Tour information
Grand Tour of Tajikistan introduces the most striking lakes of the Fann Mountains—a region in the northwest of the country where mountain ranges surround chains of turquoise glacial lakes. The route begins with an early morning departure from Tashkent, passes through the border and Khujand with a traditional breakfast, and then leads to the Artuch and Vertikal camps, passes, and lakes Kulikalon, Allaudin, Mutny, Marguzor (7 lakes of the Shing River) and ends at Iskanderkul with a transition to Dushanbe.
The 7-day program combines daytime hikes with elevation gains of up to 900 meters, radial hikes, and time to rest by the water. Participants spend the night in cottages and guesthouses, and in tents during active sections of the trek. Donkeys help with carrying, making the hike more accessible. The tour is suitable for those with moderate mountain hiking experience.
Tour itinerary
Route: Tashkent – Khujand – Artuch – Kulikalon lakes – Allaudi pass – Allaudi lakes – Muddy lakes – Marguzor lakes (7 lakes) – Iskanderkul – Dushanbe.
Complexity: Moderate. Mountain trekking with increasing elevation gain. Pack donkeys carry most of the luggage, so participants travel light.
Day 1. Tashkent - Khujand - Artuch - Lake Chukurak and White Lake
05:00 — departure from Tashkent. 06:30 — arrival at the border and customs control (1–3 hours).
After crossing the border, breakfast will be served in Khujand, where travelers will enjoy the famous Khujand manti, made of the thinnest dough. Then, transfer to the Artuch alpine camp, where accommodations will be made in cozy cottages.
In the afternoon, we'll spend an acclimatization trek to Lake Chukurak and Lake Beloye. This is an excellent opportunity to explore the Fann Mountains and prepare for the rest of the trip.
19:00 — dinner at the tourist center and rest.
- Climb: about 300 m
- Length: about 4 km (both ways)
Day 2. Trek to the Kulikalon Lakes
09:00 - breakfast. 10:00 — loading the main luggage onto donkeys and starting the walking route.
A picturesque climb to the famous Kulikalon Lakes, one of the most beautiful areas of the Fann Mountains. Along the way, panoramic views of snow-capped peaks and alpine meadows open up.
Upon arrival, we will set up a tent camp on the lake shore, have lunch, and have free time for walking, relaxing, and taking photos.
In the evening - dinner and overnight stay under the starry sky.
- Climb: about 800 m
- Length: about 10 km
Day 3. Allaudin Pass and Lake Chapdara
06:30 — Wake up, breakfast, and pack up camp. Luggage is again transported by donkeys.
Climb to the Allaudi Pass (3,780 m), offering panoramic views of the Fann Mountains. After a short snack, the descent to the Allaudi Lakes begins.
17:00 — arrival at the camp, setting up tents, dinner and rest.
- Climb: about 900 m
- Altitude loss: about 1100 m
- Length: about 10 km
Day 4. Muddy Lakes and the Vertical Alpine Camp«
05:00 — early rise, breakfast and packing. 06:30 — a light hike to the Mutnye Lakes at the foot of the Chimtarga and Energiya peaks.
At the participants’ discretion, the route can be shortened to Lake Piala or they can stay and rest near Lakes Gitara and Chapdara.
After returning, we will have lunch, pack up camp, move to the Vertical alpine camp and travel to Artuch.
19:30 — dinner, accommodation in cottages and rest.
- Climb: about 800 m
- Altitude loss: about 950 m
- Length: about 13.5 km
Day 5. Marguzor Lakes – a journey to the famous 7 lakes
08:00 - breakfast. 09:00 — departure to the valley of the Shing River to the Marguzor lakes.
14:00 — accommodation in a guest house on the shore of the fourth lake and lunch.
After lunch, an excursion to the fifth, sixth, and seventh Marguzor lakes. A walk along picturesque rocky trails and a rest break.
19:00 - traditional dinner and free time.
Feature of the day: a break from intense trekking, car travel and light walking.
Day 6. Lake Iskanderkul and transfer to Dushanbe
08:00 - breakfast. 09:00 — departure to the high-mountain lake Iskanderkul.
13:00 — arrival, rest and lunch.
Participants can also take a boat ride and visit the Fanskaya Niagara Falls, which are approximately 38 meters high.
After the excursion, we travel through the Anzob Pass to Dushanbe.
19:00 — check-in at the hotel and a festive dinner at a national cuisine restaurant.
Day 7. Dushanbe – the end of the journey
07:30 - breakfast at the hotel.
Free time to explore Dushanbe. Optionally, you can visit Rudaki Park, the National Museum of Tajikistan, see one of the world's tallest flagpoles, or shop for souvenirs at an oriental bazaar.
12:00 — check-out and transfer to Dushanbe airport or return to Tashkent.
Photos of the tour
Main impressions
Tour conditions
Tour starting point
Tashkent
Duration
7 days/ 6 nights
Price
Upon request
Included in the price
- Transfer from Tashkent to the border and further along the route (Artuch - Vertical - Marguzor Lakes - Iskanderkul - Dushanbe)
- Accommodation: cottages at the Artuch tourist center, tents in lakeside camps, a guest house at the Marguzor Lakes, a hotel in Dushanbe
- Meals according to the program: breakfasts, lunches and dinners on the specified days (including a manti breakfast in Khujand)
- Donkey services for transporting items on trekking routes
- Accompanying the group along the route
- Walks and radial excursions according to the program (including an exit to the Mutnye Lakes and a walk along the 7th lake)
Paid separately
- International flights
- Visas (if required for citizens of other countries) and insurance
- Personal expenses, souvenirs, additional meals outside the program
- Boat ride on Iskanderkul (optional for the group)
- Additional excursions and services not specified in the program
- Personal equipment rental
Additional information
- Prepayment 50%
- Out of season, the program may be possible in case of good weather.
Important to know
What kind of physical fitness is required?
Ability to walk 5-7 hours a day with a backpack weighing 8-12 kg. It is recommended to begin regular cardio training (running, cycling) 2-3 months before the hike, strengthen your legs, and practice weekend hikes.
In what languages is the support provided?
Guides speak Russian and English. The language of the guide is specified in advance when booking the tour.
Is it possible to rent equipment?
You can rent some of the equipment from us.
When is the best time to visit the Fann Mountains?
Best season: July – September
- July: the warmest month, all passes are open;
- August: stable weather, comfortable temperatures;
- September: fewer tourists, golden autumn, but cooler
June and October are possible, but with restrictions due to snow on the passes.
Is it possible to combine the hike with a visit to Samarkand?
Yes, this is a very popular option! Participants typically arrive in Samarkand 1-2 days before the start of the trek and spend 1-2 days after. You can visit:
- Registan;
- Bibi-Khanym Mosque;
- Shah-i-Zinda Necropolis;
- Ulugbek Observatory;
- Siab Bazaar
Is it possible to go individually or with a group?
Yes, we can organize a private tour to the Fann Mountains for you with a program that suits you.
Do citizens of Ukraine, Belarus, and Russia need a visa to enter Tajikistan and Uzbekistan?
Citizens of Ukraine, Belarus, and Russia do not need a visa to visit Uzbekistan and Tajikistan.
What group size is allowed?
The tour is conducted in a small group format due to the capacity of the transport and the format of the hike.
Is a customized program possible?
Yes. Upon individual request, it is possible to develop a longer or more athletic program in Fann Mountains or other regions of Tajikistan.
