TAJIKISTAN TREK: TURQUOISE LAKES OF THE FANN MOUNTAINS
Request a quoteEmbark on an unforgettable adventure in the heart of the Fann Mountains!
Escape the chaos of the modern world and immerse yourself in one of Central Asia's most spectacular and undiscovered regions: the Fann Mountains, Tajikistan's natural jewel. This nine-day trek takes you through a mosaic of breathtaking landscapes — turquoise lakes nestled on mountainsides, alpine valleys carpeted with flowers, rugged peaks, villages suspended in time.
But this journey is much more than a simple trek: it's a deep immersion into rural Tajik life, punctuated by encounters and sharing. You'll be welcomed into warm families in several small villages, share their meals, their traditions, and their way of inhabiting the world. Each stage is an opportunity to open a door, weave a connection, discover the richness of a culture still intact.
And because traveling can also mean solidarity, this journey is part of an eco-responsible and fair approach. Part of your participation directly supports local projects in Voru: improving infrastructure in this very remote village, creating professional activities for women, supporting village youth. Your guide, himself from the valley, will introduce you to these concrete and inspiring actions.
Between wild nature and true humanity, this journey offers you a precious pause, where each day brings its share of wonders, smiles, and authenticity. For those seeking meaning as much as fresh air.
Tour images
Detailed Itinerary
- 01
DAY 1: FIRST STEPS IN TAJIKISTAN: WELCOME TO SARITAG VILLAGE
Your local guide warmly welcomes you at the Uzbek-Tajik border post, located between Samarkand and Tajikistan. You begin your journey into the Fann Mountains, a world apart that gradually reveals itself with every turn. In the afternoon, you'll reach the charming village of Saritag, nestled at 2,500 meters altitude in a verdant setting. This peaceful hamlet, bordered by meadows and mountains, is one of the finest examples of traditional Tajik rural habitat. You'll be welcomed into a traditional guesthouse, comfortable and welcoming, where you'll spend the first two nights of the trek.
After settling in, you can enjoy a well-deserved moment of rest, take a leisurely walk in the surroundings, or simply pause to observe village life and breathe the pure mountain air. At day's end, a hot shower awaits you, followed by a family dinner featuring local flavors. The evening concludes with a game of cards, dominoes, or friendly conversation with your hosts.
Distance by car: 170km (approximately 5 hours drive with breaks)
Walking: 3 to 4 hours Altitude of Saritag village: 2500m - 02
DAY 2: HIKING AROUND THE MYTHICAL ISKANDERKUL LAKE
After a hearty breakfast at the guesthouse, you set off for a full day of hiking around Iskanderkul Lake, one of Tajikistan's most iconic and spectacular sites. Perched at 2,200 meters altitude, this turquoise lake is surrounded by steep cliffs and snow-capped peaks that reflect in its calm waters. Its name echoes history: according to legend, Alexander the Great established his camp here during his crossing of Asia, giving the place a mythical aura.
Throughout the day, you explore the lake's surroundings on foot, through panoramic trails, juniper forests, and crystal-clear rivers. The itinerary, approximately 12 kilometers, allows you to fully appreciate the landscape diversity: an alternation of alpine reliefs, small canyons, flowering meadows, and breathtaking views of the Fann Mountains peaks. This region is considered one of Central Asia's most beautiful hiking destinations, and this day of immersion will offer you an unforgettable glimpse.
Around noon, you'll take a well-deserved break for lunch at a charming restaurant located by the lake. The setting is ideal for rejuvenation: the freshness of the heights, the peace of the place, and local flavors on your plate.
The afternoon continues at the rhythm of walking and discoveries: viewpoints, wildlife observation, photography, or simply contemplation. After this nature loop, you return to Saritag at day's end, where you'll stay at the same guesthouse for a second night.
Trek distance: 12km
Hiking time: 8 to 9 hours, including breaks
Altitude of Iskanderkul Lake: 2200m - 03
DAY 3: ALAUDIN LAKE AND RUKNOBOD VILLAGE
After an early breakfast, we take the road toward the heights of the Fann Mountains massif for an intense but spectacular day. Our vehicle takes us to the base camp of Alaudin Lake, located at approximately 2,300 meters altitude. The journey, 70 kilometers (3 hours drive), winds through impressive landscapes of gorges and high plateaus — a gradual immersion into the Tajik mountain world.
From the base camp, we begin an easy one-hour walk through a rocky path that climbs gently until reaching the edge of the famous Alaudin Lake. Its crystal-clear waters reflect the vertiginous summits surrounding it in an almost surreal setting.
The picnic is planned on site, by the lake, to fully enjoy this magical place. Depending on the group's energy and desire, we can extend the exploration on foot around the lake, on well-marked trails, sometimes crossing other travelers and hikers.
We then descend peacefully to the base camp, where our driver awaits us for the next part of our adventure. Taking the main road again, we reach the Ruknobod plateau, an isolated and rarely visited village perched at approximately 1,800 meters altitude. Nestled in a setting of orchards and mountains, this hamlet offers a true escape from time.
Upon arrival, we're welcomed by a local family in their traditional home. The rest of the day is devoted to rest, exchanging over tea with our hosts, and discovering the local way of life. A good home-cooked dinner awaits you, followed by a peaceful night in a warm and authentic atmosphere.
Total distance by car: approximately 220 km – Cumulative travel time: 7 to 8 hours
Maximum altitude: 2,400 m (Alaudin Lake) – Altitude at Ruknobod: 1,800 m
Walking time: 4 hours Elevation gain: +200 m / -200 m - 04
DAY 4: VISIT TO RUDAKI'S MAUSOLEUM - DEPARTURE FOR ARTUCH CAMP - KULIKALON LAKE
After breakfast with our hosts, we leave Ruknobod village by vehicle to reach the Artuch base camp, starting point of our day's hike. The journey, approximately 40 kilometers, crosses landscapes of deep valleys and isolated villages.
Along the way, we make a cultural stop at the mausoleum of Abu Abdullo Rudaki, great 9th-century poet, considered the founding father of classical Persian language and literature. This peaceful site, rich in history, immerses us in Tajikistan's intellectual heritage.Upon arrival at the Artuch base camp (approximately 2,300 m altitude), we meet our local team of muleteers. They will transport our belongings for the coming days in the mountains. After a brief briefing, we begin our ascent through a landscape of pines, pastures, and white rocks, toward the famous Kulikalon lakes.
The ascent proceeds at a leisurely pace, with breaks to admire the spectacular viewpoints. In the background, the sharp peaks of the Fann Mountains guide us to the vast Kulikalon plateau. This region is famous for its seven lakes with changing reflections, set like pearls at the foot of Mount Mary, which peaks at over 5,200 meters.
We reach our bivouac site in mid-afternoon, on a small island by the main lake. The setting is breathtaking. After setting up tents, everyone can enjoy this enchanting place at their own pace: swimming, frisbee, cards, rest, or simple contemplation. The evening ends with a hot dinner under the stars, and a night in tents at one of Tajikistan's most iconic sites.
Distance by car: 40 km – Travel time: 1h30
Starting altitude: 1,800 m (Ruknobod) – Arrival altitude: 2,900 m (Kulikalon Lake)
Elevation gain: +600 m – Elevation loss: 0 m
Walking distance: approximately 7 km
Walking time
4h30 including breaks - 05
DAY 5: DUSHOKHA LAKES – ALAUDIN LAKE PASS – BIBI JANAT LAKE – KULIKALON LAKE
After waking up in the heart of nature, facing the calm waters of the Kulikalon lakes, we enjoy a hearty breakfast before setting off for a beautiful day of loop hiking. Our goal for the day: reach the Alaudin Pass, located at 3,800 meters altitude, and admire the exceptional panoramas it offers over the Fann Mountains.
We begin our ascent through a high mountain trail bordered by rocks, snowfields, and alpine pastures. Along the way, we pass two magnificent azure-reflecting lakes called Dushokha, literally "the two-horned lakes." Their name comes from their particular shape, nestled between two ridges that give them the appearance of a double mountain mirror.
For those wishing to conserve their energy, an alternative is possible: stop at an intermediate viewpoint already offering a superb perspective on the valley. The most motivated will continue to the pass, where a spectacular view unfolds over the Alaudin lakes deep in the valley and the glaciers dominating the region. This pass, one of the Fann Mountains' most beautiful viewpoints, promises strong emotions and unforgettable photos.
We stop there for a well-deserved picnic, sheltered from the wind, facing this mineral and celestial expanse. After a rest period, we begin the gentle descent. We then branch off toward Bibi Janat Lake, nicknamed "grandmother's paradise," a small hidden gem among scree, larches, and snow-capped peaks.
This lake is filled with mysteries and legends that your local guide, Fayziddin or his assistant, will be delighted to share with you. One speaks of an ancestral dinosaur that once inhabited this valley, another explains the lake's name by evoking the benevolent spirits of grandmothers who watch over this corner of paradise.
At day's end, we return to our camp by Kulikalon Lake, where our cook awaits us with hot tea, sweet snacks, and all the warmth of Tajik hospitality. The afternoon ends freely between swimming, card games, frisbee, or simple relaxation by the water. Dinner concludes this intense day.
Minimum altitude: 2,900 m – Maximum altitude: 3,800 m
Elevation gain: +1,000 m – Elevation loss: –1,000 m
Walking distance: 13 to 14 km – Walking time: 7 to 8 hours (with breaks and picnic)
No vehicle portion this day - 06
DAY 6: CHUKURAK PASS AND LAKE
This morning you take the path through the alpine pastures where Tajik shepherds graze their flocks during summer. You'll spot rudimentary shelters, testimonies of the region's ancient pastoral life. The air is crisp, filled with mountain fragrances, and the morning light reveals a subtle palette of soft greens and rocky grays.
The day's objective is the Chukurak Pass, perched at 3,180 meters altitude. The ascent takes place in a grandiose setting, alternating rocks and alpine moorlands. Once at the pass, a panoramic view opens onto a deep valley and surrounding sharp peaks — a rare moment, suspended above the world.
You then continue to the dazzling Chukurak Lake, located at approximately 2,430 m. As a jewel of the Fann Mountains, this lake appears like an emerald set between two basins — a true geological miracle. In the first rays of morning sun, its shimmering water takes on shades of light green or deep blue depending on reflections, and small currents continually feed this timeless place.
This will be your base camp for two nights, comfortably set up by the water. You can enjoy this impressive setting to relax, swim, or play frisbee and cards outdoors. Dinner and night will take place in tents, lulled by mountain sounds.
Pass altitude: 3,180 m – Lake altitude: 2,430 m
Elevation gain: +340 m / Elevation loss: –820 m
Walking distance: approximately 7 km
Walking time: 3 to 4 hours - 07
DAY 7: GUYTAN PASS, GUYTAN, GAZZA AND RUIOB VILLAGES
After an early breakfast, you begin the day with a gradual ascent through pastures and softened reliefs. This first pass, short but intense, offers ideal warm-up to reach a magnificent perched plateau, bathed in light and open to surrounding valleys. The landscape gradually opens up, mountains seem to stretch infinitely, and the air becomes crisper.
You then continue on this panoramic plateau toward the Guytan Pass. Once the pass is crossed, a grandiose spectacle unfolds before you: carved ridges, suspended pastures, and plunging views over the Zerafshan valleys. After a well-deserved break for picnic, you begin the descent toward Guytan village, nestled in a green hollow.
Along the way, you'll have the opportunity to exchange with some inhabitants, always curious and generous, who live in these remote villages and who might tell you about their mountain daily life, between pastoral culture and ancestral hospitality.
You continue your way through rolling terrain to reach the hamlet of Ruiob or Gazza — depending on the host family's seasonal installation. Upon arrival, a simple and warm welcome awaits you: tea, local treats, and installation in a garden camp or an area arranged near the river. A walk is possible in the surroundings to discover rural Tajik life, before a traditional dinner taken with the host family. The evening ends in conviviality, to the rhythm of discussions and water murmur.
Itinerary: approximately 18 km walking
Elevation gain: 360 m / elevation loss: 1,000 m
Walking time: approximately 8 to 9 hours (with breaks)
Night in Ruiob or Gazza village, depending on host family location - 08
DAY 8: TAGIMAYN VALLEY
Today, you leave the village on foot following a mountain track that gradually climbs into the heart of increasingly alpine landscapes. The ascent is gentle, at walking pace, until the hamlet of Saint-Voru, the valley's last inhabited village, and final destination of your itinerary. Upon arrival, you'll be welcomed into your guide's family, where a warm lunch will be served in their garden, overlooking the village.
In the afternoon, you continue the ascent through the Tagimayn valley, a magnificent and still little-frequented valley, dotted with mountain gardens, shepherd shelters, and seasonal families living at the rhythm of their flocks. The path becomes wilder, villages disappear, replaced by generous and pristine nature. Along the way, you might encounter herders with their donkeys or cows, and exchange a few words or smiles. We set up our camp for the night there. As always, the evening will conclude with a dinner prepared by your cook, under a pure and starry sky.
Itinerary: approximately 10 km walking
Elevation gain: 600 m — Approximately 7 to 8 hours walking with stops
Night in tents in the alpine pastures in the heart of Tagimayn valley - 09
DAY 9: DISCOVERING VORU VILLAGE
The morning begins with a beautiful hike through the Tagimayn and Sariob valleys, nestled between the steep ridges of the Fann Mountains. You advance with this soothing sense of isolation characteristic of great open spaces.
Gradually, you spot the first earthen houses of Voru, a village suspended in time, nestled on the mountainside. Perched at 2200m altitude above an impressive gorge, Voru is a medieval village whose history dates back more than five centuries. It was once inhabited by Zoroastrian communities, well before the Christian era, and remains today a place of memory and traditions.
Your guide will show you his native village through secret paths, passing through alleyways, gardens, small irrigation canals, and agricultural terraces that tell another way of life. You'll be invited to meet the villagers, exchange with them, discover their hospitality and their intimate bond with the mountain. Here, time seems suspended, gestures have remained the same for generations. You'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!
After this immersion in local life, you reach your guide's family garden, on the village heights, where a delicious lunch awaits you. The afternoon is free to explore the surroundings, enjoy the calm, and admire the view of surrounding peaks. In the evening, you'll share a festive moment with some village inhabitants around a traditional plov or mountain barbecue. A final dinner with local flavors, in a warm and sincere atmosphere.
Depending on the arrangement, the night will be spent either in your guide's family home in Voru, or in the garden above the village, in tents or under the wooden veranda.
Distance: 3 to 5 km exploration walk
Walking time: approximately 3 hours
Altitude: 2,285 m
Night with local family in Voru or in the family garden in the mountains, depending on current setup - 10
DAY 10: TRANSFER TO PENDJIKENT AND THE 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 head to the border post for your return to Uzbekistan. A final goodbye 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.