Ugam-Chatkal National Park

The Tian Shan, the "Heavenly Mountains", stretch for some 2,500 km across Central Asia, from China to Uzbekistan. Their westernmost ranges, the Ugam, Pskem, Chatkal and Kurama, reach into Uzbekistan just north-east of Tashkent. Ugam-Chatkal National Park, established in 1990, protects a large part of these mountains, covering several thousand square kilometres, with peaks rising above 4,000 metres along the borders with Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan.

In 2016, the western Tian Shan was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list as a transnational site shared by Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan, recognising its biodiversity and importance as a centre of origin of fruit crops.

The park includes high peaks and glaciers, alpine meadows, deep river valleys and gorges, forests and the foothills around the Charvak reservoir. Rivers such as the Pskem, Chatkal, Ugam and Koksu run through narrow valleys. Lower slopes are covered with juniper (archa) forests, wild walnut, apple, apricot, pistachio and hawthorn trees, ancestors of many cultivated fruits. In spring, the meadows are full of wild tulips and other flowers.

The park and the neighbouring Chatkal Biosphere Reserve are home to many species of mammals and birds. Among the most notable are the snow leopard, rare and very hard to see; the Tian Shan brown bear; Siberian ibex; wild boar; lynx; and Menzbier’s marmot, a marmot found only in the western Tian Shan. Birds include golden eagles, bearded vultures (lammergeiers), Himalayan griffons and many smaller species. Seeing large animals requires time, patience and a local guide.

Chimgan and Amirsoy: the most accessible area, with resorts, lifts and the hike to Big Chimgan (3,309 m). See Amirsoy.

Charvak and its villages: viewpoints, beaches and walks around the reservoir.

Beldersay and Gulkam: valleys near Chimgan, with hiking routes, waterfalls and a canyon walk, popular day hikes from Tashkent with a guide.

Ugam valley and Khumsan: green valleys with guesthouses and walking routes, quieter than Chimgan.

Pskem valley: a beautiful, wild valley leading towards the borders; it lies in a border zone, and a special permit is required. Arrange it in advance through a local operator.

May–June: flowers, green meadows and full rivers; snow remains on high passes.

July–September: the best time for high-altitude hiking; the valleys are pleasant while Tashkent is very hot.

October: autumn colours, clear skies, cold nights.

Winter: skiing at Chimgan and Amirsoy; most hiking areas are snowbound and avalanche-prone.

Most visitor areas, such as Chimgan, Amirsoy and Charvak, can be visited without a permit. A small park entrance fee may be charged in some areas. Border areas, like the upper Pskem valley, require special permission. Rules change, so check with a local operator before planning trekking routes.

Safety: weather changes quickly in the mountains; carry warm and waterproof clothing, water and food, and walk with a guide on longer routes. Avoid avalanche areas in winter and spring. Mobile signal is limited in the valleys.

Respect the park: do not light fires outside designated places, take your rubbish home and do not pick protected plants such as wild tulips.

The main areas of the park are 1.5–3 hours by car from Tashkent. A day trip can combine Charvak with Chimgan or Amirsoy; longer trips to the Ugam or Pskem valleys need two or more days with guesthouse stays. See things to do in Tashkent. We arrange cars, drivers and local guides for trips into the mountains.