Booking fee
The booking fee includes the costs of booking your tickets such as charges for payment processing. It also covers the provision of our customer care center for processing your order, and all charges imposed by our suppliers.
* This tour requires at least one of the following per booking: Adult, Senior
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. It is believed that it was named in honor of the commander the Great Alexander, whom the locals called Iskander Zulqarnain.
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 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.
See more
Lunch
Air-conditioned vehicle
All Fees and Taxes
- personal costs, alcohol drinks, boating at lake etc.
Departure Point
Traveler pickup is offered
Traveler pickup
Dushanbe Airport, Dushanbe, Tajikistan
Dushanbe, Dushanbe, Tajikistan 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. 30 minutes
Varzob, Varzob, Tajikistan 09:30-12:00 - we will driving through the Varzob valley and Hisar mountains in line with the Varzob aggressive river 90 minutes
Fann Mountains, Ayni, Tajikistan 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. 60 minutes
Iskanderkul Lake, Tajikistan 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. 60 minutes
3972+7QC Iskanderkul lake, Panj-Chashma spring, Kanchoch, Tajikistan 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. 90 minutes
39PQ+C7, Narvad, Tajikistan 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. 60 minutes
Dushanbe, Dushanbe, Tajikistan 17:00-20:00 - end of the tour, leave Iskandarkul, way back to Dushanbe 180 minutes
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Journey662755
14 Apr 2023
Ездили по программе тура Искандеркуль-живая легенда всей семьей. Помимо невероятных впечатлений от гор и озера, остались очень довольны самой организацией экскурсии. Спасибо. Бунед-тур, вы лучшие!
Jason125_23
04 Nov 2022
An amazing nature keeps me to stay there for more days, the trip went smoothly. Thanks to the guide and the company one more time
Alexander_K
26 Oct 2021
A fantastic day trip to Fann Mountains and Iskanderkul lake. Relatively long driving from Dushanbe turned out to be pretty comfortable thanks to proper vehicle and experienced driver. Upon arrival we spent around 3 hours at the lake enjoying wonderful views, relaxing, hiking to the Snake lake and Fann Niagara waterfall and tasting delicious local food. The day turned out to be just wonderful thanks to perfect team of guide and driver. And Fann Mountains and Iskanderkul lake are definitely worth visiting for all coming to Tajikistan - in my opinion, these are one of the most beautiful spots in the whole world (I’ve been to 100+ countries).
We always double-check the availability with our local partners for each booking. Even though this is usually a swift process, it can take up to 24 hours. Once this process is completed you will receive your voucher or ticket by email. If our local partner is not able to confirm your booking we will offer you the best possible alternative. If the new date and/or time doesn’t fit your itinerary, we will reimburse the full amount paid.
How great that you want to share your experience! Your feedback helps other travelers to make a better choice.