TAJIKISTAN: AUTHENTIC TREK IN THE HEART OF THE FANN MOUNTAINS

Detailed Itinerary

1. 01

   DAY 1: FIRST STEPS IN TAJIKISTAN: WELCOME TO RUKNOBOD VILLAGE

   After crossing the border between Uzbekistan and Tajikistan (at the Samarkand/Pendjikent level), you are warmly welcomed by our Tajik team. We then take the road to reach the peaceful village of Ruknobod, nestled in a verdant valley at 800 meters altitude. Once settled with a local family, you share a home-cooked lunch with local flavors. The afternoon is dedicated to discovering the village and its surroundings. An easy walk allows you to soak in the atmosphere of the place, meet the inhabitants, and familiarize yourself with rural Tajik life. A first moment of sharing, gently, before the mountain adventure. Altitude: 800 m
   Distance by car: 50–60 km (approximately 1h30)

2. 02

   DAY 2: VISIT TO RUDAKI'S MAUSOLEUM - DEPARTURE FOR ARTUCH CAMP AND ASCENT TO KULIKALON LAKE

   After a good breakfast at our guesthouse in Ruknobod, we take the road toward the Artuch base camp (approximately 40 km, 1h30 journey). Along the way, we make a cultural stop at the mausoleum of Abuabdullo Rudaki, great 9th–10th century poet and founding father of Persian-Tajik literature. This peaceful site, rich in history, allows us to appreciate the full depth of Tajik intellectual heritage.

   At Artuch, we meet our team of muleteers, who will accompany us during the trek days. After entrusting our belongings to them, we begin our first ascent toward Kulikalon Lake, one of the Fann Mountains' jewels. On a vast plateau bordered by snow-capped peaks, the turquoise lakes of Kulikalon sparkle at the foot of the north face of Mount Mary (5,200 m).

   We set up our first camp on the lake shores, in an exceptional natural setting. For those who wish, it's possible to swim in the fresh waters, play frisbee, or simply savor the surrounding calm.

   Dinner and night in tents on the Kulikalon heights — the immersion truly begins here, under a breathtaking starry sky. Elevation gain: +700 m
   Distance: approximately 7 km hiking
   Walking time: 2h30 to 4h30 (with breaks, depending on pace)
   Final altitude: 2,900 m

3. 03

   DAY 3: CHUKURAK PASS – CHUKURAK LAKE

   We leave the Kulikalon heights following the verdant alpine pastures where Tajik shepherds live all summer with their herds. The ascent toward Chukurak Pass (3,180 m) offers superb views of surrounding summits and glacial valleys.

   After crossing the pass, we gradually descend through a beautiful valley to the peaceful shores of Chukurak Lake (2,420 m), where we set up our bivouac for two nights. The site is sublime: by the lake, in an intimate alpine setting. The afternoon is free to relax, play, or simply admire the changing light on the reliefs.

   Dinner and night in tents by the lake. Elevation gain: +340 m
   Elevation loss: –820 m
   Distance: approximately 7 km
   Walking time: 3 to 4 hours
   Final altitude: 2,420 m

4. 04

   DAY 4: GUYTAN PASS – GUYTAN, GAZZA, RUIOB VILLAGES

   We begin a rich and varied day, through several valleys and mountain villages. We leave the lake to reach a first small pass (+260 m), before continuing on a panoramic plateau leading to Guytan Pass (2,600 m). From here, the landscapes evoke those of the Alps, but with a rawer, vaster atmosphere.

   The descent brings us to Guytan village, then to Gazza, where we stop for picnic and to meet the inhabitants. At day's end, we reach Ruiob, a charming village nestled by a river.

   We're warmly welcomed by a local family for dinner and night. The garden where we sleep is flowering and peaceful, ideal for resting after this beautiful crossing.

   Dinner and night with local family. Elevation gain: +500 m
   Elevation loss: –1,000 m
   Distance: approximately 18 to 19 km
   Walking time: 7 to 8 hours (with breaks)
   Final altitude: 1,800 m

5. 05

   DAY 5: ASCENT TO THE TRADITIONAL VILLAGE OF VORU

   From Ruiob, we climb gently to Voru village, located at 2,200 m altitude. The track winds through fields, orchards, and splendid viewpoints over the valley. A final ascent leads us to your guide's family garden, where you'll be received as friends.

   After lunch with the family, you'll have the whole afternoon to familiarize yourself with the place, meet the children and villagers, exchange and share. In the evening, a traditional dinner — plov or barbecue — will be prepared in the garden. Convivial atmosphere and simple but unforgettable moments.

   Voru, perched at 2200 meters altitude in the Fann Mountains, is an authentic village with ancestral charm. Heir to the Sogdians, ancient Silk Road merchants, Voru is one of Tajikistan's oldest villages. Its unique terraced architecture — where roofs serve as courtyards for houses above — and its steep alleys impassable to cars (access on foot and by donkey only!) give the impression of a place suspended in time.

   Here, life follows the rhythm of seasons. Surrounding forests abound with wild cherry trees, maples, and rare animals like lynx or ibex. Birdsong accompanies the days, and the simple and warm welcome of villagers naturally invites encounter. Tea is shared, a traditional dish, stories. In perched gardens or on flat roofs, one tastes true Tajik life, between mountain, silence, and hospitality. A place filled with soul to discover with wide-open eyes!

   Night in the typical garden veranda or under tents. Elevation gain: +500 m
   Distance: approximately 6 km
   Walking time: 2h30 ascent + 4 to 5 hours walks/exploration
   Final altitude: 2,285 m

6. 06

   DAY 6: DISCOVERING SAINT-VORU VILLAGE AND TAGHMAYN VALLEY

   This day is dedicated to in-depth discovery of Saint-Voru, a traditional village rich in history, whose origins date back to the Zoroastrian era, well before the beginning of our era. In the morning, a beautiful walk will allow you to overlook the entire Taghmayn valley, before descending to explore the village alleys: its adobe houses, orchards, fountains... we'll make a small visit to the village blacksmith, as well as the school! With a bit of luck, you'll meet your guide's schoolmaster, a luminous old gentleman with impeccable French!

   In the afternoon, you'll have free time to rest, participate in dinner preparation, or play with village children. A second warm evening awaits you, rich in flavors and exchanges.

   Night at your guide's garden. Elevation gain: moderate
   Distance: 3 to 5 km exploration walk
   Walking time: approximately 3 hours
   Altitude: 2,285 m

7. 07

   DAY 7: PENDJIKENT – TAJIK-UZBEK BORDER

   After breakfast, you'll be transferred to the city of Pendjikent. Before crossing the border, we'll visit its lively bazaar — ideal for some shopping or souvenirs — then we'll have lunch at a local restaurant renowned for its tasty kebabs.

   Finally, we'll reach the border post for your return to Uzbekistan. A final farewell with your Tajik guide before continuing to Samarkand.

   End of program. Altitude: gradual descent to approximately 1,000 m
   Transfer time: 2h30 to 3h depending on traffic Note: Although the easiest way to reach our trek's starting point is the Uzbek-Tajik border, it's possible to arrive/depart from Dushanbe, don't hesitate to contact us for logistics. - Direct flight Paris-Tashkent (Uzbekistan) then Uzbek high-speed train to Samarkand (possibility to organize a guided visit of one or more days). - Flight with stopover to Dushanbe then shared taxi to Ruknobod village.