Day 1
Six lakes up to Marguzor
The core programme runs from the first lake, Mijgon, to the largest lake in the chain, Marguzor. Hazorchashma is a conditional upper section visited only when conditions allow.
Seven Lakes and Iskanderkul from Samarkand — 2-Day Tour
Updated:
2 days / 1 night · Samarkand → Seven Lakes → Panjakent → Iskanderkul → Samarkand · private tour
See two contrasting lake areas of western Tajikistan on one continuous journey. Day one is devoted to the Haft Kul chain in Shing Valley, from Mijgon to Marguzor and, when conditions allow, Hazorchashma. After an overnight stay in Panjakent, the route continues to Iskanderkul and the Fann Niagara waterfall.
This is a nature tour with no museums, bazaars or archaeological stops. The time is reserved for the mountain roads, lakes and short walks rather than extra sights. Separate vehicles operate in Uzbekistan and Tajikistan; guests cross the border controls and neutral zone independently.
Price: from 480 USD per person for 4–5 guests. The rate depends on party size.
You may choose any date during the mountain route's operating period. The trip runs after written checks of documents, checkpoint operation, road and weather conditions, transport, guide and accommodation.
The honest CAJ route — your tour in 30 seconds
- Format: private nature tour exclusively for your party.
- Price: 980 USD for 1 guest; 560 USD per person for 2–3 guests; 480 USD per person for 4–5 guests.
- Duration: 2 days / 1 night; planned meeting time in Samarkand at 06:30.
- Day 1: the border, Mijgon, Soya, Hushyor, Nofin, Khurdak and Marguzor; Hazorchashma depends on actual conditions.
- Day 2: the Fann Niagara waterfall, Iskanderkul and the return to Samarkand.
- Overnight: Panjakent Plaza Hotel; rooming depends on party size, and a single room for an odd-numbered party is included at no extra charge.
- Border: Jartepa / Sarazm checkpoints, separate vehicles in the two countries, and an independent crossing on foot with your own luggage.
- Physical demands: approximately 530–570 km by vehicle over two days, about 1.2–2 km on foot at the border, plus short walks on uneven ground.
- Return: approximately 19:30–21:00 on day two; the exact time is not guaranteed.
- Booking: choose your date and pay for the order on the official Tour 69 page; the trip is confirmed only by a written CAJ.UZ voucher.
The route through a local operator’s eyes
- Each day is dedicated to a separate natural area: Haft Kul and Iskanderkul.
- Staying overnight in Panjakent avoids a late-evening drive on a long mountain road after the Seven Lakes.
- No cultural excursions are added, leaving enough time for both natural areas and the border crossing.
- One entry into Tajikistan and one return replace four walks through the neutral zone on two separate one-day tours.
What makes this tour special
This route does not try to cover the entire region in two days. It gives two distinct natural settings in the Fann Mountains enough time while keeping an honest buffer for the border and the road.
Day 2
The open panorama of Iskanderkul
After the narrow Shing Valley, the landscape changes: a large mountain lake lies among open rocky slopes at an elevation of approximately 2,195 metres.
Signature moment · Day 2
The roar of Fann Niagara
From the vehicle stop, the route leads to a viewpoint above the gorge, where the Iskanderdarya plunges in a powerful torrent. The trail requires sturdy footwear.
Route logic
One journey instead of two
There is no need to return to Samarkand after the first nature day and cross the same border again the following morning.
Is this route right for you?
This trip suits you if
- you want to see the Seven Lakes and Iskanderkul on one journey from Samarkand;
- you value a private format with a pre-arranged change of vehicles at the border;
- you are comfortable with two long days, mountain roads and short walks on uneven ground;
- you prefer an overnight stay in town rather than a simple guesthouse near the lakes.
Choose another tour if
- you want a relaxed trip without long drives;
- you cannot cross the border independently and carry your own bag through the neutral zone;
- you must return to Samarkand at an exact time;
- visiting all seven lakes is essential regardless of weather and road conditions.
What to tell CAJ.UZ
- each participant's nationality and passport type;
- the basis for re-entry into Uzbekistan;
- children's ages, walking limitations and relevant health conditions;
- bed type, dietary requirements and whether you need a language other than the included Russian-speaking guide; availability and any surcharge are confirmed in advance.
Tour prices for 2026
Prices are per person for a private party and are valid until 31 December 2026.
980 USD
Private trip. The total price for one guest is 980 USD.
560 USD
Price per participant; the tour remains private for your party.
480 USD
Price per participant; transport and rooming are confirmed for the final party size.
More than 5 people: transport, accommodation and price are calculated individually.
Accommodation included: 1 guest — 1 single room; 2 guests — 1 double or twin room; 3 guests — 1 double/twin + 1 single; 4 guests — 2 double/twin rooms; 5 guests — 2 double/twin rooms + 1 single. A single room for an odd-numbered party is included at no extra charge.
What is included
Transport, guide, accommodation and meals
- pick-up and return at the agreed address in Samarkand;
- vehicle and driver on the Uzbek side on days one and two;
- a vehicle suited to the actual mountain road, with driver, in Tajikistan for 2 days;
- local Russian-speaking guide on the Tajik side for 2 days;
- 1 night at Panjakent Plaza Hotel under the published rooming plan; a single room for an odd-numbered party is included at no extra charge;
- 2 lunches, 1 dinner and 1 breakfast from the standard menu;
- drinking water and route coordination on both sides of the border.
Documents and personal expenses
- Tajikistan visa or eVisa, if required;
- travel insurance;
- an additional single room beyond the included rooming or a room-category upgrade;
- alcohol, extra drinks and dishes outside the standard menu;
- porter service at the border and carriage of personal luggage;
- personal purchases, souvenirs and tips;
- sights and activities not listed in the confirmed programme.
Services are defined by the voucher
Panjakent Plaza Hotel, rooming, bed type, guide language, transport and menu are stated in the written confirmation. If a service is not listed in the voucher, it is not included.
Border, documents and luggage
What to check before booking
- Passport: every participant needs the original of a valid passport for international travel.
- Entry into Tajikistan: rules depend on nationality and passport type; if necessary, use the official eVisa system.
- Re-entry into Uzbekistan: you must retain the right to enter again after departure; a single-entry visa may not be suitable.
- Checkpoint: the current operation of Jartepa / Sarazm and any restrictions are checked before travel.
Uzbekistan
To Jartepa checkpoint
The driver collects you in Samarkand and takes you to the checkpoint entrance. The vehicle does not cross the international border.
Independently
Controls and the neutral zone
You complete passport and customs controls independently and walk approximately 0.6–1 km through the neutral zone with your documents and personal luggage.
Tajikistan
After Sarazm checkpoint
The local guide and driver meet you outside after you fully exit the controlled area. Their contacts and the meeting point are stated in the voucher.
For one night
Small, soft-sided luggage
You must carry your own suitcase or bag across the border. For this route, it is more convenient to take only what you need for one night.
CAJ.UZ checks documents and arranges services before confirmation, but the border authority makes the final entry decision.
Route and distances
Over two days, the vehicles cover approximately 530–570 km. The final distance depends on the pick-up address, confirmed accommodation and access to the upper section of Haft Kul.
2 days / 1 nightSeven Lakes on day one, Iskanderkul on day two
Approximately 530–570 kmin separate vehicles in the two countries
Border crossing on footapproximately 0.6–1 km each way, plus short walks
Day 1
lake chain + overnight staySamarkand → Seven Lakes → Panjakent
1
Samarkand → Jartepa checkpointapproximately 41 km
Early departure from your hotel or another agreed address.
Private vehicle, Uzbek driver2
Jartepa → Sarazm checkpoint0.6–1 km
Border controls and the neutral zone, completed independently with your personal luggage.
On foot3
Sarazm checkpoint → Panjakentapproximately 19–20 km
Meet the Tajik team and drive through Panjakent without a city excursion.
Local guide and driver4
Panjakent → Seven Lakesapproximately 50–70 km to the highest accessible section
The road gradually becomes narrow and unpaved; the pace depends on actual conditions.
Vehicle suited to the mountain road5
Haft Kul → Panjakentapproximately 50–70 km
Return through Shing Valley, check-in and dinner.
VehicleDay 2
lake + waterfall + returnPanjakent → Iskanderkul → Samarkand
1
Panjakent → Iskanderkul areaapproximately 145–150 km
Drive through the Zeravshan Valley and along the mountain section after the turn towards the lake.
Tajik driver and guide2
Waterfall → Iskanderkulapproximately 3 km of local driving
Short walk to the waterfall viewpoint and time by the lake.
Vehicle and walking3
Iskanderkul → Sarazm checkpointapproximately 165–171 km
Return to the border without additional sightseeing stops.
Vehicle4
Sarazm checkpoint → Jartepa0.6–1 km
Exit Tajikistan and enter Uzbekistan independently.
On foot5
Jartepa → Samarkandapproximately 41 km
Return to your hotel or another address stated in the confirmation.
Private vehicle, Uzbek driverWhy distances are shown as ranges: local access to the hotel, the accessible turnaround point at the Seven Lakes and changes in road conditions affect the final distance. This is a practical guide, not a promise of an exact odometer reading.
Day-by-day tour programme
Times are approximate. Border queues, weather, mountain-road conditions and the group's pace may change the length of the stops. Final meeting points and the order of the day are stated in the voucher.
Day 1 — Samarkand, Seven Lakes and Panjakent
| Time | Programme | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| 06:30 | Meet the Uzbek driver at the agreed point in Samarkand. | 15 minutes for boarding |
| 06:45–07:45 | Drive from Samarkand to Jartepa checkpoint. | approximately 41 km |
| 07:45–09:15 | Complete passport and customs controls, cross the neutral zone and enter Tajikistan independently. | duration depends on the queue |
| Around 09:15 | Meet the local guide and driver after fully exiting the Sarazm checkpoint. | meeting point stated in the voucher |
| 09:15–11:30 | Drive through Panjakent and into Shing Valley towards the lower part of Haft Kul. | no city excursion |
| 11:30–16:30 | Mijgon, Soya, Hushyor, Nofin, Khurdak and Marguzor: photo stops, short walks and the included lunch. Hazorchashma is added only when the road is safe, the weather is suitable and enough time remains. | Hazorchashma is not guaranteed |
| 16:30–19:00 | Descend through Shing Valley and return to Panjakent. | arrival may be later |
| Evening | Check in at Panjakent Plaza Hotel, have the included dinner and rest. | rooming stated in the voucher |
Day 2 — Iskanderkul, Fann Niagara and Samarkand
| Time | Programme | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| 06:30–07:00 | Breakfast, departure from Panjakent and the start of the drive to Iskanderkul. | an early start is essential |
| Around 10:00 | Arrive in the Iskanderkul area. | depends on the mountain road |
| 10:00–11:00 | Walk to the Fann Niagara waterfall viewpoint and return to the vehicle. | closed footwear with good grip |
| 11:00–12:15 | Drive to Iskanderkul, walk by the shore and take time for photographs. | pace agreed on site |
| 12:15–13:00 | Included lunch from the standard menu. | advise us of restrictions in advance |
| No later than 13:00–13:30 | Begin the return to Sarazm checkpoint without additional excursions. | keeps a buffer for the border |
| Around 17:00–17:30 | Arrive at Sarazm checkpoint, say goodbye to the Tajik team and cross the border independently. | timing depends on the road |
| After exiting | Meet the Uzbek driver and travel from Jartepa to Samarkand. | approximately 41 km |
| Estimated 19:30–21:00 | Finish the tour at your hotel or another agreed point in Samarkand. | the exact time is not guaranteed |
After the tour: do not schedule a train, flight or event with a fixed start time that evening.
The Seven Lakes of Haft Kul
The lakes lie one after another in the gorge of the Shing River. More than 14 km of mountain road and a substantial gain in elevation separate the first and seventh lakes, which is why the upper section depends on accessibility.
Lakes 1–3
Mijgon, Soya and Hushyor
The lower part of the chain runs through a narrow gorge where the water, rocks, road and small settlements are close together.
Lake 4
Nofin
The elongated lake occupies the central part of the valley; life in several mountain settlements is closely connected to its shores.
Lakes 5–6
Khurdak and Marguzor
Khurdak is the smallest lake in the chain, while Marguzor is the largest and the natural highlight of day one.
Conditional stop
Hazorchashma
The seventh lake is visited only when the road is safe, the weather is suitable and enough time remains; otherwise, more time is spent at Marguzor.
Iskanderkul and the Fann Niagara waterfall
Day two reveals another side of the Fann Mountains: an open mountain lake, the Iskanderdarya Valley and a short walk to the roaring waterfall.
Elevation approximately 2,195 m
Iskanderkul
The colour of the water changes with the light, while accessible points along the shore offer views of the rocky slopes and valley.
Iskanderdarya
Fann Niagara
The river flows out of Iskanderkul and plunges into a narrow gorge. A short trail over uneven ground leads to the viewpoint.
Weather
Warmer in Samarkand, cooler by the lake
Even in summer, the lakeside can be windy and cool. Bring closed footwear, sun protection and a light warm layer.
Time buffer
Depart for the border on time
No city excursions are added after lunch: the time is reserved for the long return drive and border crossing.
Overnight stay and meals in Panjakent
Panjakent Plaza Hotel
Rooming follows the plan in the price section. A single room for an odd-numbered party is included at no extra charge; twin or double beds are confirmed in the voucher.
No late drive to Iskanderkul
After the Seven Lakes, the group returns to town instead of continuing along a long mountain road in the dark. This makes day one more realistic.
Standard local menu
Lunch and dinner on day one and breakfast and lunch on day two are included. Allergies, vegetarian meals and other restrictions must be arranged in advance.
Booking, confirmation and payment
Choose your date and party size
On the Tour 69 payment page, enter the date, number of participants and traveller details.
Pay for the order online
Payment creates an order immediately, but it is not in itself final confirmation of the trip.
Receive the written voucher
CAJ.UZ checks documents, the checkpoint, road, transport, guide, hotel and meals, then confirms the booking in writing and sends the voucher.
The trip is confirmed only after written confirmation from CAJ.UZ. If a service cannot be confirmed, the published payment and refund terms apply.
Why book through CAJ.UZ
- Experience and licence: CAJ.UZ is a Tashkent-based tour operator established in 1996; licence T-0292-14.
- One point of coordination: drivers, guide, accommodation, meals and meeting points in two countries are brought together in one confirmation.
- Written voucher: team contacts, the exact rooming arrangement and included services are confirmed before travel.
Frequently asked questions
How is Tour 69 different from Tour 68?
Tour 69 is devoted entirely to nature: the Seven Lakes on day one and Iskanderkul with the waterfall on day two. The overnight stay is in Panjakent. Tour 68 combines Sarazm, ancient Panjakent, the museum, bazaar and Seven Lakes, with an overnight stay planned in Shing Valley.
Are all seven lakes guaranteed?
The six lakes up to Marguzor form the core programme. Hazorchashma is visited only when the road is safe and passable, the weather is suitable and enough time remains. If the upper section is inaccessible, more time is spent at Marguzor.
Is this a trekking tour or a driving tour?
This is mainly a driving route with short walks by the lakes and to the waterfall viewpoint. The ground is rocky and uneven in places, so closed footwear with good grip is required.
What rooming is included?
The overnight stay is at Panjakent Plaza Hotel. One guest receives a single room; two and four guests use double or twin rooms; for three and five guests, an additional single room is included at no extra charge. Bed type is stated in the voucher.
Do I need a visa for Tajikistan?
Requirements depend on nationality and passport type. Before confirmation, check both entry into Tajikistan and re-entry into Uzbekistan. If an eVisa is required, use the official government system.
How much walking is involved, and what happens to my luggage?
You walk approximately 0.6–1 km through the neutral zone in each direction, plus short walks by the lakes and waterfall. Bring a small, soft-sided overnight bag: you must carry it across the border yourself.
Compare routes and prepare for your trip
Samarkand and the border
Tours from Samarkand
Payment and cancellation
Book the Seven Lakes and Iskanderkul — 2 Days
What to provide when booking
- Your preferred travel date.
- Number of adults and ages of children.
- Each participant's nationality and passport type.
- The basis for re-entry into Uzbekistan.
- Any walking limitations and a request for a language other than the included Russian-speaking guide.
- Bed type, food allergies and other dietary requirements.
Ready to see two contrasting lake areas?
Choose your date and party size, then pay for the order online. After checking documents, the checkpoint, road and all services, CAJ.UZ sends written confirmation and the voucher.
Telephone: +998 71 236 39 45
5
5
20
Price for 1 pax
Tour price per person
1 person
$980
from 2 to 3 persons
$560
from 4 to 5 persons
$480
Book now.
Prices valid until: 31.12.2026