Nature of the Fann Mountains
This region attracts with its unusual nature. The nature here is simply incredible. A unique combination of Asian nature, high peaks with glaciers and snow, blue – turquoise lakes, cold rivers and streams. In addition, people in mountain villages (Tajiks) are very good-natured and welcoming, they are glad to see every tourist and always invite you to visit.
These mountains belong to the Pamir-Altai system, and they are located right on the territory of Central Asia, namely in Tajikistan. From the northern and southern sides they are fortified by two gloomy and very high hills – Gissar and Zeravshan.
The highest point of the region is the Chimtarga peak, its height is 5,489 m, next to it is the Energy peak, Zamok, Chapdara, Mirali, which also reach heights of 5,000 meters and higher.
The most beautiful Fann Mountains, the routes of travelers are most often remembered by the wild beauty of their lakes, and there are about 40 of them. The water in them shimmers with turquoise mother-of-pearl. The temperature, of course, is not the same as in the bath at home, but it is not icy either, like in the highlands, from the cold of which your cheekbones ache. The most famous lakes of the Fann Mountains: lower and upper Alaudin, lower and upper Kulikalon lakes, Iskander Kul, lakes Bolshoe and Maloe Alo.
Impressions from each of our hikes in the Fann Mountains:
- Climbing the passes Alaudin, 3730 m and Chimtarga 1B, 4750 m;
- See the majestic and beautiful peaks above 5000 m: Chimtarga, Energy, Castle, Chapdara;
- Swiming in the crystal clear waters of the Kulikalon, Alaudin and Bolshoe Allo lakes;
- Spend the night at an altitude of 4500 m surrounded by the highest peaks of Tajikistan and a bright starry sky;
- We will visit and spend the night with a Tajik family in the mountain village of Gaza;
- Fall in love with the Fanskys once and for all and understand why songs, poems and even whole lives are dedicated to them;
- Try local cuisine and enjoy the taste of Central Asian dishes;
- We will visit the famous architectural ensembles in the ancient cities of Bukhara and Samarkand: Registan, Lyabi-Khauz, Poi Kalyan, which are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List;
- In one trip we will visit two countries: Uzbekistan and Tajikistan.
Why the Fann Mountains?
The Fann Mountains attract with their unusual nature. The nature here is simply incredible. There is a unique combination of Asian nature, high peaks with glaciers and snow, blue – turquoise lakes, cold rivers and streams. In addition, the people in the villages (Tajiks) are very good-natured and welcoming, they are glad to see every tourist and always invite you to visit.
Difficulty of hiking in the Fann Mountains
When you plan a hike or mountain climb, you need to understand that the process of staying at altitudes of more than 3000-4000 m is associated with acclimatization and physical adaptation. Usually, this process of getting used to the altitude and physical activity takes 3-6 days. Our routes are well thought out and acclimatization is very smooth. The maximum difficulty will be when passing the 4000-4500 m passes, but we don’t stay here for long.
For the average person who plans their trip in advance and starts training 2-3 months in advance, the hike will not be particularly difficult. But you need to understand that part of the way you will need to carry things, food and equipment on yourself. Although we try to take mules on the route, this is not possible on all sections of the track.
In addition, you need to be prepared that there are no roads in the mountains, only hard-to-reach rocky paths, some of the slopes are scree and it is very inconvenient to put your foot down, so this hike is recommended for those who already have experience with simple hikes. In the autonomous part, we will live in tents and cook food on a burner.
Hiking routes in the Fann Mountains
Trekking in the Fann Mountains + Samarkand and Bukhara
This is our classic linear route through the brightest part of the mountains. In 10 days in the mountains you will pass two passes Alaudinsky, Chimtarga, visit the lakes of Kulikalona, Alaudin and Bolshoe Alo. We will walk along the peaks of the beautiful mountains Chapdara, Zamok, Energiya, Chimtarga. We will look under the stars sometimes you can even sleep without a tent. We will eat the most delicious pilaf cooked by local Tajiks right in the mountains especially for us. At the end of the trip we will immerse ourselves in the atmosphere of ancient Central Asia in the cities of Bukhara and Samarkand, which were part of the great empire of the Samanids and then the Timurids.
Climbing in the Fann Mountains (Energia and Chimtarga peaks)
This route is a pleasant continuation of our “classic” route along the Fann Mountains, to climb to the top of Energia, one extra day and mountaineering equipment is enough. If you are planning to climb the popular 5000-ki Energia and Chimtarga, you need to be prepared for the fact that these peaks are covered with ice, and the rocks are very steep in places. The ascent to them is on fixed ropes, and not just along the path. Therefore, you need the skill of moving in crampons, experience of climbing in other mountains. The guide will teach you the rest. But the panoramas from these peaks are worth climbing them.
You can choose the route you need on our website.
Hiking in the Fann Mountains without backpacks
We have tried to make visiting this region as accessible as possible. This route is only 7-8 days in the mountains, you don’t need to carry backpacks on your own. Throughout the route you will be accompanied by mules with drivers who will carry your personal belongings, food and equipment. In this hike we rest as much as possible, admire all the beauty of the Fann Mountains. This route is perfect for those who go to the mountains for the first time, beginners and photographers.
What you need to know before visiting Tajikistan
If you have been inspired and decided to visit the Fann Mountains, you should know that a visa is not required there, neither in Tajikistan nor in Uzbekistan (for CIS citizens). In other countries, a visa is required.
A stay in Tajikistan for CIS citizens of up to 10 days does not require registration and a visa; for longer periods, it is necessary to register with the OVIR.
If you are planning a hike in the Fann Mountains, it is best to fly to Tashkent or Khujand. If you plan to visit cities such as Bukhara and Samarkand after the trek, it is better to fly to Samarkand or Tashkent.
Watch also a video lecture about the Fann Mountains
Weather in the Fann Mountains, hiking and climbing season
Fann Mountains in June, July, August
In June there is still a lot of snow on the passes, but it is already warm below. This is the period of flowering of alpine grasses. Also at this time in the mountains there are frequent thunderstorms, but precipitation is not long-lasting.
In July the weather becomes hot and dry. If you are planning your hike or climb in the Fann Mountains, you need to understand that this region is quite warm. For example, in Khujand and Tashkent, the temperature can reach +35…40 in July-August, in the mountains at an altitude of 2500…3000 m during the day +20…25. On the passes, even at night it does not reach 0. In summer, the water in Alaudin, Lake Bolshoe Alo and Kulikalon is warm and you can swim. The optimal season for hiking in the Fann Mountains is the end of June – mid-September.
Autumn in the Fann Mountains
In September it can be cooler, on average by 5..10 degrees Celsius. It is necessary to understand that the list of clothes is very wide. Since it is warm in the valleys during the day, and there can be frosts at night. Shepherds drive their flocks of sheep down. The first snow may lie on the passes.
Fann Mountains in spring and May
During this period there is a lot of snow in the mountains, in some places there is a very dangerous avalanche situation, in addition, in Central Asia, in the mountains, April-May is the main precipitation season.
Winter in the Fann Mountains
Winter in the Fann Mountains is very unpredictable and usually few people go hiking at this time.
Equipment and clothing for the Fann Mountains
Despite the fact that the Fann Mountains are considered warm mountains, you will definitely need a warm jacket, a sleeping bag, and warm clothes, since even in summer the temperature at the pass at night can be below zero. The probability of prolonged precipitation in the mountains is small, but you still need to protect yourself from rain and moisture. During the day in clear weather at an altitude of 2500 – 3000 m, a T-shirt/shirt and shorts are enough for you. On the approaches to the valley, you can walk in sneakers or light trekking boots if you wish.
For a hike in the Fann Mountains you will need a 70-liter backpack, a warm sleeping bag (comfort -2…-5 C), a mat, clothes according to the list (warm jacket, walking pants and a jacket), a storm jacket, trekking boots with good soles and poles, thermal underwear, shorts, T-shirts. We will send you the necessary list by email.
To climb the peaks of Energia or Chimtarga you will need mountaineering boots or hard trekking boots, a harness, a helmet, crampons, an ice axe and a harness. Special mountaineering equipment can be rented at the Artuch alpine camp or from the ExtremeGuide company.
Map, scheme of the Fann Mountains
