Samarkand to the Fann Mountains and Seven Lakes

Samarkand sits close to the Tajik border, and on the other side the Fann Mountains rise towards the Seven Lakes. This is a two-day trip from Samarkand into those mountains, in a small group of no more than eight, with a guide, a car and help at the border crossing.

The route runs from Samarkand across the border to Voru, a village in the Fann Mountains, and on to Panjakent, where you visit the ruins and the bazaar and spend one night in a hotel. On the second day you hike along the Seven Lakes, stop for a picnic lunch and return to Samarkand. Entrance fees, the car, the guide, the border crossing assistance and the hotel night are included. The price does not include personal expenses, tips for the guide or travel insurance.

The visa rules are the first thing to check. The trip takes you out of Uzbekistan and back, so you need a visa for Tajikistan if your nationality requires one, and a double-entry visa for Uzbekistan. Bring your passport, and check the rules for your nationality well before you travel. The hike requires reasonable physical fitness.

The listing is not consistent about meals. The introductory line says meals are included, and the itinerary mentions a picnic lunch, but the list of what is not included also names lunch and dinner. Confirm with the operator exactly which meals are covered before you go.

The tour is available in English, German, Russian and French. It is not suitable for children under six, pregnant women, people with mobility impairments or heart problems, or wheelchair users. The operator is Discoverystan, and the tour is booked through GetYourGuide with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.

It suits travellers who are already in Samarkand and want mountains and a second country in a short trip, with a guide who deals with the border.