Travel Guide to Tajik Iskanderkul (Lake Alexander).

Transportation: - Departing from Penjakent, near the bazaar, ask the driver if they can go to Sarvoda or Iskandakul. I happened to meet a driver who was going to work there (there is a Chinese gold mining company), and after bargaining, I was taken directly to Iskanderkul for 130 somoni. Normally, a chartered car would cost 300 somoni. If the driver only goes to Sarvoda, it might be around 80 somoni. Once in Sarvoda, look for a car to Iskanderkul. As long as the direction is correct, it's not hard to find a ride. - Departing from Dushanbe, find a shared taxi at Chorbogh Terminal. The price is unclear, but it should not exceed 150 somoni. Accommodation: - I recommend the first house by the lake when you arrive, which is marked as Zumrad on the map. The rooms are clean and sanitary. The restaurant has a lake view and the food is not expensive. However, the room rate is 350, which is quite expensive. - ❌ Do not go to Shomi/Sham-e next to Turist. The environment is like a Turbaza (Russian-style summer camp). Poor hygiene, and lots of mosquitoes and flies. Also, there is no lake view. - There is another place by the lake called Khayom. It's more expensive. The environment might be better. Please compare for yourself. Sightseeing: - You can swim in Iskanderkul or take a boat (Image 1) - The nearby snake lake is particularly beautiful and not to be missed (Image 2). - ❌ Don't bother with Alexander the great cave; it's just a broken little cave (Image 3). - There is also a big waterfall near the lake, which is particularly spectacular (Image 4).