The Essential Guide to Visiting Iskanderkul

You may have heard the bold claims that Iskanderkul is one of the most beautiful lakes in Central Asia. Considering the abundance of jaw-droppingly stunning lakes in the region, that’s a HUGE call.

So, how does Iskanderkul stack up? Well, just keep on reading to find out. 

Iskanderkul Overview 

Iskanderkul (also known as Iskanderkul Lake) is a medium-sized lake (3.4 square km) that is sandwiched between the slopes of the Gissar Range in Tajikistan’s Fann Mountain. The lake lies at 2195m and its elevation and proximity to glacial mountains help give the lake its signature tropical and radiant shades of teal blue. 

The lake was formed hundreds of years ago as the result of an earthquake that triggered a landslide, trapping the lake in the valley below. 

Iskanderkul is named after Alexander the Great (Iskander = Alexander and lul = lake) and there are a number of legends as to why this is.

One relates to how the famous general intentionally flooded the valley to punish locals who were resistant to his regional conquests.

Another describes how Alexander’s horse died after slipping and falling into the lake. According to this legend, you can still spot the ghost of Alexander the Great’s horse wandering around the shores of the lake from time to time….. A ghost horse?! Sounds pretty cool to me! 

Exploring Central Asia? Check out Kel Suu Lake Kyrgyzstan

Where is Iskanderkul Lake

Iskanderkul is located in northwestern Tajikistan within the beautiful Fann Mountains. The lake lies off the M34 Highway, roughly halfway between the cities of Dushanbe (the capital) and Panjakent. 

When to Visit Iskanderkul 

The best time to visit Iskanderkul is between June and September when daytime temperatures range from the low to upper 20s (celsius). 

The months of May and October are considered shoulder seasons where highs range from upper teens to low twenties. Whilst the temperatures are cooler at this time, the perks are that there’ll be much lower visitors than during mid-summer. I was there at the end of September and saw only two other tourists the entire time. 

During winter, it is unlikely you can visit Iskanderkul, as the high mountain passes will be snowbound. 

Visiting Kazakhstan while you’re in Central Asia? Read our complete guide to Almaty

How to get to Iskanderkul

The journey to Iskanderkul requires two steps. 

The first step is to travel to Sarvoda (more specifically, to the highway junction called Zeravshan ll, a couple of km from Sarvoda). 

The second step is to travel from the highway junction, Zeravshan II, to Iskanderkul. 

I’ve heard that it’s possible to catch a shared taxi from Sarvoda to the lake for 50 TJS. However, I personally found it easy to catch a ride to the lake from this location. My shared taxi dropped me off at the highway junction and I walked the 500m from there. From here you’ll be able to hitch the 20 km to the lake. Bear in mind that you’ll likely be expected to pay for this. The going rate is approximately 50 TJS.  

How to Travel from Dushanbe to Iskanderkul

If you’re travelling from Dushanbe to Iskanderkul, you’ll first need to hop in a city taxi and head north to the area around the cement factory (Tsement Zavod). This is where northbound shared taxis wait.

From here, explain to the unruly mob of drivers who will instantly swarm you that you’re travelling to Iskanderkul and that you need to be dropped off on the highway just before Sarvoda. It should cost approximately 70 TJS (negotiated price..always bargain people!). 

When I visited, my Taxi driver dropped me off the highway and pointed to where I could catch the final leg. Here is the location. From here you can hitchhike the remaining 20 km to the lake. 

How to get to Iskanderkul From Panjakent

Head to the bus station and look for the shared taxis travelling towards Dushanbe. Explain that you’re travelling to Iskanderkul and will need to go to Sarvoda (more specifically, to the highway junction called Zeravshan ll). A shared taxi there should cost around 60TJS. 

Once you’ve made it here, stick your thumb out and hitchhike the remaining 20 km. 

How to get to Iskanderkul From Kojand

Head to Yova bus station and look for the shared taxis going towards Dushanbe. Explain that you’re travelling to Iskanderkul and will need to go to Sarvoda. A shared taxi from here will cost around 140 TJS

Again, once you’ve made it here, stick your thumb out and hitchhike the remaining 20 km. 

Where to stay at Iskanderkul

There are a number of guesthouses to stay at in Iskanderkul.

Turbaza Cottage Park 

Turbaza Cottage Park is beautifully positioned on the northern shore of Iskanderkul and offers simple wooden cottages for around 150 TJS per night.  

You can also pitch your tent on the property (with an excellent lake view) for 50 TJS per person. 

Campers also have access to showers. 

The property also has a restaurant where you can order breakfast, lunch and dinner for 50 TJS.

Khayom Guest House

Khayom Guest House is a family-run guest house that offers simple private rooms for around 150 TJS per night. It also features excellent views of the lake and has three cute dining areas that are neatly positioned over the lake. 

Meals here are simple and cost 30 TJS for breakfast and 40 TJS for lunch and dinner. 

Again, you can pitch your tent on the property (also with excellent lake views) for 50 TJS per person. Campers also have access to showers. 

Can you camp at Iskanderkul? 

You absolutely can camp at Iskanderkul. In fact, I highly recommend that you do! A great advantage of this is that you’ll be able to position yourself directly on the lake. This means waking up to incredible views of the sun shining off the unreal-looking water. 

I pitched my tent at Khayom Guest House. It cost me 50 TJS per night. You can also pitch your tent at Turbaza Cottage Park for 50 TJS per person, per night. 

The best things to do at Iskanderkul

Simply chill

I visited Iskanderkul after a back-to-back 12-day hike in the Fann mountains followed by a 10-day road trip through the Pamir Highway. Iskanderkul ended up being the perfect place to decompress and chill after a hectic 3 weeks.

Its beautiful surroundings are conducive to relaxation and during my visit, I found plenty of time for yoga, meditation, reading and taking pleasant strolls along the shores of the lake. 

Check out Snake Lake (Zmeinoe)  

Snake lake (located here) is a picturesque mini lake located behind Turbaza Cottage Park on Iskanderkul’s northern shore. Undoubtedly, a walk to Snake Lake is an excellent way to enjoy the area and get a different perspective of the surrounding beauty. 

The duration of the walk to Snake Lake will depend on where you start from. If you start from Turbaza Cottage Park, the walk is only 10 – 15 minutes. There are no signs directing you to the lake so you will have to navigate on your phone (maps.me is the best way). 

True to its name, I chanced upon a massive snake during my visit. Though admittedly, I was walking through tall grass at the time. I know, I know, rookie move!

Walk to the waterfall – Fanns Niagara

While the locally named Fanns Niagara (located here) may be a far cry from Niagara Falls, this small but incredibly powerful waterfall is worthy of your time. It’s a short and pleasant 20-minute stroll from Turbaza Cottage Park, along the Karakul River. 

A platform was constructed directly over the waterfall and standing on there provides a cool up-close perspective of the awesome force of the falls. 

Hike to Sarytag Village  

Sarytag is a quaint village located a further 10km up the road from Iskandurkul’s western shore. This small mountain town is both the beginning and endpoint to many great multi-day hikes in the Fann Mountains. It’s a very pleasant place to relax and soak in the calm and charming atmosphere. 

Sarytag also features several homestays for those looking to spend more time in the area. 

The village also has a small store with very basic supplies.  

Is Iskanderkul Lake worth visiting? 

After spending 4 nights camping at this stunning lake, I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed my visit. It really is a special part of the world. 

It’s tranquil, relaxing and unbelievably beautiful. So, if you’re looking for a nice place to chill out for a couple of days and soak up the peaceful atmosphere, then yes, Iskanderkul is absolutely worth visiting!

What to pack for Iskanderkul

What you need to pack for a trip to Iskanderkul will depend on whether you’re planning on camping and /or hiking. We’ve provided our full packing list here for all activities, to ensure you’re covered!

Like this post? Pin it for later!

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. This means that if you buy or book anything through them, we’ll earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps us run this website and create comprehensive guides to help you get off the beaten track. We only recommend products and/or services that we use ourselves and trust.