trip

14 Days$3390USD

Activities
  • 5 day trek
Accommodation
  • 6 nights hotel
  • 4 nights camping
  • 2 nights homestay
  • 1 night yurt
Meals
  • 11 Dinners
  • 12 Lunches
  • 13 Breakfasts
5
Moderate

Traveller Rating

 

 
 

Trip highlights


  • Behold views of some of the Fann Mountain's 5,000m plus peaks
  • Trek isolated valleys, alpine meadows & cross the Alauddin Pass (3,530m)
  • Camp beside the stunning Alauddin lakes in the Chapdara River valley
  • Journey to the fabled Silk Road cities of Samarkand and Bukhara
  • Experience a Yurt Camp in the Kyzylkum Desert

The Fann Mountains, boasting numerous 5,000m plus peaks, are a section of the western Pamir-Alay mountain range in Tajikistan, sandwiched by the Zarafshans to the north and the Gissar to the south. The Pamir Mountains are a rugged and remote wilderness of jagged ridges, crystal alpine lakes and snow capped peaks that stretch and fold towards the Hindu Kush and the Karakoram. We combine a five day trek in these impressive mountains with time in the fabled Silk Road cities of Tashkent, Samarkand and Bukhara. From Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, we travel south to the Tajikistan border and up into the foothills of the Pamirs. In the company of our expert local guides and mule handlers we enter deep valleys with crystal clear lakes and flowering alpine meadows where we may see the summer camps of the Tijiki shepherds. Crossing a string of passes linking isolated valleys including Alauddin Pass (3,530m), we are rewarded with views of the ranges that stretch far into Central Asia and the south. Completing our trek we travel west to the recently reopened border point at Jartepa and on to Samarkand to marvel at the intricate mosques and palaces of the great Tamerlane rule. We complete our trilogy of the Silk Road Cities by visiting Bukhara, a prominent city along the Silk Road trade route between the East and West, with ancient architecture dating largely from the 9th to the 17th centuries.

Trip Code: PTR

Upon arrival into Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, you will be met with a private transfer to the group hotel. The rest of the day is free at leisure to relax and refresh. This evening you will meet the rest of the group for a welcome dinner and your guide will provide a trip briefing. Note: Hotel check-in time today is 14:00. Should your flight arrive earlier, please discuss arrangements for early room access with your Adventure Travel Consultant. Overnight: Gabrielle International Hotel or similar

Meals:  D

After breakfast we first drive to the Oybek border point, where we complete border formalities and cross on foot into Tajikistan. You will need to carry your own luggage across this border for approx 1,200m. Once in Tajikistan, we'll drive to Khujand (100km,2hrs) where we enjoy a brief tour before continuing on to our final destination for the day, Artuch base camp. En route we'll travel over the Shakhristan pass (3378m) and into the amazing Zeravshan Valley. This area is famous for its unique mountain landscapes and stunning alpine lakes. Artuch base camp comprises of wooden chalets and cottages set amidst a wide expanse of juniper woods and it is here that we will meet our trekking guides, cook and porters. Driving: Tashkent to Uzbek/Tajik border ~100km, 2hrs, to Artuch base camp 350km, 6hrs Overnight: Local cottage (2,200m)

Meals:  B,L,D

A well trodden trail takes us up the Urjam River valley through mixed juniper and deciduous groves covering two giant scree dams steeply rising up the right hand side of the tight gorge. The dams serve as a natural filter for water running into the stream. The track levels out and once we top the upper dam, the turquoise necklace of Kulikalon Lakes frame the jagged summits of the Fann Mountains including Maria (4970m) Mirali (5120m), Rudaki (4900m) and Adamtash (4700m) which are known as the "Kulikalon Wall". After a picnic lunch we continue through the juniper forest and head to the eastern shore of Bibidjanat Lake for our first night camping. Sit back, relax and enjoy the sunset over Mirali Peak. Hiking: ~10 km, 5hrs, +800m Overnight: Tented camp (3,000m)

Meals:  B,L,D

After a hearty breakfast we pack up camp and head steeply uphill out of the juniper forest and alpine meadows to the Alauddin Pass (3860m). Here we will be able to see the entire Kulikalon Lakes system. The impressive snowcapped peaks of Chapdara (5050m), Bodhona (5138m) and Zamok (5070m) can also be viewed. After a picnic lunch we descend steeply on a rocky path to our campsite in a clearing beside Alauddin Lake. This afternoon you can opt for an easy walk around the lakes or relax at our campsite. Hiking: ~7km, 7 hrs, +860m/ -1060m Overnight: Tented camp (2,800m)

Meals:  B,L,D

We begin today with an optional walk. There are some steep ups and downs and we make our way up to Mutnoye Lake. We will see trailing glaciers, abrupt rock walls and rare birch trees. Nicknamed "Piala" for its round form, this is the smallest lake of the system which we will see today. Or you are free to stay and explore the area around the camp site. Hiking: ~8 km, 6 hrs, +800m/ - 800m Overnight: Tented camp (2,800m)

Meals:  B,L,D

The track climbs up the pass to a saddle from which the huge hollow of Kulikalon Lakes and the western part of the wall are almost completely visible. We will then descend on a wide track to our camp at Kulikalon Lake. Today, weather permitting is fantastic for photography as we will have unforgettable panorama views of all surrounding mountains. Hiking: ~14km, 7 hrs, +1130m/ -1030m Overnight: Tented camp (2,900m)

Meals:  B,L,D

The ascent of Gujtan Pass is relatively difficult, following a track amongst a grove of fir trees. After approx. 2 hours we descend from the pass to the gorge of the Gujtan River and onto the picturesque village of Guytan where we will overnight in a homestay. You will be treated to some local food and hospitality readily offered by the people of Guytan. Hiking: ~14km, 7 hrs, +720m/ -1780m Overnight: Local homestay (1,840m)

Meals:  B,L,D

Today the tour will return to civilisation, to the rural city of Penjikent. Located in the Zerafshan Valley, Penjikent is located on a piece of prime flat ground, a scarce commodity in the middle of high mountains. With a history extending back to the times of the ancient Silk Road, and celebrated for its ties with treasured poet Rudaki, the city boasts an archaeological site, an intriguing regional museum and a colourful, energetic bazaar. The nearby border was long closed and so this region has seen very few visitors for many years. You will be sure to be warmly welcomed. Driving: 65km, 2hrs Overnight: Sughd Hotel or similar

Meals:  B,L,D

After breakfast we transfer to the Uzbek - Tajik border at Jartepa and then on to Samarkand. You will need to carry your own luggage across this border for approx 800m. Following lunch, we head out for our first exploration of this ancient and important Silk Road city. Driving: To border 20km, 30mins/ to Samarkand 40km, 1hr Overnight: Hotel Dilshoda or similar

Meals:  B,L,D

Today we enjoy a full days sightseeing in and around Samarkand. First we visit the impressive "heart" of Samarkand, Registan Square enclosed by three spectacular madrasah. These huge buildings with domes and minarets covered in a mosaic of azure tiles were built from the 1400s. Registan Square is truly one of the wonders of the ancient world. We will also visit the beautiful 15th centrury Bibi-Khanym Mosque, Siyob Bazaar and Ulugh Beg Observatory which dates back to the 1420s. Overnight: Hotel Dilshoda or similar

Meals:  B,L

Today is a long drive through the Kyzylkum Desert. Throughout the desert more than 4,000 petroglyphs dot the slopes of the Sarmysh River. Despite the carvings dating back to the Stone Age, many have the appearance of being carved just yesterday. We will stop to view some of the best. En route we also visit Nurata, an ancient town founded in 327BC by Alexander the Great. The remains of this military fortress rise above the town and represent one of the most ancient archaeological monuments of the region. We arrive at our Yurt Camp late in the afternoon where we enjoy a hearty dinner round the camp fire in the company of local akyn (folklore singers). Driving: 260km, 4hrs Overnight: Yurt camp

Meals:  B,L,D

After breakfast we pack up camp, bid farewell our hosts and drive to the beautiful Adyarkul Lake where we will enjoy a swim and stop for a leisurely lunch. Then we continue on to Bukhara to check into our hotel and you can enjoy an evening of free time, at your leisure. Driving: 240km, 3½ hrs Overnight: Kavsar Boutique Hotel or similar

Meals:  B,L

Bukhara is one of the most ancient cities of Uzbekistan, situated on a sacred hill where sacrifices were made by fire-worshippers in springtime. Bukhara City was founded in the 13th Century BC during the reign of Siyavushids who ascended to power 980 years before the arrival of Alexander the Great. The city's name originates from the word "vihara" which is Sanskrit for monastery. The city was once a large and important commercial centre on the Great Silk Road. Bukhara boasts more than 140 architectural monuments dating back to the middle Ages. The city consists of atmospheric narrow streets, open green parks and gardens, and superb historical and architectural monuments. This evening we celebrate our journey with a farewell dinner. Overnight: Kavsar Boutique Hotel or similar

Meals:  B,L,D

We enjoy a morning at leisure before boarding the late afternoon train to Tashkent. You will be met at the train station and transferred to either the airport or the post tour hotel. Trip concludes. On the final day the train usually used arrives into Tashkent at approximately 19:45pm. For this train, departure flights should not be earlier 23:00pm on the final day. However, sometimes this train is fully booked which means we would use the later train, arriving into Tashkent at 22:13pm. Note: Unless you have booked a late night departure flight, you may require a night's accommodation. Please discuss arrangements with your World Expeditions Adventure Travel Consultant.

Meals:  B


Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.


Inclusions

  • 13 breakfasts, 12 lunches, 11 dinners
  • Arrival and departure airport transfers in Tashkent
  • Comfortable hotels on twin share basis
  • Local sightseeing guide & mountain guide on trek
  • 50l kit bag for personal items provided during trek with 12kg allowance
  • Group camping equipment
  • Porter and cook services on trek
  • Pack animals for porterage
  • Train ticket from Bukhara to Tashkent
  • Entrance fees to museums and monuments
  • Medical kit
  • Luggage transfer (1 piece) from Tashkent to Samarkand

  • Sleeping bags are not provided but can be hired
  • International airfares
  • Visas
  • Travel Insurance (Compulsory)
  • Meals and beverages not mentioned in the program
  • Items of a personal nature such as laundry, phone calls, alcohol, etc
  • Tips and gratuities

Accommodation


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Priceper person from

$3390USD

Options & Supplements*
  • Fann Mountains & Silk Road Cities - Single Supplement (not applicable for Homestays or Yurt)USD$190
*Prices listed are per person

Essential Information

Ready to book? Make sure you download and read the detailed Fann Mountains Trek & Silk Road Cities trip notes which contains all the essential information you need to know before booking. Once you’ve booked, we will supply you with a Pre-Departure document which contains a detailed gear list and other important information to help you prepare for your adventure ahead.


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Enhancing your journey with authentic experiences, genuine cultural exchange and real exploration are the focal points on all of our adventures. In 2019, we were crowned by our peers as the best in adventure travel at The Travel Awards in Sydney.

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Our vision is to leave the world a better place by following our sustainable active outdoor travel charter. All our adventures are 100% carbon offset and our Regenerative 2030 Project aims to integrate ‘regenerative’ projects into every one of our global operations by 2030.

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Pamirs Fann Mountains Trek with World Expeditions

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