Chimgan–Beldersay: A Premier Mountain Destination in Uzbekistan
The Chimgan–Beldersay area is one of Uzbekistan’s most attractive mountain regions, offering year-round opportunities for adventure, recreation, and nature-based tourism. Located within the Ugam–Chatkal National Park, this area has evolved into a modern yet authentic destination that combines alpine landscapes with improving infrastructure and sustainable tourism initiatives.
Location and Natural Setting
The Chimgan–Beldersay region lies in the Bostanlyk District of the Tashkent Region, approximately one hour’s drive from the capital. It is situated near the Charvak Reservoir, Uzbekistan’s largest artificial lake, and is shaped by the valleys of the Chimgansay and Beldersay rivers.
Chimgan village is located at an elevation of around 1,600 meters above sea level, at the foothills of the Chatkal Range. The area is dominated by the Greater Chimgan Peak (3,309 m), one of the most recognizable summits in the Western Tien Shan. Several smaller mountain settlements and seasonal recreational zones are scattered throughout the valleys.
Historically, Chimgan has long served as a summer pasture and mountain refuge. Its name is commonly associated with fertile alpine meadows and abundant water sources, reflecting the area’s traditional pastoral character.
Climate and Seasons
The climate of the Chimgan–Beldersay area is continental and mountain-influenced, with clear seasonal contrasts:
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Spring arrives in April in the lower valleys, while higher elevations may retain snow into early summer.
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Summer is warm and dry, with daytime temperatures generally comfortable for hiking and outdoor activities, while evenings remain cool.
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Autumn is mild and colorful, making it one of the best seasons for trekking and photography.
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Winter brings stable snow cover, supporting skiing, snowboarding, and other winter sports.
Snow typically remains in higher elevations for several months, creating favorable conditions for winter tourism and resort operations.
Landscapes, Flora, and Fauna
The region is known for its diverse mountain scenery, including steep rocky slopes, forested valleys, alpine meadows, and narrow canyons. Notable natural attractions include:
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Greater and Small Chimgan peaks
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Gulkam Canyon
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Marble, Black, and seasonal waterfalls
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Panoramic views over the Charvak Reservoir
Vegetation varies by altitude and includes juniper forests, wild tulips, alpine flowers, and summer pastures. Wildlife inhabiting the wider Ugam–Chatkal area includes marmots, mountain goats, birds of prey, and numerous alpine bird species.
Tourism and Recreation
Chimgan–Beldersay is one of the most important mountain tourism zones in Uzbekistan. It attracts both domestic and international visitors seeking:
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Hiking and trekking
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Mountaineering and rock scrambling
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Skiing and snowboarding
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Horse riding
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Nature photography and eco-tourism
In recent years, tourism infrastructure has improved significantly. Paved access roads, cable lifts, modern resorts, guesthouses, cafés, and equipment rental services are now widely available.
A major driver of development in the area is the Amirsoy Mountain Resort, a modern, all-season destination offering ski slopes, cable cars, hotels, restaurants, and hiking trails. Its presence has raised service standards and expanded year-round tourism opportunities across the region.
Accommodation
Accommodation options in the Chimgan–Beldersay area range from simple guesthouses to modern mountain resorts:
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Family-run guesthouses and homestays, offering local hospitality and traditional cuisine
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Private hotels and recreation centers, suitable for families and tour groups
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High-end mountain resorts, providing international-level comfort and services
Most accommodations have electricity, heating, hot water, and reliable road access.
Accessibility
The region is easily accessible from Tashkent by car, taxi, or organized transfers. Travel time typically ranges from 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on weather and traffic conditions. Roads are generally open year-round, though short-term restrictions may occur in spring due to natural conditions in mountainous terrain.
Protected Areas and Sustainability
The Chimgan–Beldersay area forms part of the Ugam–Chatkal National Park, one of Uzbekistan’s most important protected natural areas. Conservation efforts focus on preserving biodiversity, landscapes, and traditional land use while promoting sustainable tourism.
The region is also included in broader initiatives linked to the Western Tien Shan transboundary biosphere area, emphasizing ecological balance and responsible visitor management.
Trekking and Hiking Opportunities
The mountains and valleys around Chimgan and Beldersay offer numerous trekking and hiking routes of varying difficulty. Routes range from short day hikes through scenic gorges to multi-day alpine treks around the Greater Chimgan massif. Popular trails pass through high mountain passes, river valleys, alpine meadows, and natural viewpoints overlooking the Charvak Reservoir.
Guided trekking, horse support, camping equipment, and logistical services are readily available through local operators, making the area accessible to both experienced hikers and beginners.
Why We Choose One-Day Hikes in the Chimgan–Beldersay Region
At present, the Chimgan–Beldersay region is undergoing rapid infrastructure development. New cable cars and hotel complexes are being built throughout the area, which makes long-term planning of multi-day trekking routes less predictable.
For this reason, we have chosen a more flexible format of active travel for our guests. We recommend staying at a hotel and taking one-day radial hikes instead — one day, one hike, with a return to the hotel for overnight accommodation.
Below is one of the most popular routes in the region: a hike to the Gulkam Canyon, one of the most scenic natural landmarks in the Chimgan–Beldersay area.
Day Hike to Gulkam Canyon via Chimgan
Option 1
The journey begins with a scenic drive from Tashkent through Galvasay village to the Chimgan recreation area, located at the foothills of the Chatkal Range in the Western Tien Shan.
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Distance: ~100 km
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Travel time: about 1.5 hours
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Starting altitude: ~1,300 m
Ascent to Pesochniy Pass
From Chimgan, the route follows a well-marked mountain trail leading up to Pesochniy Pass (1,832 m). The ascent is steady and rewarding, offering wide views of surrounding valleys and ridgelines.
Descent into Gulkamsay Gorge
After reaching the pass, the trail descends into the Gulkamsay River gorge. A short rest in a shaded birch grove provides a perfect break before entering the highlight of the route.
Gulkam Canyon Experience
The Gulkam Canyon is considered one of the most beautiful natural landmarks in the mountains of Uzbekistan. The canyon walk includes light canyoning:
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narrow rock walls, sometimes narrowing to just 5 meters
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small waterfalls, natural pools, and rocky corridors
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frequent shallow river crossings
The canyon section can be comfortably completed in about 2 hours and does not require technical climbing skills in normal conditions.
Return Route
After exiting the canyon, the route continues downstream along the Gulkamsay River to a water intake near the country road. From there, the return drive to Tashkent follows the shoreline of the Charvak Reservoir.
The road offers spectacular panoramic views of the Ugam, Pskem, and Koksu mountain ranges, framing the turquoise waters of Charvak and providing a memorable end to the day.
Option 2
Transfer to Chimgan
The journey begins with a drive from Tashkent through Galvasay village to the Chimgan recreation area, located at the foothills of the Chatkal Range in the Western Tien Shan.
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Distance: ~100 km
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Travel time: ~1.5 hours
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Starting altitude: ~1,300 m
Ascent to Pesochniy Pass (1,832 m)
From Chimgan, the hike starts along a well-maintained mountain trail leading to Pesochniy Pass. The ascent is gradual and offers beautiful views of surrounding valleys.
Descent into the Gulkamsay Gorge
After reaching the pass, the trail descends into the Gulkamsay River gorge. A short rest is taken in a shaded birch grove before continuing into the canyon.
Gulkam Canyon Exploration
The route passes through the spectacular Gulkam Canyon — one of the most beautiful natural sites in the mountains of Uzbekistan.
This section includes light canyoning:
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narrow rock corridors
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small waterfalls and natural pools
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shallow river crossings
Return to Pesochniy Pass
After exiting the canyon and taking a short rest, the trail climbs back up to Pesochniy Pass.
Ascent to Small Chimgan Peak (2,100 m)
From the pass, the route continues to the summit of the Small Chimgan Peak. From the top, hikers are rewarded with a majestic panoramic view of the Ugam, Pskem, and Koksu ranges, as well as the surrounding landscape of the Charvak Reservoir.
Descent and Return
The hike ends with a descent back to Chimgan. The return drive to Tashkent follows the scenic road along the shore of the Charvak Reservoir.
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