Join our May 2023 Hunza Valley Express Tour – only a few spots left.
Join our May 2023 Hunza Valley Express Tour – only a few spots left.
DIFFICULTY: Moderate
TOTAL DISTANCE: 60km trekking
MAX ALTITUDE: 4750 meters
TOUR DURATION: 14 days
LODGING: Mix of camping, hotels
GROUP SIZE: 10 people Max
Nestled in one of the world’s most rugged, remote, and rarely visited corners lies a stash of priceless jewels and artifacts, guarded by staggering giants.
These jewels are the pristine, sparkling lakes and alpine scenes of the Fann Mountains.
The Fann Mountains of Tajikistan hide some of the most beautiful natural attractions and exciting trails in all of Asia. Crystalline lakes, barren mountain peaks, and the occasional nomadic family are all that is to be found in this remote land.
And for that reason, we are beyond stoked to take you there.
Join us on a new trek unlike any we’ve done before. Explore the Fann Mountains and visit the fabled Silk Road cities of Samarkand and Bukhara in addition.
This expedition is a cultural and natural wonder for those who truly want to get off the beaten path.
Dates | Places | Deposit | Full |
|---|---|---|---|
| August 20th - September 2nd, 2023 | $500 | $2690 |
REFUNDS RELATED TO COVID-19
GENERAL REFUND POLICY – Read our full Refund Policy
Whether you’re just curious about this trip or are ready to make a deposit, we’re here for you.
To submit an inquiry or make a trip deposit, please fill out and submit the form below.
Early morning arrival in Samarkand either via Istanbul or Tashkent. After meeting, we spend the rest of the day exploring the cultural sites of the old city, including the famous madrassas of Registan.
In the evening, we will meet again for a group dinner and will have a briefing outlining the rest of the trip.
We depart from Samarkand early and head for the Tajik border, situated only 40 km away (1 hour drive). We will walk across the border and meet jeeps on the other side.
From the border, we will drive to ancient Panjakent and stop at a local market before moving on Artuch Base Camp. We will spend the night here before beginning our 9 day/8 night trek.
6 km walking. 670m elevation gain. Sleep at 2830m.
Today is the first of our 8-days trekking, We depart from Arctuch Camp and make for the picturesque Kulikalon Lakes. Overall, today is a moderate hiking day and a good chance to get our legs warmed up.
5 km total walking. 160m elevation gain. Sleep at 2990m.
An easy trekking day as we walk a relatively short distance to a nearby group of lakes. Situated at the base of a mountain cirque, this is one of the most photogenic spots in our Fann Mountains trek.
9 km total walking. 870 meter elevation gain and 1080 meter loss. Top out at 3860m. Sleep at 2780m.
The first alpine pass we cross in the Fann Mountains! At the top, you will be afforded amazing views of the lakes below and surrounding mountains.
Following our descent of Alaudin Pass, we will arrive at the Alaudin (Chapdara) Lakes. Total trekking time should be around 6 hours. We will eat dinner at a local teahouse near the lakes and will pick up a food stash for the following days.
7 km total waling. 740m elevation gain. Sleep at 3520m.
Today we veer south and head for Mutney Lake: the halfway point of this trek. A moderate hiking day before the push up to the trek’s highpoint, Chimtarga Pass, the next day. Sleep at the lake.
6 km total walking. 1040 meters elevation gain. Sleep at 4560m.
A steep ascent up to Chimtarga High Camp just below Chimtarga Col. We will bivvy here and cross the pass the next day.
Note: our pack animals will only be able to walk until 4000 meters and will not be able to cross the pass. Porters can be hired in the place of pack animas but this must be done in advance.
9 km total walking. 190m elevation gain and drop 1,600 m. High point is 4,750m. Sleep at 3,150m.
Chimtarga Col is the highest pass on this Fann Mountain itinerary. But it won’t feel like a difficult crossing since we gained most of our elevation the day before!
Following a brief rest at the top of the pass – where we are afforded excellent views of the two highest mountains in the range, Chimtarga (5,489m) and Energyia (5,109m) – we make the long descent down to Big Allo Lake.
We arrive at Big Allo Lake and give our feet a much needed rest.
0 km total walking. 0m elevation gain. Sleep at 3,150m.
We spend a full day resting at Big Allo Lake after conquering Chimtarga Col. Those feeling EXTRA brave can attempt to go for a refreshing swim in the frigid lake.
6 km total walking. 810 meter descent. Sleep at 2,340m.
A moderate hiking day where we descend down to Small Allo Lake from Big Allo Lake. This is our last night camping in the wilderness.
6 km total walking. 560 meter descent.
We make our final descent and meet our jeeps at the end of the trail before saying goodbye to our hosts for the last week: the Fann Mountains.
From the trailhead, we head straight to the border and cross back into Uzbekistan. We spend the night in Samarkand again, where hot showers await.
We depart from Samarkand at midday and take the high-speed train to Bukhara: another fabled oasis city on the old Silk Road. Bukhara is similar to Samarkand but offers a superior sightseeing experience.
We check into a guesthouse upon arrival and spend a half-day exploring the city while guided.
We spend the morning in Bukhara before catching the afternoon train back to Samarkand.
We check into our hotel and have one last debriefing, talking all about our favorite moments from the trip.
The final day where we say goodbye to one another and the amazing country that has hosted us. Transfers from the hotel to Samarkand International Airport will be arranged.
Note: Epic Backpacker Tours will not be responsible for arranging transport for those departing from Tashkent International Airport or elsewhere.
Spend an extra two days with us as we go on a side trip to Uzbekistan’s least visited but arguably most beautiful oasis town: Khiva.
Khiva is far off the beaten path and much harder to access than Bukhara or Samarkand. For this reason, many exclaim that it offers the most authentic experience of all Uzbekistan’s oasis towns. It’s ancient walls, minarets, and madrassas are all impeccably preserved and can rival anything in Registan or Old Bukhara.
This trip extension includes additional accommodation in hotels, train ticket from Bukhara to Khiva, return flight to Tashkent, and a local guide for the entire 2-day duration.
Total price: $360
Dates in question: September 7th – 8th
Participants will need consider visa procedures for two countries on this trip: one for Uzbekistan and one for Tajikistan.
Many Western nations do not need a visa to visit Uzbekistan. US citizens will need to arrange a visa beforehand. Those who need visas can acquire them either via an online portal or by applying at your local embassy.
Note: you will need a DOUBLE-entry visa for Uzbekistan.
The visa policy of Tajikistan is much more relaxed. Most Western nations, including the USA and Canada, don’t need one to enter the country.
Always check before booking the visa policy of both Uzbekistan and Tajikistan for your nationality.
The dominant language in Uzbekistan is Uzbek, a form of Turkic. In Tajikistan, it is Tajik, a form of Persian. Various communities also peak their own dialects.
Russian is the de facto language of both countries though and is widely understood by all.
The total length of the self-contained section of the trek is about 60 kilometers done over 9 days. Yet unlike hut-to-hut trekking common in Europe and Nepal, our trip involves wild camping, mostly on pristine alpine meadows above the treeline.
Remaining self-contained allows for more tranquility and enables a more intimate connection with nature. This also means no lodges, no showers and no maintained trails. We may spend days – or even the entire trek – without seeing any other humans.
The trekking season in the Fann Mountains is short, and sometimes made shorter by high snowfall in either spring or autumn. Summers are relatively dry but storms can happen at any time of the year. By September, it can be quite cold at higher elevations.
For the first five days of the trek, we will have a team of pack mules helping to carry a bunch of our group gear and personal luggage.
We will then get to a point where we need to cross a mountain pass in which the mules can not cross.
At this point you will need to carry your own backpack OR there is the opportunity to hire a human porter for an additional $100 USD.
Chat with us now!
Chat with us now!
“Sed ut perspiciatis unde omnis iste natus error sit voluptatem accusantium doloremque laudantium, totam rem aperiam, eaque ipsa quae ab illo inventore veritatis et quasi architecto beatae vitae dicta sunt explicabo. Nemo enim ipsam voluptatem quia voluptas sit aspernatur aut odit aut fugit, sed quia consequuntur magni dolores eos qui ratione voluptatem sequi nesciunt. Neque porro quisquam est, qui dolorem ipsum quia dolor sit amet, consectetur, adipisci velit, sed quia non numquam eius modi tempora incidunt ut labore et dolore magnam aliquam quaerat voluptatem.
Ut enim ad minima veniam, quis nostrum exercitationem ullam corporis suscipit laboriosam, nisi ut aliquid ex ea commodi consequatur? Quis autem vel eum iure reprehenderit qui in ea voluptate velit esse quam nihil molestiae consequatur, vel illum qui dolorem eum fugiat quo voluptas nulla pariatur?”
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
Our flagship Pakistani adventure tour. Road trip with some hiking and cultural immersion.
A trekking-style tour that features some very remote locations, inlcuding a K2 viewpoint.
Adventure Guide
João has born in the mountains of Madeira Islands in Portugal. Nature lover, writer, musician, guide, for him, a day without contact with outdoor vibes is a nightmare.
With a degree in Cultural Studies in Portugal and a Master of Arts in Global Cultures and Creativity in the U.K.
João found out what really matters in life can be found on the trails, and in the contact with people from different backgrounds and cultures.
Guiding, crazy trekking missions, and sharing observations about the natural world, – these are some of João’s passions.
After trekking to K2 Base Camp and exploring all over Northern Pakistan, he fell in love with the country and the local people. His experiences resulted in his desire to share these feelings with the world.
João is one of the most experienced guides at Epic and his skillset and positive mindset in the mountains is second to none
When not in Pakistan, João is guiding and exploring in the Madeira Islands trails – discovering some of the hidden treasures on his Portuguese Island.
“
João I can not thank you enough for the off the beaten paths and views you keep giving. Definitely one of the most challenging and amazing hikes we did 1200m meters all the way up to Fanal forest and circling back to the hidden village. Wow!
– Jeffery
Meet him during : Lost World of Europe | Discover the Hunza Valley | K2 Base Camp Trek
Adventure Guide
Sohail is the newest addition to the Epic Backpacker Tours team and we are beyond stoked to have him on board. As a veteran of the Karakoram and a native of Karimabad in Hunza, there is not much Sohail can’t do in the mountains.
Besides having the ability to speak more languages than we can count, Sohail has explored every corner of Gilgit Baltistan and logs more trekking miles
in a year than most people will do in a lifetime. As of the summer of 2022, Sohail has summited Gasherbrum 1, Gasherbrum 2, and K2 – three of Pakistan’s five 8000-meter peaks. Sohail guides several trips including our annual bespoke expeditions but specializes in Hunza Valley tours.
“
Chris and Sohail, and the team at Epic are FANTASTIC! Highly recommend anyone to do a tour with ‘Epic’. They have the perfect balance of fun, excitement and wild adventures, tied in with being super professional and ensuring your safety/health in a foreign environment. Don’t waste a moment and book a tour with these guys as the value for money is UNREAL!
– Borgan
Meet him during : Discover the Hunza Valley
Adventure Guide
Pedro’s been traveling all around the globe since 2009. His keen interests in documentary photography, rural life, and local people from different ethnic groups have been the focus of many of his professional projects.
Since 2012, he has developed his passion for travel and awesome shared experiences into a full-time adventure photography tour leader position.
Pedro has found himself continuously going back to the Middle East, with his likely favorite destination being Iran. Pedro will be leading his 11th tour in Iran with EBT this coming spring 2020
When Pedro’s not traveling the world with Epic Backpacker Tours, you’ll find him based in the western south of Portugal planning he’s next adventure missions, logistics and working out his photos in local exhibitions.
“
I loved the combination of hiking, camping around breathtaking scenery mixed with the cultural aspects. The guide (Pedro) is knowledgeable and work very hard to make the trip as memorable as possible. All in all an epic adventure with some extremely epic individuals! Go for it, you won’t regret it!
– Saisun
“
Touring Iran with EBT in May 2022 was way above our expectation: itineraries well planned and carefully executed, perfect mix of sights and trekking, delicious food, nice accommodation, great guides and wonderful fellow travellers. Trekking can be handled by anyone physically fit. Highly recommended for those who want to experience the real Iran.
– Sumera
Meet him during : The Ultimate Iran Adventure
Adventure Admin / Marketing
After fleeing from the corporate fashion world in Paris towards the start of 2020, Diane has been working as a web developer and graphic designer remotely from various bases across the globe
She brings all of her incredible design and organizational power to Epic Backpacker Tours and is responsible for many of the beautiful behind-the-scenes design elements.
Diane has been to Iran and to Pakistan twice including all over Gilgit Baltistan and KPK.
Head of Operations | Guide
A veteran of Pakistan travel, Ralph is an experienced guide, photographer and writer who specializes in documenting remote locations.
Not one to simply go where everyone else does, he insists on exploring new and lesser-known areas.
Together with Epic Backpacker Tours, he shows people parts of Pakistan that most other operators don’t even know about. He is particularly fond of the village of Barah, which he believes will become just as famous as Hunza one day.
“
Just got back from EBT’s Trekking Amongst Giants 15 day tour. The experience was first class. Ralph, our head guide, ensured that the entire trip ran smoothly and relatively on time (a bonus for anyone travelling in Pakistan). We had so many unforgettable days on the tour and the trekking was well-planned, safe but also a rewarding challenge.
– Calvin
“
Traveling to a non-tourist destination can be a little intimidating but EBT takes all of the worry and trepidation away. From the pre-trip call to meeting the wonderful staff in person you can tell that you are dealing with a company that has a passion for what they do each and every day. Ralph, Zahid, and Khan were supportive, kind, and always willing to go the extra mile to make sure that everyone on the trip was getting what they wanted out of the experience.
– Katrina
Meet him during : Trekking Amongst Giants | Discover the Celestial Mountains | K2 Base Camp Trek
Founder | Adventure Guide | Director
For the last eleven years, Chris has been seeking out every shade of adventure in various parts of the globe and had visited more than 65 countries along the way.
Since 2011, Chris has logged more than 6300 trail miles across five continents and climbed multiple 6000 + 7000 meter peaks in Pakistan and Nepal.
In 2017, a distant dream and a deep passion for the mountains and people of Pakistan led Chris to found Epic Backpacker Tours at a time when foreign adventure tourism in Pakistan was almost nonexistent. Since then, Chris has guided more than 15 expeditions to various parts of Northern Pakistan.
Chris believes in using photography and powerful adventure experiences to dismantle negative stereotypes regarding what mainstream media considers “dangerous” countries while facilitating unique and meaningful memories in the mountains for countless people from around the globe.
Long-distance hiking, learning languages, meaningful conversations, all things Turkish food, mountaineering, and making tasty coffee above 6,000 meters rank among his favorite things in life.
For him, an ideal start to the day begins with a steaming cup of good coffee, the beam of a headlamp, alpine boots, and a camera in hand.
When he is not leading or planning tours, Chris works as a writer and photographer on his blog Off the Atlas – an adventure travel blog all about Pakistan.
Read this interview our staff did with Chris to learn more about him!
“
Chris believes in Pakistan and its people, and he believes in the value of journeys shared with others and family cultivated on the road. Honesty and integrity are at the heart of what he does, and this really shines through in his work as a guide. He also makes great coffee – whether at 5am in an empty guesthouse or half way up a Himalayan peak.”
– Will De Villers
“
Pakistan is a magical country! Had 3 of the best weeks of my life thanks to Epic Backpacking Tours with owner, and one of our awesome guides, Chris. From detailed itinerary, preparation with an equipment list, and visa assistance. To amazing food, great porters, helpful guides, and great accommodations. Epic really hit home run after home run. […]
Their desire for adventure and amazing trip is just as high as yours. Bring a good pound of coffee for the trip. French press coffee every morning and no average tin coffee, plus you’ll be in your guides good books.
– Clark Tyler
How? Sign up to our Newsletter! For every 500 people, we draw a name and issue trip credits to the lucky winner!
Be the first to know when we launch new trips, share Epic news, and offer special discounts.
