Seven Lakes & Fann Mountains (2 Days) — Request Form

Samarkand → Panjakent → Seven Lakes → Ruknobod → Iskanderkul → Dushanbe (2 Days)

Private 4x4 tour with driver (optional guide). Dates: March 29–30. Border crossing at Jartepa (UZ) / Oybek (TJ).

Theme: Border Crossing & Mountain Gems Theme: Waterfalls & High-Altitude Lakes Vehicle: 4x4 Grand Starex Service: Without / With Guide
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Detailed Itinerary

Local time

Day-by-day plan

Day 1: Samarkand → Ruknobod via Panjakent & Seven Lakes Date: March 29 · Border Crossing & Mountain Gems
Day 1
  • 08:00 – 09:00 | Pick up & Drive to Border
    Pick up from your hotel in Samarkand. Drive to Jartepa (UZ) / Oybek (TJ) border (~50 km, ~1 hour). You handle passport control yourself.
  • 09:00 – 10:00 | Border Crossing
    Say goodbye to Uzbek driver (cannot cross). Walk through Uzbek control, then meet Tajik driver on the Tajik side. Timing can be 30–60 minutes depending on queues.
  • 10:00 – 10:30 | Drive to Panjakent
    Short drive (~20 km) to Panjakent, gateway to the Fann Mountains. Optional market stop for snacks (mountain village options are limited).
  • 10:30 – 11:15 | Panjakent City Tour (Brief)
    Quick visit to Panjakent Ruins (ancient Sogdian city) if time permits, or drive through with a stop by the Rudaki statue.
  • 11:15 – 13:00 | Drive to Seven Lakes (Haft Kul)
    Road follows Shing River Gorge. Dirt/gravel road becomes rough. Lunch: packed lunch or simple homestay meal near the first lake.
  • 13:00 – 15:00 | Explore Seven Lakes
    Usually 3–4 lakes due to road conditions and daylight (e.g., Mijgon, Soya). In March, upper lakes may be frozen or inaccessible. Photo stops and short walks.
  • 15:00 – 16:30 | Drive to Ruknobod
    Descend and continue to Ruknobod area for overnight stay.
  • 16:30 onwards | Check-in & Rest
    Homestay/guesthouse check-in. Home-cooked dinner with hosts.
Day 2: Ruknobod → Dushanbe via Waterfalls & Iskanderkul Date: March 30 · Waterfalls, High-Altitude Lakes & Descent
Day 2
  • 08:00 – 09:00 | Breakfast & Departure
    Breakfast at guesthouse. Load the 4x4 and depart.
  • 09:00 – 10:30 | Fann Waterfalls
    Stop to view one of the major waterfalls. In March, flow may be strong from snowmelt; trails can be muddy/slippery.
  • 10:30 – 12:00 | Drive to Snake Lake (Marguzor)
    Scenic mountain drive. Stop at the serene “Snake Lake,” known for its shape.
  • 12:00 – 14:00 | Iskanderkul Lake Exploration
    Arrive at Iskanderkul (2,195 m). May be partially frozen in March. Lunch: picnic by the lake or small café near the dam. Short hike to Iskanderkul Waterfall (Fan Niagara) — path may be slippery.
  • 14:00 – 17:00 | Drive to Dushanbe
    Descend via Anzob Tunnel (Istiklol). Continue through Varzob Gorge with riverside restaurants.
  • 17:00 onwards | Arrival in Dushanbe
    Drop-off at your pre-booked hotel. End of services.

Inclusions

  • ✓
    4x4 Grand Starex vehicle
    Comfortable transport for mountain roads
  • ✓
    Driver for both days
    Tajik-side driver/vehicle after border
  • ✓
    All fuel
    No hidden fuel charges
  • ✓
    Road tolls & checkpoint fees
    Included where applicable

Important note: Border formalities and queues can affect timing. In March, some upper lakes may be frozen and roads may be muddy/slippery. Please bring your passport, warm layers, and comfortable shoes.

ViaOrient · Private Tours & Tailor-Made Itineraries · Samarkand / Bukhara, Uzbekistan