A quick guide on the who, what, when, where, why of this Tajikistan lake.
Why – A stunning lake in western Tajikistan. If you like beautiful scenery, hiking, or even chilling on the beach it’s worth a stop. Plus not too expensive and an effective way to experience the fan mountains on limited time. Very easy to fit in on route Samarkand to/from Dushanbe. Every experience level of hiker can enjoy it, overnight in the mountains, go on a 1 hour walk to a waterfall, or enjoy it from a beach (pebbles not sand but the camping area has benches and those elevated sit down eating contraptions popular in Central Asia).
What – It’s name derives from Alexander The Great who’s narcism knows no bounds in naming everything after himself. Some might say the original influencer.
How – From Samarkand, get to the border in shared taxi from Kaftarkhona. Cross said border. 10 somoni shared taxi to Penjakent. From penjakent take a shared taxi to Sarvoda which is about 2 hours (you may need to pay 100 somoni price to Dushanbe but ask to get out in Sarvoda).
From Sarvoda get a driver to take you up to the lake. 45min or so. No need to schedule a pick up. Your guesthouse can find you a ride back down to Sarvoda, for a shared taxi onward. 50 somoni each way to and from the lake seems to be the price but might get more or less depending on your negotiation skills.
From Dushanbe, take a shared taxi to Sarvoda, 2 hours, and then private driver from there as discussed above.
Lodging: There are a few hotels right as you get to the lake, and about 100 meters onward you’ll come to campsites and cabins. Less than 100 somoni per night in cabin and loads of options so should be okay just showing up. Camping Free. They’ll also cook dinner for under 50 somoni. There are more options on the far side of the lake in Sarytag but most stay on the closer side near the road.
Who – You, Your friends, Tajikistan prostitution’s, doesn’t matter, whomever is willing.
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