Incredible Panoramic Views
Experienced Mountain Guide
Idyllic Mountain Campsites
Conquer the Tian Shan Mountains in 6 Days
Embark on a captivating 6-day trekking adventure through the lush green valleys of the Western Tian Shan mountains in Uzbekistan. The journey promises an exquisite blend of breathtaking scenery, panoramic mountain views, and heartwarming encounters with local shepherds. Your expedition begins in the charming village of Gidjal, just an hour and a half’s drive from Tashkent. Over the course of 6 days, you’ll traverse a total distance of 74 kilometres, culminating at the renowned Beldersay Ski Resort. The pinnacle of this adventure lies in reaching the majestic summit of Great Chimgan, soaring at an impressive elevation of 3,309 metres above sea level.
Amidst this enchanting trek, you’ll be treated to a diverse array of landscapes – from idyllic meadows and verdant orchards to the vast expanse of bare high mountain plains. A highlight not to be missed is the warm interactions with local shepherds, who will undoubtedly enrich your experience with their hospitality and insights into mountain life. At the end of each day, find solace in the embrace of picturesque camping sites nestled within lush valleys, creating the perfect backdrop for memorable evenings under the stars. This trekking tour is best suited for those with prior trekking experience, seeking an extraordinary journey through the remarkable landscapes of Western Tian Shan.
Highlights of the Tour
Ascend the picturesque Aksakata Valley with captivating landscapes
Traverse along ridgelines, crossing rivers and streams for a varied trekking experience
Encounter traditional shepherd summer huts and embrace the nomadic lifestyle
Conquer the challenge of reaching Big Chimgan Peak's summit (3309m)
Revel in breathtaking panoramic views of Charvak Reservoir and distant mountain ranges
Day 1 – Transfer from Tashkent to Gidjal village, trek to Aksakata: 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 the trek’s start point at Gidjal village (65km / 1, 5 hours). Start ascending on the ridgeline with Aksakata River on our left and eventually reach the height of 1400m. From the ridge, we’ll descend to Aksakata Valley and stop for lunch near the junction of the Aksakata and Nurekata rivers. After lunch, we will continue heading up through Aksakata and reach the camping area near the junction of Aksakata and Kashkasuv Rivers to set up camp.
Day 2 – Aksakata River valley trek (16 km/8 hours): We’ll continue walking along the valley of the Aksakata River. Mountain springs, different types of trees, and Barberry and dog-rose bushes on the river banks offer scenic views of the area’s natural beauty. Heading up along the river bed, you will pass a nice waterfall and a shepherd’s summer hut. Camping in Aksakata Valley.
Day 3 – Aksakata Pass (10 km/6 hours): Back on the main trail, we ascend Aksakata Valley until we reach Aksakata Pass at 2200m. Continue uphill on the ridge and get to the height of 2300m before descending to the next valley. Ascend through the valley eventually reaching High Karangur at 2700m. Cross to the other side into the next valley and continue to the camping area at Karangursay River. Camping in Karangursay Valley.
Day 4 – Mingjilki Ridge (10 km/4 hours): From the camp head back to the Mingjilki Ridge and continue to the north getting closer to Great Chimgan. Walk to the sources of Karaarcha River then head on the ridge towards Takhta Pass (2620m). The trek opens up panoramic views of Chirchik Valley and surrounding mountains. You will also have occasional views of the Pulatkhan Plateau to the east. Reach the camping area near Takhta Pass. Camping in Mingjilki Ridge.
Day 5 – Great Chimgan Peak summit (10 km/ 7 hours): Start from the camp heading up along the ridge towards Great Chimgan Peak (3 309m). The summit can be reached in about 3 hours and opens great views of the Charvak Reservoir and distant mountain ranges of Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. Spending some time for observation on the summit, and descent back to Takhta Pass for lunch. After lunch continue generally to the west towards today’s camping area on Kumbil Pass (2350m). Camping in Kumbil Pass.
Day 6 – Beldersey Valley to Charvak reservoir (13 km/ 5 hours): From the camp on Kumbil Pass continue on the trail that gradually descends to Chet Kumbel Pass (1 880). The pass separates Beldersay and Nurekata valleys. You will then continue heading down in Beldersay Valley towards the ski resort. Meet our driver at Beldersay ski resort and be transferred via Chavak Reservoir to Tashkent. Your trekking tour in Uzbekistan’s most picturesque locations ends here.
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 Thursday and Sunday 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: 5 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 Gidjal 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 6-day trekking tour covers approximately 75 kilometers, with daily treks ranging from 6 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.
- 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
Please review our booking terms and cancellation policy by visiting our Terms and Conditions page.
Please click here: https://nuratau.com/terms-conditions/
Your 6-Day Chimgan Trekking Itinerary
Day 1 – Tashkent-Aksakata 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. A 65-kilometre, 1.5-hour drive brings you to the Aksakata Valley. Ascending the ridgeline and traversing to the adjacent valley, you’ll reach 1400 metres and descend to 1100 metres. A lunch break awaits by the Aksakata and Nurekata rivers, providing fresh drinking water from a nearby homestead across the Aksakata village, reachable via a bridge (2 hours 50 minutes from the start).
Post-lunch, retrace your steps across the Aksakata River, gradually ascending on a vehicle-accessible dirt road, then crossing back over the river. The path leads upstream for 30 minutes to a campsite shaded by trees, nestled near the Aksakata and Kashkasu Rivers’ confluence.
Highest Altitude 1400m
Sleeping Altitude 1350m
Distance 15km, 7 hours, 300m height gain
Day 2 – Aksak Ata Valley
Continue your exploration along the tranquil Aksakata River valley, where nature’s beauty thrives and freshwater streams meander by. Around 2 hours from the campsite, a brief 50-metre stretch of the path presents a narrow and rocky challenge, but fear not. We’ll backtrack and take an alternative path closer to the river, ensuring a safe and enjoyable passage.
Continue ascending the trail along the Aksakata River’s bed. Passing by shepherd’s seasonal abodes and a charming waterfall, the path is adorned with barberry and dog-rose bushes along the riverbanks, while fruit trees add to the scenery. As the day unfolds, your camping spot awaits near a spring. Depending on the group size, you’ll find 1 or 2-level terraces, securing an accessible water supply for your convenience.
Highest Altitude 2050m
Sleeping altitude 2050m
Distance 16km, 8 hours, 700m height gain
Day 3 – Aksakata Pass
Start your trek by following the main track uphill to Aksakata Pass at 2200 metres for about 1 hour. Revel in sweeping views of distant peaks and Plateau Pulatkhan. Continue north along the ridge, reaching around 2350 metres before descending to 2100 metres in the next valley. Lunch awaits at 2250 metres by a stream. Climb further to High Karangur at 2700 metres to catch your first glimpse of Big Chimgan’s summit. Descend into a narrow valley, and ascend to Karaungursay’s camping area. Water from the streams, the source of Karaungursay, ensures your supply.
Highest Altitude 2700m
Sleeping altitude 2650m
Distance 10km, 6 hours, 700m height gain
Day 4 – Karaungursay
Return to the main Mingjilki Ridge from your camp, your path drawing you nearer to Big Chimgan. Along the way, catch glimpses of Plateau Pulatkhan. Journey towards the source of Karaarcha River, traversing the Takhta Pass (2620m). Navigate through the ups and downs of the ridge, surpassing 2800m before descending to set up for lunch and overnight campsite near the Takhta Pass.
During today’s trek, you’ll encounter numerous shepherds’ summer settlements, all while soaking in panoramic vistas of mountains and the Chirchik Valley throughout the day.
Highest Altitude 3000m
Sleeping altitude 2700m
Distance 10km, 4 hours, 300m height gain
Day 5 – Big Chimgan Peak
Big Chimgan Peak summit day. Today is the most challenging day as the trek reaches its highest point with the summiting of Big Chimgan peak (3309m) before descending to the Beldersey River. Big Chimgan is the highest peak in the area and offers fantastic panoramic views. You begin walking from your camp at Takhta Pass heading up along the ridge, walking around subsidiary peaks of the massif, and eventually emerging on the northeast side of the mountain with the ‘steel tripod’ on the summit ridge and the main summit now in view. There are great views of the Charvak Reservoir and of the neighbouring towns and distant mountain ranges of Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan.
Reaching the actual summit peak from the tripod requires the team to ascend some broken terrain that is exposed in places. The summit can be reached in approximately 3 hours, with about 1 and a half hours for the descent back down to the pass. You’ll have lunch before continuing the descent down to the Beldersey River.
Heading down from the pass, follow the stream all the way down until you meet another ridge, head up past the shepherd’s tent, and continue up the ridge, the last major ascent of the expedition. Near the top, we will see some ancient Petroglyphs. Your camp for this evening is on the Kumbil Pass (2350m).
Highest Altitude 3309m
Sleeping altitude 1800m
Distance 10km, 7 hours, 610m height gain, 960m descent
Day 6 – Beldersay Valley – Charvak reservoir – Tashkent
Descend to the ski resort of Beldersey and from there transfer by vehicle to the Charvak reservoir. Starting along this long and winding ridge the route gradually descends to 1880m at Chet Kumbel Pass, a small pass separating the Nurekata and Beldersay River Valleys. You’ll continue to descend to the ski resort of Beldersay. From here you will transfer to Charvak high-mountain reservoir and then on to Tashkent (120 km, 2 hours).
Highest Altitude 3309m
Sleeping altitude 1800m
Distance 13km, 5 hours, 50m height gain, 930 descent (walking time)
Map
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