Overview
The lake is located in the north, approximately 180 km (3-hour drive one way) from Dushanbe. 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 Fan Mountains, a region renowned for its natural beauty, and has a rich and significant history. During this tour, participants will have the opportunity to visit five remarkable locations, each with its own unique history and natural beauty. 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... FANN WATERFALL.The nearby 43-meter waterfall, known as "Fan Niagara," is another notable attraction... KULI MORON. In the vicinity of Iskanderkul is another lake known as Kuli Moron (Snake Lake)... PANJ-CHASHMA. The location known as "Panj-chashma" – meaning "Five Springs" ...
Why travelers book this
What's Included
- Private transportation
- Bottled water
What's Not Included
- Personal costs and boating at lake
- Lunch is paid for by the tourist himself.
- Entrance tickets to tourism object
Meeting & Pickup
Meeting point, pickup options and start time are confirmed on Viator before checkout.
Itinerary
Stop 1
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.
Stop 2
09:30-12:00 - we will driving through the Varzob valley and Hisar mountains in line with the Varzob aggressive river
Stop 3
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.
Stop 4
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.
Stop 5
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.
Stop 6
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.
Stop 7
17:00-20:00 - end of the tour, leave Iskandarkul, way back to Dushanbe
Important Information
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness