Discover the captivating beauty and historical significance of Iskanderkul Lake in Tajikistan’s Fan Mountains. Dive into its rich history and explore its stunning natural attractions.
Discover the captivating beauty and historical significance of Iskanderkul Lake in Tajikistan’s Fan Mountains. Dive into its rich history and explore its stunning natural attractions.
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Dushanbe - 09:00-09:30 - departure to Iskandarkul lake, Ayni district
Our trip will start from the Dushanbe.
We will pick up travelers from the hotel residences in territory of Dushanbe. - Varzob - 09:30-12:00 - we will driving through the Varzob valley and Hisar mountains in line with the Varzob aggressive river
- Fann Mountains -…
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Dushanbe - 09:00-09:30 - departure to Iskandarkul lake, Ayni district
Our trip will start from the Dushanbe.
We will pick up travelers from the hotel residences in territory of Dushanbe. - Varzob - 09:30-12:00 - we will driving through the Varzob valley and Hisar mountains in line with the Varzob aggressive river
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Fann Mountains - 12:00-13:00 - in way we will meet the Fann mountains.
Iskanderkul, considered the heart of the Fan Mountains, is surrounded by several peaks- five thousand meters – Bodhona, Chapdara, Maria, Mirali, Zindon. The highest is Chimtarga (5,487 meters). The Fanns boast about a hundred peaks, with several rising to altitudes of more than 5,000 meters and relative elevations of up to 1,500 meters. -
Iskanderkul Lake - 13:00-14:00 - arrived to Iskandarkul and lunch at the Iskandarkul Beach
Lake Iskanderkul resembles a triangle in shape. Its area is 3.5 square kilometers. The water depth is 70 meters. The mirror surface of the reservoir surrounded by mountains looks great. The uniqueness of the lake lies in the fact that it is the largest in the mountains and is located at an altitude of more than 2000 meters. The volume of the lake’s water is 172 million cubic meters. The length of the coastline is 14 thousand meters. -
Panj-Chashma Springs - 14:00-15:30 - Iskanderkul lake - Panjchashma - Busefal canyon; In this time we are visiting Busefal canyon and have opportunitie swimming and boating in the lake.
According to another legend, the Macedonian horse, Bucephalus, drank water from the lake during a halt after a long march 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. Since then, during the full moon, every month Bucephalus comes out of the water to graze: the waters part, and a snow-white horse comes to the surface of the lake, accompanied by grooms. -
Waterfall of the Fann Mountains - 15:30-16:30 - hiking to the Lake Moron and Iskandarkul Waterfall
The nearby 43-meter waterfall is called “Fan Niagara”. It is located on the river flowing out of the lake. There is also a rock with an inscription dating back to 1870, it was left by the participants of the expedition led by the famous Russian traveler and scientist A. Fedchenko.
Not far from Iskanderkul there is another lake called Snake Lake. According to the stories of old-timers, many snakes live in it. Locals claim that reptiles will not bite in two cases: when they are in the water and when people drink water. The water in it is warmer than in Iskanderkul, so it is quite possible to swim here.
- Dushanbe - 17:00-20:00 - end of the tour, leave Iskandarkul, way back to Dushanbe
- Lunch
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- All fees and/or taxes
- Lunch
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- All fees and/or taxes
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- personal costs, alcohol drinks, boating at lake etc.
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- personal costs, alcohol drinks, boating at lake etc.
Originating from the word ‘Iskander’, signifying ‘Alexander’, and ‘kul’, interpreted as ‘lake’, is how the Tajikistan lake got its name. Folklore purports that the lake was named after the illustrious Alexander the Great, during his voyage from Central Asia to India. Nestled in the stunning vistas of the Fan Mountains, the lake encompasses a deep-rooted…
Originating from the word ‘Iskander’, signifying ‘Alexander’, and ‘kul’, interpreted as ‘lake’, is how the Tajikistan lake got its name. Folklore purports that the lake was named after the illustrious Alexander the Great, during his voyage from Central Asia to India. Nestled in the stunning vistas of the Fan Mountains, the lake encompasses a deep-rooted and bountiful history. Locals bestowed upon the Great Alexander the name Iskander Zulqarnain, who was believed to have been honoured by naming the lake after him.
Famed as the centerpiece of the Fan Mountains, Iskanderkul is encapsulated by various towering summits – Bodhona, Chapdara, Maria, Mirali, Zindon, each reaching over five thousand meters. The apex is the Chimtarga, majestically standing at 5,487 meters.
A nearby waterfall of 43 meters, also known as ‘Fan Niagara’ is positioned on the river ebbing out of the lake. Moreover, a rock from 1870 graced with an inscription still exists, a memento from a journey helmed by renowned Russian voyager and scientist A. Fedchenko.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.