Discover of the Tajik Sogdian of the Great Alexander

Fan mountains : Zeravashan chain and Hisor chain

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.

Ideal for active travelers seeking both natural beauty

The very best of Fan mountains : lakes, waterfall and history

9 DaysDiscovery toursTajikistan

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Program

  
                                Dushanbe - Sarytag
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.
Breakfast Lunch Dinner
132 km
03:00
03:00
200 m
200 m
  
                                Sarytag - Chapdara lakes
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.

Breakfast Lunch Dinner
02:00
160 m
160 m
  
                                Chapdara lakes - Panjakent
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.

Breakfast Lunch Dinner
120 km
04:00
  
                                Panjakent - Shing
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.
Breakfast Lunch Dinner
40 km
02:00
04:00
  
                                Shing - Shing
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.
Breakfast Lunch Dinner
12 km
04:00
800 m
800 m
  
                                Shing - Yakkahona
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.
Breakfast Lunch Dinner
77 km
03:00
03:00
320 m
320 m
  
                                Yakkahona - Yakkahona
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

Breakfast Lunch Dinner
26 km
00:30
03:00
720 m
720 m
  
                                Yakkahona - Yagnob valley
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.

Breakfast Lunch Dinner
  
                                Yagnob valley - Dushanbe
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.

Breakfast Lunch Dinner

10 days of ski touring in Kyrgyzstan with New Year in the yurt. A top stay with Nomad's land which made us discover and love a little known country. 3 ski touring spots with abundant snow, perfect weather and plenty of unexpected discoveries during the stay.

Christian

Very reliable company and very helpful staff. The trip was tailor made and ended up as an open group tour with Mirbek as a guide. I can totally recommend Nomads Land. The trip was amazing and I have nothing to complain about.

Jessica

On your way

Iskanderkul lake

Iskanderkul named after Alexander the Great lake is the biggest lake of Fan Mountains situated at the altitude of 2195 and its surface is 3,4 km2.

Alauddin lakes

Lake Alaudin, also known in Russian as "Mutnye ozera" (the murky lakes), is a high-altitude lake located at 3,519 meters in the upper part of the P

Ancient settlement of Penjikent

The antique city of Penjikent is located in the vicinity of the modern city of Penjikent and represents a unique monument of the early Middle Ages.

Seven Lakes

On the western edge of the Fan Mountains in the valley of the river Shing are seven following lakes.

Chukurak lake

Chukurak is above the mouth of the gorge, closing access to the north (2430 m)

Kuli Kalon lakes

Uppermost Kulikalon lake basin, lying at an altitude of nearly three thousand meters above sea level, are called Dyushaha.

Margeb village

A old Sogdian village in the Yagnob valley well-known for its climbing mountains walls.

Info

What is included

  • All transportation in a private vehicle

  • All airport transfers

  • Accommodation as described in the program

  • Meals (3 per day)

  • Bottled water (when possible) & tea

  • English-speaking trekking guide

  • Pack horses with saddle bags & horsemen

  • Camping & cooking equipment (tents, mats, gas, stove, etc)

  • All the activities listed in the program

  • Entry fees at national parks and/or border zones listed in the program

  • Entry fees at museums and historical sites listed in the program

  • Domestic flights mentioned in the program

  • A contribution to our sustainable development projects

  • Organisation of the trip & local taxes

What is not included

  • International flights

  • International banking fees (PayPal, ...)

  • Travel & repatriation insurance

  • Visas / LOI (if applicable)

  • Alcoholic and soft drinks

  • Personal expenses

  • Personal equipment (sleeping bag, headlight, personal medication, etc)

  • Additional costs due to unexpected personal events (health, loss of luggage, ...)

  • Tips for guide & driver (always optional, always appreciated)

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Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
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Ecotourism projects

Through various ecotourism projects and initiatives, Nomad's Land aims to increase awareness of ecotourism and responsible travel, for a sustainable development of the tourism sector.
25 May 2024

Towards Nomadic Land: A Documentary by Lucas Garceau Bédard

In 2018, Nomad's Land had the pleasure of supporting a group of young Canadian an extraordinary adventure captured in the film "Towards Nomadic Land." This cinematic journey takes us deep into the heart of Kyrgyzstan, where five young adventurers in their twenties embark on a tumultuous expedition of backcountry skiing and cultural exploration.

Author picture

Samuel Maret

29 November 2023

Trainings for tourist facilities of Zheti Oguz district 2023

On November 25-26, 2023 trainings were held in Kyzyl Suu for our owners of homestays and yurt camp from whole district Jeti Oguz

The main objective was to increase the potential of the district's tourist facilities in order to ensure the criteria of sustainable tourism and promotion of the region. 

Ayana Zholdoshbek