Introduction
The Fann Mountains are a part of those great ramparts of rock which run along
the southern edge of the Central Asian republics and Siberia, virtually from
the Caspian to the Pacific. More specifically they are part of the western
Pamiro-Alai and are located in the Republic of Tadjikistan between the
Zeravshan and Gissar ranges. Narrow canyons with clear, rushing rivers, high glaciated summits, a wide
variety of colourful panoramas, picturesque river valleys and thousands of
lakes set amongst juniper forests make this one of the most attractive mountain
regions in Central Asia. Apart from the mountains, perhaps the most striking feature of Tadjikistan is
the riotous sense of colour. The Tadjiks love vivid colours, as many as
possible, wherever possible. They are also very hospitable people and make
friends easily. In many of the small villages they still speak the ancient
Sogdian dialect, the language that Alexander the Great heard when his conquests
brought him to these mountains. Indeed, it is said that he camped on the shores
of Iskanderkul lake - hence it is named after him. Our journey to Central Asia
also takes us into the Republic of Uzbekistan with time to explore its most
instantly impressive and attractive cities - Samarkand and Bukhara. Samarkand
has the most immediate appeal, the Registan Square is one of the great unknown
wonders of the world. Bukhara, by contrast, reveals itself more slowly and is
more rewarding as a result.
 | The Fann Mountains Grade B
Detailed dossier | Dates and Prices
One of our most popular and highly acclaimed treks. A long, donkey supported
trek through magical mountain scenery of crystal clear rivers and lakes,
glaciers, alpine meadows, juniper forests and lofty summits. Walking is on good
paths but some days are long. Return to top of this page | Outline Itinerary | | Day 1 | Early morning flight from Tashkent to Bukhara in Uzbekistan (1.5 hours). Tour
of Bukhara. First mentioned in
Chinese chronicles in the 5th century, Bukhara is one of the oldest trade and
cultural centres in Central Asia. Once boasting more than 350 mosques and 100
religious colleges, the city is still a constant feast of old and beautiful
buildings. The narrow, twisting alleys of the old quarter are fascinating to
explore. Night in a comfortable hotel.* | | Day 2 | 4-5 hour drive by private bus to Samarkand. For thousand's of years the city
thrived on its location on one of the major trade routes to China. In the 15th
century Tamerlane made it the capital of his vast empire. Most of the monuments
date back to this period and include the world famous Registan Square, the
Gur-Emir Mausoleum where Tamerlane was buried and the Great Mosque which
overlooks the colourful bazaar. Tour of Samarkand. Night in a hotel. | | Day 3 | Drive 1.5-2 hours by private bus to Penjikent, 40 miles east in Tadjikistan, by
the Zeravshan River. A 4WD vehicle takes us to our campsite by one of the
Marguzor Lake. | Days
4-13 | On trek, most days involve crossing a high pass, campsites are by clear rivers
or lakes. Carry only a day pack, average walking time 5 hours per day.
See trek map. | | Day 14 | Drive down the Zeravshan river valley, to Penjikent, 5-6 hours. We have lunch
in Penjikent before continuing on to our hotel in Samarkand, 1.5-2 hours. | | Day 15 | Drive back to Tashkent. | * EWP can arrange an overnight flight from London to tie in with the Bukhara
flight. If there is no early Tashkent to Bukhara flight, we will drive to
Samarkand instead. The Bukhara visit will then be left till the end of the trip. | |
