TAJIKISTAN

Seven Secret Lakes

Hidden deep in Tajikistan’s Fann Mountains, the Seven Lakes, also known as Haftkul, await travelers seeking pristine natural beauty. Formed by an ancient earthquake that created a cascade of dams in the Shing Valley, these lakes—Nezhigon, Soya, Gushor, Nofin, Khurdak, Marguzor, and Khazorchashma—are each a different shade of blue and green. Their shifting colors are influenced by altitude variations, with the lakes ranging from 1,640 to 2,500 meters above sea level.

Exploring this unique landscape, you’ll journey from lake to lake along winding mountain paths, best navigated with a four-wheel drive. The final lake, Khazorchashma, is accessible only by foot, offering an ideal hike for those who want to soak in fresh mountain air and capture some unforgettable views. Here, in a place untouched by human development, you’ll find just the sky, the mountains, and the water, perfectly undisturbed by modern life.

For an easy two-day trip, start from Samarkand in Uzbekistan. It’s only an hour to the Tajik border, followed by a six- to seven-hour drive to the lakes. You can visit in a day and return by evening. Or why not stay overnight in a local guesthouse, giving you a taste of Tajik hospitality and a deeper connection with this serene landscape.

This journey through the Seven Lakes invites you to reconnect with nature, embracing the tranquil beauty that only untouched wilderness can offer.