Tajikistan: Mogiyon to Haft Kul Trek
Таджикистан: Могион – Хафт-Куль
Located in the far west of the Fann Mountains, the Mogiyon to Haft Kul Trek combines the off the beaten path village of Mogiyon with a classic Fanns destination in Haft Kul. The Mogiyon-Haft Kul trek is perfect for those looking for a short overnight adventure that’s easily accessible. With a maximum altitude of 3,288 meters, it’s also a good option for those that have just arrived in Tajikistan and are wanting to acclimatize for higher altitude treks later in their trip.
For those short on time but still wanting to squeeze in a trek in Tajikistan, the Mogiyon to Haft Kul hike also offers a good combination of different landscapes ranging from narrow canyons, villages set in green valleys, raging blue rivers, still turquoise lakes, and magnificent alpine scenery.
Total km: 38.5 km
Total days: 2
Elevation gain/loss: 3,159m+/2,825m-
Start point: Mogiyon
Endpoint: Padrud, Haft Kul
GPS Files
The trek from Mogiyon to the Haft Kul is moderately strenuous due to length but is straightforward to navigate as this is a common route used by local shepherds between the two valleys. Following the Subashi River Valley southward, you will break away to the east to climb into Komichura Pass before descending to a Fann favorite- the Seven Lakes, known locally as the Haft Kul. This is a lower altitude trek for Tajikistan, with an elevation of 1,523m in Mogiyon at the start, 3,288m at its highest atop Komichura Pass, and 1,850m at the end in Padrud.
Mogiyon to Haft Kul Trek: Stage 1
Mogiyon to Rogich
Total km: 15 km
Walking time: 4 hours
Total time: 5 hours
Elevation gain/loss: 1572m+/914-
The path leading south from the village of Mogiyon follows the track of an old roadbed, passing through the village orchards along the edge of the Subashi River. Around 1 hour or 3.5 kilometers into the walk, the landscape will become progressively more arid as you leave the green crops and fertile orchards of the village behind for the desertified mountains beyond.
At roughly 4.7 km, the path will need to cross a bridge to the other side of the river as the path starts to curve to the east. You will again cross wooden bridges at roughly 5.7 km and at 7.5 km. The path then bends to the south at 8.5 km to enter into an impressive high-walled canyon cut by the rushing Subashi River where you’ll cross another wooden bridge.
After 300 meters, beyond this narrow canyon, the valley becomes wide and craggy. The trek continues for about 6km further, crisscrossing the river by bridge four more times before arrival inthethe verdant village of Rogich. It’s possible to book a homestay here in the village (contact ZDTA to make arrangements), but it’s also fine to camp nearby.
Mogiyon-Haft Kul Trek: Stage 2
Rogich to Padrud
Total km: 23.5
Walking time: 8 hours
Total time: 9 hours
Elevation gain/loss: 1,587m+/1,911-m
From Rogich, follow the Subashi River Valley due east to begin the trek up to Komichura Pass. The walk is gradual switchbacking up a long valley, climbing about 5 hours from Rogich to the top of the pass, with a sharp dip to the south and back to go around a particularly steep section just before the pass. Arriving at the top of the pass offering views of the 6th lake of Marguzor below, and of the rugged ridges that line both sides of the Haft Kul valley to the north and south.
On the descent you will pass through the mountain village of Soimarguzor on the way to Marguzor below. Once to the bottom of the valley, it’s possible to continue about 1 km further to the south to visit the Seventh Lake of Hazorchazma, or to turn north down the valley immediately upon reaching the lower section of Marguzor.
Continuing to the north, you’ll be walking on a dirt road along the eastern shore of Marguzor lake for about 8 km to reach Padrud. The track continues past the Khurdak lake (lake #5 of 7) before reaching Padrud, a small village where it’s possible to catch a shared taxi out of the valley.
Alternate Options for the Mogiyon-Haft Kul Trek
It is easy to connect the Mogiyon to Haft Kul trek to other routes in the Fanns for those wanting to extend their trek. Follow the path up to Kiogli from the eastern shore of Marguzor. The trail continues up into 3,300m Tavasang Pass before descending into the Sarymat River Valley. From the Sarymat River, there are a number of routes to take you to various destinations in the Fanns including Iskanderkul, Bolshoi Allo, the Kulikalon and Alovaddin Lakes system, among others.
Good to know
There are no entrance fees to this part of the Fann Mountains, though don’t be surprised if one is adopted in the future as the Haft Kul is one of the most-visited destinations in the country.
There is a checkpoint at the village of Shing along the road to Haft Kul. Passports and visas will be checked there, as this is a border zone near the Uzbek border. Copies will not suffice.
It is entirely possible to do the Mogiyon to Haft Kul trek with no camping gear as there are homestays in Mogiyon, Rogich, Padrud, Nofin, as well as a Turbaza on the north end of Marguzor.
Porters and guides are available for those that want them. It’s usually no problem to hire porters/pack animals on the spot, but if you’d like to arrange them in advance, get in contact with ZTDA. Expect pack animal porter service to run about 300 TJS or so per day.
This trek is well marked on apps such as Maps.me, Open Street Maps, and GAIA GPS.
Getting to the Mogiyon to Haft Kul Trek
Getting to Mogiyon is most easily done from the city of Panjakent. Shared taxis depart most mornings from a lot just south of the Panjakent Bazaar for about 75 TJS for a seat (expect to haggle a bit) for the 90 minute journey. Ask around if you’re unsure of where the lot is, people will point it out to you.
Getting back from Padrud after the hike you will find that there is a shared taxi departing on most mornings. Expect to pay about 60 TJS for a seat.
If doing the trek in reverse, the prices are about the same. Haft Kul-bound shared taxis leave near the bazaar in Panjakent. A shared taxi leaves Mogiyon on most days, so enquire with locals or ask your homestay host to help arrange a pickup.
Where to stay and eat
One thing that makes the Mogiyon to Haft Kul trek unique is that there is no need to lug around camping gear if you don’t want, as you can trek from homestay to homestay quite easily. Homestays are available in Mogiyon, Rogich, Padrud, Nofin, and a Turbaza on the north end of Marguzor. Plan to pay around 285 TJS per night for a bed along with dinner and breakfast. If you’d prefer to make bookings in advance, the Zerafshan Tourism Board in Penjakent can help either via email or at their office in Penjakent.
There are several small stores as well as the larger Panjakent Bazaar to pick up provisions for the trek before you leave Panjakent.
[All photos courtesy of Adventures of Nicole]
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