Chimgan, Charvak and Amirsoy in 3 Days
A mountain route around Tashkent: reservoir, lifts and trails with overnight stays. How to split three days, where to stay and what to pack.
The mountains of the Western Tian Shan begin right next to the capital, and three days here give you far more than one. The Charvak reservoir, the slopes of Chimgan and the Amirsoy resort form a convenient loop you can do without a tent, using guesthouses along the way. Below is a day-by-day plan, distances and advice on making the trip comfortable in any season.
The overall layout
All three points lie in the Bostanlyk district of the Tashkent region and are linked by one road. From Tashkent to Charvak is roughly 80 to 90 kilometres, to Chimgan about 80, and it takes an hour and a half to two hours without traffic. The road goes through Chirchik and Gazalkent. Route description: Tashkent — Chirchik. Another way into this area runs through Iskandar: Tashkent — Iskandar. For a three-day plan it is easier to base yourself in the mountains and not return to the city each evening.
Day one: Charvak
Leave Tashkent in the morning and you will be at the water by 10 or 11. The Charvak reservoir was created by a dam on the Chirchik river and is ringed by mountains. The water is turquoise and cold, so swimming will be brief. Allow time for a shoreline walk, a boat or pedal boat, and a lunch of shashlik and fresh fish. You can stay in a guesthouse or boarding house on the shore, checking availability in advance. In the evening it is pleasant simply to sit above the water: after sunset it cools down noticeably.
Useful notes:
- Bring a warm sweater: even in summer it is fresh by the water.
- Swimming is not permitted everywhere. Choose equipped spots and follow the signs.
- On weekends the shore fills up, so arrive early.
Day two: Chimgan
From Charvak towards Chimgan it is a short drive. The resort sits at around 1,600 metres and offers coolness in summer and snow in winter. The cable car carries you up a slope with views of Big Chimgan, the highest peak of the region at 3,309 metres. For a quiet day, trail walks, horse rides and lunch on the slope are enough. If you are an experienced hiker you could choose a climb to the base of the peak, but go for the summit with a guide and early in the morning.
Overnight stays in Chimgan are in guesthouses and small hotels. Nights are cold in spring and autumn, so bringing a warm sleeping bag or blanket is not excessive.
Day three: Amirsoy and the return
Amirsoy is a modern ski resort with a gondola, viewpoints, restaurants and summer entertainment. In winter people ski and snowboard here, and in summer they walk the trails, cycle and simply enjoy the views. Lift tickets cost roughly what a moderate lunch costs by city standards, but prices vary by season, so check in advance. Head back to Tashkent in the evening before the rush-hour traffic begins.
What to choose in different seasons
| Season | Focus of the trip |
|---|---|
| Spring | Blossoming slopes, walks in valleys, beware of downpours |
| Summer | Charvak's water, Chimgan's coolness |
| Autumn | Golden slopes, quiet trails |
| Winter | Amirsoy and Chimgan: skiing, snow |
Transport and travel time
Minibuses run along the road to the mountains, but timetables depend on how full they are, and there is little regular service between the resorts themselves. Carrying luggage and gear by taxi is expensive. A good option is a shared ride. Through Yo'ldosh you can book a seat in advance with a driver going to Chirchik or beyond and pay only for your seat. It is cheaper than hiring a car and more reliable than waiting for a full minibus in the heat.
What to pack
- Layered clothing: T-shirt, fleece, windbreaker.
- Sturdy closed shoes for trails. City sneakers will not cope on rocks.
- Sunglasses, sunscreen and a hat: ultraviolet is stronger in the mountains.
- Water, a snack and a small first-aid kit.
- A power bank and an offline map: coverage in gorges is unreliable.
- Cash: terminals do not work everywhere.
Safety
Mountain weather changes quickly: a clear morning can turn into rain or hail by noon. Do not wander far from lodgings without a guide and let your family know your route. Do not swim alone in unfamiliar places and avoid mountain rivers after rain. Prices for lodging, lifts and rentals are approximate and depend on the date, so check current information before you go.
To choose a convenient departure time, browse all routes, and in the for passengers section find out how to book a seat.
Cover photo: Jabez at English Wikipedia, Public domain, Wikimedia Commons.
