Mountain Day Trips & Hikes from Tashkent
The Chimgan mountains are about 80 km from Tashkent, close enough for a full day of hiking or riding and back in the city by evening. These are our short tours that start and end in Tashkent, from one-day hikes to weekend treks.
See 10 toursMountains on Tashkent's doorstep
Chimgan is the most accessible part of the Western Tian Shan and the starting point for most of our short trips. In one day you can climb Small Chimgan or Greater Chimgan, walk the Chimgan valley to the Kyzyl-Jar cliffs above Charvak Lake, or spend five hours on horseback in the Chimgan hills.
Choose by the time you have
One day: the Chimgan valley hike, Small Chimgan, Greater Chimgan, the 1-day horse ride, or a Tashkent city tour if you would rather stay in town.
Two or three days: the Small Chimgan and Gulkam canyon loop in Ugam-Chatkal National Park, the Urungach (Jade) lakes in the Pskem Valley, or a 3-day trek or ride through the Chimgan and Chatkal ranges.
When to go
Mountain trips from Tashkent are best from spring to autumn. Summer is pleasant in the mountains while the city is hot; the Urungach lakes trip is timed for the spring bloom in mid-April. In winter, Chimgan and Amirsoy turn into ski resorts.
Day trips and short tours from Tashkent
1 day 1 Day Horse Riding Tour Along Chimgan Mountains
Route: Tashkent-Chimgan Village-Yubileyniy Village- Tashkent. Activity: 5-hour guided horseback trek (16 km). Elevation: Starts at 1,600 m, peaking at 1,845 m. Key Sights: Kyzyl-Jar cliffs, Charvak Lake, Greater & Small Chimgan Peaks, and local alpine flora/fauna. Difficulty: Moderate (mostly downhill after the midpoint).
1 day Tashkent City Tour
Exploring the city of Tashkent with great enthusiasm, best sites of Tashkent which old and new parts: Chorsu and Amir Temur square.
1 day Small Chimgan Peak Hiking
Small Chimgan Peak Hike Route: Tashkent - Chimgan Village - Small Chimgan Peak - Tashkent The Ascent Starting Point: Fanat Sanatorium (1,578m).The Trek: A 520m elevation gain through scenic valleys and ancient juniper forests. The Challenge: A steady climb leading into a steeper, more thrilling final approach to the summit.The Summit (2,099m) Highlights: A panoramic "triple-view" of the turquoise Charvak Lake, the Karjantau mountains, and the peaks of Kyrgyzstan.The Ritual: A celebratory picnic and a photo op at the iconic "Small Chimgan 2,099m" summit sign.The Descent The Route: A different, more gradual path through the lush eastern forests, offering a change of scenery and a gentler pace on the knees. Return: Leisurely trek back to the starting point followed by a scenic drive back to Tashkent.
1 day Greater Chimgan Trek
This full-day excursion from Tashkent involves a challenging 1,600m ascent starting from Chimgan village (1,670m). The 4-hour climb offers stunning views of the Kumbel ridge, various mountain resorts, and the Nurek-ata valley, with chances to spot eagles and vultures. Notable landmarks include a climbers' memorial at 3,000m and a steep zip-line experience near the top. After reaching the summit to enjoy panoramic views of the Charvak reservoir and the borders of Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan, hikers have lunch and begin a 3-hour descent before returning to the city.
1 day Chimgan Valley Hiking Day Trip
Tour Highlight: The Kyzyl-Jar Ridge & Charvak Panorama Experience the rugged beauty of the Western Tien Shan on this 14-kilometer linear trek. Starting from Chimgan village, we ascend to the striking Kyzyl-Jar cliffs (1,800m), where you’ll be rewarded with a breathtaking 360-degree panorama of the Greater Chimgan peak and the turquoise waters of Charvak Lake. Trek Highlights: Spectacular Views: Bird’s-eye vistas of high-altitude peaks and the expansive water reservoir. Wildlife & Culture: Opportunities to spot circling vultures and encounter semi-wild horses or local grazing flocks. Authentic Landscapes: A scenic descent through alpine terrain and traditional villages, offering a true glimpse into the local mountain lifestyle. Quick Stats: Distance: 14 km (Linear) Max Elevation: ~1,800 meters Drive Time: 1.5 hours from Tashkent.
2 days 2 Days Tour To Urungach (Jade) Lake
The 2-Day Urungach: Spring Bloom Expedition is a seasonal, high-mountain journey into the Pskem Valley, specifically timed for the mid-April transition. This tour features a blend of off-road 4x4 transit and trekking to reach the iconic "Jade" Lakes at their most pristine. Over two days, travelers experience the unique contrast of snow-capped peaks and the first spring wildflowers, staying overnight in a traditional mountain guesthouse for an authentic cultural experience.
2 days 2 Days Trekking In Ugam-Chatkal National Park
The Chimgan & Gulkam Loop Duration: 2 Days / 1 Night Difficulty: Moderate (Requires good balance for canyon wading and steady climbing). Max Altitude: 2,096m (Small Chimgan Peak). Highlights: 360° summit views, birch groves, the famous Gulkam "Bottleneck," and hidden waterfalls.
3 days 3 Days Horse Riding In Western Tian-Shan Mountains
The Kyzyljar Ridge & Chatkal Ranges Duration: 3 Days / 2 Nights Route: Tashkent → Aksakata Valley → Chet Kumbel Pass → Beldersay → Kyzyljar Ridge → Charvak Lake → Tashkent Themes: High-Altitude Trekking, Wild Camping, Panoramic Ridge Riding, and National Park Exploration.
3 days 3 Days Trekking in Western Tian-Shan mountains
The Peaks of Chimgan & Chatkal This 3-day expedition is a "star-trek" style journey (using a central hotel base) that explores the diverse ecosystems of the Tashkent region. From the lower, arid Aksakata valley to the high alpine ridges of the Chimgan peaks, the tour emphasizes scenic variety and local shepherd culture. Total Distance: ~34 km Total Elevation Gain: ~1,600 m Difficulty: Easy/Medium (Suitable for active hikers) Key Highlights: Syurenata views, Small Chimgan summit, Charvak Lake panoramas, and nomadic camp visits.
3 days 3 Days Trekking In Chatkal And Chimgan mountains
Frequently asked questions
How far are the mountains from Tashkent?
The Chimgan mountains are about 80 km from Tashkent, so a full-day hike or horse ride there returns to the city the same evening.
What is the easiest day trip from Tashkent?
The Chimgan valley hike and the Small Chimgan hike are both rated moderate. Greater Chimgan is the most demanding day trip, with about 1,600 m of climbing.
Can I go horse riding near Tashkent for one day?
Yes. Our 1-day horse riding tour in the Chimgan mountains is a 5-hour guided ride of about 16 km, with views of the Kyzyl-Jar cliffs and Charvak Lake.
When is the best season for day trips from Tashkent?
Spring to autumn. Summer is the best time for the higher Chimgan routes; spring is greenest. In winter the mountains are mainly used for skiing.