LAND OF LAKES
Discover the wild
Jamshed Yusupov is the executive director of the Zarafshan Tourism Development Association (ZTDA). Under his leadership, the organization actively develops community-based tourism in the Sughd region, providing local residents with employment opportunities and preserving cultural heritage. Jamshed pays special attention to environmental issues and the creation of sustainable tourism infrastructure that contributes to the development of the region.
Executive Director
Route
Panjakent - Artuch - Kuli Kalon lakes - Alouddin lakes - Panjakent
Accommodation
Campsite, tents
Maximum altitude
3860 m
Highlights
Kuli Kalon & Alouddin lakes, Mutnoe lake, Artuch campsite, Ancient Panjakent & Sarazm, wildlife.
Tour Program
Day 1
Meeting at the border. Transfer to Artuch 170 km, 3.5 hours. This area is famous for its unique mountain scenery and beautiful lakes. Artuch base camp consists of wooden cottages located among vast juniper forests, and it is here that we will meet our cook and drivers. Overnight at Artuch base camp.
Day 2
After breakfast we’ll start our trekking from Artuch base camp to Kulikalon Lakes (12 km, 3.5 hours). A well-trodden path takes us up the Urej River valley through mixed juniper and deciduous groves covering two giant dams that rise steeply up the right side of a narrow gorge. The dams act as a natural filter for the water entering the stream. The track levels out and once we reach the upper dam, the turquoise necklace of Kulikalon Lakes frames the jagged peaks of the Pamir Fann Mountains, including Maria (4970 m), Mirali (5120 m), Rudaki (4900 m) and Adamtash (4700 m), which are known as the “Kulikalon Wall”. After a picnic, we continue through the juniper forest and head to the eastern shore of Lake Bibijannat for our first night’s camping. Sit back, relax and enjoy the sunset over Mirali Peak. Overnight at the campsite.
Day 3
Today we’ll take a trek from Kulikalon Lakes to Alouddin lakes through Alauddin Pass - Alauddin Lakes (10 km; 6 hrs; +1060m; -960m). We cross the Alauddin Pass (3860 m) to Alauddin Lake. After a hearty breakfast, we break camp and head steeply uphill through juniper forest and alpine meadows to the Alauddin Pass (3860 m). From here we can see the entire system of Kulikalon lakes and snow-capped peaks of Chapdara (5050 m), Bodkhona (5138 m) and Zamok (5070 m). After a picnic, we steeply descend along a rocky path to our camp near Alauddin Lake. After lunch, you can take an easy walk around the lakes or rest in our campsite. Overnight at the campsite.
Day 4
After breakfast, we will hike to Mutnoe Lake, admiring beautiful views of Kaznok, Zamok (5070 m), Energiya (5105 m) and Chimtarga (5489 m) peaks. Trek length: 18 km, 6 hrs, ± 800 m elevation. The alpine zone's harsh nature, hanging glaciers and steep moraine walls are impressive. We will also see rare birches and a small lake nicknamed Piyala Lake for its round shape. Return to camp late afternoon.
Day 5
After breakfast, transfer to Panjakent. Tour to the Ancient city called the eastern Pompey. Lunch with famous Panjakent pilaf, one of Central Asia’s best. On the way to the border, visit ancient settlement Sarazm, more than 5500 years old. End of the tour.
