Dushanbe-iskandarkul-seven Lakes 2 Trip
About this tour
A 2-day overland route connecting Dushanbe and Samarkand is one of the most popular ways to cross between Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. Instead of taking a quick, direct highway drive, this route takes you through the heart of the Fann Mountains to visit alpine lakes and high mountain valleys.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Душанбе, Таджикистан to Пенджикент, Таджикистан
Day 1: Dushanbe to Iskanderkul and Onward to Panjakent Morning: Drive to Iskanderkul Depart early from Dushanbe along the M34 highway, heading north into the Fann Mountains. You will pass through the scenic Varzob Gorge and pass through the Anzob Tunnel. Turn off the main highway at Sarvoda onto the unpaved mountain track leading to Iskanderkul (approx. 3 to 3.5 hours total driving). Midday: Explore Lake Iskanderkul Take in the turquoise views of Iskanderkul, named after Alexander the Great. Walk 20 minutes along the river trail to the "Fan Niagara" waterfall, where water plunges into a steep gorge from a metal viewing platform. Enjoy lunch at a lakefront cottage or local turbaza before continuing your journey. Afternoon & Evening: Drive to Panjakent Drive back out to the main highway and head west toward Panjakent (approx. 3.5 hours). Arrive in Panjakent in the late afternoon. Settle into a local guesthouse or hotel, grab dinner at a traditional chaikhana (tea house), and rest up for the lakes exploration the next day.
Day 2: Пенджикент, Таджикистан to Самарканд, Узбекистан
Day 2: The Seven Lakes (Haft Kul) and Crossing to Samarkand Morning: Explore the Seven Lakes (Haft Kul) Depart Panjakent early for the Shing Valley to explore the Seven Lakes (Haft Kul). Drive past the lower lakes (Lakes 1 to 6), admiring how the water transitions from deep turquoise to emerald green. Most vehicles can drive up to Lake 6 (Marguzor). Take a 1.5 to 2-hour hike from Lake 6 up to Lake 7 (Hazorchashma), the highest and largest lake in the chain, surrounded by jagged peaks. Afternoon: Return to Panjakent & Border Crossing Hike back down to your driver at Lake 6 and drive back out of the valley to Panjakent for lunch. Head directly to the Panjakent–Sarazm border crossing (about 20 minutes from town). Clear Tajik border control, walk across the neutral zone, and clear Uzbek immigration. Late Afternoon: Arrival in Samarkand Take a taxi on the Uzbek side for the final 50-minute drive into central Samarkand. Check into your hotel and spend the evening enjoying dinner in the heart of ancient Samarkand.
What's included
Guide Driver Fuel Breakfast Accommodation Activities Entrance Tickets
Visa Flight tickets Tips
Languages spoken
What to know
The trip can be costumised get in touch with me
Route & locations
Душанбе, Таджикистан to Пенджикент, Таджикистан