Kulikalon Lakes

Day 1 – Samarkand → Artuch → Kulikalon Lakes

Morning departure from Samarkand by car/van (approx. 6–7 hrs drive via Penjikent, Tajikistan – border crossing at Jartepa).

Stop in Penjikent for lunch and short city tour (optional).

Continue to Artuch Mountain Base Camp (2,200 m) – transfer by 4x4 to trekking start point.

Trek (~2–3 hours) through scenic mountain valleys to Kulikalon Lakes (2,800 m), surrounded by towering peaks like Maria, Adamtash, and Rudaki.

Set up camp / stay in mountain hut or yurt (depending on season).

Dinner with a view of the lakes and stargazing at night.

Day 2 – Kulikalon Lakes → Artuch → Samarkand

Sunrise over the lakes – breakfast.

Short hike to nearby lakes (Bibyjanat, Dushokha, or Ziyorat) and panoramic viewpoints.

Trek back to Artuch base camp (~2 hours).

Lunch in Artuch or Penjikent.

Drive back to Samarkand, arriving in the evening.