Trekking in Tajikistan

Fann Mountains

Lakes Loop

By Bradley Mayhew

• Distance: Approximately 20 miles (32 km)
• Duration: Three to four days
• Start and end point: Artuch Alp Camp
• Difficulty: Strenuous

The 20-mile Lakes Loop traverses the Fann Mountains, a spectacular subrange of the Pamir-Alay mountain system in Tajikistan's Sughd Province. These mountains are well known among the trekking community for their untouched wilderness, breathtaking alpine lakes, and rugged, towering peaks. You’ll be camping throughout your hike and need to bring all your essential gear.

The trek is moderately difficult, involving a steep ascent to the Alaudin Pass, which sits at an elevation of around 3,860 metres. This trail loops around the Kulikalon and Alaudin lakes, allowing you to appreciate their crystal-clear turquoise waters surrounded by snow-capped peaks.

Kulikalon Lakes, located in the Kulikalon Valley, has three main lakes: Bibijanat, Kulikalon (Dushoha), and Taudaha. They are set amidst lush meadows with the rugged wall of the Mirali Peak as a backdrop. Further along, the trail is the crystal clear emerald-green Alaudin Lake, located at the base of the Alaudin Pass.

Fann Mountains

Seven Lakes to Iskanderkul

By Bradley Mayhew

• Distance: Approximately 22 miles (35 km)
• Duration: Two to three days
• Start point: Haftkul (Seven Lakes)
• End point: Iskanderkul
• Difficulty: Moderate

This route runs through Tajikistan's Fann Mountains from the uniquely coloured Seven Lakes, known as Haftkul, to Iskanderkul, a picturesque turquoise glacial lake.

Over two to three days, you’ll tackle diverse terrain from verdant valleys to stark high-altitude passes. Along the route, you'll encounter traditional mountain villages and semi-nomadic shepherds. The rich biodiversity of the region also means you might spot wildlife, including mountain goats and marmots, and if you're particularly lucky, the elusive snow leopard. The trek concludes at Iskanderkul, sitting at 2,195 metres elevation. The lake's beauty, set against the backdrop of the Fann Mountains, makes a remarkable end to the journey. Accommodation throughout is a mixture of homestays and camping.

Yagnob Valley

Yagnob Valley Loop

• Distance: Approximately 27 miles (44 km)
• Duration: Four to five days
• Start and end point: Veshab village
• Difficulty: Moderate

This route proves that hiking doesn't have to be endless ridges and desolate valleys. This trek takes hikers through the heart of the Yagnob Valley, known as the "Living Museum" for its preserved ancient way of life. The trek spans four to five days, starting and ending in Vershab village, accessible from Dushanbe.

You are immediately met with captivating mountain landscapes, pristine rivers, and small traditional villages where locals still speak Yagnobi, a direct descendant of the ancient Sogdian language. A cultural immersion to its core, this hike offers opportunities to experience local life in remote communities largely untouched by modernity. Key highlights include the scenic Marguzor Lakes and the historical ruins in Pskon village, relics of the ancient Sogdian civilization. You’ll stay in homestays along the way, with camping options if you want a more basic experience.

Pamir Mountains

Bachor to Sarez Lake

• Distance: Approximately 62 miles (100 km)
• Duration: Eight days
• Start point: Bachor Village
• End point: Barchidev Village
• Difficulty: Strenuous

The Bachor to Sarez Lake trek is a spectacular journey in Tajikistan's Pamir Mountains. This demanding eight-day trek starts in Bachor, a remote village in the Bartang Valley. Accommodation options are primarily camping, with occasional homestays.

The route takes you across high passes, rocky landscapes, and past swift rivers. Along the way, you'll visit secluded villages, experience local Pamiri culture, and witness stunning panoramas of snow-capped peaks. The pinnacle of the journey is the arrival at Sarez Lake, a high-altitude lake created by a devastating earthquake in 1911. The natural dam, Usoi Dam, is the tallest in the world and has trapped a stunning body of water over 55 km long. The lake's deep blue waters set against the stark mountainous backdrop form a breathtaking vista and haven for migratory birds.

Jizev

Jizeu Valley

• Distance: Approximately 10 miles (15 km)
• Duration: Two days
• Start and end point: Jizeu Village
• Difficulty: Mild

The 10-mile village-to-village hike cuts through Jizeu Valley, often called "The Jewel of the Pamirs" for its natural beauty. Located in the Bartang Valley, the trek starts at Jizeu Village and traverses scenic landscapes with terraced fields, cliffs, and serene forested areas.

The valley is home to three traditional Pamiri villages - Jizeu, Balunk, and Marjan. Here, you see the age-old Pamiri lifestyle, preserved through generations. There's a chance for cultural immersion, including having tea in the villages or alternating between nights camping and staying in a local homestay.

The area is teeming with wildlife. Sightings of Marco Polo sheep and Ibex are common, and you might spot the elusive snow leopard with luck.

Pamir Mountains

Engels Peak Base Camp

• Distance: Approximately 3.1 miles (5 km) round trip
• Duration: One day
• Start and end point: Engels Village
• Difficulty: Moderate

Like the definition of short but sweet, Engels Peak Base Camp day hike is just a 3.1-mile round trip from Engels Village. Engels Peak Base Camp is the starting point for those looking to conquer Engels Peak, one of the significant summits in the Tajik Pamirs. The base camp sits at an altitude of around 4,200 metres and, for those with just a day, is a scenic introduction to Engels Peak without the commitment of a summit climb. The trail is graced with stunning panoramas, rivers, and isolated hamlets, where you can experience the Tajik mountain culture firsthand.