Into the mountains of Tajikistan

We took a road trip to the Iskanderkul Lake, often called the “jewel of Tajikistan.” It’s a glacier-fed lake at about 2,100 metres surrounded by the Fann Mountains. The aqua coloured lake is so beautiful that the President of Tajikistan has not one, but two retreats (called Dachas) along the lake’s shore.

The drive there took around six hours, but we made several photo stops as well as a casual lunch break. We explored the lake and took a three- kilometre hike to a panoramic lookout and waterfall. It was a refreshing change from the city sightseeing we’ve been doing.

We then drove for about 40 minutes to Sarytag village. It was 5 p.m. when we arrived at our guesthouse and dinner wasn’t until 7 so we had a chance to explore the village as the cows came home.

Dinner was plov again as well as a vegetable soup and cucumber and tomato salad. One of our travellers was celebrating a birthday so we had cake as well.Read more