Private Tour
All-inclusive Daytrip to Seven Lakes and Panjakent from Samarkand
Overview
Available languages
9 hours
Mobile ticket
Embark on an extraordinary one-day journey from Samarkand into the heart of Tajikistan. Traverse the legendary Fann Mountains and marvel at seven pristine lakes, set against a backdrop of towering peaks (up to 4000m), rushing waterfalls, and vibrant rural landscapes. This carefully paced tour ensures you capture breathtaking views at every stop without feeling rushed. Your adventure continues in Panjakent, where you’ll explore the lively Bazaar, visit ancient mosque and madrasah, discover the 5500-year-old ruins of Sarazm—a true window into Central Asia’s rich past. The tour is meticulously designed to offer a maximized experience without the stress of a rushed itinerary. Every stop is thoughtfully scheduled, ensuring that you have ample time to fully appreciate the unique beauty of each location. Embrace the adventure, connect with ancient legacies, and let the vibrant soul of Tajikistan lead you into a story that is as enduring as the mountains themselves in one unforgettable day.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Alcoholic Beverages - allowed only to 18 years old and above.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Private transportation
All Fees and Taxes
Pick-up and drop-off from your address
Bottled water
Lunch in a traditional house or lunch - picnic at the lakes
Lunch
Visa if required, and gratuities
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
What To Expect
Samarkand
Meet our Uzbek driver in your hotel lobby at our agreed time that can be between 08:00 to 10:00am. Drive to Tajikistan border. Cross border walking to Tajikistan side and meet our Tajik team at Tajikistan side with a meeting sign written your name on it. And then we drive to our first sight, to Ancient Sarazm ruins.
Proto-urban site of Sarazm
Sarazm: A stone’s throw away from the border crossing are the UNESCO-listed ruins of Sarazm. More than 5,500 years old, they’re remains of the first agricultural society in Central Asia. A remarkably tall human skeleton, dubbed the “Princess of Sarazm”, was found here with some of her ornaments. Archaeologists also found artifacts indicating ancient trading routes stretching as far as modern day Iran and Pakistan. And one of the most ancient places related to Zoroastrian civilization and religion.
Options
Budget option of the tour
Duration: 9 hours
Food is excluded in thi option
Same as all-inclusive option
Sedan, SUV or minivan
Pickup included
All-inclusive option of tour
Pickup included
Reviews
9 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Fantastic trip
lunchforone,
Apr 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fantastic trip, well organized. Great guide, quick walk around the marker and smooth as possible trip up to the lakes Lunch was set up beautiful in the shade with fresh green tea & strawberries as dessert
Gorgeous Tajikistan, wonderful drivers and guide
RumanaExplores,
Nov 17, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I took a wonderful tour of the Tajikistan Seven Lakes from Samarkand with Marco Polo. The Seven Lake's were even more beautiful that I had expected! I definitely recommend. From the start, my experience was excellent. Said helped me join an existing tour, so I could share costs rather than book a solo tour. Our driver from Samarkand, Java, was skilled, friendly, and available right on time when we crossed back over the border. Our driver in Tajikistan, Shamsiddin, was outstanding, and our guide Mumin was lovely. They were flexible to our group's needs and interests, caring, patient and very trustworthy. Note: the border crossing itself, you do on your own, so make sure you have read up on the process and requirements so that you have a smooth entry between the countries. Enjoy your tour!
Amazing seven lakes tour
hamza138,
Nov 2, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We went on a day tour to the seven lakes/ halft kul with momin who was a great guide for the day. They were even so helpful as to arrange transport from Samarkand to the Tajik border for us. Afterwards we got time to see the Panjakent Bazaar and the old mosque. Our journey continued to the beautiful mountains with the guide telling us stories while the experienced driver made us feel safe. The nature in the 7 lakes was breath taking. We ended the day by visiting some ancient sites of 5500 years old. All in all it was an amazing day and we would really recommend as the experience was unparalleled.
Great experience- do not miss it
Alina B,
Oct 12, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00Apart from the natural sights, both the driver and the guide had a polite and personalised approach and offered a lot of insights into local culture. I still remember the day we had our tour and it charges me with positive energy. 10/10
Excellent and well itganized day trip to Seven Lakes from Samarkand
ketchuprequired,
May 26, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We did the one day tour to the seven lakes with Said and his Marco Polo tour company. Said was very organized and helpful and responded immediately through WhatsApp to make arrangements. He does not lead the tour - there is a driver and a young guide who spoke decent English and was very nice. Said arranged a taxi to the border. It probably would have been cheaper to arrange this ourselves but this was easy. It cost $30 USD total for both directions together. The border crossing is done on foot and is easy enough. There are just quite a few checkpoints to go through but it was not busy when we were there. The whole process including walking time took maybe 25 minutes. After the border, they picked us up and we proceeded about 15 minutes into Panjakent where we went to the market. The guide showed us around. This was a fantastic market. The locals were very friendly too and wanted to show us their goods. While there, the river bought plov, oranges and bread for our lunch. From there we continued on to the seven lakes area. We stopped for lunch after the first lake. The lakes are very pretty and you can see village life along the way. The one lane, cliff side road was an experience itself!! The driver is very good and safe. We hiked to the seventh lake. We were told it would be two hours total but we did it on one hour including stopping at the top. It’s 3 km one way I think, and not too hard. I am always worried about bathrooms! Ha! We stopped after the market and then was offered again in a village just before heading up to the lakes. Otherwise, it’s just bushes or rocks. Bring your own toilet paper and a bag to carry it out. The lakes are different shades of turquoise and the mountain peaks are snow covered in May. Just a note - the lakes are at low volume in mid-May and I am sure they would be spectacular by June or July. The temperature is great in May. The road is very bumpy and dusty - just be warned if you have a bad back, but we didn’t mind. It is windy, but you are going slow so I was not carsick. Note: We DID NOT book this through viator - it is much, much less expensive booking it with Marco Polo or through Indy Guide (which is how I found it). All in all, a worthwhile and easy day trip from Samarkand. It’s a nice break from all the buildings and tiles too. We are very glad we did it.
Fabulous
Barefoot L,
May 25, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00An absolutely stunning part of the world and the one day tour organized by Said was perfect. I highly recommend the one day tour if you only have time for just a taste of Tajikistan.
A great day trip to the stunning Seven Lakes
DarraghMoloney,
May 21, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was a great day trip, I really enjoyed my time in Tajikistan, I was met by the company at the border without any difficulty. Our driver and guide were very helpful and the guide spoke pretty good English. We first went into Panjakent city, visiting the mosque and nearby bazaar, I really liked the bazaar, it was a different experience to those in Uzbekistan. We then travelled to the Seven lakes, the road got bumpier and dustier along the way. After 1.5 hours, we reached the first lake, the lakes are all accessible by road, except the seventh. We had time at each lake on the way up, we had a picnic lunch (because we were there during Ramadan) at a small village near the sixth lake, after lunch we drove further up the valley and hiked the last 400 metres to the seventh lake, which was still partially frozen. The lakes were stunning azure shades of blue and each lake has its own charm. After returning to Panjakent we visited Sarazm Archaeological site before returning to the Uzbek border. Overall the day was very enjoyable and everyone was very helpful and friendly, Tajikistan is a beautiful country and the seven lakes were well worth visiting, the day was a little long but not strenuous at all. Said was very helpful beforehand with particulars, arrangements and questions, I would recommend using his company.
Amazing experience!
martabB9191LC,
May 17, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Amazing experience! We highly recommend the trip to the seven lakes! Our guide Anusha was very nice and helpful. The trip includes a stop in the city to visit the old mosque and the bazaar, where you can choose the food for your lunch later on. Then we drove to the seven lakes, we had a stop for a lunch picnic on the grass (amazing view!), and continued to the last lake. Throughout the trip, you drive through small local villages. Amazing experience to get to know the Tajik culture, our guide Anusha and the driver told us a lot of interesting things! Highly recommend!
Excellent tour in Tajikistan!
jhadera2022,
Apr 10, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent tour in Tajikistan with Said and his team! Our guide Shahzod and all the drivers were extremely professional and very knowledgeable. We visited all Seven Lakes in one day, had a great picnic by the mountains, hiked, visited the local market and the local mosque, and had all the time we wanted to explore the beautiful nature. Smooth pick-up and drop-off at the border checkpoint in a very comfortable and spacious car, very well suited for the mountainous terrain. We experienced the best of Tajikistan’s warm hospitality. Cannot recommend this tour and Said’s company enough.
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Operated by Travel company Marco Polo