Tashkent Mountain Tour: Chimgan and Charvak Day Trip

The Tashkent Mountain Tour: Chimgan and Charvak Day Trip is the easiest escape from the city into the natural landscapes of Uzbekistan. Just a short drive from Tashkent, the Chimgan Mountains and Charvak Lake offer fresh mountain air, panoramic views and a change of pace for travellers who want nature, relaxation and light adventure. What you do there depends on the season: green slopes and lake swimming in summer, snow and skiing in winter.

Key facts

• Where: Bostanliq district, Tashkent region, in the western Tian Shan; about 80 km and roughly 2 hours by road from Tashkent.
• Highlights: Amirsoy resort and its cable car, the Chimgan campsite below Big Chimgan (3,309 m), Charvak Lake.
• Time needed: one day; our tour starts at 09:00 with hotel pickup and ends between 17:00 and 19:00.
• Seasons: all year; ski season usually from December to mid-March, lake season in summer.
• Fitness: moderate; no long hikes are required.
• Good for: families, couples, short stays in Tashkent, anyone who wants nature after city sightseeing.
• Book with: see the Tashkent Mountain Tour page or contact us for current prices.

The Chimgan Mountains

The Chimgan Mountains are part of the western Tian Shan range, on the spurs of the Chatkal Range, and they are known for green slopes, alpine scenery and year-round appeal. Their landmark is Big Chimgan (also called Greater Chimgan), a peak of 3,309 m that you see from most viewpoints in the area. Since December 2019 the valley has also had Amirsoy, Uzbekistan's first modern mountain resort, with a gondola lift up to the Kumbel ridge at about 2,300 m.

Charvak Lake

Charvak Lake, at the foot of the mountains, is in fact a reservoir: a dam on the Chirchiq River, built between 1964 and 1970, collects the water of the Pskem, Koksu and Chatkal rivers. Its clear blue water, surrounded by rolling hills and mountain peaks, makes it one of the most picturesque places near Tashkent. Its shores are lined with resorts, beaches and summer camps, and it is a favourite spot for locals to spend hot summer days.

Chimgan and Charvak through the seasons

Spring (March–May)

The snow retreats from the lower slopes, rivers are full and the hills turn green. This is the best time for photography and short walks, before the summer crowds arrive. Higher up, snow can stay into spring, so bring a warm layer for the cable car.

Summer (June–August)

Summer is the main season for the lake. While Tashkent is hot, the mountains are noticeably cooler, and Charvak's beaches fill with families from the city. Typical activities are scenic walks, cable car rides for the views, horse riding in the gorges below Big Chimgan and swimming in the lake. Weekends are busy; on a weekday the mountains are much quieter. Looking for something more active? Read about rafting on the Ugam River, in the same region.

Autumn (September–November)

The air is clear, the light is golden and the slopes turn yellow and red. September is often still warm enough to sit by the lake. Autumn is a good choice if you want walks and views without the summer crowds.

Winter (December–March)

During winter Chimgan becomes one of Uzbekistan's most popular ski and recreation areas. The ski season usually runs from December to mid-March, depending on snow. Amirsoy offers skiing and snowboarding on prepared runs, and the Chimgan area has its own lifts. Non-skiers can still ride the cable car for the snowy views. The lake is not for swimming, but the frozen shoreline and the snow-covered peaks make a striking contrast.

How the day trip works

We pick you up at your hotel in Tashkent at 09:00 and drive about two hours into the mountains, passing villages, gardens and streams. The first stop is the Amirsoy resort, then the Chimgan campsite at the foot of Big Chimgan, and finally Charvak Lake, with a traditional Uzbek lunch at a local restaurant overlooking the mountains. In the afternoon you return to your hotel, usually between 17:00 and 19:00. For a step-by-step plan of a similar route and tips for the day, see our Chimgan and Charvak day plan.

Practical tips

• Bring layers in every season: the mountains are several degrees cooler than Tashkent, and wind on the ridge is strong.
• In winter wear warm boots and gloves even if you do not ski; if you want time on the slopes, ask us first, as a standard day tour leaves little time for skiing.
• In summer bring swimwear, sunscreen and a hat; the mountain sun is strong.
• Travel on a weekday if you can; weekends and public holidays are much busier.
• The tour is not wheelchair accessible and is not recommended for pregnant travellers or people with heart problems.
• Keep your passport with you; it may be asked for at hotels and resorts.

Plan it with TravelBliss

We arrange the day with a car, driver and hotel pickup in Tashkent, visiting Amirsoy, the Chimgan campsite and Charvak Lake. See the Tashkent Mountain Tour for details. Prices depend on group size and season — see the tour page or contact us. The date can be changed free of charge, and cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the tour.