Namangan to Kasansay: Into the Foothills and Up to the Reservoir

When summer temperatures in Namangan climb past forty, locals head north to Kasansay. The town sits on the river of the same name where it leaves a mountain valley, and further upstream the foothills of the Chatkal range begin, with a reservoir, orchards and recreation areas. The drive is short, so a weekend is enough to relax and get back. Here is how to get there and how to continue into the mountains.

Where Kasansay is

Kasansay lies north of Namangan, about 25 to 30 km away. It is a district town with a bazaar, shady streets and the cool evening air typical of the foothills. From here a road leads up the Kasansay river valley to the reservoir and the mountain villages near the Kyrgyz border.

Distances are approximate and depend on which part of the reservoir or which recreation area you are heading to.

Getting there from Namangan

Minibuses

Minibuses to Kasansay leave from the Namangan bus station and from stops on the north side of the city. They run regularly, especially in the mornings and at weekends, when many people head to their country plots and the bazaar.

Taxis

A shared taxi is quicker than a minibus. If you plan to go straight to the reservoir, hiring the whole car is easier, since public transport further up the valley is scarce and irregular.

Shared rides

Yo'ldosh lists the Namangan to Kasansay route. You can find a driver leaving on Saturday morning or Friday evening and book a seat. That helps on busy summer weekends when minibuses are packed.

Getting to the reservoir and recreation areas

The Kasansay reservoir lies above the town in the mountain valley. Regular minibuses up there are few, so your options are:

1. A local taxi from Kasansay. You can arrange a driver at the bazaar or the bus station. Agree in advance whether they will wait or come back for you at a set time.
2. Your own car or a shared ride all the way. Many Namangan families and groups of friends drive straight up, and joining such a trip is the easiest option.
3. Recreation areas with transfers. Some places to stay in the valley can help with transport, so ask when booking.

The road into the upper valley is narrow and winding in places. If you are driving yourself, take it slowly and expect heavy traffic at weekends.

What to do in the Kasansay valley

• Relax by the water. The banks of the reservoir and river are popular picnic spots. Swimming is not allowed everywhere: the water is cold, and currents and depth can be deceptive. Follow the signs and do not swim far out.
• Walks. The surrounding hills are good for easy walks and are covered in grass and flowers in spring.
• Plov in the open air. A classic Namangan trip to the mountains involves a kazan, shashlik and a big group.
• Fruit. In summer and autumn, fruit from local orchards is sold along the road.

Travelling with family

The Kasansay valley is a popular family destination, and a trip with children is worth planning ahead:

• Leave in the morning. The drive is easier while it is cool, and the best spots by the water are still free.
• Child seats. If this matters to you, tell the driver in advance or bring your own seat.
• Shade. There are not always trees on the shore, so a sunshade or tent comes in handy.
• First aid. Sunscreen, insect repellent and plasters take up little space, and there are no pharmacies in the mountains.

When to go

• May to June: fresh greenery, a full river and mild weather.
• July to August: peak season. The valley is cooler than the city, but it gets crowded at weekends.
• September to October: quiet, clear days and golden hills.
• In winter the upper stretches of road can be slippery, and mountain weather changes quickly.

Practical tips

• Warm clothes. Evenings in the mountains are much colder than in Namangan, even in summer.
• Mobile signal. Coverage can drop out in the upper valley, so agree on a pick-up time with your driver beforehand.
• Border zone. The valley runs up towards the Kyrgyz border. Stay away from border installations, do not photograph them and carry your passport.
• Litter. Take everything back with you, as local beauty spots suffer from picnics that leave piles of plastic bags behind.
• Cash. Cards are rarely accepted in the valley.
• Prices. Minibus, taxi and accommodation prices change, so check in advance.

The way back

On Sunday evenings traffic towards Namangan is at its heaviest as everyone returns from the weekend. If you do not want to wait by the roadside, find a Kasansay to Namangan ride on Yo'ldosh in advance and book a seat at a convenient time. An earlier departure is best, so you come down the mountain road in daylight.

Kasansay is the easiest escape from hot Namangan into the mountains. Half an hour to town, a little further to the water, and you are in a cool valley with views of the ridges. Plan your transport both ways ahead of time, and find more destinations on the routes page.

Cover photo: UzbekistanWikiEditor, CC0, Wikimedia Commons.