• SOGDIAN GEMS

SOGDIAN GEMS

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 Jamshed Yusupov Zarafshan Tourism Development Association (ZTDA)

Executive Director

Jamshed Yusupov

Personal tour

Season opening date

15/04/2025

Difficulty

Moderate

Group limit

Unlimited

10

Days

Total distance

1510km

Route
Panjakent – Seven lakes – Artuch – Kuli Kalon – Alauddin lakes – Iskandarkul – Istaravshan – Khujand
Accommodation
Double occupancy at the hotel, homestay & tents
Maximum altitude
3860 m
Highlights
Panjakent, Sarazm, Seven lakes, Kuli Kalon Wall, Khujand Fortress, Arbob Palace, Panjshanbe Bazaar, landscape, cuisine



Tour schedule
Day 1
Arrival at the border. Visit Sarazm (5500 years old). City tour in Panjakent, known as the Eastern Pompeii. Traditional lunch (Panjakent pilaf). Transfer to the Seven Lakes. Dinner and handicraft presentation by local family. Overnight at the homestay.
Day 2
Morning hike to the 7th lake – Hazorchashma (10 km, 3 hrs). Picnic at the lake. Return to the homestay for dinner and rest.
Day 3
Transfer to Artuch Base Camp (160 km, 3 hrs). Unique scenery and beautiful mountain lakes. Meet the support team. Overnight in wooden cottages.
Day 4
Trek to Kuli Kalon Lakes (12 km, 3.5 hrs). View majestic peaks of the “Kuli Kalon Wall”. Overnight at Lake Bibijannat campsite.
Day 5
Trek to Alauddin Lake via Alauddin Pass (10 km, 6 hrs; +1060m, -960m). Enjoy spectacular mountain panoramas. Overnight at campsite near the lake.
Day 6
Trek to Mutnoe Lake and back (18 km, 6 hrs; ±800m). Admire alpine peaks and glacial landscapes. Visit Lake Piala. Return to campsite near Alauddin Lake.
Day 7
Drive to Iskandarkul Lake (90 km, 4 hrs). Explore Zmeinoe Lake and Fann Waterfall. Overnight in Saratog village. Dinner at the homestay.
Day 8
Transfer to Madm (120 km, 4 hrs). Master class in carpet weaving. Traditional lunch and overnight in a guesthouse.
Day 9
Transfer to Khujand via Istaravshan (220 km, 5 hrs). Visit local crafts center, Blue Mosque, Hazrati Shah Mosque. Taste smoked lamb/beef at Shakhriston Pass. Overnight at the hotel in Khujand.
Day 10
City tour: Panjshanbe bazaar, Arbob Palace, museum, ikat workshop. Master class on Khujand-style pilaf. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 11
After breakfast, transfer to Oybek border (120 km, 1.5 hrs). End of the tour.

Recommended Tours

Personal tour

Days

11

Unlimited

Group limit

Moderate/Hard

Difficulty

Hiking Expedition

GOLDEN FANS

Personal tour

Days

10

Unlimited

Group limit

Moderate

Difficulty

Hiking Expedition

SOGDIAN GEMS

Need more information about the tour?

Contact us at
+992 92 774 62 02
or

Contact us

LEVELS OF DIFFICULTY OF HIKES

Level 1
Level 1 characterizes simple programs in which participants make radial trips lasting 3 to 5 hours a day. The length of the daily route varies from 5 to 8 km along well-maintained trails, and the total ascent on the route does not exceed 400-500 m. In hikes, participants need to carry a minimum set of things — only what is needed for 3 to 5 hours of trekking.
Level 1 program includes accommodation in a basic hotel with amenities, usually in the valley, where there is a tourist infrastructure. These trips are available to participants with any level of physical fitness, including families with young children.
Level 2 combines linear and radial hikes with day-to-day transitions or one-day radial trips within 5-6 hours. Such routes run mainly along well-maintained trails, but may include short sections of complex or poorly marked paths. During the day, the participants pass a distance of 8 to 11 km with a total rise of 400 to 700 m. A weekly Layer 2 liner may include one longer daytrip with a lift up to 1000 m.
Programs for Level 2 radial campaigns are available to everyone, regardless of the level of physical fitness, including families with young children. To participate in Level 2 linear trips, it is necessary to be in good physical shape and it is desirable to have the experience of hiking, not necessarily mountain. As a rule, children from 7-9 years old who already have experience of hiking with parents can take part in such linear hiking.
Level 3 characterizes linear trips in a group with a guide or independently on routes with 6 — 9 hours daytime junctions. These routes take place mainly along well-marked paths. On the routes there may be complex areas, including short areas with support, but not requiring special expertise and equipment for passage. Some of the Layer 3 trekking routes include glacier crossings with a sloping incline — these routes are only guided by participants, and participants are provided with the necessary equipment to ensure safety. The total increase on the routes of Level 3 is in the majority of campaigns 600-1000 meters per day with the length of the daytime travel of 10-15 km. At the same time, Level 3 campaigns can include 1 — 2 more extended daytime jumps with a more significant lift. On the route participants will need to carry a backpack with personal items, water and light meals, usually weighing 7 — 8 kg, depending on individual needs.
To participate in the campaigns of Level 3 you need to have a good physical shape. It is desirable to have experience in mountain hikes. Participants should be prepared for transfers without long and frequent stops, at least every second day of the trip. The outfit must be tested beforehand, the footwear — it is different. To prepare for the campaign will be useful for any training — long running, swimming, biking and even regular walking on foot stairs instead of the elevator.
Level 4 is a linear hike with extended routes and correspondingly long daytime jumps on most days of the hike. The total daytime rise is 1200 meters on average, in exceptional cases — up to 1800 meters, descents — up to 2000 meters per day, daytime distances — up to 20 km. Routes of linear hikes with a guide can pass through glaciers of a large area. Many (but not all) Level 4 routes take place in high-altitude regions with unstable weather conditions. On Level 4 routes, there may be extended areas with a poorly marked path. Such routes partially pass through small areas, there may not be shelters on the way throughout the day’s journey.
Participation in all campaigns of Level 4 requires the experience of mountain hikes. To participate in the independent campaigns of Level 4, it is desirable to have the skills of orienteering. It is necessary to be in excellent physical shape. You should prepare for daytime jumps up to 10 hours with minimum pauses — on long routes of Level 4 it is important to stick to the schedule of the trip.
Level 5 is assigned to linear campaigns in high-altitude regions with significant glacial cover. These are areas located above 3000 meters above sea level. We organize such trips only individually, accompanied by a guide. On the glacial routes it is required to carry a backpack weighing not less than 10 — 14 kg with individual things and equipment. On the days of crossing large glaciers, it is often necessary to start the road before dawn at 5 am, as by the middle of the day the weather conditions in such areas are significantly deteriorating.
In addition to the glacial routes, by Level 5 we characterize complex vi-ferrates. These are vi-ferrates with a significant set of heights, vertical staircases and passages, cut through in steep «walls» at a considerable height.
To participate in the campaign of Level 5, you must have experience in mountain hikes and be in excellent physical shape. On the glacial routes, one should be prepared for difficult weather conditions and strictly observe the schedule of the route. Via-ferrates of Level 5 require the experience of passing through the fiasco and, accordingly, the ability to use safety equipment on sections of any profile