Fann Mountains: Central Asia
August 16 - 27* (*or 30) 2019
Snowy peaks. Mountain lakes of amazing colors from emerald green to navy blue and turquoise. Warm nights with bright southern stars. Peculiar juniper groves, local pilaf and home-made flatbread. New friends and an opportunity to challenge yourself. This is a multi-day backpacking trip of moderate to strenuous difficulty.
Region
Fann Mountains (Fanns) are located in the south-west of Pamir-Alai mountain system, mostly territory of Tajikistan. The highest point is Chimtarga (5487m). Numerous picturesque mountain lakes are a striking feature of this region. The weather during high-season (July-September) is predominantly dry and warm. Daytime temperatures vary between +20-30 ºС, nighttime – approximately +10 ºС, at altitudes over 4000 m nighttime temperatures may fall below zero.
Here you can view the map of the region.
When?
Hike - 16 - 27 of August. On the 28 and 29 of August it is possible to visit the ancient cities of Samarkand and Bukhara. The trip starts and ends in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. Guide - Serafima Kuropatkina
THIS TRIP IS FOR YOU IF:
You love mountaineering and backpacking and would like to discover new ranges. Or you always wanted to try mountaineering, but didn’t find the right company
You would like to visit a place that most people don’t even know exists. And when they see your photos, they are probably not going to believe it’s real
You would like to experience Central Asia in a non-tourist version, meet the ordinary people and see their way of life, try delicious local food
You would like to make new friends and connections
You are not afraid of physical challenges, heights, uneven terrain (scree), and are ready to spend two weeks without everyday comforts (sleeping in tents or under the stars, cooking on portable gas stove, and bathing in lakes).
Day 1, August 16
Early morning transfer to camp Artuch. We stop at Penjikent for lunch, sightseeing and registration. Approximately 1,5 – 2 hours, depending on traffic conditions and registration queue. Arrive at Artuch (2200m).
*It is possible to arrive a day earlier and spend time in Samarkand
Day 2, August 17
After breakfast we load the mules with gear and food (personal items stay in the backpack) and begin our ascent to the Kulikalon lakes. Our route climbs along a waterfall and passes mountains Khodzharovat and Ruzirovat. Alternatively, we can get to the lakes via the Kuchurak pass (3100m) and Mt. Urech summit (3243m), from where you can see magnificent landscapes on the Kulikalon lakes and the whole valley. We can choose any route, depending on the situation, weather and time of departure from Artuch.
Night at the Bibidzhonat Lake (2800м).
Day 3, August 18
Day at the Kulikalon lakes.
Before lunch we’ll take a walk by the lake through an archa grove (mountain juniper, endangered species) and visit a koshara (cattle camp) on the Big Kulikalon lake. There we can buy local yoghurt and flat bread, and take a swim in the lake. We can also order pilaf from the chaikhana (teahouse) for the evening. After lunch and rest we’ll take a walk along the Dyushaha lake in the direction of the Kulikalon wall.
Night at the Bibidzhonat Lake (2800м).
Day 4, August 19
Descent to Alaudin Lakes via the Alaudin pass (3 730 m, 1А). From the pass we’ll see five peaks Chapdara, Bodkhona Castle and Parandas (5 070 m) and the Big Hansa (5306 m).
We descend to the Big Alaudin lake, relax at a local chaikhana. Tea, flatbread, beer in the shade on a dastarkhan (special cloth or low table in Central Asia). It is possible to order pilaf.
Night at the Alaudin lakes (2800m) – among the most beautiful in the Fann Mountains.
Day 5, August 20
Pack in the morning and hike up to Mutniye (muddy) lakes (3600 m). Mules still carry our gear and food. After passing a poplar grove we come to a small but very picturesque lake Pialat. It’s possible to swim if you’re brave. Then we take a steep climb and arrive at the Mutniye lakes and campsite.
Day 6, August 21
From Mutniye lakes we go via rocky path, and sometimes backcountry, following cairns, towards the Kaznok East pass (4040 m, difficulty 1B). The pass itself is a steep section of snow and scree, approximately 100m. The approach is moderate, backcountry and glacier. Afterwards we descend via a steep scree trail for about to the river Kaznok and begin a gradual ascent along the river. We cross it over rocks and continue up the trail along the right inflow. Overnight in a clearing near the inflow or higher at the Turquoise lake. It will be a long hiking day.
Day 7, August 22
Approach the Dvoinoy (double) pass (4200m, 1B). The pass is a long section of scree with various grades of steepness. Next we descend by a rocky path along the river Left Zindon, by the Upper Allo lake to the Big Allo lake (3150m). Approach the campsite via rock shelves several feet above the water.
Day 8, August 23
We spend a half of the day at Lake Allo. Swimming, relaxing. After lunch we begin the approach to Chimtarga pass. We go up the gorge of the Right Zindon river. Flat areas are followed by steep climbs, and there might be a small lake on the way. Night below the pass at approximately 3900m.
Day 9, August 24
Ascent the Chimtarga pass (4600m, 1B, snow and scree). The pass is long and tedious. We camp at the sites 150 meters (500 ft) below the pass.
* We’ll run a crampons and ice axe climbing lesson/exercise on a nearby glacier for those who intend to climb Energia tomorrow.
Day 10, August 25
Half day rest and descent to Mutniye Lakes via a scree trail and the glacier.
*Optional. Climb the Energia peak (5100m, snow and ice). From the campsite we go back up to the Chimtarga pass and climb the Energia peak via a rock-ice ridge using crampons, ropes and ice axes.
Day 11, August 26
Descent to IMTC Alaudin. Night in tents.
Day 12, August 27
Transfer to Samarkand. Stop at Penjikent for lunch. Night in Samarkand. Walk around the city.
Day 13, August 28
Departure home OR take a train to the ancient Bukhara. Sightseeing and night in Bukhara.
Day 14, August 29
Half day in Bukhara and return to Samarkand.
Day 15, August 30
Departure home.
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