Tour description
The name of the lake in Tajikistan comes from the name "Iskander" (meaning "Alexander") and the word "kul" (translated as "lake"). Some legends say that the reservoir got its name since the Great Alexander visited it during a campaign to India from Central Asia.
The lake, located in the amazingly beautiful Fan Mountains, has a rather rich and long history. The distance from the capital of Tajikistan is more than 180 kilometers along a high-altitude and quite decent highway. Along the way, you can see fascinating natural landscapes with snow-capped mountain tops rushing into the deep blue of the sky. This small piece of untouched land can show a lot of interesting things, including Lake Iskanderkul. There are magnificent blue lakes, fast mountain rivers and picturesque forests.
Lake Iskanderkul is called a pearl in the palms of the mountains, a living legend. A lot of tourists come to this mountain reservoir. There are guest houses for their stay here, but foreign visitors prefer to rest in tents. Swedes, Englishmen, Frenchmen and Tajiks themselves come here. Moreover, they all rest in different ways. Some travel on foot, others on motorcycles, and others on rare cars.
Program of the tour
09:00 - Pick up tourists and departure from Dushanbe to Iskandarkul or from Samarkand (Jarteppa Checkpoint border) the same time
12:00 - Arrival at Iskanderkul Lake
ISKANDERKUL. Nestled in the northern reaches, about a 180-kilometre (3-hour drive) journey from the vibrant city of Dushanbe along a well-maintained highway, this lake is a true gem. Perched at a breathtaking altitude, it's a sight to behold. It is named after Alexander the Great, who visited the region during his campaign to India from Central Asia. The Lake is located in the Fann Mountains, a region renowned for its natural beauty, and has a rich and significant history.
15:00 - Hike to Kuli Moron (Snake Lake) and Fann Waterfall
KULI MORON. In the vicinity of Iskanderkul is another lake known as Kuli Moron (Snake Lake). Local folklore speaks of a significant snake population inhabiting the lake. Local folklore asserts that there are two instances when these reptiles are known to refrain from attacking: when they are in the water and when people are drinking water.
FANN NIAGARA WATERFALL. In the vicinity of Lake Iskanderkul is an aged juniper bush, adorned with vibrant ribbons. This unique tree is a popular destination for visitors to the area, who often leave personal tokens as a gesture of their return. The nearby 43-meter waterfall, known as "Fan Niagara," is another notable attraction.
18:00 - end of day, camping ⛺ at Iskanderkul lake or Saritog Village
10:00 - After breakfast we will visit Panjchashma and Busefal cave.
PANJCHASHMA. The location known as "Panj-chashma" – meaning "Five Springs" in English – is home to an extraordinary natural phenomenon, where pure spring water flows from five highlands into Lake Iskandarkul.
BUCEPHALUS CAVE. Legend has it that the Macedonian horse, Bucephalus, drank water from the lake during a rest stop after a long journey and fell ill. The commander himself went further to India, leaving his faithful horse here. However, even at such a great distance, he felt the death of his master and threw himself into the lake, remaining in it forever.
11:30 - Drive to Sarytag and hiking Archa the Rock
SARYTAG
Sarytag is the trailhead for serious hikes into the Fann mountains, but you can also do some more relaxed ambles here focused on fauna and flora, landscape and village life. Follow the Karakul River east as far as you like for a lovely shaded walk. It’s a long and boring 9-km walk from the start of the lake to Sarytag.
13:00 - Lunch, picnic
15:00 - Return to Dushanbe or Samarkand (Sarazm/Jerteppa checkpoint proder) the same time
18:00 - Arriving Dushanbe (19:00 - arrinig Samarkand border)
