ISKANDERKUL : THE LAKE OF ALEXANDER THE GREAT IN TAJIKISTAN

Iskanderkul is the biggest lake in the Fann Mountains.Located in the north-west of Tajikistan, only a few hours from Dushanbe, it is one of the most beautiful glacial lakes in the region.

On the north slope of Gissar Range in the Fann Mountains, this triangle-shaped lake is at an altitude of 2,195m and spans 3.4 square kilometres with a depth of 72 meters.

Even the Tajik president thinks so highly of it, that he has a built himself a holiday house there.

The lake’s name ‘Iskanderkul’ means “Lake of Alexander”, after the famous Greek  Alexander the Great.

Legend has it Alexander the Great created the lake by damming the river in order to annihilate a village which had opposed him.
Whether that’s true or not will never be known, but there may actually be a different story.

Scientists did discover that once there was an earthquake in the area, and a rockslide blocked the Sarytag river.
Their theory is that water pooled and Iskanderkul Lake was created. But you can believe what you want.

Today there are a couple of guesthouses you can stay in right by the lake, and there are lots of fun activities in close proximity.