasrud, Yagnob and Iskanderdarya, in the east and the Kshtutdarya formed by the confluence of the Archamaydan, Sarymat, Amshut and Artuch, in the western part of the region. The temperature of water in the rivers ranges from 5°C to 10°C in summer. By the end of summer the level of water in the streams drops perceptibly. Travellers will not find much difficulty in crossing the rivers in the Fann Mountains.
The Fann Mountains are a Mecca for mountaineers and rock climbers, the conquerors of ‘big walls.’ The area is the scene of Russia’s Annual Technical Rock Climbing Championship. Some of the more difficult rocky routes to the summits of Bodkhona (5,138 m), Parandas, Adamtash (4,700), Zamok (5,070), Zindon (4,800), Mirali (5,132), Chapdara (5,050), Dukdon (4,896), Sakharnaya Golova (‘Sugar Head’) (4,971) and Skalnaya Stena (‘Rocky Wall’) are no less complex than the famous walls in the Aksu-Karavshin area of Kyrgyzstan.
One of the Fann Mountains’ pleasant features is that on free days during treks travellers can ascend some of the nearby summits, high but quite easy from the technical aspect, such as three- and four-thousanders Zmeya (‘Snake’) (4,150 m), Fizkultury i Sporta (‘Physical Culture and Sports’) (4,120), Gratuleta (4,230), Chinal with the Fagitor spur (3,900), Paykhamber (4,958) Fluorite (3,450), Ruzeravat (3,700) and others and even five-thousanders Zamok (5,070) and Energia (5,120), from where you can obtain fantastic panoramas.
Local people, Tajik, adhere mostly to old lifestyle, following ancient customs and traditions. The hospitality they treat foreigners with is just unbelievable. Tourists can have a talk with shepherds pasturing their livestock in the Kulikalon depression and Amshut River valley and near Chukurak Lake and drink tea and refreshing yoghurt in their primitive temporary dwellings. Most of the itineraries we offer go via the classical Tajik mountain villages of Yakkakhona, Zimtut, Guytan, Sarytag, Shin and others), where travellers can familiarise themselves with the local lifestyle and ancient traditions.
Availability: May - September
Direction: Dushanbe (or Samarkand)-Penjikent-Fann Mountains
Duration: 10 days / 9 nights
Type of tour: private, calculated for 2-4 people, for Solo (1 person) +50%Itinerary Program
ARRIVAL DAY: Dushanbe / Samarkand – Zimtud (transportation)
Travelers will picked up from Dushanbe or from the border with Uzbekistan/Samarkand the same time.
Until 10:00 – We will pick you up from Dushanbe (or Samarkand) and take you on a scenic drive to Zimtud (from Dushanbe-218 km, (4.5 h. drive), however from the border - Samarkand-85 km, 2 h. drive).
12:00 – Arrival Panjakent, shopping in central bazar, lunch in Panjakent
Penjikent is an ancient city located in the Sughd region of Tajikistan, east of the city of Samarkand. It was an important center of the Sogdian civilization and features several important archaeological sites and museums. The city is rich in its sights, architectural monuments, a beautiful recreation area on the banks of the Zarafshan River.
14:00 – Arrival Zimtud, free time, Night in homestay in Zimtud
Zimtud, a village in Penjikent, is located on the banks of the Kishtud River and is surrounded by high mountains on four sides. A wonderful place to relax and enjoy the colors of the mountain landscape.
Zimtud – Artuch (trekking)
09:00 – Hike to the Artuch alp camp via Guytan village
13:00 – Time for lunch
15:00 – Arrival Artuch alp camp, night in Artuch camp
The Mountaineering & Tourist Camp "ARTUCH" is located in the heart of the Fann Mountains at an altitude of 2200 m. The camp is ready to welcome you to the breathtaking mountainous region of Central Asia, the Republic of Tajikistan. The camp offers the opportunity to take in stunning scenery and embark on an unforgettable journey through some of the world's most renowned tourist and mountaineering spots.
19:00 - Dinner at Alp camp
Artuch – Kulikalon Lake (trekking)
Get ready for a fantastic day! Start with a delicious breakfast, then head out to the camp gathering where you'll get to start your ascent to the incredible Kulikalon Lakes.
The lakes are just 55 km southeast of Panjakent, so they are easily accessible. They lie in the stunning Kulikalon cirque, surrounded by the remnants of a magnificent juniper forest. The lakes are fed by meltwater from the magnificent Chimtarga glacier, with water levels peaking in summer, and are drained by the Artuch River. The middle part of the cirque is at an impressive altitude of 2,800 m above sea level, with the adjacent mountains rising to 3,000–3,500 m.
You will spend the night at the stunning Kulikalon lake in tents, with plenty of camping spots available.
Distance - 8 km, 800 m of climb.
Overnight in tents.
Kulikalon – Alauddin Pass – Alauddin Lakes (trekking)
Start your day with a hearty breakfast and then embark on an exhilarating ascent to the Alauddin pass (3730 m).
The adventure begins with a climb to gain almost 1000 m of altitude! The terrain is simple, but the ascent is long and the altitude is high, making it an exciting challenge.
On the way, we'll get to enjoy the stunning views of Dyushakha Lake. The ascent to the pass is an incredible 5-6 hours, while the descent to the Alauddin lakes is a mere 2 hours. These lakes are absolutely stunning and are considered the most beautiful in the Fan Mountains! The water is so clear and has a gorgeous bright blue hue.
Night at Alauddin Lake in tents
Distance – 8.2 km, 1000 m of climb and 1000 m of altitude drop.
Alauddin Lakes – Muddy lakes (trekking)
In the morning we gather the camp, backpacks and go out towards the Muddy lakes (3430 m.), it is located at the foot of Chimtarga peak. The trail is rocky with a smooth climb. On the way there is another small, but very beautiful and cold lake Piala, where we can swim. We pitch tents near Muddy lakes. It is already cooler here in the evening than below - in the evening the temperature drops to +5 degrees.
Return to Alauddin lakes
Camping at the lake.
Distance – 6.2 km, 730 m of climb.
Alauddin Lakes – Kulikalon (trekking)
In the morning, we will gather at the camp, load up our backpacks, and head out on an amazing adventure towards the Kulikalon via Vertical and Laudan passes (3625 m).
Kulikalon is located at an altitude of 2,800 meters. A series of these lakes is located in the Kulikalon basin, around which there are high rock walls that attract many climbers. In the waters of the Kulikalon lakes, the peaks of Maria (4,970 m) and Mirali (5,170 m) are reflected.
Night at Kulikalon lakes, in tents, camping places
Kulikalon – Chukuruk Lake – Artuch (trekking)
Start your day with a delicious breakfast and then embark on an incredible ascent to the Artuch Alp Camp via the breathtaking Chukuruk Pass and Chukuruk Lake.
Chukurak Lake, situated in the western part of the Hissar Ridge at an impressive 2440 meters above sea level, is a remarkable sight. The total area of Lake Chukurak spans 35 square kilometers and is comprised of a system of one expansive and two smaller lakes, nestled in a mountain pit and interconnected by a network of aboveground sewage.
Night at Artuch camp.
Artuch – Penjikent – Seven Lakes (transportation to the Shing village, trekking)
09:00 – Departure (drive) to Penjikent
11:00 – Penjikent Sightseeing, Ancient Sarazm, Rudaki Museum, local Bazaar (optional)
Sarazm - ancient city (6,500 years old) which will make you feel like you have travelled back in time. You will learn about the Arian and Persian civilizations and experience the cultures of the Arian and Sogdian societies. It's so important and valuable that Sarazm is included in the UNESCO Heritage List.
Rudaki Complex
This important shrine complex marks the spot where the remains of the great Persian poet Rudaki (858–941) were found in 1958. Abuabdullah Ja'far ibn Muhammad (Rudaki) was a court poet under the Samanid Empire, and he composed more than 180,000 verses, although only a small portion of his work has survived. He is fondly remembered as the "Founder of New Persian poetry".
12:00 – Lunch in Panjakent
13:00 – Trip to Seven Lakes
15:00 – Arrival at Shing village. Our hike tour will start from the 1st Lake Mijgon. Here we leave car and will hike up to lake 4th
MIJGON (62 km from Panjakent)
The first lake travelers encounter is Mijgon, which is located at an altitude of 1,640 meters above sea level. Its name is derived from the Tajik word for "eyelashes."
SOYA (1,8 km from Mijgon), trekking-1,8 km
Heading from Lake Mijgon along a winding route, travelers will encounter a natural dam that separates Mijgon from the second lake, Soya. The name "Soya" comes from the Tajik word for "shadow" because the lake is located between high rocks, remaining in the shade for most of the day.
HUSHOR (0,9 km from Soya), trekking-3,7 km
The third lake, Hushor, is located 900 meters from Soya. A turbulent stream connects the two bodies of water, which can be seen from close proximity.
NOFIN (1,6 km from Soya), trekking-5,3 km
Nofin, the fourth of the seven lakes, is quite long and narrow. It extends for more than 2.8 kilometers and measures approximately 200 meters in width.
KHURDAK (4,6 km from Nofin), trekking-3,6 km
Khurdak is the smallest of the seven lakes. Its name, which translates to "baby," reflects its diminutive size.
MARGUZAR (2,2 km from Khurdak), trekking-2,2 km
Margusar lake, the largest and most beautiful lake in the Seven Lakes system, is a notable body of water.
19:00 – Overnight at lake, camping
Marguzar-Hazorchanshma-Hushor (trekking)
09:00 – After breakfast continue trekking to the Lake Hazorchashma
HAZORCHASHMA (4,7 km from Marguzar), trekking-9,4 km
Hazorchashma is the final and highest mountain lake in the Seven Lakes complex. It is situated at an elevation of 2,400 meters above sea level. While it is comparable in size to a Marguzor, it is slightly smaller, with an area of 0.92 sq.km and a maximum length of 2 km. The name Hazorchashma, meaning "a thousand springs," is a testament to its water source, which is derived from the confluence of two rivers and numerous streams. It is the final lake in the Shing River gorge, and beyond it, there are no settlements, the road ends, and the untamed beauty of the Fan Mountains unfolds
12:00 – Reaching Hazorchashma Lake, lunch and rest time at the beach of Lake
15:00 – Return to the 6th lake and from there with transport drive to 4th lake
18:00 – Arriving 4th lake, night in homestay
Departure day: Seven Lakes – Dushanbe (or Samarqand)
09:00 – Departure to Dushanbe (or Samarqand)
14:00 - Arrival at Dushanbe (12:00 Samarqand)
WE HAVE REACHED THE END OF OUR FANTASTIC TOUR!
