With driver, an older Landcruiser, Mom, part owner of the guesthouse, her daughter, the national tennis champion of Tajikistan (She won President's Cup, 2011) and off we went to find Iskander-kul (Alexander Lake). We followed the river that runs through Dushanbe, and is partially fed by that lake.

A government toll station

There were miles upon miles of tunnels to traverse. Some neat, some had potholes from end to end..

So, coming down the mountain with failing brakes, this is what you do. After all, you have only two directions to go, either off the mountain, or into its side. Staying on the road is not an option, because then you may not be able to choose, and the speed and damage will be much greater, either way.

Village, er, yokels having a wonderful time...better than cow-tipping even.

Mountain tribal babes. Very friendly but with cranky baby

Make that left turn to Iskander-kul

At one point we were flagged down and asked to please deliver a package to the gate-man at the lake

Dushanbe, Tajikistan 2011