Charvak reservoir

North-east of Tashkent, the rivers Pskem, Chatkal and Koksu flow out of the mountains and join to form the Chirchik. In the 1960s and 1970s, a high rock-fill dam was built where the valleys meet, to produce electricity and store water for irrigation. The lake that filled the valleys behind it is Charvak, one of the largest reservoirs in Uzbekistan.

The lake lies at an altitude of about 890 metres and covers roughly 40 square kilometres when full. Its water, fed by snow-melt, is a striking turquoise colour, especially in early summer. The level varies through the year, lower in spring and higher after the melt.

The reservoir is surrounded by the foothills and peaks of the western Tian Shan, part of Ugam-Chatkal National Park. To the south rises the massif of Big Chimgan, often snow-capped until early summer. The contrast of blue water, green or golden hills and distant snow makes Charvak one of the most beautiful landscapes within easy reach of the capital.

Swimming and beaches: in summer, the lake is a popular place to swim. Many beaches belong to hotels and resorts and charge an entrance fee; public spots also exist. The water is cool even in July and August.

Viewpoints: the roads along the shore, especially near the dam and above the villages, offer wide views over the lake. The viewpoint above the dam is a classic photo stop.

Boats and water sports: in season, some resorts offer boat trips, jet skis or paddle boards.

Villages: around the lake are villages such as Burchmulla, Yusufkhona and Bogistan, with orchards, guesthouses and cafés serving fish, shashlik and fresh bread.

Walks: short walks lead up the hills above the lake. In spring, the slopes are covered with flowers, including wild tulips.

Around the lake you will find everything from large resort hotels with pools to simple guesthouses and family-run cottages in the villages. Many roadside cafés grill trout and other fish, alongside shashlik, salads and bread, often on raised wooden platforms (tapchans) in the shade of trees. Staying a night lets you enjoy the quiet evening and the sunrise over the water.

Summer (June–September) is the season for swimming and the lake is busiest at weekends, when many Tashkent families come. Weekdays are quieter. Spring (April–May) brings flowers and green hills, though the water is too cold for most swimmers. Autumn is beautiful, with golden colours and fewer people. In winter the lake is quiet and often combined with skiing at Chimgan or Amirsoy.

Charvak is about 1.5 hours by car from central Tashkent, via the town of Gazalkent. There is no convenient public transport for visitors; most go by private car with driver or taxi. Shared taxis run to the villages around the lake in summer. A day trip can combine the lake with the cable car at Chimgan or Amirsoy.

Bring sun protection: the sun is strong at this altitude. Resorts can be expensive on summer weekends; check the entrance price before you enter. The lake is near the border with Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan, and some areas further up the valleys, such as the Pskem valley, are a border zone that requires a permit; the shores of the lake are freely accessible. Drone use may be restricted near the dam.

For more ideas near the capital, see things to do in Tashkent. We arrange cars and drivers for day trips from Tashkent to Charvak and Chimgan.