The Kulikalon and Alauddin lakes area in Tajikistan is a mountaineer’s dream. With extraordinary snow-capped glaciers, twisty mountain roads, gorgeous alpine lakes, and dense juniper forests, there is plenty of opportunity for hiking and trekking in the Fann Mountains. In fact, these lakes are some of the most accessible in the country and well worth a trek whether you are an experienced hiker or not.
The blue glacial lakes of Tajikistan are the main reasons why trekkers and mountain-climbers visit the lesser-known region of the Fann Mountains. The hundred-plus snowcapped peaks of the Fanns are the third-highest on Earth and their dramatic landscape dotted with lakes of all shapes and sizes are well worth exploring.
Kulikalon Lake (the Big Lake) lies at an altitude of 2,800 meters and is the second-largest lake in the Fann Mountains, seconded only by the mighty Iskanderkul Lake. In fact, the lake is so big that it is actually made up of two separate lakes: the large Bolshoi Kulikalon and the smaller Maly Kulikalon. These two lakes are linked by a channel and boast trickling creeks, wooded shorelines, and shoals of Marinka fish.
The northern shoreline of Kulikalon Lake is the better area for swimming as the southern shoreline is much colder. The western shoreline has the best conditions for hiking, while the shores of the larger Bolshoi Lake is ideal for exploring as you can hunt for stunning gemstones in the abounded fluorite quarries that surround it.
From Kulikalon, there are two routes to get to Lake Alauddin: the Alauddin Pass or the longer but less strenuous Laudin Pass. Taking a climb up the Alauddin Lakes Pass will offer a fantastic view of the lakes of varying shades of blue, while Adamtash on the other side of the valley is ideal for mountaineering.
Alauddin Lake, located at 2,700 meters above sea level, is a series of stepped lakes in the Pasrud Valley that flow from one to another. There are no fish in the lake and it is a swimming spot only for the brave because the water is very cold.
Many visit Alauddin Lake so that they can set up a base camp alongside the blue waters of the lake and the Chapdara Wall which glows golden at sunset. This is a great location for exploring the higher peaks of the Adamtash (4579 meters), Maria (4856 meters), Mirali (5106 meters), and Alauddin Peak (4134 meters) but make sure that you properly acclimatize yourself first. As you climb further, you will eventually have an incredible view over the entire Fann Mountains region!
From Alauddin Lake, you can climb up to Mutnye Lakes (Muddy Lakes) in the course of a day. This unusual mud-colored alpine lake lies nestled between the Zamok and Chimtarga mountains, the highest peak in the region that you can reach without special gear. There are plenty of hikes leading away from the muddy lake so whether you choose to continue along the Chimtarga Pass is totally up to you. At 4750 meters, it is the most challenging hike in the Fann Mountains.
Tajikistan trekking tours and hiking the Kulikalon and Alauddin lakes area of the Fann Mountains is truly rewarding. The scenery is ever-changing from juniper forests and rich vegetation to glaciers, uplands, and snowfields. Apart from hiking and mountaineering, the area is also a popular spot for rafting, biking, paragliding, downhill skiing and much more.
The best time to visit the Kulikalon and Alauddin lakes area is from May to October when there is less rainfall and the weather is much warmer. At other times of the year, the Kulikalon lakes, even at its low altitude, can see sudden onsets of snow – sometimes even in the middle of summer.
The Kulikalon and Alauddin lakes area can be hiked as part of the lakes loop or it can be combined with any of Paramount Journey’s trekking and hiking adventures on a Fann Mountain tour. Take a look at our tours and itineraries for more information.
