Magic of the Fann Mountains — Trekking & Samarkand — 5 Days

Registan Square at sunset and a mountain lake at sunrise sound like two separate trips — but they’re really one five-day route. If you’ve had enough architecture and your hands are itching for a backpack, this is the fastest way into real mountains without weeks of preparation: just three days of trekking, with moderate effort even a first-timer can handle.

Route

Samarkand → border crossing → Artuch alpine camp → Kulikalon lakes → Chukurak pass (3,180 m) → Guytan pass (2,600 m) → Archimaidan river valley → Samarkand.

Why this tour

• The shortest way into the Pamir-Alay mountains in our catalog — no multi-day approach or complex logistics.
• A basic fitness level is enough: altitudes and effort are calibrated for non-professional trekkers.
• The Kulikalon lakes form one of the most photogenic chains in Central Asia, beneath the Adamtash, Mirali and Maria peaks.
• Samarkand bookends the route as a rest, not an extra layer of effort.

Longer versions are available on request: 8 days (+ Bukhara) and 10 days (+ Khiva and Urgench).

Day by day

1. Arrival in Samarkand, cross the Tajik-Uzbek border, transfer to the Artuch alpine camp (2,200 m).
2. Trek to the Kulikalon lakes — a chain of mountain lakes below the Adamtash, Mirali and Maria peaks.
3. Trek to Chukurak pass (3,180 m) for a panoramic view of the whole Kulikalon lake system.
4. Trek over Guytan pass (2,600 m) into the Archimaidan valley, drive back to Samarkand.
5. Transfer to Samarkand airport, departure.

Included (placeholder — confirm before publishing)

• Mountain guide during the trek
• Accommodation at the Artuch alpine camp (4-person cottages) and a hotel in Samarkand
• Full board during the trek, breakfasts in the city
• Permits for the Fann Mountains area

Not included

• International flights, insurance
• Personal trekking gear

The confirmed gear list, guaranteed departure dates and the final price are arranged with your travel consultant at booking.