Duration: 7 days / 6 nights
Route: Jarteppa border – Seven lakes – Artuch camp - Chukurak lake - Kulikalon lakes - Alaudin Lake - Iskanderkul - Dushanbe(or Samarkand)
Day 1: Jarteppa border - Seven lakes (50 km, 3h)
Meeting in the Jarteppa border and we directly start the trip towards Seven lakes.
Haft Kul: 7 teary lakes
Seven small lakes make up the Haft Kul, “ lakes”, in northwest Tajikistan. Legend says they’re the tears of the daughters of a missing man. Science says they were created after earthquakes altered the Shing River’s course.Whichever version you prefer, the Haft Kul road is one of Tajikistan’s most accessible treks; the perfect introduction to Tajikistan’s natural beauty. Aside from the azure lakes, there are plenty of villages to wander through, with many kind locals happy invite travelers for tea.
Hike to the final lake of Haft Kul: Hazor Chashma, thousand springs.The slope is gentle, the altitude low (the the lake is around 2,400 m/7870 ft).
Overnight in Homestay. (Breakfast, lunch, dinner).
Day 2: Seven Lakes - Artuch camp (90 km, 3 hrs.)
Breakfast and continuing our way to Artuch alpinists camp base.
On arrival in Artuch your camp will be erected and you can go for a short acclimatisation walk.
Overnight in tents. (Breakfast, lunch, dinner).
Day 3: Artuch - Chukurak lake (7km, 3 hrs, +600m).
This morning your trek begins. It is important to take it slowly since the rise in altitude and the steep climb on this first day will likely affect you. Setting off from Artuch (1750 m), the trail steadily ascends along the Urech river. You can experience the local village life in Tajik Mountains along the way. After hiking 7 km, the trail becomes more steep as we start hiking up to Chukurak Lake, where we will make our first camp. The brave can also take a refreshing swim in the lake. Time to get first impressions of skyscraper mountains.
Overnight in tents. (Breakfast, lunch, dinner).
Day 4: Chukurak lake - Kulikalon Lakes (7km, 4-5 hrs, +700m)
Breakfast and Trek to Kulikalon Plateau (3-4 hours). The plateau is dotted with 14 turquoise lakes framed by jagged ridges and summits between 4000m-5000m: Maria (4970m), Mirali (5120m), Rudaki (4900m), Adamtash (4700m) (the four peaks making so called “Kulikalon Wall”), Saryshah (4650m) and Aurondag (4573m). Overnight on shores of Dushokha Lake (2900m).
Overnight in tents. (Breakfast, lunch, dinner).
Day 5: Kulikalon lakes- Trek over Alauddin Pass (3860m) to Alauddin Lake (6km, 6 hrs, +950m)
Today ascend Alaudin pass. On the way up you will hopefully see vultures and eagles hovering in the blue sky. Enjoy a birds-eye view of Dushaha Lake and the entire Kulikalon Lake system. From the stony pass saddle impressive views eastwards to Chapdara River valley open up. Left to right, see snow and ice-clad Chapdara Peak (5,050 m), Bodhona Peak (5,138m) and Zamok Peak (5070m), a clear-cut pyramid of Kaznok Peak (4200m) and a “bowing head” of Adamtash Peak (4700m). Down in the valley bottom see a blue speck of Alauddin Lake (in fact, one of two major lakes) varying in colour from lilac to deep turquoise and providing a stunning contrast against the backdrop of the Chimtarga wall. Overnight next to a lake (approx 2900m).
Overnight in Tents. (Breakfas, lunch, dinner)
Day 6: Alauddin lake - Iskanderkul lake (80km, 3-4h)
Breakfast and we will continue our trip to Iskanderkul lake. According to the legend, the Lake Iskanderkul was named after Alexander the Great, known as Iskander in the East. People say that Alexander the Great's path to India passed by this lake. Lunch at the traditional homestay "Dilovar". After, you will stroll around the lake, explore five springs and Zmeinoe (Snake) Lake, walk to 38 m high waterfall that local people compare to Niagara and call Fanskaya Niagara (Niagara of Fan). Also there are operating boats that you can do boat tour around the lake. The shore of the lake is estimated 5km and depth is 70m.
Overnight in camps house near the lake. (Breakfast, lunch, dinner).
Day 7: Iskanderkul lake - Dushanbe or Samarkand (120km; 3-4h)
After breakfast transfer to Dushanbe via Anzob pass (3373 m) or back to Samarkand for departure. End of tour
PRICE INCLUDES:
-All transfers and transport;
-All accommodation
-All meals (B.L.D.);
-All entrance and sightseeing fees;
-1L bottled water per day for each;
-Mountain chef;
-Guide service;
-Interpreter service;
-Porters (donkey and donkey handler);
-Camping equipments: tents, mats, kitchen set;
-VAT Tax and Profit of organization;
-Eco Tax;
PRICE DOESN'T INCLUDE:
-Visa if required, international flight;
-All personal expenses (extra luggage fee, room service, medical expenses/insurance, etc.)
-Tips to the guides, drivers and donkey - men;
-Single accommodation;
For booking, contact us with any method you are comfortable: