Kyrgyzstan • Uzbekistan • Tajikistan

Jewels of the Tien Shan & Pamirs: Sary-Chelek & the Fann Mountains

19 days

Trip Snapshot

This tour offers an intense trekking experience across two of Central Asia’s most spectacular mountain ranges—the Tien Shan and the Pamirs. These regions differ vastly in their landscapes and character, but both will undoubtedly leave lasting impressions and earn a place among your most cherished travel memories. The journey begins in Kyrgyzstan’s remote wilderness, at the stunning Sary-Chelek Biosphere Reserve, nestled at 1,940 meters above sea level in the Tien Shan mountains. This high-altitude lake is surrounded by emerald-green slopes and alpine meadows, forming a unique microclimate with astonishing views. Its waters shift in color from deep blue to vivid green, depending on the season and sunlight. Along the way, we will also visit smaller, equally picturesque lakes. A professional mountain guide and support team will accompany the group, ensuring a smooth experience by setting up camps, preparing meals, and handling logistics. Next, we journey toward the Pamirs, following the ancient Silk Road through the Ferghana Valley, Uzbekistan’s capital – Tashkent, and the legendary city of Samarkand. Our second trekking route takes us deep into the Fann Mountains, an awe-inspiring massif at the crossroads of the Zeravshan and Gissar ranges in western Tajikistan. The trail winds through impressive gorges, juniper forests, high mountain passes, glacial rivers, and an array of dazzling, multicolored lakes beneath jagged rock spires. Join this extraordinary adventure and discover the untamed beauty of Central Asia’s mountain wonders!

Trip Type:Group

Join a small group and expert guide for epic shared experiences.

Travel Theme:Hiking & Walking

Trek through stunning landscapes and explore on foot, your way.

Departure City:Bishkek
End City:Samarkand
Operated in:English / Spanish / French / German / Russian
Physical Difficulty:Light

Travel Styles: Walking tour · Hiking.

Things you will do

Emerald Sary-Chelek Lake shimmering in alpine meadows.
Nomadic horseback ride at Karakamysh’s Kara-Suu Lake valley.
Historic wonders of Tashkent & Samarkand along the Silk Road.
Turquoise Kulikalon & Alaudin Lakes framed by jagged Fann peaks.
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Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Bishkek. Domestic flight Bishkek – Osh.

Day 2: Osh – Aflatun (350 km, 7 h).

Day 3: South Aflatun River – Uyalma Gorge (19 km).

Day 4: Uyalma Gorge – Kuldambes Pass (2946 m) – Lake Sary-Chelek (12,4 km).

Day 5: Lake Sary-Chelek – Makmal Pass (2654 m) – Kara-Suu River Valley (17 km).

Day 6: Kara-Suu River Valley – Lake Kara-Suu (3 km).

Day 7: Kara-Suu River Valley – Kuturma pass (2446 m) – Lake Kyla-Kol (12 km).

Day 8: Lake Kyla-Kol – Lake Sary-Chelek (1,5 km). Transfer to Osh (320 km).

Day 9: Osh – Tashkent (415 km, 7 h).

Day 10: Tashkent (sightseeing). Tashkent – Samarkand (330 km, 5 h).

Day 11: Samarkand – Mountain camp “Artuch” (60 km, 2 h)

Day 12: Mountain camp “Artuch”– Kulikalon Lakes (7 km, 5 h).

Day 13: Kulikalon Lakes – Alaudin Pass – Alaudin Lakes (7 km, 6 h).

Day 14: Alaudin Lakes – Mutnye Lakes (5 km, 4 h).

Day 15: Mutnye Lakes – the cirque of Chimtarga pass (4 km, 6 h).

Day 16: Chimtarga pass – Bolshoje Allo Lake (12 km, 8 h).

Day 17: Bolshoje Allo Lake – Archimaidan River (10 km, 6 h). Transfer to Penjikent (70 km; 1,5 h).

Day 18: Penjikent – “Jartepa” land border – Samarkand (60 km, 2 h).

Day 19: Samarkand (departure).

What's Included

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