Fanns, Pamirs & the Silk Road

Tue, 25 Aug 2026 • Full-day walking tour
A full, unhurried day in Bukhara — one of Central Asia’s best-preserved historic cities, where a compact old town lets you explore mostly on foot. Morning tour of the fortress, monumental ensembles and trading domes; afternoon at leisure among the madrasahs and workshops, with a free evening around Lyabi-Hauz.
Highlights: Ark Fortress, Poi-Kalyan complex & Kalyan Minaret, Lyabi-Hauz ensemble & Nadir Divan-Begi Madrasah, Trading domes (Toqi) & Magoki-Attori Mosque, Ismail Samani Mausoleum & Chashma-Ayub, Bolo-Hauz Mosque.

Wed, 26 Aug 2026 • Overnight high-speed train + full-day Samarkand
Early pre-dawn transfer to Bukhara station for the overnight high-speed train to Samarkand (dep. 03:34, arr. 05:11). On arrival, transfer to the hotel with a guaranteed early check-in for breakfast and a short rest. Late-morning start to a full day exploring one of the great cities of the Silk Road, with its turquoise-domed monuments and legendary architecture.
Highlights: Registan Square, Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum, Bibi-Khanym Mosque, Shah-i-Zinda Necropolis, Siab Bazaar, Ulugh Beg Observatory.

Thu, 27 Aug 2026 • Border crossing + ancient sites
After breakfast, drive to the nearby Uzbek–Tajik border and cross into the Zarafshan Valley — the gateway to the Fann Mountains. Visit the UNESCO-listed proto-urban settlement of Sarazm, then explore ancient Panjakent, once a thriving Sogdian city. The rest of the day is at leisure to acclimatise before heading into the mountains.
Highlights: Sarazm archaeological site (UNESCO), Ancient Panjakent (Sogdian ruins), Rudaki Museum, Panjakent bazaar.

Fri, 28 Aug 2026 • Scenic mountain drive
Drive up the Shing River valley into the Fann Mountains, following a chain of seven strikingly coloured alpine lakes — from turquoise to deep violet depending on the light. Stop for short walks and photography along the way, settling into a family-run homestay by the water for the evening.
Highlights: Seven Lakes (Marguzor / Haft Kul), Shing River valley, Lakeside village life & local cuisine.

Sat, 29 Aug 2026 • Day hikes in the Fann Mountains
A full day on foot around the upper lakes, with route options graded to the group’s fitness. Trails climb through juniper slopes and pastures to viewpoints over the lake chain, with time to swim or simply take in the silence of the high valley.
Highlights: Upper lakes (Hazorchashma) viewpoints, Alpine pastures & juniper forest, Optional summit/ridge walk.

Sun, 30 Aug 2026 • Transfer + Rudaki’s tomb
Descend from the Seven Lakes and drive east, stopping at Panjrud to visit the mausoleum of Rudaki, the founding poet of classical Persian literature. Continue to the Artuch/Ghazza trailhead area beneath the peaks of the central Fann range, base for the next two days of alpine walking.
Highlights: Mausoleum of Rudaki (Panjrud), Zarafshan valley scenery, Artuch/Ghazza alpine base.

Mon, 31 Aug 2026 • Alpine lake trek
A classic Fann Mountains day hike to the Kulikalon lake basin, ringed by dramatic granite walls beneath Chimtarga and Mirali. Turquoise tarns, meadows and shepherd camps make this one of the most photogenic corners of the range. Return to the lodge in the late afternoon.
Highlights: Kulikalon lake basin, Views of Chimtarga & Mirali peaks, High pastures & shepherd camps.

Tue, 1 Sep 2026 • Transfer to the emerald lake
Drive down out of the central Fanns and around to Iskanderkul, the legendary lake said to be named after Alexander the Great. Afternoon at leisure by the shore, with an easy walk to stretch the legs after the transfer.
Highlights: Iskanderkul lake shore, Mountain-road panoramas, Sunset over the lake.

Wed, 2 Sep 2026 • Waterfall & Snake Lake
A relaxed day around Iskanderkul: walk to the 38-metre Fann Niagara waterfall, follow the shoreline trails, and visit the small Snake Lake (Zmeinoe). Time to swim, rest and enjoy the last full day in the high mountains.
Highlights: Fann Niagara waterfall, Snake Lake (Zmeinoe), Lakeshore & valley trails.

Thu, 3 Sep 2026 • Anzob pass + Hisor Fortress
Morning drive over the Anzob route through the tunnel down to Dushanbe. After a short city orientation, continue to the historic Hisor Fortress complex just west of the capital, then return for dinner and rest in Dushanbe. Late-night transfer to the airport for the onward flight.
Highlights: Anzob tunnel & mountain descent, Dushanbe highlights (Rudaki Ave., Flagpole, Navruz Palace), Hisor Fortress & madrasah complex.

Fri, 4 Sep 2026 • Transfer to airport
Departure from Dushanbe International Airport at 02:30. Assisted transfer and check-in for the onward flight, concluding the journey.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

• Prices are calculated on the basis of the fares and conditions currently in force. Any change in tariffs, introduction of new taxes or service charges, currency fluctuations may change our quotations.
• We close all groups 65 days before departure, in case of last-minute bookings always check availability at the hotels.
• Minor adjustments to the program are possible without affecting the quality of the tour. The itinerary may be modified due to road conditions, flight schedule changes, or other external factors.
• If the hotels indicated in the programme are not available on the date of booking, other hotels will be booked according to availability.
• Standard check-in time is 14:00. Check-out is 12:00.
• Meals during the route are planned in local restaurants — please remember that restaurants are not reserved exclusively for the group.
• Copies of passports for train tickets must be submitted 62 days before train operation.
• Passport copies for air tickets must be submitted 46 days prior to flight operation.
• Domestic flights are allowed a free baggage allowance of 23 kg in the hold and 8 kg in the cabin.

VISA INFORMATION:

• UZBEKISTAN VISA: FREE for Europe, America, Canada, Australia (check online: https://e-visa.gov.uz/main). Cost is 20 USD per person. A passport with at least 6 months validity is mandatory.
• TAJIKISTAN VISA: FREE for Europe, America, Canada, Australia (check online: https://www.visa.gov.tj). Cost is 20 USD per person | subject to change. A passport with at least 6 months validity is mandatory.

SPECIAL FOOD:

• It is important to point out that the variety of menus is not very wide, and there are no specialised menus in Uzbekistan for vegetarians, coeliacs, etc. Restaurants will try to adapt within available possibilities, but extra costs may apply if passengers want something different from the offered menus.
• All meal plans include the following beverages: water, tea. Grain coffee, fresh juice, soda, and alcoholic drinks are excluded (may be locally available on request at extra cost).

GENERAL NOTES:

• Documents: It is the responsibility of the traveller to have all documents in order; a passport valid for 6 months is required.
• Lost Luggage: In case of lost or delayed luggage, you must go to the airport to retrieve it. The recovery of lost luggage is not included in the price.
• Clothing: Light and comfortable clothing, shirts, cotton suits, sun hats, and comfortable walking shoes for summer. Sun protection is recommended. When visiting cult/historic monuments, outdoor visits require appropriate attire (e.g., “maxi” dress, covering head, legs, and arms, especially for women).
• Climate: Extreme continental, with cold winters and very hot, dry summers.

PAYMENT & CANCELLATION FEES:

• Payment: Full payment for the trip must be made no later than 30 days before the start of the trip, once invoiced.
• Cancellations up to 45 days in advance without penalty (except international and domestic tickets).
• As domestic tickets are issued 62/46 days before the tour, in case of cancellation, train ticket charges (30 USD per person) are non-refundable.
• Cancellations between 45 and 30 days prior to arrival will incur a 30% penalty.
• Cancellations between 29 and 20 days prior to arrival will incur a 50% penalty.
• Cancellations between 19 and 8 days prior to arrival will incur a 70% penalty.
• Cancellations within 7 days prior to arrival will incur a 100% penalty.

TRANSPORT:

• 2 pax: Chevrolet Cobalt
• 3–4 pax: Hyundai Starex
• 5–8 pax: Toyota Hiace / King Long
• 9–14 pax: Mercedes Sprinter