12 day Fann Mountains trek

12 Day Fann Mountains Trek

Trek through the idyllic Fann Mountains of Tajikistan’s northwest fringes with us for 12 days in June 2024, taking in some of the most beautiful mountain scenery on Earth. This is one of my most favorite expeditions to share with you, showing you around a place that has become a second home to me.

Starting from the capital city of Dushanbe, we will make our way north by road to the gorgeous lake of Alovaddin to begin our trek into the Tajik wilderness. From there we will continue on to cross over four mountain passes and numerous villages getting a taste of Tajik mountain culture, and visit several unbelievably beautiful lakes in the Fanns including Kulikalon, Chukurak, Bolshoi Allo, and finally ending at the massive Iskanderkul Lake.

After completing the trek, the tour will finish up in Dushanbe.

Note that the next group departure will take place in June 2024, but we can help arrange private tours between the months of May and October. Get in touch if you’d like to set up a private or even a customized trip.

12 Day Fann Mountains Trek Details

Dates: June 12-23, 2024
Start: Dushanbe, Tajikistan
Finish: Dushanbe, Tajikistan
Cost: $2,600 per person
Max group size: 12 pax

12 Day Fann Mountains Trekking Itinerary

12 Day Fann Mountains Trek Day 1: Dushanbe

Dushanbe, Dushanbe Guide, Dushanbe City Guide, Dushanbe Travel Guide, Ismoil Somoni, Somoni statue, Somoni monument

After breakfast, meet your guide and fellow trekkers and head out on a city tour of Dushanbe, Tajikistan’s unimposing capital city. You’ll have a chance to see many of Dushanbe’s highlights including the Somoni Monument, the world’s second-tallest flag pole, Rudaki Park, the parliament buildings, the historic Hissar Fort, and the Navruz Hall. Later that evening, we will have dinner at a luxury Tajik restaurant with live music and a dance show.

Accommodation: 4 * Atlas Hotel

12 Day Fann Mountains Trek Day 2: Alovaddin Lake

Lake Alovaddin, Fann Mountains, Tajikistan

Getting an early start, we’ll make our way to the Alovaddin Lakes region in the Fann Mountains where will start our trekking adventure in the morning. This stunningly beautiful lake is a true highlight, so don’t forget to pack your camera! Today will mostly be a leisurely day exploring the area around Lake Alovaddin.

Altitude: 2750m
Distance: 5 hours (by car), 1.5 km walk to the lake
Accommodation: Tent

12 Day Fann Mountains Trek Day 3: Bibijonat Lake & Kulikalon Bowl

Fann Mountains, Fann Mountains Guide, Lakes Loop Tajikistan, Lakes Loop Trek, Tajikistan, Fann Mountains, Kulikalon

After an early breakfast, we will start our ascent up the challenging Alovaddin Pass. From the top of the pass (approximately 3860m), we will have an amazing panorama of the surrounding peaks and lakes spread out below. From here, we will begin our descent to a campsite beside Bibijonat Lake in the Kulikalon Bowl.

Altitude: 2800m
Distance: 12 km, ~6-7 hrs, +1110/ – 1060 m
Accommodation: Tent

12 Day Fann Mountains Trek Day 4: Kulikalon Bowl & Artuch Alplager

Bibijonat, Kulikalon, Fann Mountains, Tajikistan, Sughd, Central Asia

Today, we will have time to explore the area surrounding the beautiful Kulikalon Bowl Lakes before leaving for Artuch Alplager. The hike is almost completely downhill to the Artuch Camp where you can settle into your double room with a private bathroom. 

Altitude: 2200m
Distance: 12 km, ~4 hrs, +60/ – 600 m
Accommodation: Artuch Alp Camp

12 Day Fann Mountains Trek Day 5: Chukuruk Lakes & Zimtud Village

Chukurak Lakes, Chukurak, Chukurak Lake, Tajikistan

Heading back uphill again we will reach Chukurak Lake, one of three beautiful lakes (2450m) before we continue and cross the Guitan Pass (3000m). We will reach Zimtud village by the afternoon where we will have the rest of the day to relax at the guest house or walk around and explore the village.

Altitude: 1900m
Distance: 14km, 6 hrs, +1000/-1600m
Accommodation: Guesthouse

12 Day Fann Mountains Trek Day 6: Zindon Valley

Maloye Allo, Zindon River, Zindon Valley, Fann Mountains, Tajikistan

Early in the morning, we start our way up the Zindon Gorge, known for its rocky terrain. The route leads along the Amshut River. We will stop and set up our camp in the Zindon Gorge.

Altitude: 2380m
Distance: 17km, 6 hours, +860/-20m
Accommodation: Tent

12 Day Fann Mountains Trek Day 7: Zindon Valley & Bolshoi Allo

Bolshoi Allo, Fann Mountains, Sughd, Tajikistan

Today, we will have a challenging day hike towards the Bolshoi Alo Lake (3150m) – one of the most beautiful lakes in the Fann Mountains, surrounded by an amphitheater of jagged peaks. On the way, we will see Maloye Allo Lake (2400m) and enjoy the gorgeous natural scenery of the Zindon Gorge.

Tonight we will plan to camp back at our camp the night previous in the Zindon Gorge.

Altitude: 3150m
Distance: 17km, 9-10 hours, +790m/-790m
Accommodation: Tent

12 Day Fann Mountains Trek Day 8: Archamaidan Valley

Archamaidon Gorge, Dukdon Pass, Fann Mountains, Sughd, Tajikistan, Central Asia

We will finish our way back down Zindon Valley and continue our trek along the tree-dotted slopes of the Archamaidan Gorge. This route meanders along ancient shepherd’s paths that take us across alpine meadows and small rivers in a beautiful gorge. We will cross Agmat Pass (3400m) and set up our campsite at the intersections of the Arma and Archmaidan rivers.

Altitude: 2290m
Distance: 13km, 8 hours, +1140m/-1230m
Accommodation: Tent

12 Day Fann Mountains Trek Day 9: Obi Borik

Sarykhodan, Sarykhodan Peak, Sarykhodan Glacier, Sarykhodan River, Dukdon Pass, Fann Mountains, Sughd, Tajikistan, Central Asia

Following breakfast, we will continue to trek along the Archamaidan Gorge to the loevely Pushtikul Lake (2500m), stopping there for a break. Later, we will continue our trek to the Sarykhodan Gorge where we will have a picnic with spectacular views of mountains and glaciers.

Altitude: 2980m
Distance: 13km, 7-8 hours, +830m/-140m
Accommodation: Tent

12 Day Fann Mountains Trek Day 10: Sughurkhona Meadows

Dukdon Pass, Fann Mountains, Sughd, Tajikistan, Central Asia

Today we gradually begin our ascent toward Dukdon Pass (3800m). The paths are fairly straightforward, leading along grassy and scree slopes. The route passes through deep canyons dotted by Juniper trees and low bushes of dog rose and iris. The area is called Sughurkhona locally, which means “Marmot house”- as you are sure to see many marmots here.

Altitude: 3300m
Distance: 7km, 6-7 hours, +840m/-520m
Accommodation: Tent

12 Day Fann Mountains Trek Day 11: Dukdon Pass & Sarytag Village

Dukdon Pass, Fann Mountains, Sughd, Tajikistan, Central Asia

We start our last trekking day to Sarytag village, following the course of the Dukdon River. The path is steep but relatively easy over Dukdon Pass. Near the bridge that crosses the Zombar River, we will stop for a picnic in the forest. By late afternoon we will reach our guest house in Sarytag village where everyone will have the chance for some much needed relaxation.

Altitude: 2380m
Distance: 11km, 6-7 hours, +30m/-950m
Accommodation: Guest house

12 Day Fann Mountains Trek Day 12: Iskanderkul & Return to Dushanbe

Iskanderkul, Fann Mountains, Tajikistan

In the morning, we’ll get picked up by our driver and taken back to Dushanbe. On the way, we will have time to stop at the lake of Alexander (Isaknderkul) and have a chance to hike to a waterfall and explore around a bit. Finally, we will have lunch in Varzob on our way back to Dushanbe where we say our goodbyes as the trip ends here.

Accommodation: 4* Atlas Hotel

What’s Included?

Included:

  • English speaking local guide and tour leader
  • Porter with donkeys
  • Cook
  • Transportation (4WD van)
  • Accommodation on twin room sharing basis and tents on trek
  • Full board meal
  • Eco tax
  • OVIR registration

Excluded:

  • Visa fee (if applicable)
  • Personal kit and equipment
  • Alcoholic beverage
  • Travel Insurance
  • Gratuities to the local staff

Single Supplement

Due to the nature of this trip (tent camping and homestays), we don’t offer a full single supplement option. For those that prefer a private room at our hotel in Dushanbe, the additional cost is $200 USD per person. Please enquire in advance so that we can book a single room for you.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is mandatory in order to participate in all Tajikistan Expeditions/Safar Expeditions tours. You will need to submit proof of travel insurance prior to the trip departure. It is your responsibility to make sure that the travel insurance you choose provides adequate coverage.

All passengers on our trips must have a travel insurance policy that covers international medical expenses. It’s also recommended to choose a plan that covers international airfare (ie: in the event of trip cancelation).

Payment methods

We accept payment by Venmo, Wise.com, or by bank wire.

Terms & Conditions

Itinerary changes: Itineraries are subject to changes, especially in Tajikistan. Causes can range from inclement weather, poor or deteriorated road conditions, political unrest, and many other things that are completely out of our control. Changes to an itinerary are not subject to a refund.

Booking: A 30% deposit is required to reserve a spot on this departure. Reservations are on a first-come-first-serve basis.

Deposits: Deposits are refundable up to 30 days after the date the deposit was received. After the 30 day mark, they are no longer refundable.

Final payment: Final payment is due at least 30 days prior to the trip date.

Payments: Payments can be made by Paypal.

Airfare: Airfare is not included in the price of the trip.

Travel insurance: Travel insurance is required in order to join this trip. The policy must cover international medical treatment, trip cancellation, and reimbursement of the tour cost if the tour is canceled.

Cancellations (by passenger): Cancellation of the trip by you is not refundable. In some situations, we can apply the trip fee (minus deposit) toward a future departure of your choosing.

Cancellations (by us): If we have to, unfortunately, cancel a trip you will be refunded your money paid to us, however other expenditures outside of the expedition will need to be settled with your travel insurance (ie: airfare, hotel bookings outside the tour, etc).

Dietary restrictions: We can and do try to accommodate meal requirements for passengers. Please let us know well in advance of any dietary restrictions and/or allergies so that we can plan for you.

Accommodations: On this trip, we stay in some homestays/guesthouses and tents while out on the trek. In some homestays/guesthouses, we may have electricity and showers, while in others we will not.

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