Fann Mountains

The Fann Mountains (Fan or Fany in Russian) form a compact block of the Pamir-Alay system in western Tajikistan, squeezed between the Zarafshan range to the north and the Hisor range to the south. In an area you could cross on foot in a week there are more than a dozen summits over 5,000 metres, led by Chimtarga at about 5,490 metres, with Bodkhona and Energia close behind, and well over a hundred lakes. Since Soviet times the range has been a training ground for climbers and a classic destination for trekkers.

The landscape

What sets the Fanns apart is the colour. Glacial flour turns the lakes milky turquoise, the rock is grey granite streaked with red and ochre, and juniper grows on the lower slopes. Shepherd families bring flocks up to summer pastures, and you will share trails with donkeys carrying hay. The lakes most people aim for are the Kulikalon group in a wide alpine bowl and the Alauddin lakes below Chimtarga, both at roughly 2,800 metres, and the larger Bolshoi Allo and Mutnye lakes further in.

Treks

• The Artuch–Kulikalon–Alauddin loop: 3–5 days from the Artuch base camp, crossing the Alauddin pass at roughly 3,800 metres; the most popular introduction to the range.
• Alauddin to Iskanderkul via the Chimtarga pass (about 4,700 m), a demanding crossing for fit, acclimatised walkers.
• The Seven Lakes of the Shing valley on the western edge, reachable by car and ideal for gentle day walks.
• Day hikes from Iskanderkul on the northern side.

Multi-day treks are usually done with a local guide and donkey or horse support, camping or staying in simple shepherd huts and camps. TourEast arranges guides, permits where required, porters and transport from Samarkand or Dushanbe.

Season and preparation

The trekking season runs from about mid-June to late September; high passes may keep snow into July. Expect warm days and cold nights, strong sun, and no mobile signal beyond the main valleys. Treat water, carry layers and a proper sleeping bag, and allow a day for acclimatisation before passes. Artuch is around four hours by road from Samarkand, border included, which makes the Fanns one of the best mountain add-ons to a Uzbekistan journey.