Itinerary Details
MT Sobek: Tajikistan Fann Mountain Trekking
Day 1 Arrival in Dushanbe
On arrival in Dushanbe, the capital of Tajikistan, your MT Sobek trip leader will meet you at Dushanbe Airport for a transfer to your hotel for a good rest.
Accommodation: Hyatt Regency Dushanbe
Day 2 Explore Dushanbe & the Imposing Hissar Fortress
In the morning, set out to explore Tajikistan's capital. Visit the Museum of Antiquities, home of the 43-foot Buddha in Nirvana statue. Next, drive to the Bukhara Emirate Beck's palace, the Hissar Fortress, continuously inhabited since the Stone Age but demolished repeatedly due to its strategic hilltop position. Later in Dushanbe, roam the buzzy Green Bazar, and visit the main square with one of the highest flagpoles in the world.
Accommodation: Hyatt Regency Dushanbe
(B, L, D)
Day 3 Discover Sogdian Culture in Penjikent
180-mile full-day private transfer (with cultural touring)
Travel to Penjikent, once a flourishing city of the pre-Islamic Sogdian culture that thrived between the 5th and 8th centuries. Ponder its past as a superbly fortified city and a trading center while roaming the ruins of Old Penjikent, learn about 'the father of Persian poetry' at the Rudaki Museum, and feel the pulse of everyday life at the bazaar. In the afternoon, head out to the Seven Lakes, a cascading string of lakes that is your gateway to the Fann Mountains.
Accommodation: Guesthouse Jumaboy
(B, L, D)
Day 4 Hike Among the Seven Lakes
5 hours/7 miles trekking with an elevation gain of 1,874'
Set out this morning on an easy acclimatization hike from Nofin (6,000'). The trail to Lake Hazorchashma (7,874') meanders along a village road with astonishing views of the Seven Lakes (Haft Kul). Along the way you may encounter local farmers watching their herds or stop to soak in the outstanding scenery as each lake cascades from the next. Pause for a picnic lunch at Lake Marguzor, the largest of the chain, before completing the route at the seventh, Lake Hazorchashma.
Accommodation: MT Sobek Camp—Tajikistan Fann Mountains
(B, L, D)
Day 5 Explore the Fann Mountains On Foot
6-7 hours/8 miles trekking with an elevation gain of 2,969' and an elevation loss of 1,755'
Today, start your adventure in the Fann Mountains. A short transfer brings you to the trailhead by the azure Marguzor Lake, the highest of 'The Seven Beauties of Shing' - a string of crystal-clear lakes and a top hiking destination in the region. Take in the idyllic mountain scenery as you cross the Tavasang Pass (11,319') and descend to the foothills of Munora Pass that you will take on tomorrow. Relax in the evening at a camp near the flowing Tavasang River at an altitude of 9,087 feet.
Accommodation: MT Sobek Camp—Tajikistan Fann Mountains
(B, L, D)
Day 6 Follow Scenic Trails to Munora Pass
7-8 hours/8.4 miles trekking with an elevation gain of 2,395' and an elevation loss of 2,460'
Rise and shine for another day of marvelous views and crisp air trekking over the scenic Munora Pass. At 11,483 feet, it sets the perfect stage for soaking up the region's dramatic mountain landscapes dotted with sky-high peaks like Krasnaya Moskva or Dugdon. Enjoy a picnic lunch along the way, then make your descent to the Nagnut River where you will camp overnight.
(B, L, D)
Day 7 Trek to Remote Lake Pushtikul
4-5 hours/8.4 miles trekking with an elevation loss of 2,066'
Today trek to the remote Lake Pushtikul, located in the beautiful Pushtikul Valley. Enjoy lunch near the lake then continue to Archamaidan River, where your camp awaits.
(B, L, D)
Day 8 Descend from Archamaidan River & Homestay in Zimtut
10-mile private van transfer
2-3 hours/4.2 miles trekking with an elevation loss of 2,264'
Enjoy a day of downhill trekking with a picnic lunch along the way. From Archamaidan River, descend down to the mountain road that sits at its junction with Sarymat River. Here, you will meet up with drivers for a short transfer to the remote village of Zimtut (5,095 feet). This modest settlement in a rugged, barren landscape is the place to take in the famed Tajik hospitality, and enjoy a relaxed evening in a local homestay, sipping tea.
Accommodation: Homestay Zimtut
(B, L, D)
Day 10 Discover Kulikalon Lakes
5 hours/5.5 miles trekking with an elevation gain of 2,671' and elevation loss of 1,312'
Today, expect steep, zigzag trekking over the Chukurak Pass (10,335') that rewards with spellbinding panoramas of the Kulikalon Bowl. The Kulikalon Lakes that dot this vast depression offer some of the most gorgeous mountain scenery around. The glacial lakes, set amid rugged slopes covered in juniper, are the place to keep an eye out for birds like the Himalayan snowcocks or falcons, as the area has been proclaimed an Important Bird Area. Camp near Bibijanat, an elongated lake surrounded with a forest.
Accommodation: MT Sobek Camp—Tajikistan Fann Mountains
(B, L, D)
Day 11 Trek to Alauddin Pass with Views of Chapdara Mountain
7-8 hours/4.8 miles trekking with an elevation gain of 3,107' and elevation loss of 3,445'
After a hearty breakfast, continue on to explore the Kulikalon Lakes. Hike to Dushokha Lake, the highest in the depression. With a backdrop of the imposing Mirali Wall, it is the perfect vantage point for glacier-gazing. Power up for the Alauddin Pass (12,238'), a strenuous trek with direct views of the 17,000-foot Chapdara peak and the gorge of the Chapdara River. Down in the valley, find Alauddin Lakes, a group of emerald pools surrounded by soaring peaks. Set up camp, your base for two nights, and watch the colors change as the sun descends.
(B, L, D)
Day 12 Hike to Lake Mutnow, Marvel at Chimtarga Peak & Return to Alauddin
7-8 hours/10 miles trekking with an elevation gain and loss of 2,788'
Today embark on a radial trek to Lake Mutnoe. This lake is fed by tributary waters running through the forest where they absorb tannins from the dense vegetation, resulting in the unusual tea-colored waters unique among the Fann Lakes. Enjoy lunch at the lake before making your return to camp at Alauddin Lake.
(B, L, D)
Day 13 Return to Dushanbe & Enjoy a Farewell Dinner
3-hour private van transfer
After breakfast, descend to Vertical Alpinist Camp, where your driver will be waiting. Transfer to Dushanbe and enjoy some time to yourself in the afternoon, to relax and pack, or take in some more of the capital city buzz. In the evening, meet up with your group for a farewell dinner.
Accommodation: Hyatt Regency Dushanbe
(B, L, D)
Day 14 Depart from Dushanbe
Transfer to the airport and fly home.
Accommodation: Hyatt Regency Dushanbe
Day 9 Cross the Igrok Pass to the Emerald Chukurak Lake
2.5-mile private van transfer
5-6 hours/6 miles trekking with an elevation gain of 2,460' and elevation loss of 650'
After breakfast at Zimtut, transfer a few miles to Guitan village. From Guitan, beginy our ascent to Igrok Pass, where a magnificent amphitheater of mountains opens up. Take some time to marvel at the dazzling views, then descend on a steep trail, passing through shepherd settlements and juniper forests to Chukurak, the largest of the three lakes in the Chukurak gorge. Take in its emerald green waters that sparkle in the midst of an open valley. Set up camp and stay overnight.
Accommodation: MT Sobek Camp—Tajikistan Fann Mountains
(B, L, D)
