Amirsoy mountain resort

For decades, the mountains of Chimgan have been the playground of Tashkent: a place for skiing, hiking and fresh air in the hot summers. In December 2019, a new resort opened on the slopes nearby: Amirsoy, built to international standards, with modern lifts, groomed pistes, hotels, chalets and restaurants.

The resort lies in a side valley above the village of Chimgan, within sight of Big Chimgan and the Charvak reservoir, close to the edge of Ugam-Chatkal National Park.

The ski season usually runs from December to March, depending on snow. Amirsoy has a network of runs for beginners, intermediate and advanced skiers, with a top station at a little over 2,000 metres. Gondolas and chairlifts connect the base with the upper slopes. Equipment rental, a ski school with instructors and snowmaking on some slopes make it suitable for beginners and families.

Snow conditions vary from year to year. Weekends and public holidays, especially the New Year period, are very busy; weekdays are quieter.

From late spring to autumn, the lifts carry visitors up for views over the mountains and the turquoise Charvak reservoir. Marked hiking trails lead across meadows and ridges, and there are routes for mountain biking. Other activities have included horse riding, zip lines and outdoor events. The air at altitude is cooler than in Tashkent, which can be over 40 °C in July.

In spring, the slopes are covered with wild flowers; in autumn, the colours change and the crowds thin out.

The resort has several restaurants and cafés, from quick snacks at the base to sit-down meals with mountain views, serving Uzbek dishes such as plov, shashlik and soups as well as European food. Prices are higher than in Tashkent. Accommodation ranges from hotel rooms to private chalets and is often booked out on winter weekends and holidays, so reserve early. Many visitors simply come for the day from the capital and return in the evening.

Amirsoy is new, well organised and more expensive, with modern lifts and accommodation, and is the better choice for skiing and for a comfortable stay.

Chimgan, the older resort nearby, has a Soviet-era chairlift and a more local, informal atmosphere, with cheaper guesthouses and cafés, and is the starting point for the hike to Big Chimgan peak. Many visitors combine both on a day trip, together with Charvak.

Amirsoy is about 1.5 hours by road from central Tashkent, via Gazalkent and the Chimgan road. Go by private car with driver or taxi; shuttles from the city have run in some seasons, so check the resort’s current information. In winter, the mountain road may require care after snowfall.

Tickets: lift passes and gondola rides are charged separately; prices are higher at weekends and holidays. Check the resort’s official site for current prices and opening times, as both change by season.

Clothing: even in summer, take a warm layer: the weather in the mountains can change quickly. In winter, dress for cold and wind at the top station.

Accommodation: the resort has hotels and chalets; cheaper options are in Chimgan village and around Charvak.

Day trip idea: leave Tashkent early, ride the gondola at Amirsoy, have lunch with a view, then drive to Charvak for the late-afternoon light on the lake. See things to do in Tashkent for more. We arrange cars and drivers for the trip.