Tashkent: Amirsoy Resort, Chimgan Mountain and Charvak Lake offers an excellent way to escape the city and experience Uzbekistan’s natural beauty without breaking the bank. For just $45 per person, you’ll visit the Chimgan Mountains, relax at Charvak Lake, and get a taste of adventure at Amirsoy, one of the country’s top ski resorts. The tour is flexible, with a start time that can be arranged between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., making it adaptable to your schedule.
What makes this experience stand out? First, we love how it combines scenic landscapes with opportunities for outdoor fun—whether that’s hiking, ziplining, or horse riding. Second, the personalized attention from guides like Sardor and Asilbek, who are praised for their friendliness and local knowledge, really enhances the trip.
One potential consideration is that extra activities and entrance fees can add up quickly if you want to do everything. Cash is king here, so come prepared to pay for cable cars, horse riding, or quad biking. This tour suits travelers who enjoy a mix of nature, light adventure, and culture, especially those who appreciate good guides and value for money.
Key Points
- Scenic landscapes: Enjoy breathtaking views of mountains and lakes, perfect for photography and relaxation.
- Flexible itinerary: Start time is customizable; the tour can be tailored to your schedule.
- Outdoor activities: Options include ziplining, horseback riding, quad biking, and hiking—great for adventure lovers.
- Excellent guides: Local guides like Sardor and Asilbek receive high praise for their friendliness and knowledge.
- Cost-effective: At $45, it offers solid value, though optional activities and entrance fees are additional.
- Cash needed: Many activities and optional extras are cash-only, so come prepared.
Exploring Uzbekistan’s Natural Gems: A Detailed Review
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The Itinerary—What You’ll Experience
This tour is a well-rounded introduction to some of Uzbekistan’s most beautiful outdoor spots, with a flexible start that can fit your plans. We loved that the trip begins with a drive from Tashkent to the Charvak Water Reservoir, a stunning spot for photos and a refreshing introduction to the region’s natural splendor. Along the way, you’ll enjoy several photo stops at scenic viewpoints, giving you plenty of opportunities to snap pictures of the tranquil lake and mountainous backdrop.
Next, the journey takes you to the Chimgan Mountains, where a chair lift ride will carry you up roughly 2 km to around 2000 meters—weather permitting. The view from the top is nothing short of spectacular, with rocky slopes and patches of greenery. Many reviews mention how the mountain scenery is a highlight—“The mountain is rocky with some plantations,” as one traveler noted, and it’s true that the rugged terrain offers a stark contrast to Tashkent’s urban environment.
From there, the tour continues to the Amirsoy Resort, renowned for both winter skiing (October-April) and summer alpine meadows. Amirsoy provides a perfect lunch spot, along with facilities for skiing and other activities. Entrance to the cable car costs around $10-15 USD, giving you access to the vast ski slopes, which are a thrill for winter sports enthusiasts. Even if you’re visiting outside the ski season, Amirsoy’s alpine environment is worth exploring for its breathtaking scenery.
Outdoor Activities and Adventures
What sets this tour apart is the range of outdoor activities available at each stop. Many travelers, like Nadeem and Everton, appreciated the guides’ assistance in helping communicate and arrange activities like horse riding, quad biking, and ziplining. These options can significantly enhance your experience, but they do come with additional costs: horse riding costs about 200,000 UZS, and quad biking is around 200,000 UZS.
Ziplining on the Chimgan mountains is a popular choice, offering an adrenaline rush while enjoying sweeping views. The zipline experience is often highlighted as a fun addition, especially for those seeking a bit of excitement amid natural beauty. Be aware that entrance fees and activity costs are cash-only, so plan accordingly.
The Charvak Lake and Its Charm
Many reviews, including one from CHEN, single out Charvak Lake as the most beautiful part of the trip. The lake’s calm waters and mountain backdrop create a perfect setting for relaxation or a quick boat ride. “The lake is fantastic, it is the most beautiful view of the day,” mentioned one traveler. You might find yourself spending extra on jet skis (15,000 UZS per minute) or a speedboat, which can be shared among friends or other travelers.
This part of the trip offers a relaxing break—ideal for taking in the scenery, enjoying a picnic, or capturing stunning photos. But, like many outdoor spots, you’ll need to bring cash for optional extras and activities.
More Great Tours NearbyTransportation and Group Size
The tour provides air-conditioned transport, ensuring comfort as you hop between locations. Many reviews mention the small group size—often just three people—making the experience more personalized and relaxed. Guides like Sardor and Asilbek are praised not only for their knowledge but also for their patience and friendliness, which makes a difference when navigating local customs and language barriers.
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Duration, Flexibility, and Practicalities
The tour is designed to be flexible, with start times ranging from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. This allows you to avoid crowds or fit the trip into your tight schedule. It normally lasts a full day, giving you plenty of time to explore without feeling rushed.
Packing wise, bring comfortable shoes and a camera—the landscapes are worth capturing. Also, cash is essential since many activities and entrance fees are cash-only, and card payments might not be available everywhere.
Authenticity and Value
What makes this experience particularly worthwhile is the blend of authentic Uzbek landscapes with accessible adventure. We appreciated the genuine hospitality of the guides and the opportunity to see how locals enjoy their mountain and lake retreats. At $45, the tour offers excellent value, especially considering the personalized service, scenic stops, and optional activities.
Some travelers have noted that extra expenses can add up, so budgeting around 400,000 UZS for activities like quad biking or boat rides is wise. Nevertheless, many feel that the main sights alone—mountain views, lake scenery, and the mountain air—are worth the price.
Who Will Love This Tour?
This trip is best suited for travelers who enjoy outdoor pursuits, scenic views, and culture in a relaxed setting. It’s particularly good for those who want a personalized experience, with guides attentive to your pace and interests. If you’re a nature lover or adventure seeker, you’ll find plenty of options for outdoor fun.
However, if you prefer a more structured, all-inclusive experience with fewer extra costs, you might want to plan ahead for activities. The tour is also ideal for solo travelers, couples, or small groups, given the small group size and flexible timing.
Final Thoughts
This tour offers an affordable and authentic slice of Uzbekistan’s natural landscape. The combination of mountains, lakes, and outdoor adventures makes it a well-rounded day trip that keeps even the most restless happy. We loved the personalized guides who made the trip informative and fun, and the stunning scenery that makes your camera work hard.
While extra activities and entrance fees can add up, the core experience—seeing the mountains, lakes, and alpine meadows—remains a fantastic value for anyone wanting to escape Tashkent’s urban pace. It’s perfect for travelers who appreciate nature, light adventure, and friendly local guides.
If you’re staying in Tashkent and looking for a memorable day outdoors, this trip will not disappoint. Just come prepared with cash, comfortable shoes, and an appetite for scenic beauty and a bit of adventure.
FAQs
Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, most of the activities are suitable for a wide range of ages, but the tour is not recommended for people over 95 years old. Be sure to check your physical comfort level for activities like hiking or quad biking.
What should I bring on the trip?
Bring comfortable shoes, your camera for capturing the stunning views, and enough cash for optional activities, entrance fees, and snacks. The tour involves outdoor activities, so weather-appropriate clothing is advisable.
Can I start the tour later in the day?
Yes, the start time is flexible between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., allowing you to choose a time that best fits your schedule.
Are meals included?
Lunch at Amirsoy is available, and the resort offers facilities for a break. The tour price does not include meals, so you may want to bring some snacks or plan for a meal at the resort.
Is transportation comfortable?
Yes, the tour provides air-conditioned transport, making the journey between sites comfortable and convenient.
Do I need to book activities in advance?
It’s best to reserve some activities ahead of time, especially if you want to do ziplining, horse riding, or quad biking, as these are paid extras and can be popular.
Can I customize the tour?
The tour is designed to be flexible and can be tailored to your preferences, including start times and optional activities, with your guide’s help.
This tour balances natural beauty, adventure, and cultural charm—making it a highlight for anyone eager to see the best of Uzbekistan’s outdoor landscape.
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