Incredible Panoramic Views
Experienced Mountain Guide
Idyllic Mountain Campsites
Hike to the Great Chimgan Peak & Camp in Scenic Valleys
Embark on an exhilarating 5-day trekking adventure that unveils the enchanting landscapes of Galvasay and Beldersay river valleys. Traverse the captivating Gulkam Canyon and treat your senses to the awe-inspiring panoramic views from the western slopes of the iconic Great Chimgan Peak. Nestled within the majestic embrace of the Western Tian Shan Mountains, this journey offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and accessibility, as it unfolds just a stone’s throw away from Tashkent, Uzbekistan’s vibrant capital.
Your trek starts at the idyllic Karamazar village in Aksakata Valley, setting the stage for an immersive exploration spanning a total distance of 58 km over 5 days. As you wind through these picturesque valleys, you’ll be treated to a medley of stunning sights, from the verdant landscapes to the dramatic rock formations of Gulkam Canyon. The trek is thoughtfully designed to capture the essence of the Western Tian Shan’s grandeur, ensuring you witness its most captivating corners.
At the end of each exhilarating day of exploration, you’ll find respite in the embrace of lush, picturesque campsites nestled within the valleys. This medium-difficulty trekking program caters to adventurers of varying fitness levels who are in good and healthy shape.
Highlights of the Tour
Conquer the highest point of the trek near the western side ridges of the Great Chimgan peak at the height of 2460m
Navigate Gulkam Pass, descending carefully to explore the 5-7 metre-wide canyon with its vertical walls, waterfalls, and enigmatic stone formations
Camp at the foot of the majestic Big Chimgan mount, soaking in the panoramic views throughout the day
Enjoy the company of knowledgeable guides who will lead you through the terrain, sharing insights and ensuring your safety as you uncover the wonders of Western Tian Shan
Marvel at the rich biodiversity as you encounter juniper, walnut, and birch trees, as well as an array of bird species
Day 1 – Transfer from Tashkent Karamazar village, trek to Galvasay valley (14 km/8 hours): Be ready to meet our driver and guide at 9:00 am in the parking lot of the Uzbekistan Hotel in Tashkent to transfer to Karamazar village (65km / 1,5 hours). Start trekking by ascending to the mountain ridge that divides the Galvasay and Beldersay rivers. Reach the height of 1500m on the ridgeline and continue hiking down towards the village of Uchterek. Pass the village from the east and proceed to Galvasay River valley where we will set up camp.
Day 2 – Trek from Galvasay to Chimgan Waterfall (10km/6 hours):
From the camp in Galvasay River valley we head up to Archali Pass (1600m) of Mount Kiziljar. Reaching the top of the pass, we continue on the ridgeline to the northeast towards Chimgan Waterfall. Set up camp in the area of the waterfall, at the height of 1759m.
Day 3 – Gulkam Canyon day trip (10 km/6 hours):
This whole day is dedicated to a day trip from the campsite to Gulkam Canyon. Start walking up from the campsite to Gulkam Pass (1830m) then drop down to Gulkam Canyon. Explore the waterfall, majestic stone formations, and steep walls of the Gulkam Canyon. Return to the campsite near Chimgan waterfall.
Day 4 – Trek from Chimgan waterfall to Beldersay valley (8 km/5 hours):
From the camp near Chimgan waterfall we continue to the south-east in direction to Great Chimgan Peak eventually reaching the western side ridge of the peak at 2460m. Discover panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and the peak from the ridge. After a short break, start descending to the source of the Beldersay River. Set up camp along the riverbed of the Beldersay River.
Day 5 – Trek from Beldersay valley to Marble River, transfer to Tashkent (6 km/4 hours):
Continue down in Beldersay valley before reaching the accession start point of Urtakumbel Pass (1830m). Hike up to the pass then drop down to Marble River valley. Continue heading down along the stream passing the waterfall. Upon reaching the end point of our trekking tour, we meet our driver who transfers us to Tashkent (82 km/1,5 -2 hours).
END OF THE TRIP
Click the “Itinerary” tab to see a detailed itinerary.
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Trip Details
Trip Details
- Tour Dates: Group departures are available every Friday from May to September.
- Seasonal Considerations: The optimal seasons for this tour are May and September.
- Meeting Point and Time: In Tashkent, meet at 8:40 AM at the parking lot of the Uzbekistan Hotel. Upon request, small groups (2-3 participants) can be picked up from their hotels. The departure time is 9:00 AM.
- Ending Point: You will be dropped back the parking lot of the Uzbekistan Hotel at around 5:00 PM. Upon request, small groups (2-3 participants) can be dropped off at their hotels.
- Accommodations: 4 nights in two-person tents at designated campsites.
- Meals: All meals during the trek. Vegetarian and vegan options are available upon request.
- Guided Tours: A mountain guide who speaks English will lead the trek.
- Transportation: Transfers include:
- From Tashkent to Karamazar village.
- From Beldersay valley back to Tashkent.
- Registration: The registration will be issued by our company, please present your passport in the morning to your guide or send us copy of your passport in advance.
- Luggage transportation: We will provide donkeys for luggage transportation.
- Personal Expenses: Items of a personal nature.
- Travel Insurance: We want you to have a safe and worry-free adventure, so we kindly ask all participants to have travel insurance. It’s a simple way to ensure you’re protected and can fully enjoy your activities with peace of mind.
- Tips: Tipping is not mandatory but is a thoughtful way to show appreciation for the services provided by guides, drivers, and hosts. A general guideline is $5–$10 per person per day, depending on your satisfaction with the service.
- Camping Details: We provide 2-person tents, sleeping bags, mattresses, and all necessary tableware and cooking utensils. Meals will be freshly prepared by our cook. Please note that showers and toilets tents are only installed for the groups of 6 persons and above. Guests can use nearby rivers for washing.
- Transport Details: For groups of 2-3 participants, transportation is provided by an air-conditioned sedan car. For groups of 4 or more, a minibus is used.
- Guide Information: A professional mountain guide with experience in the Chimgan area will lead the trek, providing insights into the local environment and ensuring safety.
- Minimum and Maximum Participants: The tour operates with a minimum of 2 participants and a maximum of 12 participants to ensure a personalized experience.
- Fitness Level: This 5-day trekking tour covers approximately 48 kilometers, with daily treks ranging from 4 to 8 hours. Participants should be in good physical condition, comfortable with walking on uneven terrain, and capable of handling elevation changes. A reasonable level of cardiovascular fitness is recommended to maintain a steady pace throughout the trek.
- Age Restrictions: The tour is suitable for individuals aged 16 and above.
- Experience: The participants are required to have prior experience.
Packing List
- Clothing:
- Spring (March-May) and Autumn (September-November): Layered clothing is essential to adapt to varying temperatures. Pack long-sleeved shirts, a light jacket or sweater for cooler mornings and evenings, and comfortable trousers. We advise you to take rain/wind proof jacket for early spring and autumn.
- Summer (June-August): Lightweight, breathable clothing such as cotton or linen shirts and trousers. A wide-brimmed hat or cap is crucial for sun protection. Consider bringing a light scarf or shawl for additional coverage.
- Footwear: Sturdy, closed-toe trekking boots with good ankle support and a non-slip sole are recommended to ensure safety and comfort on uneven and potentially slippery terrain.
- Other Essentials: Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, a reusable water bottle, walking sticks and a small daypack to carry personal items during the hikes.
- Luggage Transport: During the trek, your main luggage will be transported by donkeys, allowing you to carry only a daypack with essentials. We recommend leaving unnecessary items at your hotel in Tashkent. If you are departing to another destination immediately after the tour, we can securely store your luggage at our premises.
- Size and Weight Limits: To ensure the well-being of the donkeys and efficient transport, each participant’s luggage should not exceed 13 kg. Soft-sided backpacks are preferred for ease of loading and to prevent damage during transit.
Please review our booking terms and cancellation policy by visiting our Terms and Conditions page.
Please click here: https://nuratau.com/terms-conditions/
Your 5-Day Chimgan Trekking Itinerary
Day 1 – Karamazar village- Galvasay valley
Be ready at 9:00 am to meet our driver and guide in the parking lot of the Uzbekistan Hotel in Tashkent and transfer to the trekking start point at mountain village Karamazar in Aksakata river valley (65km, 1,5 h, 850m). The trek starts with a smooth ascent to the mountain ridge that divides the Beldersay and Galvasay river valleys. Heading up on the ridge to the northeast, there are panoramic views of the river valleys with lush green vegetation mainly represented by walnut, birch, and other bush flora. Reaching the altitude of 1500m on the ridge, start descending towards the village of Uchterek. The route passes Uchterek from the east and continues the descent further to the Galvasay River valley. Reach the camping area after a short walk up along the Galvasay riverbed.
Highest Altitude 1500m
Sleeping altitude 1250m
Distance 14km, 8 hours, ascent 650m, descent 250m
Day 2 – Galvasay – Big Chimgan Waterfall
After breakfast, start the trek from the campsite towards the northeast aiming to reach the Archali Pass (1600m) of mount Kiziljar. Reach the pass and take a look around to enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding mountains. From the Archali Pass, we will then continue to the southeast on the ridgeline towards the Chimgan Waterfall located on the foot of Great Chimgan Peak. Here you’ll witness fantastic views of the mountains and Great Chimgan Peak throughout the day. We set up camp at the foot of the Big Chimgan mount.
Highest Altitude 1750m
Sleeping altitude 1750m
Distance 10km, 6 hours, ascent 500m
Day 3 – Gulkam Day Trip
Today, we’ll go on a trekking excursion from the base camp to Gulkam canyon – one of the most beautiful places in Western Tian-Shan. From the camp, we head up towards Gulkam Pass also known as Pesochniy Pass (1830 m). Once you are on the Pass start descending to Gulkam Canyon. Please keep in mind, that the descent from this pass to the canyon requires participants’ utmost concentration as some stretches of the trail have loose and slippery ground. The 5-7 metres wide canyon meets hikers with vertical walls, several waterfalls, and mysterious stone formations. After spending some time exploring the area of the canyon, we will return to our camp at the foot of the Big Chimgan Mount.
Highest Altitude 1830m
Sleeping altitude 1750m
Distance 10km, 6 hours, ascent 80m descend 300m
Day 4 – Chimgan Waterfall – Beldersay Valley
Today we’ll reach the highest point on our trek – the western side ridges of Great Chimgan Peak. After breakfast, start heading up on the path to the southeast bringing you closer to Great Chimgan. The trail that leads to the top of the ridgeline is considerably steep and requires more endurance from participants. Reach the ridge at the height of 2460m and enjoy the views of the lush green Beldersay River valley. We’ll have a short rest before starting the descent to the ‘Beldersay Walls’ – the source of the Beldersay River. Beldersay is a great area for bird watching, where bird species including White-crowned Penduline-tit, Turkestan tits, Rufous naped tit as well as birds of prey such as Booted Eagle, Short-toed eagle, and Eurasian Griffon Vultures can be spotted. After walking downstream into the valley we’ll reach the camping area.
Highest Altitude 2460m
Sleeping altitude 1730m
Distance 8 km, 5 hours, ascent 710, descent 730m
Day 5 – Beldersay Valley – Marble River
After breakfast, we’ll continue trekking downwards through Beldersay Valley to reach the last major accent- Urtakumbel Pass (1830m). Through Urtakumbel Pass we descend to the picturesque marble River valley (1700m). Heading further down through the valley, we pass the waterfall and reach the end point of our trek (1500m). Here our driver will transfer us back to Tashkent (82 km/ 1,5- 2 hours)
Highest Altitude 1830m
Distance 6km, 4 hours, 100m ascent, descend 330m
Map
Private Tour Enquiry
All our tours are available as private tours. To request private tour departure dates you can send us an enquiry here. Please fill in your details and select your preferred trekking tour in the form below and we will get back to you with available departure dates.
