Seven Lakes tour from Samarkand: Guided day trip options

Cross the border and stand at seven lakes in one day, from Marghuzor's vivid water to Hazorchashma at 2,400 meters.

A full-day guided tour from Samarkand to Tajikistan's Seven Lakes (Haft Kul) in the Fann Mountains, crossing the border on foot and visiting all seven lakes by vehicle and optional trek. The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Samarkand, border crossing assistance, a professional guide in English or Russian, private transportation within Tajikistan, and a traditional Tajik lunch. You choose between a small-group departure or a private tour with your own guide and driver.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Seven Lakes from Samarkand

• Pick up from hotel in Samarkand
• Cross Uzbekistan–Tajikistan border on foot
• Travel to Penjikent
• Visit Marghuzor Lake
• Visit Soya Lake
• Visit Gushor Lake
• Visit Nofin Lake
• Visit Khurdak Lake via Pardut village
• Visit Marguzor Lake
• Drive or trek to Hazorchashma Lake

The experience

Your guide and driver collect you from your hotel in Samarkand and drive you to the Uzbekistan–Tajikistan border, where you cross on foot and complete the entry formalities before continuing into Tajikistan. The route then follows the Shing River gorge into the Fann Mountains, stopping at each of the seven lakes in sequence. Marghuzor, the first lake at 1,640 meters, is named for its vivid colors; Soya sits between cliffs that keep it in shade most of the day; Gushor lies just 400 meters away, linked by a flowing stream. Nofin is the main lake, stretching 2.5 km and named for its length. Khurdak, the smallest, sits 1.5 km beyond Nofin near the village of Pardut. Marguzor, the sixth and largest lake, is often considered the most striking of the group.

The seventh lake, Hazorchashma, sits at approximately 2,400 meters above sea level and is reached by an optional trek of 2.5 km one way with an elevation gain of 340 meters. The name means "a thousand springs," as the lake is fed by two rivers and numerous streams. A traditional Tajik lunch is included during the day, and you'll have bottled water throughout. The full tour runs nine to ten hours from pickup to return. A professional guide in English or Russian stays with you door to door, and all transportation within Tajikistan is private.

You can book this as a small-group tour with other travelers or as a fully private tour with your own guide and driver. The choice is yours at checkout. If you require a Tajikistan e-visa, check your eligibility before booking, as this may be required depending on your nationality.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and round-trip transfer to the Tajikistan border in a private vehicle.
• professional full-time guide in English or Russian from door to door.
• private transportation within Tajikistan in a comfortable car, SUV or minivan.
• traditional Tajik lunch.
• one liter of bottled water per person.
• full-day access to all seven lakes with stops at each one.

Options for this experience

2 options

All-Inclusive Private TourGuide in English or Russian · 10 departure times: the first at 05:00, the last at 10:00includes pickup

All-Inclusive Small-Group TourGuide in English or Russian · 07:30includes pickup

You pick the guide language when booking.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day10 departure times: the first at 05:00, the last at 10:00

Book up to3h before

AgesAdult (8 and older) · Child (3 to 7 years): free · Infant (under 3): free

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Russian

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 8 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by tourgoCA

Is this one for you?Choose the small-group option if you're comfortable sharing the guide and vehicle with other travelers and want to meet people. Book the private tour if you prefer your own dedicated guide and driver, or if your schedule or interests need flexibility within the day. Both options visit all seven lakes and include the same meals and services. The difference is who else is in the vehicle.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Russian.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 7 years): free; Infant (under 3): free.

What does the border crossing involve?

You cross the Uzbekistan–Tajikistan border on foot with your guide, who assists with the necessary entry formalities. Your driver waits on the Uzbekistan side and meets you again once you've completed the crossing.

Can I visit all seven lakes in one day?

Yes, the tour visits all seven lakes by vehicle. The seventh lake, Hazorchashma, is reached by an optional trek of 2.5 km one way with 340 meters of elevation gain. If you prefer not to trek, you can view it from the vehicle or skip it entirely.

What is included in the tour price?

Hotel pickup and drop-off in Samarkand, private transportation within Tajikistan, a professional guide for the full day, border crossing assistance, a traditional Tajik lunch, and one liter of bottled water per person are all included.

How long is the full day?

The tour runs nine to ten hours from hotel pickup to return, including all seven lakes and lunch.

What's the difference between the small-group and private tour options?

The small-group tour shares a guide and vehicle with other travelers. The private tour gives you your own dedicated guide and driver for the day. Both visit the same seven lakes and include the same meals and services.