Charvak Reservoir: Beaches, Guesthouses and Time on the Water

The Charvak reservoir is a turquoise lake ringed by mountains, roughly 80 to 90 kilometres from Tashkent. It is called the sea of Tashkent residents: in the hot months thousands of people come here to swim, have lunch on the shore and breathe clean air. Visitors are often puzzled about where exactly to stay, because there are many shores and conditions vary. Here is how to choose a spot and what to do.

Where it is and how to get there

The reservoir was created by a dam on the Chirchik river and stretches along a narrow mountain valley in the Bostanlyk district. The road from Tashkent runs through Chirchik and Gazalkent and takes about an hour and a half to two hours on an ordinary day. Route description: Tashkent — Chirchik. Another approach to the area runs through Iskandar: Tashkent — Iskandar. On hot weekends the highway can jam, so leave before 8 a.m. or use weekdays.

How the shores differ

Charvak is long, and recreation looks different on different parts of it.

• Nearer shores suit a short trip. They have the most people, cafes and guesthouses, but are easier to reach.
• Farther bays are quieter and more scenic, but the road is harder and there is less infrastructure.
• Settlements on the water, such as Khojikent, suit an overnight stay: there are guesthouses and cafes, and the mountains are close.
• Areas near the dam impress with their scale, but swimming is not allowed everywhere.

Before the trip, find out where swimming is permitted and choose equipped places.

Swimming: what you need to know

The water in Charvak is clean but cold even in July, since it is fed by mountain rivers. It is best to enter gradually, not dive in at a run and not swim after a heavy meal or alcohol. Currents and depths change quickly, so children need supervision. If there are lifeguards and flags on the shore, follow them. Do not swim far from the shore and keep out of boat lanes.

What to do besides the beach

1. Motorboats and pedal boats. Rental is available in equipped zones. The price depends on time and capacity, so agree in advance.
2. Fishing. The reservoir has fish, and on the shore they cook fresh trout if you order.
3. Walks. Trails run along the shore and towards the mountains. Short routes of a couple of hours are handy.
4. Viewpoints. From a height you can see the bends of the lake and the mountain ranges well.
5. Lifts. The Beldersay lift operates on nearby slopes, and Chimgan and Amirsoy lie farther on.
6. Picnic. Many come with their own food, a grill and a rug and pick a spot in the shade of trees.

Where to stay and what it costs

The shore has many guesthouses, holiday bases and homestays. The choice is huge: from simple rooms to comfortable cottages. In high season, June, July and August, especially for weekends, book in advance. Prices depend heavily on the day of the week and the class, so naming exact sums is pointless. Weekdays are usually cheaper. Check what is included: meals, beach access, parking. Do not forget to agree the price before checking in.

Season

The best time for swimming is June, July and August. In spring the shores are green and people are few, so it is a good time for walks and photos. In autumn the slopes are beautiful but the water is cold. In winter snow lies around and the lake looks especially striking. But then the trip is a walk rather than a beach holiday.

What to bring

• Swimwear, a towel, flip-flops.
• A warm sweater: evenings by the water are fresh.
• Sunscreen and a hat.
• Water and a snack if you plan a picnic.
• Cash: terminals do not work everywhere.
• A rubbish bag to leave the shore clean.

Getting there without a car

Minibuses go to the lake, but on weekends seats run out quickly and a taxi costs a fair amount. A convenient alternative is a shared ride through Yo'ldosh. You book a seat with a driver heading towards Chirchik and beyond and pay only for your seat. It is cheaper than a taxi and helps you know the departure time in advance. For the return, agree in advance or book another ride.

Safety rules

Do not leave children unsupervised, do not drive after alcohol and do not swim alone in unfamiliar places. Listen to the weather forecast: thunderstorms gather quickly in the mountains. Prices for guesthouses, rentals and food are approximate and should be checked before the trip.

See other trips on the all routes page and find out how to book in the for passengers section.

Cover photo: Man77, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons.