Discovery

Discover of the Tajik Sogdian of the Great Alexander

Fan mountains : Zeravashan range and Hisor range

Duration
9 days
Travel window
Start day
1
Start month
End day
30
End month
Begins in
Dushanbe
Discover the journey
iskenderkul_hat_lake_jackie.jpg
Private field journal 9 chapters

The story

Hiking days in Fan and Hissor mountains

Ideal for active travelers seeking both natural beauty

This carefully crafted itinerary offers a perfect balance of adventure and discovery in the breathtaking Fann Mountains. Over several days, you'll explore the region’s most iconic alpine lakes, from the crystal-clear waters of the Seven Lakes Valley to the majestic Kulikalon basin, the legendary Lake Iskanderkul, and the secluded Chapdara Lakes high in the mountains.

The journey combines scenic drives through deep gorges and colorful valleys with moderate hikes to high-altitude lakes and passes. Along the way, you'll also dive into the region’s rich history with cultural stops, including the ancient ruins and traditional neighborhoods of Penjikent.

Route map

The route

Day by day

The journey, day by day

9 chapters

Day 01 Drive to Iskanderkul lake and night at Sarytag
Day 01

Drive to Iskanderkul lake and night at Sarytag

Dushanbe Sarytag

In the morning, driving to Iskanderkul lake. Picnic at the shore lake. Lake of Aleksander, the biggest lake of the fan mountains. According to a legend, Alexander created the lake by damming the river in order to annihilate a village which has opposed him. In the surroundings of Iskanderkul lake, walking to 5 springs, to Zmeinoe lake and to the 38 meter high waterfall which is known as "Fan Niagara". Possibility to hike around the Hat of Alexander (2710 m, 10-12 km, 3-4 h) then back to Sarytag village for overnight at traditional homestay.

Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The Dushanbe tea room Kohi Navruz (Nowruz or Noruz Palace)
Day 02 From Iskanderkul to Chapdara/Alaudin lakes
Day 02

From Iskanderkul to Chapdara/Alaudin lakes

Sarytag Chapdara lakes

From Sarytag, we begin by driving down to the stunning Lake Iskanderkul, then follow the vibrant, narrow canyon of the Iskender River as it winds toward the M34 highway. After reaching the main road, we head north for about 4 kilometers before turning west into the Pasrud Valley. From there, the road gradually climbs through alpine scenery until we reach Lake Chapdara, also known as the lower Alaudin Lakes, nestled deep in the high valley beneath towering peaks. We have a walk to the Chapdara lakes. Overnight in tent at base camp.

Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Chapdara valley - Alaudin lakes
Day 03 Drive to Penjikent
Day 03

Drive to Penjikent

Chapdara lakes Panjakent

After breakfast driving to Penjikent for sights. The ancient settlement, as well as a modern city, is called Penjikent, which means in Tajik "five villages", and gave life to the glorious city no less than 5500 years ago, according to scientists. Later on visiting the Sarazm ancient settlment and the Penjikent antiques museum. Lunch on the shore of the Zerafshan river. After lunch, tour in the Penjikent city.

Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Chapdara valley - Alaudin lakes
Day 04 Drive to the Seven lakes
Day 04

Drive to the Seven lakes

Panjakent Shing

After breakfast we drive to the Seven lakes, a territory in the Fan mountains with 7 beautiful lakes! Arrival to the homestay. Later start trekking to Odildara peak (3450 m). Overnight at the homestay.

Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

iskenderkul_hat_lake1
Day 05 Hiking to the Seven lakes
Day 05

Hiking to the Seven lakes

Shing Shing

After breakfast hiking to the 7th lake. Picnic on the shore of Hazor Cahshma. Optional after picnic hiking to the summer pastures (+8 km, 3 h). Driving back to Shing. Rest and relax at homestay in Shing. Dinner and overnight at homestay.

Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

hazorchashva_1.
Day 06 Drive to Yakkahona village
Day 06

Drive to Yakkahona village

Shing Yakkahona

After breakfast drive to Yakkahona village. After lunch optional short hike to Chukurak lake (2560 m, 900 m, 3 h). Overnight in the homestay.

Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

lake_chukurak_1
Day 07 Day hiking to amazing Kuli Kalon lake
Day 07

Day hiking to amazing Kuli Kalon lake

Yakkahona Yakkahona

After breakfast day hiking to amazing Kuli kalon lakes along Ujram river. (2850 m, -9 km, 3h). Return to the base camp and overnight in the homestay

Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

A beautiful lake cristalin like a mirror reflecting surrounding mountains with spruces around
Day 08 From Yakkahona to Yagnob valley
Day 08

From Yakkahona to Yagnob valley

Yakkahona Yagnob valley

In the morning, the journey begins by leaving the village of Yakkahona and descending the Urech Gorge, passing near Lake Kalikalon, nestled in the heart of the mountains. The path continues to the paved road that runs alongside the Kishrud River and traverses a valley with colorful and contrasting landscapes. This road leads to the vast Zeravshan Valley, which is followed eastward to the town of Aïni. From there, the route turns south to follow the Fan River Valley. Shortly after, the main route is left to take the old road through the Yagnob Valley, once used to cross the Anzob Pass. Since the construction of the Istiklol Tunnel, this valley has become even more remote and preserved. By the end of the day, arrival at the village of Margib and accommodation in a traditional guesthouse.

Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Artuch camp
Day 09 From Margib in Yagnob valley to Dushanbe
Day 09

From Margib in Yagnob valley to Dushanbe

Yagnob valley Dushanbe

After breakfast, the journey leaves the remote village of Margib and descends the Yagnob Valley, passing through a series of alpine landscapes and small hamlets clinging to the slopes. The route then joins the main M30 road, before turning due south to enter the deep canyon of the Djidjikrud River. This spectacular gorge marks the entrance to the high mountains of Hissar and leads directly to the Istiklol Tunnel, a strategic structure over 5 kilometers long, which now allows passage through the range without having to go over the Anzob Pass, the only former option. Upon exiting the tunnel, the road winds southward through gentler landscapes, signaling the approach to the capital. By late afternoon, arrival in Dushanbe, a lively and green city nestled between hills and peaks, is reached.

Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The Varzob River, originating from the Fan Mountains and flowing towards Dushanbe, is a cherished summer destination for Tajiks seeking cool relief. Along its banks are tourist complexes, featuring quaint riverside houses. In the distance, the dry mountains of the Varzob valley complete the landscape.

Further reading

More from this journey

Practical information

Prepare for the journey

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