Beldersay and Kumbel: Cable Car and Views of Charvak
What awaits at the top of Kumbel, how the lift works, roughly what the trip costs and how to combine it with a walk on the slopes and time by the water.
If Chimgan is a lively resort with cafes and guesthouses, Beldersay makes a calmer impression. It also has a lift, mountain slopes and a view of the Charvak reservoir, but the atmosphere is gentler. Especially popular is Mount Kumbel, which lifts climb and from which a panorama of the lake and surrounding ranges opens. Here is what to know before you go.
Where it is
Beldersay lies in the Bostanlyk district of the Tashkent region, near the Charvak reservoir and a couple of dozen kilometres from Chimgan. The road from the capital goes through Chirchik and Gazalkent and takes about an hour and a half to two hours on a normal day. Route description: Tashkent — Chirchik. It is convenient to include the resort in the same day as Charvak or Chimgan, and many people do.
The lift
A cable car on the slope carries visitors up the hillside. During the ride you see the valley, forest and river. For people not used to heights it is a strong impression, so ride up without hurry and hold the handrails. Cabins and chairs are designed for different numbers of people, and tickets are sold at the ticket offices by the lower station. The cost depends on the season and the day of the week, so check on the spot. Do not take bulky items on the lift, and in windy weather the lift may be stopped.
What awaits at the top of Kumbel
Near the upper station are viewing platforms from which you can see Charvak, mountain ranges and green slopes. On clear days very distant peaks are visible. There is a cafe serving tea and snacks, and spots for photographs. For walkers, trails begin nearby that can be followed without special preparation. Do not go far from the station if you do not know the area, and in fog or rain it is better to stay lower down.
Winter and summer
In winter snow lies on the slopes of Beldersay. People ski and snowboard here, sledge and tube, and the lift runs for the descent. The runs suit beginners and intermediate skiers. About the winter season: conditions differ every year, so check snow cover and lift hours in advance.
In summer the resort turns into a place for walks. It is cooler than the city and quieter than Charvak. You can ride up, walk the trails, sit in a cafe and have lunch with a mountain view.
In spring and autumn the slopes are green or golden, people are few and visibility is often best. But the weather is changeable, and fog can hide the view.
Combining with other places
- Beldersay and Charvak. Lift and views from above in the morning, then down to the water, lunch on the shore and a walk. The most convenient one-day option.
- Beldersay and Chimgan. Suitable for a two-day trip with a night in the mountains.
- Beldersay and the orchards of Gazalkent. If you travel in spring or autumn, stop at roadside markets on the way for fruit and nuts.
Practical tips
- Arrive early: by noon on weekends queues form at the lift.
- Bring warm clothes; it is windy and cool at the top even when it is hot below.
- Do not forget sunglasses and sunscreen.
- Check the weather the day before, and if rain or strong wind is expected, postpone the trip.
- Take photos carefully and do not lean over barriers.
- Carry cash: terminals do not work everywhere.
- Check lift hours, which may differ between seasons.
With children and older people
The lift and viewing platforms are accessible to most people, but trails can be steep. With small children stay near the facilities and do not go onto the slopes. Older people should bear in mind that breathing can be harder at altitude. Walk at a calm pace and rest more often.
Getting there without a car
Minibuses go to the resort, but on weekends seats run out and a taxi costs a fair amount. A convenient alternative is a shared ride. On Yo'ldosh you can find a driver going from Tashkent towards Chirchik and beyond and book a seat. You pay only for the seat, so it is cheaper and simpler than hiring a car. Agree in advance where you will be dropped off and how you will return.
What to keep in mind
Prices for the lift, food and lodging are approximate and best checked before the trip. Hours, snow cover and rules can change, so confirm with the administration. Protect nature and do not leave rubbish, as the slopes suffer from the influx of visitors.
Find other routes on the all routes page and learn about booking in the for passengers section.
Cover photo: German Stimban, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons.
