Fann mountains are considered to be one of the most beautiful in Central Asia. They are known for their picturesque mountainous scenery, but as well as for the great number of different nice and clear lakes scattered all over the region. Geographically the Fann Mountains are part of those great ramparts of rock which run along the southern edge of the Central Asian republics and Siberia, virtually from the Caspian to the Pacific. More specifically they are part of the Pamir-Alai and are located in the Republic of Tajikistan between the Zeravshan and Gissar ranges.
Narrow canyons with clear, rushing rivers, high glaciated summits, wide variety of colorful panoramas, picturesque river valleys and thousands of lakes set amongst juniper forests make this region one of the most attractive mountain regions in Central Asia.
Apart from the mountains, Tajikistan is famous for the riotous sense of color Tajik people have. They love vivid colors, as many as possible. The people are very hospitable and make friends easily. In many small villages hidden in the mountains they still speak ancient Sogdian dialect, the language that Alexander the Great heard when he came to these places. They say that he had been camping on the shores of Iskanderkul lake, and hence it was named after him. You will also have a chance to feel the mystery and magic beauty of ancient oriental culture and spend a couple of days in the famous ancient Asian cities which are more than two millennia old.
Your Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Tashkent. Fly to Bukhara (1 hour). Tour of Bukhara. The city is first mentioned in Chinese chronicles in the 5th century, Bukhara is one of the oldest trade and cultural centers of Central Asia. Once boasting more than 350 mosques and 100 religious colleges, the city is still a constant feast of old and beautiful buildings. The narrow, twisting alleys of the old quarter are fascinating to explore. Night in a comfortable hotel. (L/D).
Day 2: 4 hour drive to Samarkand. For thousand's of years the city thrived on its location on one of the major trade routes to China. In the 15th century Tamerlane made it the capital of his vast empire. Most of the monuments date back to this period and include the world's famous Registan, the Gur-Emir Mausoleum where Tamerlane was buried and the Great Mosque which overlooks the colorful bazaar. Night in a hotel. (B/L/D).
Day 3: Drive 1.5-2 hours by private bus to Penjikent, 40 miles east in Tadjikistan, by the Zeravshan River. A 4WD vehicle takes us past Shing to the sixth Marguzor Lake (4 hours) where we will camp. (B/L/D).
Day 4: The donkeys arrive in the morning to carry the luggage. After a gentle section we climb steeply, passing the village of Kiogli, to camp below the Tavasang Pass at about 3000m. (B/L/D).
Day 5: After crossing the Tavasang Pass, 3450m, we descend to the Sarymat river for lunch. A gentle climb through sparse juniper woods leads to a magical meadow and campsite below the icy north face of Gardish. (B/L/D).
Day 6: Walk up to the Munora Pass, 3520m, and descend to the deep, craggy gorge of the Archa-Maidan river. The more energetic can take-in a side trip to visit Lake Pshtykul before dropping down to the campsite - this option makes for a long but rewarding day. (B/L/D).
Day 7: We go down the Archa-Maidan valley to Zurmech Wood. Along the way we pass several small villages which appear to blend into the rocky mountainsides. At Zurmech we pass through semi-wild apple, cherry and apricot orchards to reach our camp by a crystal clear stream (1900m). (B/L/D).
Day 8: Walk up a colorful canyon to the Zurmech Pass, 3200m. Descend to the next campsite by the Chukurak lakes. The gnarled junipers combine with steep cliffs to make this a very scenic spot. The inviting lake waters are icy cold! Camp by the lake. (B/L/D).
Day 9: Cross the Chukurak Pass to Kulikalon hollow with its numerous streams and lakes. Camp by lake with magnificent panorama of the steep glaciated north face of the Chimtarga, the highest summit of the Fann. (B/L/D).
Day 10: We spend an extra night here; relaxing or doing a circular walk from the campsite. (B/L/D).
Day 11: Hike up to the Alaudin Pass, 3860m, (12,860'), from where there are stunning views of the deep blue Alaudin Lakes and the main peaks. Descend to a campsite by the lakes. (B/L/D).
Day 12: We go up to the Mutnye ("Murky") Lake at 3800m, which is surrounded by glaciers and summits amongst these being Energia 5120m, Zamok 5070m and Chimtarga, 5489m, the highest peak in the Fann. This is our highest campsite. Alpine flowers liven up the stark, high mountain setting. (B/L/D).
Day 13: After two hours walk we reach snow fields leading up to the Kaznok Pass, 4040m. (13,500') - a magnificent viewpoint. A ski-stick or ice-axe is useful for the last part of this ascent. The guide will carry a rope to fix on the snow slope for added security. We return to our campsite then descent to spend a second night at the Alaudin Lakes. (B/L/D).
Day 14: Walk down the valley to our waiting transport. Drive the down the Zeravshan river valley, to Penjikent, 5-6 hours. We have lunch in Penjikent before continuing on to our hotel in Samarkand, 1.5-2 hours. (B/L/D).
Day 15: Drive back to Tashkent for the return flight. (B/L).
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
The prices are calculated on a group basis for 6 and more participants.
Included: all transport within Central Asia, all food and accommodation in Central Asia, tents on trek, guides.
Not included: passport, insurance, visas, international flights, ecological tax which should be paid locally and is $65 but is a subject to variations due to local conditions.
Also see tour packages in:
Asia
Uzbekistan
Tajikistan
Hiking & Trekking
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