Fann Mountains Trekking Expedition, Tajikistan

Trek through the idyllic Fann Mountains of Tajikistan’s northwest fringes with us for 12 days in August 2023, taking in some of the most beautiful mountain scenery on Earth. This is one of my most favorite expeditions to share with you, showing you around a place that has become a second home to me.

Starting from the capital city of Dushanbe, we will make our way north by road to the gorgeous lake of Alovaddin to begin our trek into the Tajik wilderness. From there we will continue on to cross over four mountain passes and numerous villages getting a taste of Tajik mountain culture, and visit several unbelievably beautiful lakes in the Fanns including Kulikalon, Chukurak, Bolshoi Allo, and finally ending at the massive Iskanderkul Lake.

After completing the trek, the tour will finish up in Dushanbe.

Fann Mountains Expedition Itinerary

Day 1: Dushanbe

Many will arrive in the early morning today via Dubai or Istanbul and be brought to the Atlas Hotel to rest before the first day gets started. After breakfast, you will meet your guide who will take you on a fascinating city tour of Dushanbe, Tajikistan’s leafy capital. Highlights of the city include the Somoni Monument, the world’s second-tallest flag pole, Rudaki Park, the parliament buildings, the historic Hissar Fort, and the Navruz Hall. In the evening, we will have dinner at a luxury Tajik restaurant with live music and a dance show.

Accommodation: 4 * Atlas Hotel

Day 2: Alovaddin Lake

We start off early in the morning and make our way to the Alovaddin Lakes region in the Fann Mountains where will start our trekking adventure. This bright turquoise lake is absolutely stunning so don’t forget to pack your camera! We will stop along the way and have lunch at a guest house in Marguzor village.

Altitude: 2750m
Distance: 5 hours (by car) | 1.5 km walk to the lake from end of road
Accommodation: Tent

Day 3: Bibijonat Lake & Kulikalon Bowl

In the morning, we will start our ascent up the spectacular Alovaddin Pass. From the top of the pass (approximately 3860m), we will be rewarded for our efforts with an extraordinary panorama of the surrounding peaks and lakes spread out below. From there, we will descend to a campsite located beside Bibijonat Lake in the Kulikalon Bowl for the night.

Altitude: 2800m
Distance: 12 km, ~6-7 hrs, +1110/ – 1060 m
Accommodation: Tent

Day 4: Kulikalon Bowl & Artuch Alplager

Today, we are in no hurry. After breakfast, we will have time to explore the beautiful Kulikalon Bowl Lakes before leaving for Artuch Alplager. The hike leads almost exclusively downhill to the Artuch Camp where you can settle into your double room with a private bathroom. 

Altitude: 2200m
Distance: 12 km, ~4 hrs, +60/ – 600 m
Accommodation: Artuch Alp Camp

Day 5: Chukuruk Lakes & Zimtud Village

Beginning to hike uphill again as we cross the Guitan Pass (3000m) and the Chukurak Lake, one of three beautiful lakes (2450m). After a morning of trekking, we will reach Zimtud village by the afternoon. We will have the rest of the day to relax at the guest house or walk around and explore the scenic village.

Altitude: 1900m
Distance: 14km, 8 hrs, +1000/-1600m
Accommodation: Guesthouse

Day 6: Zindon Valley

Early in the morning, we will make our way to the Zindon Gorge, known for its rocky and grassy terrain. The route leads along the Amshut River and has some sensational views. We will stop and set up our camp in the Zindon Gorge.

Altitude:2380m
Distance: 17km, 6 hours, +860/-20m
Accommodation: Tent

Day 7: Zindon Valley & Bolshoi Allo

Today, we will have a radical day hike towards the Bolshoi Alo Lake (3150m) – one of the most beautiful lakes in the Fann Mountains, surrounded by an amphitheater of jagged peaks. On the way, we will see Maloye Allo Lake (2400m) and enjoy the gorgeous natural scenery of the Zindon Gorge. The gorge is surrounded by high mountains on either side and there are two high rockfalls that are safe and simple to trek, while still being challenging.

We will plan to return to our camp in the Zindon Gorge this evening.

Altitude: 3150m
Distance: 17km, 9-10 hours, +790m/-790m
Accommodation: Tent

Day 8: Archamaidan Valley

In the morning we will finish our descent back down Zindon Valley to continue our trek along the wooded slopes of the Archamaidan Gorge. Following ancient shepherd’s paths, we will trek across alpine meadows and alongside small rivers in a picturesque landscape. We will cross the Agmat Pass (3400m) and set up our campsite at the cross-section of the Arma and Archmaidan rivers.

Altitude: 2290m
Distance: 13km, 8 hours, +1140m/-1230m
Accommodation: Tent

Day 9: Obi Borik

After breakfast, we will continue trekking along the Archamaidan Gorge until we reach the gorgeous Pushtikul Lake (2500m). Here, we will have a short break to rest, admire the view, and take photos. Then, we will continue our trek to the Sarykhodan Gorge for a picnic and spectacular views of mountains and glaciers.

Altitude: 2980m
Distance: 13km, 7-8 hours, +830m/-140m
Accommodation: Tent

Day 10: Sughurkhona Meadows

We gradually begin to ascend Dukdon Pass (3800m) today. The paths are fair, leading along grassy and scree slopes. This part of the route passes through deep canyons covered in a tangle of Juniper trees and low bushes of dog rose and iris. Sughurkhona means “Marmot house” and you are sure to see many marmots here. There are many other small mammals, birds and medicinal herbs and plants to be seen along the way.

Altitude: 3300m
Distance: 7 km, 6-7 hours, +840m/-520m
Accommodation: Tent

Day 11: Dukdon Pass & Sarytag Village

After breakfast, we start our last trekking day towards Sarytag village, passing along the Dukdon River. The path is steep but relatively easy and safe. We will stop for a picnic in the forest near the bridge that crosses the Zombar River. At the end of the day, you will be able to relax in the guest house in Sarytag village.

Altitude: 2380m
Distance: 11km, 6-7 hours, +30m/-950m
Accommodation: Guesthouse

Day 12: Iskanderkul & Return to Dushanbe

In the morning, we will be picked up by our driver and driven to Dushanbe. On the way, we will stop at the lake of Alexander (Isaknderkul) and have a chance to hike to a waterfall. We will have lunch in Varzob on our way back to Dushanbe.

Accommodation: 4* Atlas Hotel

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