Desert Castles of Uzbekistan & the Seven Lakes of Tajikistan
Bukhara → Desert fortresses of Khorezm → Khiva → Samarkand → Seven Lakes (Haft Kul) → Shakhrisabz → Tashkent
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A day from Samarkand · Tajikistan
Seven Lakes (Haft Kul)
Seven lakes of changing colour in the Shing valley.
The Seven Lakes, Haft Kul, are strung along the Shing valley in the western Fann Mountains, rising from about 1,600 m to 2,400 m. Each has its own colour, from turquoise to deep green, depending on depth and light.
A road climbs past the first six; the seventh is a short hike. From Samarkand, the Penjikent border makes it a long but rewarding day trip.
- Time needed
- Day trip, or 1 night in a homestay
- Best time
- May–October
- Getting there
- About 1.5 hours from Penjikent; Penjikent is about 1 hour from Samarkand plus the border crossing.
Don’t miss
Highlights
- 01
Mijgon
The first lake, near the village of the same name.
- 02
Nofin and Khurdak
Small jade-green lakes along the road.
- 03
Marguzor
The largest and most photographed of the lakes.
- 04
Hazorchashma
The highest lake, at the end of the valley.
Tours
Tours that include Seven Lakes (Haft Kul)
Uzbekistan and Tajikistan in 8 days: desert castles and the Seven Lakes
Khiva → Desert fortresses of Khorezm → Bukhara → Samarkand → Seven Lakes (Haft Kul) → Tashkent
Price on requestView tour
Uzbekistan and Tajikistan in 12 days: from Khujand to Khiva
Tashkent → Khujand → Dushanbe → Penjikent → Seven Lakes (Haft Kul) → Samarkand → Bukhara → Khiva → Urgench
Price on requestView tour
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