Trekking the Lakes and Mountains of Tajikistan
Accommodation, guides, transport included. 15% deposit, balance 30 days before tour starting date.
Trekking the Lakes and Mountains of Tajikistan Highlights
An 11-day camping trek across the Fann Mountains of Tajikistan, from the Seven Lakes to the turquoise Alauddin lakes and Mutnoe Lake below Chimtarga (5,489 m), the highest peak of the range. From Dushanbe you drive through the Varzob gorge and the Zeravshan valley to the village of Padrud, then walk past Marguzor Lake up to Hazorchashma, the seventh of the Seven Lakes.
Over the Tavasang Pass (3,300 m) the trail leads into the Danisher gorge and down the Obi Safed river to the Amshut gorge, with a day hike to the remote Alo lakes, whose bays resemble Scandinavian fjords. After a night in the village of Guitan you cross the Guitan Pass to Chukurak Lake, the Chukurak Pass to the Kulikalon lakes and the Alauddin Pass (3,860 m) to the Alauddin lakes, with a day hike to Mutnoe Lake (3,500 m). Donkeys carry the luggage, and a cook prepares the meals in camp.
Difficulty: Challenging Nine trekking days of 4–7 hours with climbs of up to 1,100 m a day, over the Tavasang (3,300 m), Guitan (2,600 m), Chukurak (3,160 m) and Alauddin (3,860 m, grade 1B) passes; 8 nights in tents at about 2,200–2,900 m and 2 nights in village guesthouses. Donkeys carry the luggage.
Tour Itinerary
Arrival in Dushanbe. Breakfast, a tour of the city and lunch. Then drive through the Varzob gorge and the tunnel into the Zeravshan valley and on into the Seven Lakes gorge, past the Mijgon, Soya, Hushyor and Nofin lakes, to the village of Padrud (1,800 m). Drive: 6–7 hours. Dinner and overnight in the Mijgon guesthouse.
Dushanbe, Varzob valley, Zarafshan Valley, Seven Lakes (Haft Kul), Padrud
- Dushanbe → Padrud (330 km)
Overnight: Padrud (Guesthouse)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The trek begins. Walk past Khurdak Lake to Marguzor Lake (2,200 m) and climb to Hazorchashma (2,400 m), the seventh of the Seven Lakes. After seeing the lakes, walk back down to Marguzor Lake and meet the local villagers. Like a string of precious beads, the seven Marguzor lakes lie one above the other in the Fann Mountains, each flowing into the next. Walking: 5–6 hours. Ascent 600 m, descent 200 m. Dinner and overnight in tents on the shore of Marguzor Lake.
Marguzor Lake, Hazorchashma Lake
- Padrud → Marguzor Lake (10 km)
Overnight: Marguzor Lake (Tent camping)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Cross the Tavasang Pass (3,300 m), where a panorama of the Sarmat gorge opens up, and descend into the Danisher gorge (2,200 m), with a picnic on the way. Walking: 5–6 hours. Ascent 1,100 m, descent 900 m. Dinner and overnight in tents.
Tavasang Pass
- Marguzor Lake → Obi Safed (12 km)
Overnight: Obi Safed (Tent camping)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Walk down along the Obi Safed river to the Amshut gorge (2,200 m), enjoying the beautiful scenery on the way. Walking: 4–5 hours. Ascent 200 m, descent 500 m. Dinner and overnight in tents.
Obi Safed, Archa-Maidan
- Obi Safed → Archa-Maidan (12 km)
Overnight: Archa-Maidan (Tent camping)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
A day hike to the wonderful Small Alo (2,340 m) and Big Alo (3,150 m) lakes. The lakes have several bays that resemble Scandinavian fjords, and their name means “secluded”. Picnic on the lakeshore, then walk back down to the camp in the Amshut gorge. Walking: 6–7 hours. Dinner and overnight in tents.
Alo Lakes
- Archa-Maidan → Archa-Maidan (14 km)
Overnight: Archa-Maidan (Tent camping)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Walk down the Archa-Maidan valley on the dirt road, past the villages of Voru, Gazza and Zimtut, to the village of Guitan (1,800 m). Walking: 5–6 hours. Ascent 600 m, descent 450 m. Dinner and overnight in the Hikmat guesthouse.
Voru, Gazza, Zimtut, Guitan
- Archa-Maidan → Guitan (14 km)
Overnight: Guitan (Guesthouse)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
From the village of Guitan, climb to the Guitan Pass (2,600 m) and continue to Chukurak Lake (2,450 m) for a picnic. Set up camp by the lake. Walking: 4–5 hours. Ascent 800 m, descent 250 m. Dinner and overnight in tents.
Guitan Pass, Chukurak Lake
- Guitan → Chukurak Lake (8 km)
Overnight: Chukurak Lake (Tent camping)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Cross the Chukurak Pass (3,160 m), from where a wonderful panorama opens over Kulikalon (2,900 m), one of the largest lakes of the Fann Mountains. Marinka fry were once released into the lake and took hold, so fish now live here. Ascent 710 m, descent 260 m. Dinner and overnight in tents.
Chukurak Pass, Kulikalon lakes
- Chukurak Lake → Kulikalon lakes (10 km)
Overnight: Kulikalon lakes (Tent camping)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Climb to the Alauddin Pass (3,860 m, grade 1B) and have a picnic on the pass. From the top you can see Chapdara (5,050 m) and its glacier, Adamtash (4,579 m) and Maria Peak (4,790 m). Descend to Alauddin Lake (2,700 m). Walking: 4–5 hours. Ascent 960 m, descent 1,100 m. Dinner and overnight in tents on the shore.
Alauddin Pass, Alauddin lakes
- Kulikalon lakes → Alauddin lakes (12 km)
Overnight: Alauddin lakes (Tent camping)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Climb to Mutnoe Lake (3,500 m). The Alauddin gorge faces north; to the south it is closed off by a snowy range, and all around rise high peaks with many glaciers: Zamok (5,070 m), Energy (5,120 m) and Chimtarga (5,489 m), the highest peak of the Fann Mountains. Picnic on the shore of Mutnoe Lake, then walk back down to the Alauddin lakes. Walking: 5–6 hours. Ascent 800 m, descent 800 m. Dinner and overnight in tents at the Vertikal base camp.
Mutnye Lakes, Peak Energy, Alauddin lakes
- Alauddin lakes → Alauddin lakes (12 km)
Overnight: Alauddin lakes (Tent camping)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Drive back to Dushanbe, or to Samarkand on request (5–6 hours), and check in to a 3-star hotel. A short walk around the city, dinner and transfer to the airport.
Dushanbe
- Alauddin lakes → Dushanbe
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Download the itinerary
Tour Price
Private Tour Price
| Price per person Group Size | Price |
|---|---|
| 2–3 travelers | $2,875 |
| 4–5 travelers | $1,955 |
| 6–7 travelers | $1,725 |
| 8–9 travelers | $1,495 |
| 10–11 travelers | $1,380 |
| 12 travelers | $1,265 |
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Travelling alone or as a couple? Join other travellers who want to take this tour privately, or post your own request. The private price per person drops as the group grows.
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What's included
Included
- Accommodation according to the itinerary: hotels and guesthouses (Hello Dushanbe, Vertikal base) in twin or double rooms, and tents on the trek
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Cook
- Guide
- Mountain guide
- All transportation by air-conditioned 4x4 vehicles
- Donkeys and a donkey driver to carry the luggage
- Entrance tickets to the sights in the program
Not included
- International flights
- Consular visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Alcoholic and soft drinks
- Fees for photography and filming at historical sites
- Tips for the guide and driver
- Single room supplement
Sino is an experienced tour leader and focuses mainly on the tours in Northern Tajikistan and other parts of Tajikistan outside Pamirs.
Where you'll stay
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Night 1
Padrud
Mijgon guesthouse (Padrud) or similar
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Night 2
Marguzor Lake
Tent camp in the Fann Mountains or similar
-
Night 3
Obi Safed
Tent camp in the Fann Mountains or similar
-
Nights 4–5
Archa-Maidan
Tent camp in the Fann Mountains or similar
-
Night 6
Guitan
Hikmat guesthouse (Guitan) or similar
-
Night 7
Chukurak Lake
Tent camp at Chukurak Lake or similar
-
Night 8
Kulikalon lakes
Tent camp at Kulikalon Lake or similar
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Night 9
Alauddin lakes
Tent camp at Alauddin Lake or similar
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Night 10
Alauddin lakes
Tents at the Vertikal base camp or similar
Tajikistan travel information
Practical essentials for travelling in Tajikistan. Open a topic to read more.
Visa policy
Find your country from the list and check possible visa requirements for Tajikistan before booking.
The official currency is the somoni (TJS). US dollars are accepted in some places, but the somoni is what you use day to day.
ATMs
Withdrawing cash can be difficult, so carry some cash with you. There are ATMs in Dushanbe, Panjakent, Khujand, Khorog, Isfara, Istaravshan and Bokhtar (Kurgan-Tube), and even in smaller towns, but not in Murghab. Eskhata Bank in Dushanbe is a reliable choice for US dollars and has a generous limit for somoni withdrawals. ATMs may be harder to find at weekends, and ATMs that take Mastercard can be tricky to find.
Exchanging money
US dollars and euros are widely accepted, though in rural areas without exchange offices people often prefer dollars. Changing money on the black market is illegal.
The overall security situation is generally stable and Dushanbe is relatively safe, though robbery and petty crime occasionally happen, and foreigners can be targets.
Documents
Always carry a copy of your passport's photo page, as the authorities may ask for identification.
Staying safe
- Avoid demonstrations and large gatherings, and stay alert in public places.
- Do not leave drinks unattended, decline drinks from strangers and keep an eye on how much you drink.
- If you are followed or harassed at the airport, report it right away to your tour agent or the consular office at the airport.
- Women travelling alone may face unwanted attention or harassment.
Laws and customs
- Respect local traditions, customs, laws and religions.
- Smoking while walking in the street is prohibited.
- Possessing or using drugs is strictly illegal.
- Photographing anything related to the military or security services can cause trouble with the authorities.
- Same-sex relationships are not illegal, but local views are conservative and tolerance varies, especially outside the major cities.
Roads and services
- Vehicles are often poorly maintained and driving standards are basic. Fuel stations are rare outside the cities and emergency services may not be available, so bring what you need and expect delays.
- Roads outside the major cities are poor and some are passable only by four-wheel drive. Spring is especially hazardous because of avalanches and landslides.
- Energy and water shortages and power cuts are common, especially in winter and spring and mostly outside Dushanbe.
Border areas and nature
- Avoid the border area with Afghanistan because of the unstable security situation there.
- Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan signed a border treaty in 2025 after the clashes of 2022, and the northern Sughd region, including Khujand, is safe to visit.
- Tajikistan is prone to earthquakes, avalanches, landslides and floods.
Visitors from many countries can travel to Tajikistan visa-free. Leave the country before your visa or visa-free stay runs out, to avoid fines and having to get an exit visa.
Pamirs (GBAO) permit
A permit is required to visit the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region (GBAO).
Borders and customs
Tajikistan's borders can close at short notice. Declare large amounts of money on arrival, and show the customs declaration when you leave.
The best months to explore Tajikistan are April, May, June, September and October. September may be the very best: the heat on the plains has eased and nearly all mountain passes are still open.
Autumn
In September the markets are full of fresh produce and the landscape turns golden.
The Pamirs
The best time to visit the Pamirs is August.
Summer and winter
Summers are dry and very hot, up to 40°C in the lowlands. Winters can be extremely cold, down to −20°C in the mountains, and heavy snow in the west can disrupt winter routes and close the high passes.
Medical facilities in Tajikistan are limited and essential medicines are often in short supply. Outside Dushanbe facilities are basic, and some areas have almost none.
Insurance
Before you go, check that your destination can provide any medical help you might need, and make sure your travel insurance covers treatment and unexpected medical evacuation. If you are sent to a medical facility, contact your insurer straight away.
Medicines
Some medicines containing codeine are strictly prohibited. Check that any medication you bring is legal, and declare all medicines and other restricted items on arrival.
Vaccinations and risks
Ticks are common in forests and rural areas from spring to autumn. Improperly disposed uranium and pesticides in the northern Sughd region are a possible health hazard. At a minimum, get vaccinated against hepatitis A and B and tetanus before your trip.
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