Hiking in the Fan Mountains (Tajikistan)
A land of ancient culture, unique nature, and endless mountain expanses awaits you!
Complexity:
Duration:
Height:
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The Fann Mountains are located in the southwest Pamir-Alai region in the Gissar and Zeravshan ranges, mostly in Tajikistan. The Fann Mountains are always attractive, primarily for their wonderful, stable, and sunny weather in July and August, their beautiful passes and lakes, and their unique Asian nature.
The mountains offer opportunities for hiking and climbing peaks of all difficulty levels, from simple, non-category routes to the most challenging rock wall routes. The highest point in the region is Mount Chimtarga, 5,489 m.
It’s impossible not to mention the beautiful lakes in the Fann Mountains, of which there are many. The most famous are Alaudin, Kulikalon, Allo, and others, which we will visit on this hike through the Fann Mountains.
The final part of our journey is the ancient Asian cities of Samarkand and Bukhara, which flourished during the Middle Ages, the Timurid Empire, and ancient Persia, along the Great Silk Road. The founder of this dynasty was the military leader Tamerlane.
The hiking route is very accessible and not difficult, even beginners can take part.
Key impressions from the hike in the Fann Mountains:
Hiking route in the Fann Mountains:
Tashkent – Lake Bibidzhanat – Alaudin Pass (3730 m, 1A) – Mutnye Lakes (3430 m) – Mutnoe Lake – Chimtarga Pass – Zindon Valley – Samarkand – Bukhara – Samarkand / Tashkent
Road way for a hike in the Fann Mountains by day
day
The group will meet in Samarkand before 9:00 AM. Moving to the border with Tajikistan. We’ll stop en route for a delicious pilaf lunch and some groceries. The Artuch tourist camp has showers and internet access. We’ll transfer to the Artuch tourist camp and spend the night in tents.
You can also fly into Tashkent and then drive to Samarkand.
day
Trek to Lake Bibidzhanat (2,800 m). The lake is located in the Kulikalon Basin, surrounded by high rock walls. The peaks of Maria (4,970 m) and Mirali (5,170 m) are reflected in the waters of the Kulikalon Lakes.
Overnight in a tent.
The trek is approximately 10 km, taking 4-5 hours.
day
Ascent to the Alaudin Pass (3,730 m, 1A), descent to the Alaudin Lakes. These lakes are considered the most beautiful in the Fann Mountains. The water is crystal clear, with a vibrant blue hue. There are several cafes with delicious food on the lawn, as well as the Internet.
Overnight in a tent.
The hike is approximately 6 km, taking 6-7 hours.
day
Trek to the Mutnye Lakes (3,430 m), located at the foot of Chimtarga Peak. At this point, the load previously carried by mules is redistributed among the participants’ backpacks.
Overnight stay in tents.
Distance: 6 km, 3–4 hours.
day
Radial ascent and training up to 4400 m. Overnight in tents near Lake Mutnoye.
day
The pass is located between the peaks of Energia (5,105 m) and Chimtarga (5,489 m). The pass is not technically difficult, but it is high; the trail runs along a scree slope. Overnight stay is at 4,500 meters. Some discomfort due to the altitude is possible.
Overnight in a tent.
7 km hike, 4-5 hours.
day
After breakfast, a leisurely climb to the Chimtarga Pass, followed by a long descent into the Pravyi Zindan River Canyon. The descent is quite challenging due to a difficult rocky trail and, in places, a scree slope. Overnight in a tent. The hike takes about 4-5 hours, covering 5 km. Afternoon rest.
day
It will take us to Lake Bolshoe Allo (3,140 m). We’ll spend the night in a tent. After lunch, we’ll hike to Lake Verkhneye Allo, located at an altitude of 3,380 m. This place is very wild and remote. It has its own special energy, making you want to spend more time alone, contemplating the beauty of these unusual mountains.
We’ll spend the night in a tent.
day
Descent to the village of Gaza, overnight in a guesthouse. In the evening, a farewell dinner of local delicacies.
The hike is approximately 20 km, taking 8-9 hours.
day
Flight home from Samarkand/Tashkent (arrival in Samarkand around 3:00-4:00 PM). Those participating in the full 13-day program will enjoy a wonderful excursion to Samarkand, Uzbekistan. Transfer and check-in will be provided. Overnight stay in a comfortable hostel or apartment.
The 10-day program concludes (plan your flight home on day 11).
day
We’ll see the famous tomb of Timur, the Ulugh Beg observatory, the Registan, ancient cities and holy sites, and the Samarkand bazaar! In the evening, you can enjoy a laser show or a local cuisine and wine tasting (optional).
Overnight at the hostel.
day
Farewell to the group. Flight home on the first convenient flight.
Note:
— The program is not final and may be adjusted depending on the weather, the condition of the participants and other factors;
— If desired, you can take a porter for the entire route, the cost is from $ 70 per day with a tent and meals.
Map of the Fann Mountains hiking route:
Why is it profitable to go hiking with Extremeguide?
Cost and conditions of a hike in the Fann Mountains
Is this trip right for you?
To participate in this program, previous experience of hiking in the Carpathians and Caucasus, experience of spending nights in tents, and good physical fitness are desirable.
Included in the price:
- Group meeting in Samarkand;
- Transportation as per itinerary (Samarkand – Artuch Alptabir – Gaza – Samarkand);
- Experienced mountain guide;
- Meals during the hike;
- Gas equipment and cooking pot rental;
- Tent rental and accommodation (double occupancy);
- Accommodation in a comfortable hostel/apartment as per itinerary (3 nights in a hostel);
- Entrance tickets to Registan, Lyabi-Khauz, and Poi Kalyan;
- Transportation of part of the cargo on silt (first 3 days);
- Environmental fee for visiting the district and national parks;
- Storage for city belongings and their delivery to the end of the route;
- GPS and satellite phone for emergency communications;
- First aid kit provided by the guide;
- A souvenir from ExtremeGuide.
The price does not include:
- International flight to Samarkand (€600);
- Visa costs (citizens of the former CIS countries do not require a visa);
- Additional excursions;
- Equipment rental;
- Health insurance and medical coverage from €30,000, costing €3-10 per day depending on the chosen insurance program and residency. Please inquire about the price;
- Tips for the guide and drivers (optional);
- Other expenses not listed in the program.
Cost depends on the number of participants
| Number of participants | Cost per 1 participant |
|---|---|
| 7 | 1000 EUR |
| 6 | 1100 EUR |
| 5 | 1200 EUR |
| 4 | 1350 EUR |
| 3 | 1550 EUR |
| 2 | 2100 EUR |
| 1 | 3900 EUR |
Best price guarantee!
- We have included in the price all possible basic expenses for the program and guarantee that there are no hidden additional costs, while we have retained the best service at a low price: transfers, hotel accommodation, guides and staff!
We have a flexible discount system
Find out the details right now:
Necessary equipment
Basics:
- Backpack 70-90 l. (please note that in addition to personal belongings, it should also accommodate food and communal equipment);(More about choosing a backpack);
- Sleeping bag (depending on the specific hike, the temperature at night can drop to -10 degrees)(More about choosing a sleeping bag);
- Pad foam (Read more about choosing a pad).
Shoes and clothes:
- Trekking boots (it’s important that the shoes are comfortable and well-broken in. Typically, choose shoes with a snug fit and 1.5 to 2 sizes larger than your foot size) (More about choosing clothes and shoes);
- A change of shoes (sneakers, sandals, or flip-flops);
- Gaiters (overshoes) for boots;
- Down jacket or warm jacket;
- Warm hat;
- Walking pants (Gore-Tex or synthetic);
- Walking jacket (Gore-Tex or synthetic);
- Rain cape (if your walking clothes get wet);
- Thermal underwear (if you don’t have thermal underwear, long johns and a jacket);
- Warm jacket (Polartec, fleece);
- 3 pairs of socks (“thermal socks” or other thick ones);
- Overnight socks (preferably wool or fleece);
- Gloves or mittens (down or ski gloves; the main thing is that they are windproof);
- T-shirt;
- Shorts;
- Change of underwear;
- Sun hat.
The rest:
- A backpack cover (or large plastic bags for packing your belongings);
- A mug, spoon, bowl, and knife (all should be lightweight, if possible – stainless steel or special plastic; avoid ceramic mugs and enamelware);
- A headlamp + a set of batteries;
- Personal hygiene items (a toothbrush and a small tube of toothpaste, a bar of soap, and a little shampoo will suffice; avoid full bottles of shower gel and shampoo, or piles of creams and lotions);
- Documents;
- A personal first aid kit (bandages, cold medicine, stomach and head medicine. Also, be sure to consider any specific or chronic illnesses you may have. In addition to the personal first aid kit, the guide will have a shared first aid kit);
- Mountaineering goggles (protection category 3-4);
- Lipstick;
- Sunscreen;
- Water container (1-2 l).
Watch also the equipment review for the Fann Mountains
- Matches + a piece of dry fuel in an airtight container;
- Camera;
- Seating pad foam;
- Work gloves;
- Trekking poles.
Additional information
Experienced guides, first-class athletes, and Candidate Master of Sports in mountain tourism with experience in commercial ascents in the Caucasus, Fann Mountains, Altai, and Pamir. One guide per group of 4-5 people during the ascent, and one guide per group of 10-12 people during the trekking portion.
Citizens of the former CIS countries do not require a visa; upon arrival in Uzbekistan and Tajikistan, they must register with the OVIR.
Insurance and medical coverage are mandatory for the entire duration of the mountaineering program.
The most convenient way to find flight options is on aggregator websites. You need to fly into Tashkent, with a return flight from Tashkent or Samarkand. You can also fly into Dushanbe. If you’re planning a 13-day program, you’ll fly from Tashkent or Samarkand. We’ll arrange the Samarkand-Tashkent transfer.
Meeting point and time: Tashkent, Uzbekistan, before 8:00 AM. Return flight from Tashkent/Samarkand, Uzbekistan.
Transportation: a custom-built SUV, such as a Toyota RAV4, and a Land Cruiser for transfers as part of the program.
These are mountains, the terrain is quite rugged. As we ascend the passes, we’ll gain 500 meters and lose the same amount. You’ll also be carrying a backpack with your personal belongings, food, and a tent. Donkeys will carry the food and tents for the first four days. You should be prepared for daytime hikes of up to 10 km along mountain trails. Actively assist the guide at camp and with food preparation, and may even serve as a kitchen hand if desired.
Tents for 2-3 pearson and 3 nights in a hostel
During the autonomous ascent program, meals are provided as per the hike: breakfast: porridge (buckwheat, oatmeal, rice + dessert); lunch: sandwiches with tea; dinner: soup, tea + dessert; cheese, sausage, and lard are mandatory! The guide prepares meals, and the participants actively assist. In cities and during transfers, meals are self-catering.
We recommend that you undergo a medical examination and check the list of incompatible diseases List of diseases.
Peculiarities of acclimatization in high mountains.
Physical and mental preparation before climbing and hiking in the mountains.
At the exits, the guide will provide a first aid kit. Rescuers can be contacted by phone from almost anywhere. You should also have personal medications (bandages, cold, headache, stomach, and any chronic illnesses you may have).
Cross-country running at least 5-8 km, 2-3 times a week, general physical training.
We will also send you training videos by email on how to train for the mountains.
In summer, temperatures in the valleys range from 20 to 25ºC, and in the mountain passes, from 5 to 15ºC.
Up to 30ºC in the valleys, and up to – 10ºC in the highlands.
This program is potentially dangerous to the health and life of all participants. The main hazards include the mountain climate, altitude sickness, and difficult terrain on the passes.
Guides ensure necessary safety, provided that participants comply with safety regulations.
The decision to terminate the hike under conditions that threaten the safety of participants is the sole responsibility of the guide and is not subject to discussion.
Before the start of the tour, you make a 30% advance payment, the rest either before the start of the tour or directly to the guide on site. Learn more
The table shows the basic cost for a group and may change depending on the number of people in the group. For the calculation of the cost of the tour for a smaller number of people and individual groups, see the «Price» block for more details.
We guarantee that on the dates indicated in the table, even if there is a minimum number of people allowed in the group, the tour will take place 100% with a minimum change in cost.
Pleasant bonuses, which everyone receives when ordering a tour with us
Photo of previous trips
Reviews of our travelers
Потрясающий поход по Фанским горам!! Это было великолепно)) Нескончаемое число разборов и сбора вещей, палатки и своего сознания)) Было местами тяжело, интересно и очень позитивно! Мы зашли на Пик Энергия (5120)и за это спасибо нашим потрясающим гидам #extremeguide , а особенно Сергей Петько и... More
безслов #горы #фанскиегоры #отпуск Спасибо @extreme_guide за чудесную прогулку по Фанским горам. И особенно гидам Богдану и Ярославу за великолепную атмосферу путешествия! :))) More
О мероприятии “Поход по Фанским горам”, август 2014: Больше всего понравились Алаудинские озера. Хотелось бы еще одну дневку. More
О мероприятии “Поход по Фанским горам”, август 2014: Поход оправдал ожидания. Красота гор и озер и, конечно, люди – добрые, отзывчивые, непосредственные. More
О мероприятии “Поход по Фанским горам”, август 2014: Больше всего понравились озера (Куликалонские и Алаудинские). Всем доволен. More
О мероприятии “Поход по Фанским горам”, август 2014: Больше всего понравилось: река Зиндон, сами горы, озера Куликалонские и Алаудинские, перевал Алаудин. More
О мероприятии “Поход по Фанским горам”, август 2014: Запомнились Куликалонские озера; они же больше всего и понравились. Хотелось бы больше дневок на озерах More
О мероприятии “Поход по Фанским горам”, август 2014: Очень понравились Алаудинские озера, стоянки на Мутных озерах, перевал Чимтарга. Понравился весь поход, но после Чимтарга хотелось дневку, чтобы восстановиться. More
О мероприятии “Поход по Фанским горам”, август 2014: Живописные пейзажи, чистейшие озера, душевные “аборигены”, приятнейшая компания и масса положительных эмоций. И кончно же река Нагнут. More
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