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This week-long trek takes in some of the most beautiful scenery in Tajikistan - the legendary Iskandarkul Lake (associated with Alexander the Great) and the passes and lake systems of the Fann Mountains. The tour begins and ends with the opportunity to visit some of Tajikistan's finest cultural and historical treasures.
The trek begins with a drive through the valleys and passes of the Western Pamir-Alai mountains, to Iskandarkul (Lake Alexander). According to local tradition, Alexander the Great passed this way with his army on his way to invade Samarkand, and many legends of the cult of Alexander still cling to this place. The rapid blue waters of the Iskandar river rush out of the lake and pour down a spectacular 30 m waterfall. There will be time to explore the lake and its environs on foot and by boat before moving on to Penjikent, once a Sogdian trading centre on the Silk Road.
Penjikent contains the best-preserved example of a Sogdian city and is often referred to as 'The Pompeii of Central Asia'. After a tour around the excavation site of the 8th century city, we will drive up into the nearby Fann Mountains and Artuch mountain base. Here, pack-donkeys take over and carry personal luggage and camping gear for the trek through stunning mountain scenery. The trekking route, known as the 'Golden Ring of the Fann Mountains', follows a mountain path around the highest peak in the region, Chimtarga. The route goes through cool juniper groves and passes crystal lakes, tempestuous rivers, high glaciated summits and a wide variety of colourful panoramas. The alpine meadows are extremely beautiful with a profusion of flowers and lush grass pastures. Several Golden Eagles have their home here along with various vultures, chuffs, hoopoes and other colourful bird-life.
There will be time at the end of the trek for sightseeing and shopping in Dushanbe's bazaars, and we will gather together for a banquet on the last night.
The following itinerary is intended as a working guide only and it is subject to variation as a result of local conditions, weather and governmental restrictions. We reserve the right to alter the length of the trip at any time if necessary. Flight timetables are altered occasionally and it maybe necessary to vary our itinerary to adapt to these changes.
| Day |
Itinerary |
| 1 |
Arrival in Dushanbe. Accommodation in our guest house. |
| 2 |
Vehicle transfer through Varzob Gorge, over Anzob Pass (3,373 m) and along the Fann River Gorge to Iskandarkul (Lake Alexander). The route is very picturesque and we will take lunch on a 'cat' (traditional wooden platform) on the banks of the Fann River. Iskandarkul (2,000 m) is one of the most beautiful mountain lakes in Central Asia, surrounded by the peaks Chimtarga, Hazormech, Sarima and Gazni. Accommodation in chalets by the lakeside. |
| 3 |
After a morning walking and enjoying the natural environment of Iskandarkul, continue by vehicle to the historical city of Penjikent. Accommodation in a Tajik home in Penjikent. |
| 4 |
Introduction to Sogdian history and culture with a guided tour of the excavation site of ancient Penjikent. The city of Penjikent (5th-8th centuries) was once a major trading centre on the Silk Road until its destruction by Arab invaders. It was not until the 20th century that the Sogdian city was discovered and excavated. Afternoon transfer to Artuch trekking base camp in the nearby Fann Mountains. On the way, stop at the village of Rudaki to visit the mausoleum of the eponymous Persian poet. Artuch base is in a beautiful valley beneath Chapdara Peak (5,050 m). Accommodation in chalets. |
| 5 |
Trek to Kulikalon lakes and sightseeing around the lakes. It is possible to swim in some of the 14 lakes, which together form the largest lake system in the Fann mountains. The crystal clear water is overshadowed by ice-capped Peak Chimtarga (5,487 m), the tallest mountain in the Fann. There are magnificent views of the Kulikalon Wall - an interconnected series of peaks of more than 4,500 m (Odamtash, Maria, Rudaki and Mirali). Camp on the shore of Bibijanat or Dushokha Lake. |
| 6 |
Hike up and over Alouddin Pass (3,860 m). From the stony pass summit there are spectacular views of Alouddin lakes ahead and Kulikalon lakes behind. Snow clad Chapdara Peak (5,050 m) makes a striking backdrop. The Alouddin lakes have a surprising range of colours, from light blue to bright ultramarine. Camp on the shore of one of the lakes. |
| 7 |
Trek upstream along the steep-sided Chapdara river valley to the Mutnoe ('murky') lakes. Take in the awesome dimensions of peaks Kaznok, Zamok, Energiya and Chimtarga. The region is characterised by peculiar hanging glaciers and steep moraine swells. One of the lakes is named Piola ('cup') because of its round shape. Camp by the lakes. |
| 8 |
Difficult day. Ascent to the foothills of Chimtarga pass (4,500 m). Camp on the highlands. |
| 9 |
Difficult day. Cross Chimtarga Pass (4,750 m). At the top of the pass, we take in a breathtaking view of Peak Chimtarga (5,489 m), the highest peak in the Fann. Descend to Bolshoe Allo lake, which appears held in the grip of vertical rocks. The canyon along the descent to the lake is called Zindon, which means 'prison', because of its inaccessible rock walls. Camp by the shore of the lake. |
| 10 |
Descend through Zindon Gorge to the river Amshut. |
| 11 |
Trek to the beautiful valley of Archamaidon river. From here, we take a vehicle back to Penjikent. Accommodation in a Tajik home. |
| 12 |
Vehicle transfer back to Dushanbe. Accommodation in Hotel. |
| 13 |
Optional excursion to Hissor Fort and Cultural Reserve (fort, madrassas and ethnographic museum). Tour of Dushanbe's museums which contain artefacts from many of Tajikistan's pre-Islamic cultures: Greek, Sogdian, Hindu and Buddhist. The most impressive exhibit is the 14m 'Buddha in Nirvana' statue - now the largest Buddhist statue in Central Asia. Evening banquet celebration in traditional Tajik style with live entertainment. |
| 14 |
Depart. |
The tour includes seven days trekking on foot. Walking is on good paths. Chimtarga Pass is steep but not technically difficult. The trek is donkey-assisted, so you need only carry a day pack. Average walking time is around five hours per day. You must be reasonably fit to attempt this trek.
It is possible to start or finish this trek in Samarkand instead of Dushanbe.
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