Iskanderkul is a mountain lake in western Tajikistan, set in the Fann Mountains of the Sughd Region. The lake occupies a deep basin surrounded by steep, rocky slopes and high peaks, with sparse vegetation covering much of the surrounding terrain. Its waters are fed by mountain streams and drain through the Iskanderdarya River. The lake is named after Alexander the Great, who is associated with several legends connected to the area. Iskanderkul is reached by a mountain road from the Hisor Valley and serves as a base for exploring the surrounding valleys, peaks, and smaller alpine lakes.

The lake has an important place in local folklore, particularly stories linking the area with Alexander the Great. One legend says that his horse, Bucephalus, was lost in the lake after becoming frightened by its waters, while another tradition connects the surrounding landscape with the Macedonian ruler's passage through Central Asia. The name Iskanderkul combines “Iskander,” a traditional Persian form of Alexander, with “kul,” meaning lake. Local communities in the surrounding valleys have long maintained pastoral traditions, using mountain pastures for sheep, goats, and other livestock.

Iskanderkul is surrounded by several notable natural features. A short walk from the lake leads to the Iskanderkul Waterfall, where water drops through a narrow rocky gorge. The Snake Lake, or Zmeinoe Lake, is another nearby attraction, reached by a trail along the lake's southern shore. The surrounding Fann Mountains contain high passes, alpine meadows, rocky peaks, and glacial lakes, creating opportunities for hiking and mountain excursions. The lake itself sits at roughly 2,195 meters above sea level, while the surrounding peaks rise considerably higher, giving the area a dramatic mountain setting.

Food around Iskanderkul is generally based on the cooking of western Tajikistan, with simple meals suited to remote mountain communities and trekking routes. Visitors staying in local guesthouses or mountain camps may encounter plov, soups, fresh bread, dairy products, and dishes prepared with lamb or beef. Seasonal fruits and vegetables are more common in the lower valleys than around the lake itself. One distinctive feature of Iskanderkul is the contrast between its relatively large body of water and the dry, rocky slopes surrounding it. The combination of local legends, alpine scenery, and nearby waterfalls makes the lake one of the best-known natural landmarks in the Fann Mountains.