Seven Lakes

Seven lakes, Haftkul, Marguzor lakes - all this is the name of one beautiful complex of lakes in the depths of the Fan Mountains. The natural attraction is located 40 kilometres from the town of Penjikent in the long gorge of the Shing River. Travelers will see the first lake at an altitude of 1640 meters above sea level, and the last one already at around 2400 meters. The amazing blue waters and the surrounding mountain scenery attract these lakes. It is especially beautiful here in summer.

It will take a whole day to see all the Seven Lakes. The path from the first lake to the last is 14 km, but taking into account the stop at each lake for at least 10 minutes, the inspection will take at least 3 hours. It takes 5-6 hours to fully enjoy the beauty of the Seven Lakes. The most convenient way to go here is from Penjikent, and you can also drive 100 km from Samarkand (Uzbekistan) or leave early in the morning from the capital Dushanbe - the distance of 260 km is covered in 5 hours.

For those who want to drive their car to the Seven Lakes, there are two things to know. First: when approaching the lakes, the asphalt road will end and a good dirt road will begin with not the steepest ascents, but a small car may not be able to cope. Second, and more significant: in some places the road goes right by the water and in the summer months it can be flooded (on lakes Nofin and Marguzor).

For those who want to spend more time on the Seven Lakes, there are two options: stay in guesthouses of local residents or set up a tent in one of the many meadows. It should be borne in mind that this is possible only from May to September, since it is rather cold here in autumn and winter. In addition, in the summer months you can go hiking - from Lake Marguzor there is a well-known trekking path to the Tavasang pass (3307 meters), which is connected with several hiking trails in the Fan Mountains.

Seven lakes are not only a picturesque natural monument of Tajikistan, but also curious stories, legends, acquaintance with the local culture. Stone Age petroglyphs were discovered in the vicinity of Lake Marguzor. In the Middle Ages, semiprecious minerals were mined here. In the village of Padrut by Lake Khurdak and in the settlement on Marguzor, you can see the way of life of Tajik families, and even spend the night in one of the guest houses decorated in the national style. Local residents can tell mysterious legends associated with the lakes.