Zaamin National Park: Trails, Juniper Forests and Yurts

Zaamin is a mountain district in the Jizzakh region, on the northern slopes of the Turkestan range. Here lie the Zaamin nature reserve and national park, known for juniper forests, clean air and cool rivers. For residents of Tashkent and Samarkand, Zaamin is a place to relax without the crowds or great expense. Below is what to see and how to organise a trip.

Where it is and how to get there

Zaamin lies in the Jizzakh region, about three to four hours from Tashkent if you drive to Jizzakh and then turn into the mountains. The distance from Tashkent to Jizzakh is around 190 kilometres. More: Tashkent — Jizzakh. From Jizzakh to Zaamin is another hour or two on a mountain road. The road is beautiful: it climbs up a valley, with orchards, pastures and cliffs on either side. Because of the climb, weather in the mountains changes quickly, so bring warm clothes.

What juniper forests are

Archa is juniper, which grows in the mountains of Central Asia at altitudes from one and a half to three thousand metres. These trees live for hundreds of years, grow slowly, and their roots hold the slopes. Juniper smells of resin and conifer, and the air in such a forest is invigorating. The forests are protected, so cutting trees, breaking branches and lighting fires are forbidden. When you visit, remember that each juniper may be several times older than you.

Nature and wildlife

The park holds ibex, mouflon, badgers, wild boar and many birds. Seeing large animals is not easy: they are cautious and keep away from people. But those who walk early in the morning or in the evening sometimes get lucky and spot tracks or silhouettes on the slopes. Rare predators live deep in the mountains, and meeting them is practically impossible. Watch for birds: warblers, redstarts and other species sing here.

Routes

1. Easy walks in river valleys. Trails are flat, suit families and older people, and take one to three hours.
2. Medium routes towards the juniper groves. A climb of several hundred metres, up to four or five hours.
3. Long hikes with an overnight stay. They require preparation, equipment and ideally an escort.

Many areas fall within the protected zone, so before the trip find out the visiting rules and whether permits are needed. Some routes are open only with a guide.

Seasons

• Spring: green slopes, blooming tulips and poppies, noisy rivers. The best time for photographs, but rain is possible.
• Summer: cool in the shade of the trees, good for rest and picnics. Hot below, cool above.
• Autumn: warm days, golden slopes, fewer people. A good time for walks.
• Winter: snow and cold. Roads may be closed, so go in winter only after checking conditions.

Where to stay

Sanatoriums, guesthouses and yurt camps operate in the area. Yurts are simple, with mattresses and blankets, and in the evening the hosts light a fire and cook plov or shurpa. A night in a yurt gives a sense of real nomadic life. In winter choose warm lodging, and in summer remember that nights in the mountains are cool. Prices for lodging are approximate, and before leaving it is best to check availability and conditions.

What to bring

• Layered clothing and a warm jacket even in summer.
• Closed, stable shoes for trails.
• A supply of water and food, as shops and cafes are rare.
• Sunscreen and a hat.
• A first-aid kit and a tick and mosquito repellent.
• A rubbish bag: take your waste with you.
• Cash, since terminals do not work everywhere.
• An offline map: mobile coverage vanishes in gorges.

Rules of conduct

In the protected zone you may not light fires outside designated places, pick plants, make noise or feed animals. Do not leave the trails and do not leave rubbish. Treat local people with respect and ask permission before photographing people and their homes. This helps preserve both nature and good relations.

Getting there without a car

You can reach Jizzakh by train or bus, but beyond that you need to find transport into the mountains. A taxi is expensive and regular transport is infrequent. A good option is a shared ride. On Yo'ldosh you can find a driver going from Tashkent to Jizzakh and book a seat. You pay only for your seat and then arrange a transfer with a local driver. It is more convenient than hiring a car for the whole way.

Practical tips

Leave in the morning to have time for a walk in daylight. Tell your family your route. Do not go far from lodgings without an escort. Prices for lodging, food and transport are approximate and worth checking in advance.

Find other directions on the all routes page, and learn about booking in the for passengers section.

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