Full Day Trip from Samarkand to the Seven Lakes in Tajikistan

What's Included

Meeting and pickup

Itinerary

• 1
  Samarkand

  Picking up from a hotel or other specific location and transfer to Jartepa border

  1 hour • Admission ticket free
• 2

  pass Tajik boarder, meet with a guide and driver after crossing the border and drive to Haftkul

  1 hour • Admission ticket free
• 3

  The drive to the lowest lake, Nezhigon, situated at an elevation of 1,640 meters, is captivating. Its name is derived from the Tajik word for "eyelashes," though the exact reason for this name is not entirely clear. Nezhigon is renowned for its striking colors, which vary depending on the lighting and season. The water can appear turquoise, blue, or even purple, adding to the lake's allure.

  1 hour • Admission ticket free
• 4
  Khaftkul Valley

  Soya Lake derives its name from the Tajik word for "shadow," reflecting its location between high cliffs that keep it shaded almost all day. Similar to Nezhigon, the water in Soya Lake changes color depending on the weather and time of day.

  1 hour 30 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 5
  Khaftkul Valley

  Gushor, the third lake, is located 400 meters from Soya, and as you near it, you'll notice a turbulent stream that connects the two. All three lakes are named "watchful." Gushor Lake is encircled by steep cliffs and was previously inhabited by poisonous snakes, which is how the lake acquired its name.

  45 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 6
  Khaftkul Valley

  Nofin, the fourth lake in the series, is characterized by its elongated shape, spanning over 2.5 kilometers in length but only about 200 meters in width. The name "Nofin" translates to "umbilical cord," as it is the central lake among the seven and is very long, resembling an umbilical cord. Local legends speak of the lake's secrets, adding to its mystique. Enjoy a lunch break by the lake before continuing your journey.

  1 hour 30 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 7
  Khaftkul Valley

  Khurdak, which means "baby," is the smallest of the Seven Lakes. It is located 1.5 kilometers from Nofin Lake, and along the way, you can catch a glimpse of the village of Padrut.

  45 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 8
  Khaftkul Valley

  Lake Marguzor is the largest and arguably the most beautiful of the Seven Lakes. The vast expanse of blue water against the backdrop of majestic mountains creates a stunning landscape. Petroglyphs left by primitive people have been discovered on the lake's shore, and in the Middle Ages, semiprecious stones were mined in the vicinity. Today, a small village sits at the southern end of the lake, with houses scattered across the surrounding slopes. Local legends and fairytales about Lake Marguzor add to its allure.

  50 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 9

  Hazorchashma, the seventh and highest of the Seven Lakes, sits at an altitude of approximately 2,400 meters above sea level. Its name, Hazorchashma (or Azorchashma), translates to "thousand springs," as the lake is fed by the waters of two rivers along with numerous streams and springs. Hazorchashma marks the end of the gorge of the Shing River, beyond which there are no more settlements, only the wildlife of the Fan Mountains.

  40 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 10

  Drive to boarder with Tajik guide/driver, pass Tajik boarder

  2 hours • Admission ticket free
• 11
  Samarkand

  pass Uzbek boarder drive back to your starting point

  1 hour • Admission ticket free

Additional info

• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
• not recommended for children below 6 years old

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