Arrival at Samarkand International Airport (SKD). Meeting at the airport.

Transfer (≈1 h) to the “Jartepa” land border crossing (Uzbekistan–Tajikistan), customs formalities.

Continue to Penjikent - one of Central Asia's oldest cities (5,500 years of history!). Once a flourishing Sogdian city on the Silk Road, Penjikent is often called the "Pompeii of Central Asia" for its remarkably preserved wall frescoes depicting Zoroastrian rituals, banquets and mythological scenes. 

Check into your hotel, then enjoy a leisurely evening exploring the town's bazaar or riverside promenade.

Overnight at hotel 3* in Penjikent.

After breakfast, transfer deep into the Fann Mountains to the Sangi Safed Gorge. Name means “White Stone” in Tajik – from the striking light‑coloured limestone cliffs that contrast with the dark surrounding slopes. This is where the trek begins.

Altitude: 2,350 m – pleasant and cool. The gorge lies at the junction of two major Pamir‑Alay ranges: the Hissar Range and the Zeravshan Range, creating a unique microclimate where juniper forests, alpine meadows and glacial streams coexist. Gentle acclimatisation hike along the gorge: watch for golden eagles, and wild ibex on the slopes. Set up camp amid fragrant archa (juniper) trees.

Overnight in tents (2,350 m).

Trekking: 4‑5 h, steady ascent along a mountain trail.

Gain/loss: +400 m / minimal loss.

Morning ascent through mixed juniper woodland and open scree slopes. After ~3 hours, the Alaudin Lakes reveal themselves – the crown jewels of the Fanns – a series of dammed lakes (average depth 16 m) with astonishingly clear, silt‑free water. They form a natural cascade: water flows from one level to the next through stone bars.  

The valley opens northward, while a wall of snow-capped ridges shields it from the south. Despite the 2,750 m altitude, the climate is surprisingly mild; wild edelweiss, gentians and alpine poppies bloom in season.

Picnic lunch on the shore. Afternoon free to explore the lakes, photography or a short walk to the upper lake.

Overnight in tents (2,750 m).

Hiking: 5‑6 h, out‑and‑back. 

Gain/loss: +750 m / -750 m.

The trail first passes Piala Lake (named for its bowl‑shaped bottom), then climbs to the Mutnye (“Turbid”) Lakes at 3,500 m. They got their name from the deep grey-glacial hue of the water – but don’t let that fool you. Their setting is spectacular: surrounded by a ring of 5,000 m peaks:  Chimtarga (5,489 m), Energia (5,105 m), Mirali (5,106 m).

Four glaciers feed the lakes – from the Kaznok Pass and nearby summits. Their meltwater gives the lakes their characteristic glacial turquoise‑grey tint.

Return to Alaudin Lakes (2‑2.5 h downhill).

Overnight in tents (2,750 m).

Trekking: 6‑7 h. 

Gain/loss: +850 m / -800 m.

Morning ascent to Laudan Pass (3,600 m) – the highest point of the trek. The climb is steady on well‑defined switchbacks with ever-expanding views. From the pass, huge panoramas open up: Adamtash (4,579 m) , Mirali (5,106 m) , Maria (4,790 m) – the peaks that crown the famous Kulikalon rock wall.

Below them lies a chain of lakes – the Kulikalon system.

Descend past Bibijanat Lake (2,841 m), a serene emerald pool revered in local folklore. Continue to the Kulikalon Lakes — a chain of five+ glacial lakes of varying sizes and hues (sapphire, jade, milky turquoise), fed by the Chimtarga Glacier.

Set up camp on a green meadow by one of the lakes. Kulikalon is the second largest lake in the Fanns (after Iskanderkul) and the source of the Artuch River. The area is used as summer pasture (jailoo) – you may see local shepherds with their flocks.

Overnight in tents (2,800 m).

Trekking: ≈5‑6 h. 

Gain/loss: +380 m / -980 m.

Morning ascent to Chukurak Pass (3,180 m) on the northern spur of the Zeravshan Range – a 2‑hour climb over grassy and rocky slopes. From the top, a magnificent view of the entire Kulikalon lake chain – a photographer's dream

Descend to Chukurak Lake (2,430 m) – famous for changing colour during the day: emerald green at noon, deep blue by evening. The lake is actually twin: water cascades from the upper (larger) lake into the lower one. Set in a rocky amphitheatre beneath dense juniper thickets, it's a tranquil spot for reflection. By late summer, the flow diminishes – the big lake becomes shallow, and the small one may dry up entirely.

Camp near the historic Soviet‑style "Artuch" mountaineering base.

Overnight in tents (2,200 m).

Trekking: ≈2‑3 h ascent to pass, then descend. 

Gain/loss: +410 m / -500 .

Final trekking day: ascend to Guitan Pass (2,640 m) in the southern spur of the Guitan Range – gentle slopes covered in alpine meadows. From the pass, another classic Fanns panorama: Chimtarga (5,489 m), Mirali (5,106 m) , and Maria (4,790 m).

Descend into the Archimaydan River valley to the mountain village of Guitan – a  picturesque Tajik mountain village where time seems to slow.

Picnic lunch en route. Afternoon transfer back to Penjikent – 80 km, ≈1.5 h on a winding mountain road.

Overnight at hotel in Penjikent.

Drive: 60 km, ≈2 h to the Jartepa border, сustoms formalities.

Then continue to Samarkand – Uzbekistan’s most famous historic city (over 2,750 years old). UNESCO World Heritage sites: Registan Square, Gur‑e‑Amir, Bibi‑Khanym Mosque, and more.

Check‑in at hotel after 14:00. Free afternoon to explore on your own or rest.

Overnight at hotel in Samarkand.

Hotel check-out before 12:00. Transfer to Samarkand International Airport. End of the program.