Our bestselling Ultimate Fann Mountains Trek continues to captivate adventurous travellers.

To discover what makes this adventure so spectacular, we spoke to one of our experienced KE trek leaders, Humoyun Bukhorov. Having led the Ultimate Fann Mountain Trek, Humoyun knows this journey inside out. He shares what makes the trek so unforgettable, along with his expert tips and advice for those who have already booked or are considering joining this incredible adventure.

For me, this trip is amazing because every single day you find yourself by a new lake, surrounded by mountains of completely different shapes. Even when I have walked it many times before, it never fails to amaze me.

Based on my experience guiding KE travellers, I've realized that true delight comes from experiencing vibrant green mountain valleys, pristine blue lakes, snow-covered peaks and connecting with the locals.

Walkers expect a normal mountain trip, but they are shocked by how beautiful and welcoming it really is. The lakes are so clear and colourful that even I find that they do not look real. One hour you are walking on dry, grey rocks, and the next hour you are in a green forest. But the biggest and best surprise is the local people. Even though the mountains are huge and wild, the local shepherds are incredibly kind and always invite walkers into their homes for tea on adventure.

To survive the steep, sliding gravel slopes, please start training your legs and balance, it's always great to do a bit of long-distance walking over some high hills. Pack high-quality warm layers, I will keep our walking pace slow at first, so your lungs don’t leave your body at 3,500 meters. Finally, bring strong trekking poles and broken-in boots, because the Fann Mountains love eating weak shoes for breakfast!

Of course, it must be the national dish of Tajikistan — Plov. It is the most popular meal not only in Tajikistan but across the whole of Central Asia. Traditionally prepared with rice, meat, carrots and spices, every family and region has its own variation. While our mountain cooks work wonders in preparing delicious meals in remote camps, authentic Plov is best enjoyed in the city, as the high altitude makes it difficult to achieve the traditional taste and texture that this dish deserves.

Words can only go so far in capturing the magic of the Ultimate Fann Trek, so we’ve rounded up some of our favourite images taken by our local partners on the trail. From dramatic mountain scenery and crystal-clear alpine lakes to remote landscapes far from the beaten track, these photographs offer a glimpse into the very places Humoyun describes and the experiences that make the Fann Mountains such a special place to explore.