Trekking in the Fann Mountains

Fann Mountains are considered to be one of the most beautiful in Central Asia. They are known for their picturesque mountainous scenery as well as for the great number of different nice and clear lakes scattered all over. Geographically the Fann Mountains are part of those great ramparts of rock which run along the southern edge of the Central Asian republics and Siberia, virtually from the Caspian to the Pacific. More specifically they are part of the Pamir-Alai and are located in the Republic of Tajikistan between the Zeravshan and Gissar ranges.

Narrow canyons with clear, rushing rivers, high glaciated summits, wide variety of colorful panoramas, picturesque river valleys and thousands of lakes set amongst juniper forests make this region one of the most attractive mountain regions in Central Asia.

Apart from the mountains, Tajikistan is famous for the riotous sense of color Tajik people have. They love vivid colors, as many as possible. The people are very hospitable and make friends easily. In many small villages hidden in the mountains they still speak ancient Sogdian dialect, the language that Alexander the Great heard when he came to these places. They say that he had been camping on the shores of IskanderkulLake, and hence it was named after him.

Day 8. Chukurak Pass

Cross the Chukurak Pass to Kulikalon hollow with its numerous streams and lakes. Camp by Bibijona Lake with magnificent panorama of the steep glaciated north face of the Chimtarga, the highest summit of the Fann.
Walking: 3 hrs, 700 m up
1 hr 300 m down + 2 hrs gentle walk by the bottom of Kulikalon Hollow.
Camp at 2900 m

Day 9. Camp by Bibijona Lake

We spend an extra night here; relaxing or doing a circular walks from the campsite.

Day 10. Alaudin Pass

Hike up to the Alaudin Pass, 3730m, from where there are stunning views of the deep-blue Alaudin Lakes and the main peaks.
The Alaudin Lakes are some of the most beautiful lakes in the Fann Mountains. Some of the lakes are almost 16 metres deep, but even there the water remains crystal clear, giving the lake a magical deep blue colour. The lakes are named after Aladdin, the hero of oriental fairy tales. It is said that he found his magic lamp in the gorge next to the lakes.
Descend to a campsite by the lakes.
Walking: 3 hrs, 850 m up
3 hrs, 950 m down
Camp at 2800 m

Day 11. Mutnye Lakes

Up to the Mutnye ("Murky") Lakes which are surrounded by glaciers and summits amongst these being Energia, 5120m, Zamok, 5150m, Chimtarga, 5489m, the highest peak in the Fann. Although this is our highest campsite (3500m) there are still alpine flowers to liven up the stark, high mountain setting.
Walking: 3 hrs, 700 m up to the lakes
Walk around the lakes and may be a little bit up to the glacier snout
2 hrs, 700 m down
Camp at 2800 m

Day 12. End of the trek

Walk down the valley to our waiting transport.
Drive down the Zeravshan river valley to Penjikent, 5-6 hours. Continue on to our hotel in Samarkand, ca. 1.5 hours.
Walking: 1.5 hrs, 200 m down

Day 13. Samarkand

Today we explore Samarkand. This town has dramatic history. It was once conquered by Alexander the Great, later destroyed by Gengis Khan, afterwards became the capital of Timur (Tamerlane). During our tour we will see the Registan square with three wonderful madrassahs of the 14-15 centuries: Ulugbek, Tilya-Kori and Sher-Dor. Follow by the visit to Gur-Emir, the burial place of Timur and his descendants.
After lunch we visit local bazaar.
Farewell dinner. Hotel.

Day 14. Departure

Breakfast at hotel in Samarkand. Trip ends.

Grade & Qualifications

This trek is within the capabilities of any normal healthy and fit individual who is used to hill walking. The route is not difficult but will on occasion require the expenditure of a fair amount of energy. Although we cross some high mountain passes most of the walking is on good paths. Donkeys will carry the main luggage allowing you to walk with only a day pack. The average day involves some 4 to 7 hours walking but will vary from day to day.

Food & Accommodation

All meals and accommodation are included in the tour cost. On trek a cook prepares all meals using mainly local fresh foods, which are plentiful at this time of year. Accommodation in town is in good hotels of approximately 3* level. On trek 3-person, double-skinned, dome tents are used - but only 2 people are expected to share so there is plenty of room.

Airport transfers and Meeting instructions

As this is a tour of the kind that participants arrive at the start and leave at the end in different ways, we decided to exclude transfers from the cost of the tour. Our meeting place is a hotel in Tashkent.
You can take a taxi in Tashkent airport.
In case you want a driver to meet you with a plate you can order the transfer from us for USD 30 per car (not per person).
Rooms will be available from 6:00 in the morning of 29th July 2023. Welcome dinner and briefing at 19:00.
Our trip ends in Samarkand. Samarkand is a good start point for an extension trip to ancient Bukhara, Khiva, Nukus and other places of interest in Uzbekistan. Samarkand has a good high-speed train connection with Tashkent. We will help you to plan getting to the airport or other places in Uzbekistan.