L-R: Ng Yoke Ping, Chia Kok Bin, Ronnie Chin Keng Kok, Nancy Ho Siew Cheng, Chan Hew Ley, Law Chew Siah, Clara Leong Sook Wah, Joanne Tan Pheck San, Ching Neng Bin.
Day 16 (02 Jun 2026) Samarkand → Day Trip to Tajikistan's 7 Lakes
Our 16th day turned out to be one of the most memorable adventures of our entire Silk Road journey. At the last minute, we decided to take a day trip from Samarkand across the international border into neighbouring Tajikistan to visit the spectacular Seven Lakes (Haft Kul) in the Fann Mountains.
The excursion promised everything we had hoped for—an international border crossing, breathtaking mountain scenery, and the opportunity to experience a third Central Asian country. Through the staff at Hotel Maroqand, we arranged a private day tour that included transportation, an English-speaking driver, a local guide, and lunch for US$70 per person.
After breakfast at the hotel, our van arrived promptly at 8:00 a.m. Our friendly English-speaking driver, Mr. Jafar, drove us approximately 45 km in about one hour to the Jartepa Border Crossing between Uzbekistan and Tajikistan.
Upon arrival, Mr. Jafar personally guided us through the Uzbek immigration procedures before directing us to the nearby Sarazm Border Checkpoint on the Tajik side. After completing passport formalities, we officially entered Tajikistan, the third country of our Silk Road adventure.
Waiting for us on the Tajik side was our local female guide, who warmly welcomed our group and escorted us to our waiting vehicle. We then travelled another 20 km to the historic town of Panjakent, often regarded as the gateway to the famous Seven Lakes.
Our first stop was the Tourist Information Centre in Panjakent, where we freshened up before beginning our mountain journey. Driving through the town, we enjoyed observing everyday life in northern Tajikistan. The bustling local bazaar was filled with freshly baked traditional bread, colourful fruits and vegetables, and friendly vendors serving local residents. Unlike many tourist markets, this was a genuine community marketplace where daily life unfolded naturally before our eyes.
Leaving Panjakent behind, we entered the magnificent Fann Mountains, home to the celebrated Seven Lakes, known locally as Haft Kul. Created by ancient landslides, each lake has its own unique colour, elevation, and character, making this one of Tajikistan's most spectacular natural attractions. During our journey, we visited five of the seven lakes.
Lake 1 – Mizhgon (Nezhigon) – 1,640 metres
The first and lowest lake welcomed us with brilliant shades of turquoise and emerald green. Its crystal-clear waters shimmered beneath the surrounding mountains, creating a breathtaking first impression of the Fann Mountains.
Lake 2 – Soya
Named after the deep shadows cast by the towering cliffs around it, Lake Soya possessed a more tranquil atmosphere. Its darker waters beautifully reflected the surrounding peaks and changing clouds.
Lake 3 – Gushor (Hushyor)
Surrounded by dramatic rocky slopes, the deep blue waters of Lake Gushor formed one of the most striking landscapes along the route. Every viewpoint seemed worthy of another photograph.
Lake 4 – Nofin
Long and narrow, Lake Nofin resembled a Norwegian fjord, stretching gracefully between steep mountain walls. The calm surface mirrored the surrounding cliffs, creating an atmosphere of complete serenity.
Lake 5 – Khurdak (Churdak) – 2,400 metres
The fifth lake, although the smallest of the Seven Lakes, possessed a quiet beauty all its own. Here we encountered one of the most touching moments of our journey. Children from the nearby village came running to greet us with warm smiles and cheerful curiosity. As heavy rain began to fall, we shared some food and snacks with them. Their genuine happiness and appreciation reminded us that the greatest memories of travel often come not from landscapes alone, but from simple human connections.
Although our original plan had been to continue further into the mountains, the increasingly heavy rain and limited time meant that we completed our journey at the fifth lake before beginning our return.
We retraced our route through the spectacular mountain valleys back to Panjakent before returning to the Sarazm Border Crossing. After completing immigration formalities once again, we re-entered Uzbekistan, where Mr. Jafar was waiting to drive us back to Samarkand.
As the sun began to set, we arrived safely at Hotel Maroqand after an unforgettable day that had taken us across international borders and into one of Central Asia's most beautiful mountain landscapes.
Although we visited only five of the Seven Lakes, the spectacular scenery, the warm hospitality of the Tajik people, and the unique experience of exploring a third Silk Road nation made this one of the highlights of our entire Central Asian adventure.
16th night accommodation: Hotel Marokand, 141Chorraha Street, Samarkand, Uzbekistan. 
After breakfast at the hotel, our van arrived promptly at 8:00 a.m.
After breakfast at the hotel, our van arrived promptly at 8:00 a.m. 
Our friendly English-speaking driver, Mr. Jafar, drove us approximately 45 km in about one hour to the Jartepa Border Crossing between Uzbekistan and Tajikistan.
A railway level crossing with a small guard tower, safety bollards, and a lowered barrier arm.
Upon arrival, Mr. Jafar personally guided us through the Uzbek immigration procedures before pointing us towards the nearby Sarazm Border Checkpoint on the Tajik side.
Jartepa Border Crossing on Uzbekistan side.
After completing passport formalities, we officially entered our third country of the Silk Road adventure.
Jartepa Border Crossing between Uzbekistan and Tajikistan. A pyramid bi-directional vehicle barrier with multiple angled metal plates and yellow-painted tips arranged in a staggered pattern. Such barriers are commonly used in security and traffic control applications to restrict vehicle movement in specific areas.
A long line of red dump trucks waiting at a border crossing in Tajikistan.
Waiting for us on the Tajik side was our local female tour guide, who warmly welcomed us and escorted us to our waiting van. From there, we continued towards the historic town of Panjakent, the gateway to the famous Seven Lakes.
Another long line of trucks waiting at a border crossing.
Driving through Panjakent town, we enjoyed observing everyday life in northern Tajikistan.
Driving through Panjakent town, we enjoyed observing everyday life in northern Tajikistan.
A large blue-and-white teapot and teacups sculpture surrounded by vibrant flower beds.
A large blue-and-white teapot and teacups sculpture surrounded by vibrant flower beds.
Our first stop was the Tourist Information Centre in Panjakent, where we freshened up.
Behind the Tourist Information Centre in Panjakent, we freshened up before the day's sightseeing.
Tourist Information Centre in Panjakent.
Monument of Shah Ismail Samani in Panjakent.
Restaurant Dusti in Panjakent.
This brick clock tower is located in Panjakent Bazaar, features a blue-domed top.
Driving through Panjakent town, we enjoyed observing everyday life in northern Tajikistan.
The bustling Panjakent bazaar was filled with freshly baked bread, produce, and friendly vendors.
The crowded streets in Panjakent town.
The crowded streets in Panjakent town.
The crowded streets in Panjakent town.
Driving from Panjakent to the Seven Lakes (Haft Kul) takes you on an approximately 40-to 50-km journey into the rugged Fann Mountains. The driving experience is highly adventurous and transitions from smooth asphalt to rough, unpaved terrain.
Panjakent to the 7 Lakes (Haft Kul) is approximately 40- 50 km.
Today's weather forecast anticipates rain, with temperatures ranging from 12°C to a low of 6°C.
Leaving Panjakent behind, we entered the spectacular Fann Mountains, home to the celebrated Seven Lakes, known locally as Haft Kul.
The Shing River Gorge in the western Fann Mountains, south of Panjakent.
We entered the spectacular Fann Mountains, home to the celebrated Seven Lakes.
The Shing River Gorge in the western Fann Mountains, south of Panjakent.
The Shing River Gorge in the western Fann Mountains, south of Panjakent.
Heavy mining activity and large operations—some dating to the Soviet era and others modern—are visible on neighboring valley tracks and alternative routes heading into the high peaks.
Heavy mining activity and large operations dating back to the Soviet era.
Heavy mining activity and large operations dating back to the Soviet era.
Heavy mining activity and large operations dating back to the Soviet era.
Heavy mining activity and large operations dating back to the Soviet era.
The Shing River Gorge in the western Fann Mountains, south of Panjakent.
The Shing River Gorge in the western Fann Mountains, south of Panjakent.
The Shing River Gorge in the western Fann Mountains, south of Panjakent.
The Shing River Gorge in the western Fann Mountains, south of Panjakent.
The Shing River Gorge in the western Fann Mountains, south of Panjakent.
The Shing River Gorge in the western Fann Mountains, south of Panjakent.
Driving from Panjakent to the 7-Lakes is about a 40 to 50km journey into the rugged Fann Mountains. The driving experience is highly adventurous and transitions from smooth asphalt to rough, unpaved terrain.
On the rough mountain road to the 7-Lake.
On the rough mountain road to the 7-Lake.
On the rough mountain road to the 7-Lake.
On the rough mountain road to the 7-Lake.
On the rough mountain road to the 7-Lake.
The Shing River Gorge in the western Fann Mountains, south of Panjakent.
The Shing River Gorge in the western Fann Mountains, south of Panjakent.
The Shing River Gorge in the western Fann Mountains, south of Panjakent.
The Shing River Gorge in the western Fann Mountains, south of Panjakent.
The Shing River Gorge in the western Fann Mountains, south of Panjakent.
A mountain village on the road to the 7-Lakes.
A mountain village on the road to the 7-Lakes.
The Shing River Gorge in the western Fann Mountains.
Lake 1 – Mizhgon (Nezhigon) (1,640 metres). The 1st and lowest lake greeted us with beautiful shades of turquoise and emerald green, sparkling beneath the surrounding mountains.
Lake 1 – Mizhgon (Nezhigon) (1,640 metres).
Lake 1 – Mizhgon (Nezhigon) (1,640 metres).
The 1st and lowest lake greeted us with beautiful shades of turquoise and emerald green, sparkling beneath the surrounding mountains.
The 1st and lowest lake greeted us with beautiful shades of turquoise and emerald green, sparkling beneath the surrounding mountains.
Lake 1 – Mizhgon (Nezhigon) (1,640 metres).
View of Lake 1 – Mizhgon from higher ground.
View of Lake 1 – Mizhgon from higher ground.
View of Lake 1 – Mizhgon from higher ground.
View of Lake 1 – Mizhgon from higher ground.
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