Hi everyone! I’m planning a day trip to explore the Seven Lakes in Tajikistan and was thinking of hiring a car to visit the first six lakes. At 77, I don’t think I’m up for hiking to the seventh lake, so a drive seems ideal. However, I’ve come across comments about the road conditions, with some saying it’s bumpy but manageable and others describing it as quite scary with steep hairpin turns.
I tend to get nervous as a passenger, especially on winding roads. Could anyone who has been there share their experience? Are there truly a lot of hairpin turns? Is the road as frightening as some have said? And most importantly, are accidents common on this route? While I’d love to see the lakes, I don’t want the journey to turn into a stressful ordeal. Thank you!
Hi Elizabeth! I’ve visited the Seven Lakes, and I can assure you the drive isn’t as terrifying as you might fear. The roads around the lakes themselves are bumpy and require slow driving, but they’re manageable. The journey to the lakes does involve some winding roads and mountain views, but I wouldn’t call it overly treacherous.
I’ve traveled on much scarier roads in South America, so in comparison, this felt pretty tame. If you hire a local driver, they’ll likely be experienced with these conditions and can adjust their speed to make you feel more comfortable. Just let them know you’re a nervous passenger—they’re usually accommodating. I hope you have a great trip!
Thank you for the reassurance! That’s exactly what I wanted to hear. I’ll make sure to communicate my concerns to the driver.
Hi Elizabeth, I recently did a one-day trip to the Seven Lakes with a fantastic driver who I highly recommend. He has a good 4x4 vehicle, which is perfect for the bumpy roads. While he primarily speaks Russian, he understands a bit of English and is very flexible and reliable.
The cost for a one-day trip is usually between 500–600 TJS for the entire car, which I found quite reasonable. You can reach him on WhatsApp:
+992 00 211 1661
+7 932 609-92-92
With a reliable driver like him, I’m sure you’ll feel safe and enjoy the journey!
Hi Elizabeth, my driver managed to get almost all the way to the seventh lake in a regular car—not even a 4x4! The road conditions didn’t feel dangerous to me at all. That said, I’m used to similar terrain near my home, so maybe it’s a matter of perspective.
The views along the way are breathtaking, and I didn’t notice any particularly sharp or alarming hairpin turns. If you’re unsure, just stop at the sixth lake and take in the beauty there—it’s worth the trip!
Thanks for all the advice, everyone! It sounds like the road is more manageable than I feared. Do you think it’s better to hire a driver in advance or arrange one locally after arriving in Tajikistan?
I’d recommend hiring a driver in advance, especially during the peak tourist season. It gives you more time to research reliable drivers and ensures you won’t be left scrambling for transport on the day of your trip. However, if you prefer flexibility, you can find plenty of drivers in Penjikent or Dushanbe who are familiar with the route. In fact, if you ask hotel staff to recommend you a driver, I am pretty much sure they will quickly arrange you one.
That’s helpful, thanks! Another question—are there any must-see spots at the lakes or along the way?
Absolutely! Each of the Seven Lakes (or Haftkul) has its own unique charm. My favorite was the fifth lake, which had the most vibrant turquoise water I’ve ever seen. If you’re stopping at the sixth lake, take some time to enjoy the surrounding scenery—it’s incredibly peaceful.
On the way, you’ll also pass small villages where you can interact with locals. If you’re lucky, some might even offer fresh bread or fruit. The cultural aspect of this trip is just as rewarding as the natural beauty.
This all sounds wonderful! One last question—are there restrooms or places to stop for a break along the route?
Restrooms are pretty basic and often found near local homes or small roadside stops. It’s a good idea to carry some tissue paper and hand sanitizer. If you’re hiring a driver, they’ll know where to stop for breaks or refreshments.
Hi everyone,
I have visited the Seven Lakes las October, and I can confidently say it’s absolutely worth the trip! For anyone planning to go, here are some tips to help you make the most of your visit:
The weather during daytime remained hot. They say there is would not be any snow till late November - early December.