The Seven Lakes at a glance
The Seven Lakes (Haft Kul), also called the Marguzor Lakes, lie in the Shing Valley south of Panjakent, at the western edge of the Fann Mountains in northern Tajikistan. The lakes were formed after an earthquake caused landslides that dammed the valley in several places. A legend says the lakes are seven beautiful but lovelorn daughters who turned into water to be one with their tears.
The lakes are known for their blue and turquoise water and the mountain scenery around them, and the small green villages along the Shing river show unspoilt rural life in northern Tajikistan. Day tours from Samarkand now run daily in season. The Seven Lakes are included in some of our Tajikistan tours and Central Asia tours, are easy to visit from Samarkand in Uzbekistan, and can be combined with a hike to the Alauddin or Kulikalon lakes.
- Where: the Shing valley in the Fann Mountains of northern Tajikistan, about 1.5 hours beyond the Uzbek border at Jartepa–Sarazm.
- The lakes: seven lakes in a chain, climbing from about 1,640 m to about 2,400 m over roughly 14 km.
- Time needed: a long day from Samarkand (about 12 hours door to door), or two days with a night in the mountains.
- Season: April to October. Snow closes the upper road for months in winter.
- Visa: many nationalities can visit Tajikistan without a visa; others need an e-visa (see border and visa).
The seven lakes in order
| Lake | Altitude | Colour |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Mijgon (Nezhigon) | 1,640 m | turquoise to deep blue |
| 2. Soya | 1,700 m | blue with purple tones |
| 3. Gushor (Hushyor) | 1,770 m | enclosed by cliffs |
| 4. Nofin | 1,820 m | emerald, sometimes reddish |
| 5. Khurdak | 1,870 m | pale, milky |
| 6. Marguzor | 2,140 m | deep blue to turquoise; the largest |
| 7. Hazorchashma | 2,400 m | azure; a 30–40 min walk above Marguzor |
Altitudes are approximate. The colours change with the light during the day.
Nezhigon, first of the Seven lakes
Nezhigon is normally the first lake you meet on the way. It is the lowest lake, at 1,640 metres above sea level. Its name means “eyelashes” in Tajik. Nobody knows for sure where the name comes from, although some suggest its gently curved shape may be the reason.
It differs from the others by its range of vibrant colours: depending on the light and the season, the water can be turquoise, blue or even purple, thanks to its high mineral (sodium and calcium) content. The water is cold all year, and only brave swimmers try the upper lakes.
Soya Lake, second of the seven lakes
Soya is located at an altitude of 1701 meters and occupies only an area of 0,1 square kilometers. Soya lake offers a striking scene back down towards to Nezhigon. The lake is named after the Tajik word for “shadow” because the lake is settled between high cliffs and is therefore in shade almost all day.
Alike Nezhigon, the water in Soya Lake varies in color depending on the weather and time of day.
Gushor lake, third of the seven lakes
Gushor lake is located 400 meters from Soya, located at an altitude of 1771 meters and has an area of 0,23 square km. Gushor Lake is enclosed by cliffs and once housed poisonous snakes, which explains the origin of the lake’s name.
Nofin, fourth of the seven lakes
Nofin Lake lies 400 meters further from Gushor lake the route along the serpentine is a full km. Nofin is long and narrow, about 2 km long and 400 metres wide.
Nofin lake lies at an altitude of 1820 meters and its area are 0,48 square km. The lake’s name means “umbilical cord”, due to Nofin being the central one of seven lakes and very long, and well, like an umbilical cord.
Khurdak, the smallest of the seven lakes
The smallest lake of the seven Khurdak lakes means “baby. It occupies an area of only 0,025 square km and lies at an altitude of 1870 meters. The distance from Nofin Lake to Khurdak Lake is 1,5 km and along the way, you can see the village of Padrut.
There used to be a small hydroelectric power station at Khurdak Lake that provided electricity to Padrut and surrounding houses. Khurdak lake has also a very beautiful meandering river area above it where the Shing river changes its course frequently creating amazing patterns, especially during spring time when the lake is not yet full from the melting glaciers.
Marguzor, largest and sixth of the seven lakes
Marguzor is the largest and perhaps the most impressive one of the Seven Lakes. It lies at a height of 2140 meters. Marguzor Lake is about 2.7 km long (some guides say 4.5 km), with an area of 1.16 square km and a maximum depth of 45 meters. The majestic mountains in the background create a magnificent, beautiful reflection on the lake.
Hazorchashma, the last and highest lake of the Tajik Seven Lakes
Hazorchashma lake the highest of the seven is located at around 2400 meters above sea level. It has a maximum length of 2 km and an area of 0,92 square km. The name Hazorchashma (or Azorchashma) means “a thousand springs” – the lake is filled by the waters of two rivers and many streams and springs. Hazorchashma is the last lake in the gorge of the Shing River.
The Seven Lakes road ends here and behind there are no further settlements and you will only meet the wildlife of the Fann Mountains. The road to the last lake is also worse than to the previous ones and can only be driven with a rugged 4×4 car or hiked.
Seven Lakes tours
Day Tour to the Seven Lakes of Tajikistan from Samarkand
A private day trip from Samarkand across the border to the Seven Lakes of Tajikistan, a chain of mountain lakes in…
Two days Tour from Samarkand to Tajikistan with Seven Lakes, Iskanderkul & Fann Mountains
Experience an unforgettable cross-border journey through the heart of Central Asia, blending the rich cultural…
Five Stans of Central Asia Tour
Start on an extraordinary adventure across the heart of Central Asia with our Five Stan Tour, exploring the unique…
Uzbekistan – Tajikistan Highlights Tour
Combine the great Silk Road cities of Uzbekistan with the ancient sites and mountain lakes of northern Tajikistan on…
Fann Mountains Horse Riding and Trekking Tour to the Turquoise Lakes
An 11-day journey through the Fann Mountains of Tajikistan that combines three days on horseback with classic mountain…
Trekking the Lakes and Mountains of Tajikistan
An 11-day camping trek across the Fann Mountains of Tajikistan, from the Seven Lakes to the turquoise Alauddin lakes…
Hiking & Trekking at Seven Lakes
In addition to the obvious hike up and down the Shing Valley, there are also options to hike between the different valleys east and west of Shing for example to Voru.
Komichora Pass trek
This 2-day trek over the Komichora Pass (3300 m) starts or ends in Mogiyon that can be accessed from the beginning of the Shing Valley driving west. Head south from Mogiyon to the village of Rogich (17 km, about 5 hours), very close to the Uzbek border. The next day, cross the Komichora Pass to arrive at Hazorchasma lake (18 km, about 7 hours) where you can camp on grass. The next day, make your way down or continue along the Tavasang Pass.
You can do the entire hike without sleeping gear if you want as there are homestays in Mogiyon, Rogich and Padrud and a camping base at Marguzor.
Tavasang Pass trek
This 60-kilometer, 3-day hike leads from Sarytag, near Iskanderkul, across the rarely visited southern Fann mountains to Padrud in Shing Valley and the seven lakes. Please note that this route is very demanding with the ascent to Sarymat Pass being the hardest part with extremely hard ascent and descent. There are also reports of aggressive shepherd dogs so it is advised to only take this route with a guide.
One can also avoid the Sarymat pass and explore some of the other valleys and routes in the area for example through Munora pass (3520 m) or just cross the Tavasang Pass (3300 m) and turn north into the Archamaidon valley.
Shing Pass trek
You can hike from Shing to Voru in the Archamaidon valley via Shing Pass (2038 m) and Akibivoru Pass (3519 m).
Seven Lakes day trip from Samarkand: how the day works
We leave Samarkand at about 7:00. It is about an hour to the Jartepa–Sarazm border, where you cross on foot and change to a Tajik car. From the border it is about 1.5 hours via Panjakent to the first lake: a paved road runs about 20 km from Panjakent to Tarror village, and the last 30 km or so is rough gravel. The car then climbs from lake to lake, 10–15 minutes apart, with lunch by the water. Most of the day is driving and the border, so expect to be back in Samarkand at about 19:00–20:00.
The lakes lie along a 14 km stretch of the valley. If you want to stop at each lake (highly recommended), allow at least 3 hours for the drive up and back, or 5–6 hours to take your time. Hiking is also an option: the route is easy, with a mostly gradual climb that gets steeper only before the last lake, and takes about a day each way. The difference in altitude between the first and the seventh lake is about 760 m. You can also come from Dushanbe, about 260 km and 5 hours away.
Our Seven Lakes day tour from Samarkand includes hotel pick-up, drivers on both sides of the border and the lake fee, with the option of a guide and lunch. For a calmer pace, the 2-day tour with Iskanderkul adds a night in a mountain homestay.
Border and visa
- The border: the Jartepa–Sarazm crossing between Samarkand and Panjakent. On the Tajik side you walk about 500 m through a fenced corridor. Formalities usually take 30 minutes to 1.5 hours each way, and mornings and weekends are the busiest.
- Visa: citizens of the US and the EU can visit Tajikistan without a visa for up to 30 days. UK citizens and some others need an e-visa, applied for online before travel. Check the current rules before you go.
- Uzbek re-entry: if you need a visa for Uzbekistan, make sure it lets you enter again after the trip (double entry).
Best time to visit
April to October. July and August are warm by day and cold at night. In spring and autumn, mud or snow can stop cars below the seventh lake.
Staying overnight
There are simple guesthouses and homestays along the valley: Jumaboy guesthouse by Nofin, the fourth lake, and further up the valley the Marguzor tourist base and village homestays near the upper lakes. Expect simple rooms and home cooking; electricity can be limited outside the summer. A night by the lakes means you see them in the morning light, before the day-trippers arrive.
Money and what to bring
The currency is the Tajik somoni. Bring some cash, as the exchange at the border is not always open. Bring warm layers and a rain jacket, even in summer.
Map of the Seven Lakes
The Seven Lakes lie in the Shing valley south of Panjakent, about 70 km from the Jartepa border, with Iskanderkul and the Fann Mountains further east. Click a marker for a photo and a short description.
Other sights & Destinations near Seven Lakes
Written by Anssi Karppinen, Central Asia Guide · Page updated