Sky-scraping jagged mountains, crystal-clear lakes of azure, and deep green juniper forests are some of the scenes along your trail through this remote Central Asian ‘stan. Breath-taking views and the warm hospitality of the Tajik people await on this 5-day trek through the Fann Mountains of Tajikistan!
Lakes numbering over 30 and contrasting the harsh ridges and peaks are the true gems of this range. They vary in type and origin, some having been formed through ancient landslides blocking narrow mountain valleys and others through long-lost glaciers, but all fed by streams winding their way through forests, valleys, and gorges.
While the smallest country of Central Asia and landlocked between Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and China, the legends of Tajikistan are some of the grandest. Alexander the Great brought civilization and built cities through Silk Road travels and his notorious horse Bucephalus is rumoured to rise from the lake on moonlit nights. Spend your nights at camp hearing the tales of grand battles between highlanders and invaders of remote valleys and soaring mountaintops!
The capital city of Dushanbe, along the Varzob River in the Gissar Valley, was once the site of several settlements which were rebuilt during the Soviet Era and has become the metropolis it is today, with Barakat covered-market as one of it’s most iconic attractions. With wide tree-lined avenues, museums and monuments around every corner, and cafes and tea-houses to satisfy every craving for Tajik sweets.
Moreover, one cannot venture across Tajikistan without paying a visit to Iskandarkul. The legendary Lake of Alexander the Great, at nearly 2200 MASL, is iconic in its turquoise still reflections of the surrounding mountains and peaks. The locals will have a few stories to tell about how the lake formed and whether Alexander’s favourite horse Bucephalus still haunts the icy waters, but you’ll have a chance to see and swim this pristine jewel, trek around the “Fann Niagara”, and explore a few sites of scientific expeditions!
For quick preview:
https://vimeo.com/177103972
Let's go!
Day 1 // Shirkent Valley
Arrival in Dushanbe, immigration clearance, transfer to hotel, short rest.
Breakfast and drive towards Shirkent gorge, through Hissar region, driving 2 hrs, starting hiking towards the footprints of dinosaurs, hike & back to Dushanbe. Quick look at the nightlife of this capitol city.
DAY 2 // Maghreb + Lake Iskandarkul
Breakfast leaving Dushanbe towards Anzob pass (3372m) for some stunning views until we reach the picture-perfect village of Maghreb. Short discovery of surroundings and lunch in local guesthouse.
Little known and rarely visited Fann mountains form part of the Pamir Range tucked away in northwest Tajikistan. The majestic, biggest lake called Lake Alexander, Iskandarkul is located at altitude of 2200mtrs. It is a pure gem of surrounding snowy peaks reflecting in calm mirrored surface. You may have a difficulty to describe its color, from green to turquoise, blue to dark-purple it changes together with the season and time of the day. Overnight in Chalets at the lake.
DAY 3 // Discovery of Lake Iskandarkul
Local lunch, hike to waterfall called by locals Niagara, further hike to snake lake. Boat trip on the lake mirror surface, to take quick look at the president’s dacha on the other side. Drive to Saratoq village, we arrange lunch in local guesthouse Overnight in Chalets at the lake.
DAY 4 // Lakes of Fann Mountains
Today we hit the trail inside Fann Mountains towards Alloudin lake and discover further lakes hidden within gorgeous valleys, after lunch drive back to Dushanbe.
DAY 5 // Return
Morning flight back to Dubai.
Activities: Trekking, boating, optional swimming, cultural immersion.
Duration: Weekend.
Accommodation & meals: hotels and lake bungalows - double sharing. Meals in guesthouses included, restaurant meals excluded. Bring your fav snacks.
Cost: 5300 AED incl. flights until JUL 10th
Specifically excluded: visas, insurance. Visa support for all passports available.
Visa: Visa free or e-visa. Details here. Visa support available.
See yah at the Lakes x
Trekkup Crew
Whatsapp 050 4848238
Find all trekkups at linktr.ee/trekkup
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