🇹🇯 Tajikistan
Fann Mountains Grand Traverse
8 days | Full Fann Mountains traverse | Small groups
Penjikent → Seven Lakes → Kulikalon Lakes → Alaudin Lakes → Mutnye Lakes → Dukdon Pass → Iskanderkul → Dushanbe
Photo: Generic TREKS Central landscape image — not supplied by Fann Journey and not presented as trip-specific.
- Duration
- 8 days
- Difficulty
- Challenging
- Highest point
- to be confirmed
- Best season
- To be confirmed
- Style
- Small group / Private
- Accommodation
- Hotel, guesthouse and mountain camping
Overview
One of the most complete trekking journeys in the Fann Mountains, pairing the cultural treasures of ancient Penjikent with a traverse through the heart of the range.
After Sarazm, the museums and the bazaar, the route runs through the Seven Lakes valley, over Tavasang Pass to the Kulikalon Lakes, across Alaudin Pass to the Alaudin Lakes, out to the Mutnye Lakes, and finally over Dukdon Pass towards Iskanderkul.
The trek is supported by local guides, a cook and pack animals, so you carry only a daypack.
At a glance
- Duration
- 8 days / 7 nights
- Trekking
- 6 trekking days
- Difficulty
- Challenging
- Highest point
- Overall maximum — to be confirmed
- Season
- To be confirmed
- Group style
- Small group / Private
- Accommodation
- Hotel, guesthouse and mountain camping
- Meals
- Full board through the trek
- Start / finish
- Samarkand–Penjikent border / Penjikent / Dushanbe (via Iskanderkul)
- Price
- Price pending confirmation
Operated locally by Fann Journey, an experienced Tajik trekking partner.
What makes this trek different
Travelling through the landscape itself
Culture and mountains
Sarazm and ancient Penjikent before a full traverse of the range.
Lake after lake
Seven Lakes, Kulikalon, Alaudin and Mutnye, ending at Iskanderkul.
Several passes
Tavasang, Alaudin and Dukdon, with views towards Chimtarga (5,489m).
Fully supported
Guide, cook and pack animals throughout the trekking days.
Day by day
The itinerary
Day 1Penjikent cultural discovery
Meet at the Samarkand–Penjikent border or in Penjikent. Visit Sarazm, a UNESCO World Heritage Site dating back more than 5,500 years, the Ancient Penjikent Museum, the Rudaki Museum and the central bazaar.
- Accommodation:
- Hotel in Penjikent
- Meals:
- Lunch, dinner
Day 2Penjikent to the Seven Lakes (Haftkul)
Drive into the Shing Valley and visit all seven lakes, with a walk through local mountain villages.
- Accommodation:
- Guesthouse near Hazorchashma Lake
- Meals:
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 3Seven Lakes – Tavasang Pass – Kulikalon Lakes12–14km | 6–7 hours | high point 3,300m
Cross Tavasang Pass past shepherd camps and juniper forest, and descend into the Kulikalon Basin.
The exact routing for this day is pending confirmation with our local partner.
- Accommodation:
- Tent camp at Kulikalon Lakes
Day 4Kulikalon Lakes exploration
A relaxed day around Kulikalon, Bibijonat and Dushokha lakes, ancient juniper forest and viewpoints, with optional short hikes.
- Accommodation:
- Tent camp at Kulikalon Lakes
Day 5Kulikalon Lakes – Alaudin Pass – Alaudin Lakes11km | 6–7 hours | high point 3,860m
Climb to Alaudin Pass for views of Chimtarga, Energia and Mirali peaks, then descend to the Alaudin Lakes.
- Accommodation:
- Tent camp at Alaudin Lakes
Day 6Mutnye Lakes excursion12–14km | 6–8 hours | high point 3,510m
A day hike to the glacial Mutnye Lakes, returning to the Alaudin camp.
- Accommodation:
- Tent camp at Alaudin Lakes
Day 7Alaudin Lakes – Dukdon Pass – Sarytag Valley14–16km | 7–9 hours | high point given as 3,800–3,900m
One of the most impressive days of the trek: cross Dukdon Pass with views towards the Iskanderkul region and Chimtarga range, and descend into the Sarytag Valley.
The exact routing for this day is pending confirmation with our local partner.
- Accommodation:
- Tent camp near Sarytag
Day 8Sarytag – Iskanderkul – Dushanbe
Walk through the Sarytag Valley towards Iskanderkul, Tajikistan's most famous lake, with visits to the Fan Niagara waterfall and Snake Lake and a picnic lunch by the lake.
Drive approximately 3 hours to Dushanbe, arriving late afternoon, with drop-off at a hotel or the airport.
Walking distance and time for this day are pending confirmation with our local partner.
- Meals:
- Lunch
Photo brief
Awaiting a genuine Fann Journey image
Photo brief
Awaiting a genuine Fann Journey image
Photo brief
Awaiting a genuine Fann Journey image
Photo brief
Awaiting a genuine Fann Journey image
Difficulty & terrain
TREKS Central rating: Challenging
The operator grades this programme as Moderate to Challenging and requires good physical condition. TREKS Central presents it as Challenging because of long consecutive trekking days and several high passes.
- Total trekking distance pending confirmation
- Passes including Alaudin (3,860m) and Dukdon (given as 3,800–3,900m)
- Five nights camping
Where you'll sleep
Accommodation along the route
Tents and sleeping mats are provided; bring your own sleeping bag.
Penjikent
Hotel
Seven Lakes
Guesthouse
Kulikalon, Alaudin and Sarytag
Tent camps
What's included
- Pickup at the Samarkand–Penjikent border or in Penjikent
- Transfers Penjikent → Seven Lakes and Iskanderkul → Dushanbe, and all local transport
- English-speaking mountain guide
- Pack animals and local donkey handler
- Mountain cook during trekking days
- 1 night hotel in Penjikent, 1 night guesthouse at Seven Lakes, 5 nights camping
- Full board throughout the trek, with tea, coffee and drinking water
- Tents, sleeping mats, cooking and dining equipment
- Sarazm and Rudaki Museum entrance, environmental permits, National Park fees and local taxes
What's not included
- International flights
- Visa (if required)
- Travel insurance
- Sleeping bag
- Personal expenses
- Alcoholic beverages
- Tips for guide, cook, driver and support staff
Small-group & private travel
Small groups, not tour parties
Suitable for small-group or private travel, operated on the ground by Fann Journey.
You can
- Join a small group — TREKS Central generally plans for 3–6 travellers
- Travel as a couple or existing group
- Request a private trek
Group sizes and departure arrangements are being confirmed with the operator.
2027 departures
Season to be confirmed
Departure dates are not yet confirmed. Request your place and we'll respond personally — no payment is taken online.
Price pending confirmation
Operated locally by Fann Journey, an experienced Tajik trekking partner. TREKS Central is your UK-facing contact throughout.
Pending confirmation
Some details are pending confirmation
Pricing, departures and certain route details are pending confirmation with our local partner.
From Penjikent's ancient ruins to the shores of Iskanderkul.
The full Fann Mountains traverse.