The road to the first lake from Haft Kul
Shing River Valley
The journey to the valley of the seventh lakes – Haft Kul, is one of the most famous trips in northwestern Tajikistan. Some travelers even go there from neighboring Uzbekistan as a day trip from Samarkand. The journey from Panjakent to the first lake, Mijgon, is only the longest part of the entire trip.
Deserted mountains above the oasis
The road from Panjakent first leads through the wide valley of the Zarafshon River. After about 10 kilometers, in the town of Sujina, we turn into the adjacent valley of the Shing River and climb up. There is one more checkpoint along the way, where you need to show your passport or at least a copy of it – supposedly because of the gold mine nearby. The immediate vicinity of the river is a fertile oasis, and behind it rise barren mountains.
Wide gravel
After about another 13 kilometers the asphalt ends, but the gravel road is still very wide – because of the trucks driving from the gold mines. Sometimes a tanker truck even passes by, sprinkling water here to reduce the dust.
Colorful mountain with gold mine
On the way to the lakes, there is a view of this colorful mountain, on the top of which there is a huge gold mine.
Beautiful valley of the Shing River
Even on the way to the lakes there is still something to see. The valley of the Shing River is truly beautiful.
Dramatic landscape along the road
After passing the turnoffs to the gold mines, the road slowly narrows. The surroundings become more and more dramatic. We slowly approach the first lake.
First lake (1,650m)
Finally we are at the first lake, which is quite elongated.
Amazing view of the lake
Just past the first lake, the road climbs steeply with five switchbacks along an old moraine. From here, the view of the first lake is truly the most beautiful.
