Family Rest at Charvak and in the Mountains: What to Choose

When Tashkent is hot and noisy, mountains and water close by give a quick breather. The Charvak reservoir and the foothills of Chimgan and Beldersay have long been favourite places for the capital's families to relax. Turquoise water, clean air and coolness attract tourists too. Here is how to choose a format of rest for a family with children, what to look at and how to ensure safety. Prices and conditions change, so check current information in advance. It is convenient to reach the foothills on the routes Tashkent — Chirchik and Tashkent — Iskandar.

Where Charvak and the mountains are

The Charvak reservoir lies northeast of Tashkent, in the foothills of the Western Tien Shan, roughly 80-90 kilometres from the city. The road passes through Chirchik and Gazalkent and usually takes about one and a half to two hours depending on traffic. Around the reservoir and in the mountain valleys there are recreation zones, guesthouses, bases and cafes. Further into the mountains Chimgan and Beldersay begin, where in summer people walk and breathe the air and in winter ski.

Formats of rest

1. A day trip. Leave in the morning, spend the day by the water or in the hills and return in the evening. The easiest for a first trip and for families with small children.
2. An overnight stay. A guesthouse, family lodging or base for one to three days. It lets you take it slowly and enjoy the evening coolness.
3. A longer rest. A week at a guesthouse or sanatorium suits you if you need a change of scene.
4. Tents and hikes. For prepared families with older children, with experience and equipment.

What to choose for a family

When choosing a place, pay attention to the following:

• Location and road. The closer to the city, the less time in the car. A mountain road can be winding, and small children may get carsick.
• Children's infrastructure. Playgrounds, shallow and safe areas by the water, a children's menu, entertainers.
• Meals. Whether they are included, whether there are children's dishes, whether you can cook yourselves.
• Accommodation. Air conditioning or a fan, cleanliness, a bathroom, cots.
• Site safety. Barriers by the water, lifeguards, lighting, security.
• Noise. Some places are noisy and crowded, others quiet. Choose to taste.
• Reviews. Read recent reviews from families with children.

Rely on proven places and do not trust photos alone. Check prices and conditions directly, and book costly rest in advance, especially at weekends and in the summer season.

Safety by the water

This is the most important section. Water in the mountains is cold, currents can be strong and depth changes abruptly.

1. Do not leave children unattended, even in the shallows, not for a minute.
2. Swim only in permitted and equipped places where there are lifeguards and boundaries are marked.
3. Use life jackets and armbands for children, not as a replacement for supervision.
4. Do not enter the water after alcohol.
5. Mind the water temperature. Mountain water is cold even in the heat, and cramp is possible. Enter gradually.
6. Do not dive in unfamiliar places.
7. Watch the weather. In the mountains the weather changes fast, and rain and wind can arrive.
8. Teach children the rules. Do not enter the water without adults, no pushing and no jumping from cliffs.

Safety in the mountains

• Choose trails by the child's age and fitness, and do not wander far from tourist spots.
• Bring comfortable shoes with good grip, not flip-flops.
• Dress in layers: it is cooler and windy in the mountains.
• Tell family your route and the time you will return.
• Account for lost signal. Download the map beforehand.
• Keep away from cliffs, rockfall and steep slopes.
• Do not light fires outside designated areas and do not leave rubbish.

What to bring

• sunscreen, sun hats, sunglasses;
• warm clothes and a rain jacket, even in summer;
• swimwear, towels, a change of clothes;
• a supply of water and snacks if you do not plan to order at a cafe;
• a first-aid kit: plasters, antiseptic, insect repellent, motion sickness remedy;
• wet wipes, rubbish bags;
• games, balls, books for children;
• documents and insurance.

How to get there

A car is the most convenient way, because public transport to recreation zones runs irregularly. To travel without your own car you can use a shared ride: via Yo'ldosh you book a seat for a suitable time, message the driver about a child seat and luggage, and know the pickup point. For a mountain outing choose a morning time to beat the heat and crowds, and plan to return before dark, since mountain roads are less convenient in the evening. See all directions on the all routes page, with useful information on trips with children in our article for parents.

When to go

• Spring. Everything turns green and tulips bloom, but the water is still cold.
• Summer. The main season of rest: heat in the city makes the mountains desirable. Weekends are crowded, so weekdays are better.
• Autumn. A quiet season, beautiful colours and pleasant weather.
• Winter. Skiing and snowboarding at Chimgan and Beldersay, but that is a different format of rest.

Bottom line

Family rest at Charvak and in the mountains means coolness, fresh air and water a few hours from the capital. Choose a place with children's infrastructure, follow safety rules by the water and in the hills, and such a trip can become a favourite tradition.

Cover photo: Nikolai Bulykin, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons.