Day trips from Tashkent

Distance: about 80–90 km north-east; around 1.5 hours.

The Chimgan mountains, part of the western Tian Shan, are Tashkent’s favourite escape. The Big Chimgan peak rises to around 3,300 metres above a valley of meadows, juniper woods and streams. In summer, visitors come for hiking, horse riding and cool air; in winter, for skiing. A chairlift climbs the slopes, giving views over the valley.

Hikes range from easy walks along streams to the demanding climb of Big Chimgan, which requires a full day, fitness and preferably a guide. In spring, the slopes are covered with wildflowers and wild tulips.

Distance: near Chimgan; around 1.5 hours.

Amirsoy is a modern mountain resort with gondolas, ski runs, restaurants and accommodation, open year-round: skiing from around December to March, and hiking, mountain biking and panoramic gondola rides in summer. Beldersay, nearby, is an older ski area with a long chairlift reaching high slopes and views. Both can be combined with Chimgan.

Distance: about 80 km north-east; around 1.5 hours.

The Charvak reservoir, created by a dam on the Chirchik river, is a large turquoise lake surrounded by mountains. In summer it is Tashkent’s seaside, with beaches, resorts, boat trips and water sports. Viewpoints along the road above the lake offer spectacular views. It combines perfectly with Chimgan in a single day.

Distance: 1.5–3 hours, depending on the area.

The Ugam-Chatkal National Park protects a large area of the western Tian Shan, with walnut and juniper forests, alpine meadows, rivers and wildlife. Popular areas include the Pskem and Ugam valleys and the village of Khumsan, with guesthouses and hiking trails, and the waterfalls and petroglyphs of the Gulkam gorge and Bostanlyk district. Some areas near the borders require permits; go with a local guide.

Distance: about 300 km; around 2–2.5 hours by Afrosiyob train.

With an early train out and a late train back, you can see the highlights of Samarkand in a long day: the Registan, Gur-Emir, Bibi-Khanym and Shah-i-Zinda. It is rushed, and Samarkand deserves at least two nights, but if your time is very short, a day trip is far better than missing it. Book train tickets well in advance.

Distance: about 15–20 km south-west; 30–40 minutes.

The shrine of Zangi Ota, a 13th-century Sufi saint, and the tomb of his wife Anbar Bibi make a peaceful half-day trip. Combine it with the Sheikhantaur ensemble and the Khast Imam complex in the city for a day of Islamic heritage.

Distance: about 45–50 km east; around 1 hour.

In the foothills near Parkent stands one of the largest solar furnaces in the world, built in the 1980s. A huge curved mirror made of thousands of panels concentrates sunlight from a field of mirrors on the hillside to reach extremely high temperatures, used for research on materials. It is an unusual sight for travellers interested in Soviet science and engineering. Visits are usually arranged with a guide; check access in advance.

Distance: about 230–300 km; 4–5 hours by road or by train via the Kamchik pass.

The Fergana Valley is the most fertile and populous region of Uzbekistan, famous for its crafts. A very long day trip can include the palace of the khans in Kokand, the silk workshops of Margilan and the ceramics of Rishtan, but the valley is much better with one or two nights.

The mountain trips combine easily: a classic day goes from Tashkent to the Charvak viewpoints, on to Chimgan or Amirsoy for a cable car ride and lunch, and back in the late afternoon. For two days, spend a night in a guesthouse or resort in the mountains and add a hike in the Ugam-Chatkal park.

For the mountains and most other trips, a car with a driver is the easiest option; public transport to the mountains is limited, though shared taxis run to Chimgan and Charvak. Bring warm layers even in summer, as the mountains are cooler, and sun protection. Check the weather and road conditions in winter. Bring your passport: there are checkpoints on some roads, and border areas require it. We arrange cars, drivers, guides and train tickets for all these trips.