Tashkent to Chinaz: The Road to the Syr Darya

Chinaz is a small town south-west of Tashkent, at the confluence of the Chirchik and the Syr Darya. For some it is a district centre where they go for work or to see family; for others it is the closest place to the capital to see a big river, go fishing and spend a day by the water. The road is short and easy, but it has a few seasonal quirks.

Distance and travel time

From central Tashkent to Chinaz is about 60–70 km. The route heads west through Yangiyul and then across the plain along the Chirchik valley. By car the trip takes about an hour, or up to an hour and a half at rush hour when leaving Tashkent.

Buses and minibuses

Suburban buses and marshrutka minibuses to Chinaz leave from the western edge of Tashkent. The bus stops in Yangiyul and villages along the way, so it is slower. Minibuses are quicker, but their departure time depends on how fast they fill up.

A few tips:

• the first services leave early in the morning and the last ones in the early evening, especially at weekends;
• on Friday evenings and holidays vehicles fill up fast;
• if you are heading to the river with fishing gear or a large bag, a minibus may be cramped.

Shared rides and taxis

For a weekend trip or when carrying gear, a car is more comfortable. A door-to-door taxi is expensive for one person but reasonable for a group of three or four.

If you are travelling alone or as a couple, a shared ride is the simpler option. On Yo'ldosh, drivers from Chinaz and Tashkent publish their trips and you book a seat in the app. Drivers are verified, the departure time is visible in advance, and the price per seat is typically well below a taxi. If you are carrying fishing gear or a boat, be sure to tell the driver about your luggage when booking.

Driving yourself

The road to Chinaz is flat and straightforward. Things to keep in mind:

1. Leaving Tashkent westbound is busy on weekday mornings and evenings, so choose an off-peak time.
2. Speed limits apply through Yangiyul and the villages, and cameras are in use.
3. In summer the road gets very hot, so check your tyres and cooling system.
4. At harvest time there is a lot of farm machinery on the road, so take care when overtaking.

The Syr Darya at Chinaz

The main reason many people come to Chinaz is the river. The Syr Darya is wide and looks calm here, and at Chinaz the road crosses it by bridge. Locals come to the banks to fish, relax in the shade and have picnics.

Safety matters:

• the Syr Darya has strong currents and a shifting bed, so swimming in unfamiliar spots is dangerous;
• do not go into the water after a meal or alone, and keep an eye on children;
• fishing is not allowed everywhere, so check the rules locally and respect seasonal restrictions;
• do not light fires where it is prohibited, and take your rubbish with you.

What else Chinaz has to offer

Chinaz is a farming district surrounded by fields, orchards and melon patches. In summer and early autumn melons and watermelons are sold along the road, and the local market has vegetables and fruit from nearby farms. The town itself is small and quiet with little tourist infrastructure, so it is best to plan your trip around the river and the countryside.

The road further south and west, into Syrdarya Region and towards Gulistan, also passes through Chinaz. So the town often serves as a stopover: you can pause, look at the river and drive on.

When to go

• Spring: greenery, mild weather and a full river, a good time for walks along the bank.
• Summer: hot, with daytime temperatures above 40 degrees; leave early and return before or after sunset.
• Autumn: the best time for fishing and picnics, with the harvest at the markets.
• Winter: quiet and cool, with fog on the plain, so travel during the day.

A sample weekend plan

1. Leave Tashkent at 7:00–7:30 a.m., while it is cool and the roads are clear.
2. Around 8:30 a.m. arrive in Chinaz and walk down to the river.
3. Morning fishing or a picnic in the shade.
4. Lunch and some fruit shopping at the market or by the road.
5. Return to Tashkent in the afternoon, ahead of the evening traffic.

What to bring

• water and a hat: there is little shade by the river and the sun is strong;
• insect repellent, especially in the evening;
• cash, as small shops and fruit sellers do not always take cards;
• your passport, as there are checkpoints at town entrances.

If you are travelling on business

For a business trip to the district centre, the most convenient option is to leave Tashkent after the morning rush, around 9:30–10:00 a.m. That way you arrive in the middle of the working day and can get back before the evening traffic. If you need to spend several hours in Chinaz, arrange your return ride in advance: there are fewer shared rides towards the capital during the day than in the morning.

The way back

On Sunday evenings many cars return to Tashkent from day trips, so leave before 4:00 p.m. or after 8:00 p.m. If you want to travel at a convenient time, find a ride on the Chinaz to Tashkent page.

You can find a trip to Chinaz on your date on the Tashkent to Chinaz route page. If you are new to shared rides, the for passengers section briefly explains how it works.

Cover photo: Kun, Aleksandr L., 1840-1888, Public domain, Wikimedia Commons.