Splendour of the Fann Mountains

Your French-speaking Tajik guide greets you on arrival at Dushanbe airport. You meet your driver, who takes you to your hotel, and without delay you set off to discover the capital of Tajikistan. From the Botanical Garden to the National Museum of Antiquities, you wander through its shaded avenues lined with buildings from the former USSR. After lunch, you take the road through the Haft Kul gorge. You set up camp near Lake Nofin and prepare for your first night under the Tajik stars.

Camp at 1,178m

Today you begin your trek through the Seven Lakes region. The adventure begins with a stop at Pasrud village, where you meet Tajik villagers. Then you continue on towards the fifth lake, Lake Khurdak. Arriving at 2,400m altitude, you admire the seventh lake, Lake Khazor Chashma, which offers a magnificent panorama over the Fann Mountains. Night in camp.

Camp / 4-5h walk / +620m

This morning, you set off again and climb up to Tavasang Pass, at over 3,000m. While to the west you admire Tilbotaga Peak and the Khazrati Sultan summit, to the east rise the Fann Mountains: Energiya Peak, Sakhirnay Golova and Sary Shakh. You then reach the Sarymat Valley, stretching out below you, and reach the Sarymat River. After a picnic by the water, you continue your descent into the Obi Safed valley, where you meet shepherds. Night in camp.

Camp / 6-7h walk / +900m/ -790m

After a good night's sleep, you leave the Obi Safed Valley to reach Manora Pass and cross the Nagnut forest. Let yourself be charmed by this fir forest, gazing at the snow-capped mountains of the Fann range in the distance. A genuine sense of serenity surrounds you. You skirt Lake Pushtikul and descend towards Valangi Shakhob, at the foot of the Obi Safed glacier. Night in camp.

Camp / 6h walk / +800m /-900m

You continue your expedition towards Gazza village, descending through the Gayrasang and Sarkhtachi valleys. Near fields of alfalfa and potatoes, you meet Tajik farmers who tell you about their daily lives. You then continue towards Duoba, at the confluence of two mountain streams, finally arriving at Gazza village. You settle into your accommodation and get to know your hosts. Enjoy a dinner in their company to discover traditional dishes such as plov, rice served with meat and vegetables cooked in a cauldron, or local unleavened bread.

Night at a guesthouse / 6h walk / -800m

This morning, you say goodbye and thank your hosts for the night. You leave Gazza village and continue towards Zurmech Pass, at 3,200m altitude. You stop at Joshkhar, where you share a meal with shepherds. You then cross the pass and descend towards Lake Chukurak, which offers a splendid view over the whole Artuch valley. Night under canvas near the lake.

Camp / 6h walk / +900m / -745m

Today, you climb up to Chukurak Pass and descend towards the Kulikalon Mountains and the lake of the same name. Take the time to have lunch by the lake, admiring this stretch of water reflecting the surrounding peaks. You continue your trek through juniper trees and pastures, meeting Tajik shepherds with whom you take time to chat. After 5 hours of walking with a few breaks, you arrive at Lake Bibidjannat, where you set up camp for the night.

Camp / 5-6h walk / +750 / -480m

Today, you're set to reach the highest pass of your trip, Alauddin Pass. Head in the clouds, you reach this pass, topping out at nearly 4,000m altitude, and gaze at the snow-capped peaks of the Ayni region. Take time to admire this grand panorama and enjoy a picnic high up in the Fann Mountains. You then descend to Lake Alauddin, famous for its turquoise-blue colour, near which you set up camp.

Camp / 6-7h walk / +1,160 / -1,060m

This morning, you enjoy breakfast and admire the beauty of the Fann Mountains one last time. You then meet your driver and take the road towards Dushanbe. Take advantage of this day to visit the last of Dushanbe's iconic sites, the 13-metre-long reclining Buddha statue, or the local bazaar. Tonight, savour a traditional Tajik dish one last time at one of the capital's many restaurants. Night at the hotel.

You spend this last free day wandering around the capital one final time. This journey through Tajik culture will remain etched in your memory. Depending on your flight time, your private driver meets you at your hotel and takes you to Dushanbe International Airport. End of our services.