Trekking in the heart of Fann Mountains

Tour in brief

The Fann mountains – most beautiful part of the Pamir-Alai mountain system in Central Asia. Fann mountains are considered to be one of the most beautiful mountains in the world, tourists from all over the world regularly hike around these mountains. Stable warm weather and convenient transport accessibility make these mountains attractive for climbers and extreme sports enthusiasts. A hike through the beautiful Fann mountains will leave a lot of new impressions: amazing and unique natural attractions that can hardly be seen anywhere else are collected here.

Tour program

Day 1. Arrival to Mountain Camp Artuch

• Arrival to the Camp Artuch
• Transfer from the arrival point to the alpine camp is available upon request.
• The base camp "Artuch" is located at an altitude of 2200 m, nestled in the heart of the Fann Mountains.
• Accommodation in camp cottages.
• Dinner at the camp café.
• Overnight stay in the cottages.
• Distance: 130 km.

Day 2. Artuch - Kulikalon Lakes - Bibidzhanat Lake

• The Beginning of the Active Part of the Hike
• Ascent along a well-maintained trail to the Kulikalon Lakes.
• For the first days, donkeys will carry our backpacks, making acclimatization easier and reducing the load.
• The route starts with a climb past a waterfall and through the Khodzharovat and Ruzirovat mountains.
• Along the way, enjoy stunning views of the majestic Kulikalon Wall and nearby peaks over - 4000m, including Adamtash, Mirali, and Rudaki.
• Explore the Kulikalon Lakes (14 in total) with their crystal-clear emerald-blue waters. The lakes are home to cold-water fish, such as Marinka.
• The trail passes through a scenic juniper forest.
• After lunch, enjoy a walk around the lakes of the Kulikalon Depression.
• Camp will be set up on the shores of Lake Bibidzhanat, where we’ll spend the first night.
• Overnight: Tent camping on Lake Bibidzhanat.

Day 3. Alaudin Pass (1A) – Alauddin Lakes

We'll start early today to hike to the Alauddin Pass (a mountain pass). This is a moderately challenging hike (rated 1A).

• The Hike: We'll climb to the Alauddin Pass (3860 meters high), then descend to the beautiful Alauddin Lakes.
• Distance: The hike is about 7 kilometers long.
• Time: It will take us around 6 hours.
• Elevation: We'll climb 960 meters and descend 1060 meters.

What We'll See:

On the way up, we'll have great views of the Kulikalon Lakes and the Dushaha Lakes (nicknamed "Eyes of Mary"). From the top of the pass, we'll see stunning views of Chapdara Peak (5197 meters high) and the Chapdara River Valley. We'll also get our first glimpses of the Alauddin Lakes below, which are a mix of light blue and deep blue.

Where We'll Stay:

Tonight, we'll camp in tents on the shore of the Chapdara Lakes (at 2800 meters).

Day 4. Alauddin Lakes

Spend a beautiful, relaxing day at the stunning Alauddin Lakes in the Fann Mountains. Enjoy the peaceful scenery and take some amazing photos. You can also visit a local teahouse and take short, easy hikes to a nearby village.

• Hike: The total walking distance is about 6-7 kilometers (4-4.5 miles), with a small elevation gain of 150 meters (about 500 feet).
• Camping: You'll camp overnight in a tent right by the lake at an elevation of 2800 meters (9200 feet).

Day 5. Alauddin Lakes – Muddy (Mutnyi) Lakes

Morning:

After breakfast, we'll continue our trek to the Mutnye Lakes.

• The Hike: The hike to Mutnye Lakes is 7 kilometers long and involves an 800-meter elevation gain.

What We'll See:

This part of the trek offers incredible views of several impressive peaks: Kaznok, Zamok (5070 m), Energia (5105 m), and Chimtarga (5489 m). We'll be hiking through a rugged alpine environment with glaciers, moraine ridges (ridges of rock and debris left by glaciers), and smooth, polished rocks. We'll also pass through a unique area with birch trees, which are rare at this altitude. We'll come across the beautiful, round Piala Lake, where you can take a swim if you're feeling brave! Look out for evidence of a retreating glacier and keep an eye on the sky for eagles.

At Mutnye Lakes:

When we arrive at Mutnye Lakes, we'll say goodbye to the mule drivers who helped carry our gear. From here on out, you can either carry your own backpack or hire a porter for the next part of the journey.

We'll have a short 3-4 hour hike today, which leaves the afternoon free to relax and enjoy the unique, treeless landscape around Mutnye Lakes.

Overnight: We'll camp in tents near the Mutnye Lakes.

Day 6. Muddy lakes – under Chimtarga pass

Today:

Get ready for a challenging day! We'll be ascending from Mutnye Lakes to a high saddle, gaining about 1200 meters in elevation.

The Hike:

• The trail starts on rocky slopes (called talus slopes).
• We'll then cross a glacier that flows down from Energia Peak.
• Next, we'll climb a steep talus slope.
• At the top of this slope, we'll reach a nice spot at the pass where we can rest and have a snack.
• From there, we'll continue to our third campsite, located below the Chimtarga Pass (4450 meters high).

Evening:

We'll have dinner with amazing views of Chimtarga, Energia, the pass saddle, and the huge peaks all around us. This will be the highest campsite of our trek.

Overnight: We'll sleep in tents near the Chimtarga Pass.

Day 7. Chimtarga pass – Big Alo lake

Morning:

Today we face another challenging climb to the saddle of the Chimtarga Pass, reaching an elevation of 4750 meters. At the top, we'll be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the magnificent Malaya (Small) and Big Hansa peaks.

Descent:

From the pass, the trail descends into the valley of the Right Zindon River, leading us towards Big Allo Lake. The path down is tricky, as it winds along slopes covered in loose stones. It will be challenging, but we'll make it through! We'll have to navigate a large rockslide before reaching the point where the valleys meet, and there, hidden from view, lies Big Allo Lake.

History of Big Allo Lake:

Big Allo Lake has an interesting story. In 1912, a major earthquake caused part of the West Fann Mountains to collapse, creating a natural dam that blocked the river and formed the lake. Big Allo, shaped like a bean and filled with icy-cold, bright blue water, is considered the most majestic and beautiful of the thirty Fann Lakes.

Overnight: We'll camp in tents near the shore of Big Allo Lake.

Day 8. Big Alo lake – Small Allo – Gazza village – Alpine camp Artuch

Today:

Today is the longest leg of our trek and marks the end of our hiking route.

• The Hike: The trail follows a steep gorge, passing by the smaller Maloe Allo Lake.
• Lunch: We'll stop for lunch by Maloe Allo Lake, where we can enjoy the cool air and peaceful surroundings.
• Descent to Gazza: As we descend towards the village of Gazza, we'll notice the air getting warmer.
• Transfer to Artuch: In Gazza, we'll meet our driver and travel by car to the Artuch Alpine Camp.

Farewell Evening: A wonderful farewell evening awaits us at the camp! We'll also have the chance to relax in a sauna.

Day 9. Camp Artuch – Panjakent (Jartepa border)

Breakfast:

After breakfast, transportation will be available for those who wish to travel to Penjikent or towards the border checkpoint for Samarkand. The Alpine Camp will provide cars for this transfer.

It's also possible to arrange a separate transfer from the border directly to Samarkand if you'd like. Just let the group leaders know if you're interested in this option.

Information

What's included/not included

What's included:

•  Accommodation (DBL)in Artuch cottages and tents.
•  Guide, Mountain Guide
•  Meals: Full board, 3 times per day
•  All entrance fees and ecology fees
•  Transfers
•  Tents & sleeping bags
•  Donkeys
•  Sauna
•  Porters

What's not included:

• Alcoholic drinks
• All personal expanses