All-inclusive Daytrip to Seven Lakes and Panjakent from Samarkand

Fantastic trip, well organized. Great guide, quick walk around the marker and smooth as possible trip up to the lakes Lunch was set up beautiful in the shade with fresh green tea & strawberries as dessert

I took a wonderful tour of the Tajikistan Seven Lakes from Samarkand with Marco Polo. The Seven Lake's were even more beautiful that I had expected! I definitely recommend. From the start, my experience was excellent. Said helped me join an existing tour, so I could share costs rather than book a solo tour. Our driver from Samarkand, Java, was skilled, friendly, and available right on time when we crossed back over the border. Our driver in Tajikistan, Shamsiddin, was outstanding, and our guide Mumin was lovely. They were flexible to our group's needs and interests, caring, patient and very trustworthy. Note: the border crossing itself, you do on your own, so make sure you have read up on the process and requirements so that you have a smooth entry between the countries. Enjoy your tour!

We went on a day tour to the seven lakes/ halft kul with momin who was a great guide for the day. They were even so helpful as to arrange transport from Samarkand to the Tajik border for us. Afterwards we got time to see the Panjakent Bazaar and the old mosque. Our journey continued to the beautiful mountains with the guide telling us stories while the experienced driver made us feel safe. The nature in the 7 lakes was breath taking. We ended the day by visiting some ancient sites of 5500 years old. All in all it was an amazing day and we would really recommend as the experience was unparalleled.

Apart from the natural sights, both the driver and the guide had a polite and personalised approach and offered a lot of insights into local culture. I still remember the day we had our tour and it charges me with positive energy. 10/10

We did the one day tour to the seven lakes with Said and his Marco Polo tour company. Said was very organized and helpful and responded immediately through WhatsApp to make arrangements. He does not lead the tour - there is a driver and a young guide who spoke decent English and was very nice. Said arranged a taxi to the border. It probably would have been cheaper to arrange this ourselves but this was easy. It cost $30 USD total for both directions together. The border crossing is done on foot and is easy enough. There are just quite a few checkpoints to go through but it was not busy when we were there. The whole process including walking time took maybe 25 minutes. After the border, they picked us up and we proceeded about 15 minutes into Panjakent where we went to the market. The guide showed us around. This was a fantastic market. The locals were very friendly too and wanted to show us their goods. While there, the river bought plov, oranges and bread for our lunch. From there we continued on to the seven lakes area. We stopped for lunch after the first lake. The lakes are very pretty and you can see village life along the way. The one lane, cliff side road was an experience itself!! The driver is very good and safe. We hiked to the seventh lake. We were told it would be two hours total but we did it on one hour including stopping at the top. It’s 3 km one way I think, and not too hard. I am always worried about bathrooms! Ha! We stopped after the market and then was offered again in a village just before heading up to the lakes. Otherwise, it’s just bushes or rocks. Bring your own toilet paper and a bag to carry it out. The lakes are different shades of turquoise and the mountain peaks are snow covered in May. Just a note - the lakes are at low volume in mid-May and I am sure they would be spectacular by June or July. The temperature is great in May. The road is very bumpy and dusty - just be warned if you have a bad back, but we didn’t mind. It is windy, but you are going slow so I was not carsick. Note: We DID NOT book this through viator - it is much, much less expensive booking it with Marco Polo or through Indy Guide (which is how I found it). All in all, a worthwhile and easy day trip from Samarkand. It’s a nice break from all the buildings and tiles too. We are very glad we did it.

An absolutely stunning part of the world and the one day tour organized by Said was perfect. I highly recommend the one day tour if you only have time for just a taste of Tajikistan.

This was a great day trip, I really enjoyed my time in Tajikistan, I was met by the company at the border without any difficulty. Our driver and guide were very helpful and the guide spoke pretty good English. We first went into Panjakent city, visiting the mosque and nearby bazaar, I really liked the bazaar, it was a different experience to those in Uzbekistan. We then travelled to the Seven lakes, the road got bumpier and dustier along the way. After 1.5 hours, we reached the first lake, the lakes are all accessible by road, except the seventh. We had time at each lake on the way up, we had a picnic lunch (because we were there during Ramadan) at a small village near the sixth lake, after lunch we drove further up the valley and hiked the last 400 metres to the seventh lake, which was still partially frozen. The lakes were stunning azure shades of blue and each lake has its own charm. After returning to Panjakent we visited Sarazm Archaeological site before returning to the Uzbek border. Overall the day was very enjoyable and everyone was very helpful and friendly, Tajikistan is a beautiful country and the seven lakes were well worth visiting, the day was a little long but not strenuous at all. Said was very helpful beforehand with particulars, arrangements and questions, I would recommend using his company.

Amazing experience! We highly recommend the trip to the seven lakes! Our guide Anusha was very nice and helpful. The trip includes a stop in the city to visit the old mosque and the bazaar, where you can choose the food for your lunch later on. Then we drove to the seven lakes, we had a stop for a lunch picnic on the grass (amazing view!), and continued to the last lake. Throughout the trip, you drive through small local villages. Amazing experience to get to know the Tajik culture, our guide Anusha and the driver told us a lot of interesting things! Highly recommend!

Excellent tour in Tajikistan with Said and his team! Our guide Shahzod and all the drivers were extremely professional and very knowledgeable. We visited all Seven Lakes in one day, had a great picnic by the mountains, hiked, visited the local market and the local mosque, and had all the time we wanted to explore the beautiful nature. Smooth pick-up and drop-off at the border checkpoint in a very comfortable and spacious car, very well suited for the mountainous terrain. We experienced the best of Tajikistan’s warm hospitality. Cannot recommend this tour and Said’s company enough.