In a Central Asian intersection of Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Afghanistan, China, and Pakistan across the Wakhan Corridor lays the Republic of Tajikistan, **a small enclave country of Persian-speaking, cyrillic writing Tajik peoples** once part of the Samanid Empire and most known today for its rugged snow-capped peaks, world-class trekking and climbing across the Fann Mountains, a warm and inviting culture, and what is surely one of the world’s **most picturesque turquoise lakes, Iskandarkul!** The capital city of Dushanbe, along the Varzob River in the Gissar Valley, was once the site of several settlements which were rebuilt during the Soviet Era and has become the metropolis it is today, with Barakat covered-market as one of it’s most iconic attractions. With wide tree-lined avenues, museums and monuments around every corner, and cafes and tea-houses to satisfy every craving for Tajik sweets. **One cannot venture across Tajikistan without paying a visit to Iskandarkul.** The legendary Lake of Alexander the Great, at nearly 2200 MASL, is iconic in its turquoise still reflections of the surrounding mountains and peaks. The locals will have a few stories to tell about how the lake formed and whether Alexander’s favourite horse Bucephalus still haunts the icy waters, but you’ll have a chance to see and swim this pristine jewel, trek around the “Fann Niagara”, and explore a few sites of scientific expeditions! **Let’s go!!** **Day 0 // Dushanbe Departure** Meeting at Dubai Airport Terminal 2 at 21:00 for a direct flight to Dushanbe at 22:55. **Day 1 // Yaghnob Valley & Iskandarkul Lake** After early morning arrival and immigration formalities, we’ll transfer to hotel for a very quick rest and breakfast before we hit the road to Varzob through the Anzob Pass and take in our first views of the Fann Mountains along the way. We’ll continue to Yaghnob Valley for a village visit and local lunch before we reach Iskandarkul Lake where we’ll check-in and take a quick trek to waterfall and first pristine views of the lake! Return to hotel for dinner and rest. **Day 2 // Iskandarkul & Dushanbe** We’ll rise with the sun for a boat trip around the lake before a leisurely breakfast at the hotel before we start our return journey back to Dushanbe. We’ll have a lunch in town before sightseeing few highlights of Somoni Statue, Navruzhoh Palace, and the Mehrigon Market. We’ll have a quick hotel check-in before we head out to enjoy some live music at local pub for dinner. Airport transfer for return flight home. Back in DXB at 07:25 AM. **Activities:** Short trekking, boating, optional swimming, cultural immersion. **Duration:** Weekend. **Accommodation & meals:** hotels and lake bungalows - double sharing. Meals in guesthouses included, restaurant meals excluded. Bring your fav snacks. **Cost: AED 4,250 all incl. flight** **until AUG 03.** Past this date please inquire about cost and availability. **Visa:** Visa free or e-visa. [Details here.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visa_policy_of_Tajikistan) **Specifically excluded:** visas, insurance. Visa support available. See yah at the Lake x Trekkup Crew [Whatsapp 050 4848238 ](https://wa.me/971504848238)// [info@trekkup.com](http://info@trekkup.com/) [Find all trekkups at linktr.ee/trekkup](https://linktr.ee/trekkup)
