A long hike in the Fann Mountains

Transfer from Tashkent to Artuch Alpine Camp

Arrival at the Artuch Mountaineering Tourist Base. The Artuch Mountaineering Base is located at an altitude of 2,200 meters, high in the heart of the Fann Mountains. Accommodations will be provided in the mountaineering camp. Dinner will be served at the mountaineering camp's café.

Artuch (2200 m) → Kulikalon Lakes → Lake Bibidzhanat (2800 m)

The beginning of the active part of the trek. Ascent along a good trail to the Kulikalon Lakes. For the first few days, our backpacks will be carried by donkeys, which will ease our acclimatization and reduce the load. Our route begins with an ascent along a waterfall and the Khozharovat and Ruzirovat mountains. Along the way, you'll have the opportunity to admire the magnificent panorama of the majestic Kulikalon Wall and the surrounding peaks over 4,000 meters high (Adamtash, Mirali, Rudaki, and others). Along the way, we'll explore the Kulikalon Lakes basin (14 lakes in total) with crystal-clear emerald-blue water. Fish are also found there. The trail runs through a picturesque juniper forest. After lunch, we'll stroll along the lakes of the Kulikalon Basin. We'll set up camp on the shore of Lake Bibidzhanat and stay for the first night. Overnight in a tent.
Distance 10 km; 5 hours; +700 m.

Alauddin Pass (3860 m, 1A) → Alauddin Lakes (2800 m)

Description of the day: An early rise for the ascent of the route's first rated pass, Alauddin Pass (3,860 m, category 1A). This is the route's key acclimatization point.

1. Ascent to the pass: A gradual climb along a good trail. As you ascend, a panorama of the Kulikalon Wall and Dushakha Lake ("Mary's Eyes") opens up. From the pass saddle, there's a breathtaking view of Chapdara Peak (5,197 m) and the Chapdara River Valley.
2. Descent to the Alaudin Lakes: Far below, the stunning colors of the Alauddin Lakes—ranging from light blue to deep ultramarine—can be seen. The trail down to the lakes takes about 2-3 hours.
3. Alaudin Lakes: These are some of the most beautiful lakes in the Fann Mountains. Situated in an alpine zone with minimal vegetation, they create a particularly rugged beauty. There's a teahouse here where you can enjoy a hot cup of tea.

A day's rest at the Alauddin Lakes (2800 m)

Today we'll spend the day at the Alauddin Lakes, enjoying the peaceful setting of this corner of the Fann Mountains. It's a day for photos, a visit to a teahouse, and a walk to a local village.
Camp on the lake shore (2800 m). Night in a tent.
Distance 6/7 km; 150 m.

Alaudin Lakes (2800 m) → Muddy Lakes (3490 m)

Morning. After breakfast, we continue our route to the Mutnye Lakes. Throughout the day, we'll enjoy a magnificent panorama of Kaznok, Zamok (5,070 m), Energiya (5,105 m), and Chimtarga (5,489 m) peaks.
The harsh nature of the alpine zone, with hanging glaciers and steep moraine ridges, is evident. Along the way, we encounter scattered birch trees and a small lake, nicknamed Lake Piala for its round shape. Those who wish can swim in the lake, the giant steps of a retreating glacier, and the polished rocks. Eagles circle high in the sky. Near them, we say goodbye to the muleteers—those who wish can carry their backpacks themselves or hand them over to porters. The entire trek will take us no more than three to four hours, so we'll spend the entire afternoon resting. The magnificent landscape and the lack of vegetation create a mesmerizing picture.
Night in a tent.
Distance: 7 km, gain +800 m.

Mudnye lakes (3490 m) → Approach to Chimtarga pass (4500 m)

Today's long climb from Mutnye Lakes to the saddle requires a gain of approximately 1,200 meters. We'll ascend only to the pass, gradually acclimatizing and gaining altitude. The trail initially runs along scree slopes, then turns onto the glacier descending from Energiya Peak, and leads us onto a fairly steep scree slope. After crossing it, we'll find ourselves in a cozy spot near the pass. Here, we'll rest and have a snack.
We'll then continue to the third campsite, located under the Chimtarga Pass (4,450 m), and dine with an incomparable view of the Chimtarga and Energiya peaks. The pass saddle and the peaks of the giant mountains are clearly visible. This is the highest overnight stop of the hike.
Night in a tent.
Distance: 6 km, +1200 m<

Chimtarga Pass (4,750 m) → Bolshoe Allo (3,140 m)

In the morning, we make a dash – and finally, we've reached the saddle of the Chimtarga Pass. From an altitude of 4,750 meters, a magnificent panorama opens up, featuring the sky-high peaks of the Malaya and Bolshaya Ganza mountains. A long journey awaits us down into the Pravyi Zindon River valley to Lake Bolshoe Allo. The trail winds along slopes strewn with small rocks. It's difficult in places, but we'll make it through. After the final crossing over a large rockfall, we reach a junction of valleys, where the treasured lake is hidden. In 1912, a powerful earthquake rocked the Fann Mountains, instantly shattering the southern slope of the Western Fann Range. The river stopped flowing, and the mountains witnessed the birth of a new "mountain eye" – Lake Bolshoe Allo. It's bean-shaped, filled with icy water of an unusually rich blue color.
Among the thirty Fann lakes, Bolshoe Allo is considered the most majestic and beautiful.
Night in a tent.
Distance: 12 km; + 650 m, -1600 m.

Bolshoe Allo (3140 m) → Maloe Allo (2340 m) → Gazza → Artuch

Today we'll embark on the longest hike and the final part of our route. The trail leads us along a steep gorge, past the small lake Maloye Allo. We'll have lunch on the lakeshore, enjoying the coolness and tranquility of the lake. With every hundred meters we descend toward the village of Gazza, the temperature will warm up. We'll meet our driver.
Next, we'll drive to the Artuch Alpine Camp. A wonderful farewell evening and a sauna await us.
Distance 19 km, -1500 m

Departure to Tashkent or Samarkand

Breakfast. Departure to Tashkent (those who wish can take the alpine camp's vehicles to Penjikent or towards the checkpoint with Samarkand).