Discovery
Discover of the Tajik Sogdian of the Great Alexander
Fan mountains : Zeravashan range and Hisor range
- Duration
- 9 days
- Activities
- Hiking , Historical Sites , Observing Flora
- Begins in
- Dushanbe
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
Drive to Iskanderkul lake and night at Sarytag
Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 02 From Iskanderkul to Chapdara/Alaudin lakes
From Iskanderkul to Chapdara/Alaudin 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
Day 03 Drive to Penjikent
Drive to Penjikent
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
Day 04 Drive to the Seven lakes
Drive to the Seven lakes
Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 05 Hiking to the Seven lakes
Hiking to the Seven lakes
Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 06 Drive to Yakkahona village
Drive to Yakkahona village
Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 07 Day hiking to amazing Kuli Kalon lake
Day hiking to amazing Kuli Kalon lake
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
Day 08 From Yakkahona to Yagnob valley
From Yakkahona to 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
Day 09 From Margib in Yagnob valley to Dushanbe
From Margib in Yagnob valley to 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
Photography
Along the way
Further reading
More from this journey
Practical information
Prepare for the journey
Reviews of Nomad's Land
Travelers, in their own words
Published reviews of our team and service.
“One word: THANK YOU! Two fabulous weeks experiencing nomadic life up close. Bakyt, without you, the journey would not have been the same. Thank you for your kindness and energy! Thanks to Youri, our amazing driver! In short, highly recommend this agency 100%.”
“"Visit to Kyrgyzstan = Nomad’s Land" Our stay in the country boils down to this. An unforgettable experience! The whole team is very competent and responsive. The country is amazing. We did 17 days and visited incredible and untouched corners. I recommend the nights with nomadic shepherds. Magical moments!”
“An attention and a treatment of 10. Highly recommended. Kyrgyzstan, an unforgettable experience. I will return if you do !!!”
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