In the Sogd region of Tajikistan, near ancient Penjikent, in the southwestern part of the Fan Mountains, seven picturesque lakes are hidden in the narrow gorge of the Shing River. The lakes are called Marguzor after the name of the largest lake. Locals simply call this magnificent place – Haftkul (seven lakes) or seven beauties. The cascade of lakes is formed by dams - rubble of rocks and huge boulders that blocked the river in several places as a result of earthquakes and landslides.
Each lake has its own name, they are often called simply by numbers, starting with the lower lake: the first is Nezhigon (“eyelash”), height 1640 m, the second is Soya (“shadow”), height 1740 m, the third Gushor , height 1770 m, fourth - Nofin, height 1820 m, fifth - Khurdak ("baby"), height 1870 m, sixth - Marguzor ("meadow"), height 2140 m seventh - Khazorchashma ("thousand springs"), height 2332 m. Lake Marguzor is the largest in the entire chain of lakes, its length is 2650 m, its width is up to 500 m, its depth is 45 m, the difference in elevation between the upper and lower lakes is 692 meters, and the distance between the lakes is 15 km. You can get to the 6th lake by any car, but to Khazorchashma you need a jeep or you can walk.
Each lake is beautiful in its own way, but the waters of all lakes fascinate with the tints of color from blue, turquoise and ultramarine to dark purple and change their color depending on the location of the sun. The crystal purity of the waters is almost constant, since the clay that enters the Shing River and its tributaries during rains is filtered through the body of the dams that form these lakes.
In lakes Soya, Gushor, Nofin and Marguzor there is fish - marinka.
The Seven Lakes is not only a picturesque natural monument of Tajikistan, but also interesting stories, legends, and an introduction to local culture. Stone Age petroglyphs were discovered in the vicinity of Lake Marguzor. In the Middle Ages, semi-precious minerals were mined here. In the village of Padrut near Lake Khurdak and in the settlement on Marguzor you can see the way of life of Tajik families and spend the night in one of the guest houses decorated in the national style. Local residents can tell mysterious legends associated with the lakes.
Several popular tourist routes also run through the Tavasang pass (3307 m) - from the Marguzor lakes the trail leads to the valley of the Sarymat River, from where along the Archamaidan valley through the Dukdon pass (3812 m) you can get to Lake Iskanderkul; or climb along the gorge of the Zindon River to Lake Bolshoye Allo; or simply complete the route by going down the Voru River valley to the village of Zimtut.
