Trek the Fann Mountains in Tajikistan

Most flights arrive in to Dushanbe in the early hours, so you'll be picked up at the airport and taken straight to the hotel to rest, freshen up and recover after your journey. Later in the morning, your guide will take you on a fascinating tour of Dushanbe's main sights. Start at the National Museum of Antiquities, home to the impressive 13-metre Buddha and artefacts from the ancient city of Sarazm. Enjoy a delicious local lunch before diving into the vibrant Mehrgon Bazaar, where colourful stalls of dried fruits, spices, and handicrafts invite you to practice the art of bargaining. In the afternoon, visit the Ethnography Museum to explore Tajik traditions, then take a short rest at the hotel to escape the heat. As evening falls, stroll along Rudaki Avenue, visiting the iconic Ismail Somoni Monument, Rudaki Park, the towering national flagpole, and the Parliament building. End the day with a delicious dinner at a local restaurant, sampling some Tajik culinary highlights.

After breakfast, hop in the van for a journey through the beautiful Varzob Valley, a popular retreat for Dushanbe locals. Continue to the Sangisafed Gorge, or 'White Stone', perched at 2200m and surrounded by breathtaking mountain scenery. Here, you’ll set up camp near the confluence of the Imat and Fann Rivers, a peaceful haven perfect for unwinding and soaking up the natural surroundings ahead of tomorrow's hike. As night falls, enjoy the magic of a starlit sky before settling into your tent for a restful sleep.

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the campsite before setting out on your first acclimatisation trek. The serene Sangisafed Gorge provides the perfect backdrop for a relaxed morning, ahead of a hike to the stunning Imat Valley. Along the way, you might encounter a local shepherd’s house and be welcomed in for tea, offering an authentic glimpse into the pastoral way of life in this region. After a picnic lunch with views of the distant Imat Glacier, return to camp to unwind while surrounded the natural beauty of the gorge.

Fuel up with breakfast before hitting the trail along the Pasrud River, bound for the mesmerising Alaudin Lakes at 2780m. These shimmering alpine waters, cradled by ancient moraines, are framed by juniper forests and the towering cliffs of Chapdara. Along the route, sea buckthorn, Turkestan birch and Zarafshan spruce add bursts of colour and texture to the wild trails. If you're feeling bold, take a bracing plunge into the crystal-clear lake waters which remain icy, even in summer. As evening falls, take a stroll along the peaceful shores, soaking in that mountain magic.

Set out on a high-altitude adventure to Mutnoe Lake, sitting at an impressive 3540 metres above sea level. The trail winds past some awe-inspiring peaks with summits of around 5000m – Zamok, Pakhamber, Energia, and the Kaznok Pass – with Chimtarga Peak, the crown of the Fann Mountains, dominating the horizon. The paths are lined with wild mint and poplar trees, and you might catch their scent drifting through the mountain air. En route, stop to admire the bowl-shaped Piala Lake, whose contours mirror traditional Tajik crockery. Enjoy an unforgettable picnic lunch by the glacial Mutnoe Lake, its icy waters reflecting the jagged peaks above, before returning to the peaceful Alaudin Lakes for another tranquil evening in the wild.

Today, you'll embark on a challenging ascent of the lofty Laudan Pass (3625m). As you climb higher, the sweeping views of the Fann Mountains unfold, setting the tone for an epic day of alpine hiking. The trail leads to the stunning Kulikalon Lakes, lying at 2850 metres and interconnected by a network of channels. The water from the smaller lake vanishes underground, only to reappear 600m below as the Urech River. The dramatic silhouette of Peak Maria emerges above you as you approach the lakes, adding to the grandeur of the landscape. The northern shores of Kulikalon offer inviting bays for a refreshing swim, while the southern end reveals colder, more pristine waters. Glaciers loom nearby, an icy presence among the sunlit serenity of the lakes.

Trek into the wildly beautiful Kulikalon Lakes region, where emerald waters reflect the towering peaks of the Chimtarga mountain range. The climb up Chukurak Pass (3175m) is a challenging ascent, but the effort is rewarded with sweeping views of jagged four- and five-thousand-metre summits like Adamtash, Mirali, and Maria. Descend to the serene Chukurak Lake, a hidden gem whose waters shift from green to deep blue. The trail winds through alpine meadows dotted with wildflowers and past ancient juniper groves and along the way, you’ll pass seasonal shepherd camps, where you may get a glimpse of traditional mountain life. Settle in by the lake’s peaceful shores for the night, surrounded by the quiet majesty of the mountains.

Today, you’ll swap high-altitude wilderness for the warm hospitality of village life. Begin with an ascent over the Guytan Pass (2660m), soaking in the panoramic views one final time before descending into picturesque Guytan village. From here, continue to Zimtut, where you’ll settle into a welcoming homestay for the night. This rural Tajik village offers a refreshing contrast to the rugged peaks of previous days – lush valley floors, orchards bursting with apricots, apples, walnuts, and peaches, and a slower pace of life. As the evening unfolds, share a meal with your hosts and soak in the peaceful surroundings, reflecting on your journey through the mountains.

Fuel up with an early breakfast before bidding farewell to your homestay hosts in Zimtut. A short drive takes you to Gazza village, where you’ll set off on a scenic hike to the emerald waters of Urdakon Lake. After basking in the views, continue your journey deeper into the mountains, crossing a river before trekking to the remote village of Voru. Tucked into the hillside, Voru is an ingenious example of mountain living, with homes stacked like terraces – where one family’s rooftop doubles as the next home’s courtyard. Wander through the village, take in the mountain views, and chat with locals about their unique way of life. You’ll enjoy a rooftop picnic lunch before visiting Master Sulton’s blacksmith workshop, whose family have crafted tools and souvenirs by hand for generations. Later, hit the road again and wind your way toward the stunning Marguzor Lakes – seven striking turquoise lakes nestled in the mountains. Tonight, settle into a homestay on the shores of Lake 4 (Nofin), where you can relax and soak up the beauty of yet another serene setting.

Spend the day exploring the breathtaking Marguzor Lakes, a chain of seven shimmering turquoise lakes, each with its own character and legend. According to local folklore, they were formed from the tears of seven grieving sisters, and their striking colours – ranging from deep blue to emerald green – shift throughout the day due to mineral-rich waters. The lakes sit at varying altitudes, from Mijgon (1640m) to Hazorchashma (2400m), the highest of the group.

This is a relaxed day with time to soak in the scenery. You can opt for a rewarding 13-kilometer trek to Hazorchashma Lake, winding through picturesque villages where life moves at a gentle pace, or take a shorter drive instead. Along the way, catch glimpses of locals tending fields and livestock, and if you'd like to take photos, be sure to ask permission as a sign of respect. Enjoy a picnic lunch by the lakeshore before returning to your homestay for the evening, where you can unwind and reflect on your journey through the Fann Mountains.

Say goodbye to Tajikistan – after breakfast, you'll drive for a couple of hours to the Uzbekistan border via Penjikent, a historic city once an important stop on the legendary Silk Road. Here, you'll bid farewell to your Tajik guide and cross the checkpoint into Uzbekistan. On the other side, meet your new guide and driver for the short journey to Samarkand, a legendary city steeped in history and grandeur. Check in at your hotel, settle in and enjoy lunch before setting out to explore at your own pace. Wander through the ancient streets, marvel at the spectacular architecture of Timur’s empire, or simply relax and take in the vibrant atmosphere of this crossroads of cultures. An epic way to wrap up this unforgettable adventure.

If you're heading home today, a (very) early morning transfer to the airport is included to line up with flights via Istanbul. Alternatively, if you fancy staying on longer to explore Samarkand, your host can help to arrange accommodation.