Kulikalon lakes
Kulikalon lakes
The lakes are a popular destination for trekkers and adventure travelers who explore the Fann Mountains, with their vibrant colors that shift from deep blue to turquoise depending on the time of day and lighting. The area around the lakes offers excellent opportunities for hiking, photography, and camping, making it an ideal spot for nature lovers.
In addition to the scenic beauty, the Kulikalon Lakes are also culturally significant. The region around the lakes is home to shepherds who bring their livestock here to the mountain pastures for the summer months, providing visitors a glimpse into traditional Tajik pastoral life. As part of the larger Fann Mountains trekking circuit, these lakes are often included in itineraries for those looking to explore the rugged and pristine beauty of Tajikistan’s mountainous regions.
Hiking & trekking in Kulikalon lakes
Numerous captivating trekking routes traverse the Kulikalon Lakes. Among them, the three-day trek to the Kulikalon Lakes in the Fann Mountains stands out as one of the most popular treks in Tajikistan, especially beyond the Pamirs. Starting and ending at the renowned “Artuch” alpinist camp as the trailhead, it encompasses several stunning chains of mountain lakes.
The Kulikalon Lakes are a 5-hour walk from the camp along an excellent trail, offering the option to stay overnight at the Artuch alpinist camp before or after the trek. The other routes to reach Kulikalon Lakes are from Alauddin lakes and through the valleys and passes from Iskander Kul.
Kulikalon lakes from Artuch
There are two ways to reach the Kulikalon Valley from the Artuch camp. The simpler route follows a jeep track past the entrance to the alpinist camp, ascending to the bottom of the Kulikalon Basin for about 4,5 km. Another, more impressive yet more challenging option involves finding a dirt road from the alpinist camp leading up the Chukurak Valley to the southwest.
Early in the morning, the road is shaded by a dense forest, and during the ascent, impressive views open up downwards towards Artuch. Approximately one kilometer into the route, the path levels off before Chukurak Lake (which dries up towards the end of the season). Then, it ascends to the southeast towards a small drainage lake and continues eastward to ascend further up the valley.
The trail ascends approximately 3 km from the lake’s shore to the summit of Chukurak Pass at an elevation of 3180 m, initially through an evergreen forest and then onto an open plateau. Here, breathtaking views of the Kulikalon Valley and lakes unfold, and on clear days, the Alaudin Pass, the Chaptara Peak beyond it, and other peaks of the Fan Mountains are visible. Descending from the pass, the trail leads down the slope to the largest of the Kulikalon Lakes, offering splendid views along the way.
The optimal time for trekking in the Fann Mountains is during the Tajik summer, which extends from July to September. However, July in Tajikistan can be quite hot. August is considered the best time, but it’s also the most crowded. If you prefer privacy, it might not be the ideal choice. June sees fewer visitors in the Fann Mountains, with everything blooming beautifully, although the weather tends to be less stable.
Kulikalon lakes from Alauddin lakes or Iskander Kul by trekking
Looking at the map, Kulikalon and Alauddin lakes are not far from each other but they are separated by a mountain ridge with two passes at the height of almost 3800 meters. The passes both have pretty clear paths and the ascends are not extremely steep. In the Alauddin there is a simple camp called the Alauddin vertical where one can sleep but there is not electricity. This camp is also reachable by a car.
If you consider yourself already a more experienced trekker, you can reach Kulikalon lakes also from Sarytag vllage which is located next to Iskander Kul. In order to reach Kulikalon from Iskanderkul, you need to climb a more steep pass.
Tours including Kulikalon lakes
Travel to Kulikalon Lakes
Kulikalon is reached the easiest from the Artuch Alplager Guesthouse, frequently selected as the starting point by trekkers. It attracts many visitors, and the trailhead is conveniently located right next to this guesthouse. The guesthouse offers dining facilities, electricity, a shop, and hot shower. Accessible by shared taxi from the city of Sarvoda, a brief walk may be required. The most straightforward approach to the alpine camp is by car from Samarkand or Panjakent or even from Dushanbe.
Another routes require more trekking and are from Alauddin Lakes and the Iskander Kul.
Sights & destinations near Kulikalon Lakes
Page updated 18.10.2024
