3-Day Chimgan Trekking Tour

Experience the untamed beauty of Uzbekistan’s Tian Shan mountain range with this 3-day Chimgan Trekking Tour. Starting from Tashkent, you’ll venture into the Ugam Chatkal National Park, where panoramic vistas, diverse flora and fauna, and ancient petroglyphs await. With a price of $370 per person, this guided tour offers a perfect mix of adventure and comfort—think cozy two-person tents, three hearty meals daily, and experienced guides leading the way.

Two things we particularly love about this trek are the guided exploration of historical petroglyph sites and the comfortable camping in the mountains, allowing you to truly connect with the landscape without sacrificing modern amenities. On the flip side, one potential consideration is the moderate physical fitness level required, which might be a challenge for some travelers. However, if you enjoy outdoor adventures and are ready for a physical but rewarding experience, this tour hits all the right notes.

This tour is best suited for moderately fit travelers who appreciate authentic landscapes and are comfortable with camping and basic outdoor gear. If you’re seeking a guided, well-organized trek that combines scenic beauty with cultural highlights, this will likely be right up your alley.

Key Points

• Stunning Mountain Views: Panoramic vistas of the Tian Shan range make this trek memorable.
• Authentic Experiences: See ancient petroglyphs and explore diverse landscapes within Ugam Chatkal National Park.
• Comfortable Camping: Sleep in two-person tents with provided sleeping gear, avoiding roughing it completely.
• Guided Hike: Led by an English-speaking guide, ensuring safety and local insights.
• Inclusion of Luggage Transport: Horses and donkeys carry your gear, making the trek more manageable.
• All-Inclusive Meals: Enjoy three freshly cooked meals daily, adding to the convenience.

A Thorough Look at the 3-Day Chimgan Trekking Tour

Setting Out from Tashkent

The adventure begins early, with a door-to-door transfer from your Tashkent hotel or meeting point at Taraqqiyot ko’chasi 45. The drive to Chimgan Resort takes around 1.5 to 2 hours, giving you a chance to review the landscape—mountains and trees—before hitting the trails. This included transportation already sets the tone for an organized experience, removing hassle and allowing you to focus on the journey ahead.

Day 1: From Melovoy Pass to Beldersay Valley

The first day involves a moderate 8-kilometer trek starting from Melovoy Pass at 1796 meters elevation up to Takhta-Jaylov Saddle at 2000 meters. The trek follows a well-defined route, with a gradual ascent and a descent into the Marble River valley. We loved the variety of terrain and the chance to start acclimatizing while soaking in stunning mountain vistas.

One highlight is the descent to the Marble River, where the landscape opens into a lush valley, perfect for a short exploration. After a couple of hours of walking, you’ll settle into your camp in Beldersay valley, a peaceful spot with scenic views. The included admission ticket ensures access to the natural beauty along the route. The first day sets a gentle pace, making it accessible for those with moderate fitness, as the elevation gains are manageable.

Day 2: Climbing to Nurekata Valley and Ancient Petroglyphs

Day two ramps up the adventure. You begin with an ascent from Beldersay valley via the Chetkumbel pass at 1800 meters, heading toward Kubmel pass at 2550 meters. As you ascend, keep an eye out for the petroglyph site at 2400 meters, which offers a glimpse into the region’s ancient past. The highest point of the trek provides a great vantage point for photos and a sense of achievement.

The descent toward Nurekata Valley covers about 15 kilometers and takes roughly 8 hours. This is a physically demanding part of the journey, featuring 680 meters of ascent and 1000 meters of descent. The landscape here is diverse—rocky passes, lush valley floors, and intriguing ancient carvings. We appreciated the expert guidance and the horses carrying our gear, which took some strain off the legs.

Day 3: Final Descent to Shuldak and Return to Tashkent

On the last day, the trek continues through Nurekata valley, reaching the junction of the Nurekata and Aksakata rivers. The final stretch ends in the village of Shuldak, at 1050 meters, where you’ll meet your driver for the return trip to Tashkent.

This day’s walk is about 15 kilometers, taking around 7 hours. The terrain is a bit easier than the previous day but still involves a significant descent of 400 meters. We loved the sense of closure as the trail winds through familiar landscape, and the convenience of a prompt transfer back to Tashkent means you can relax after the physical effort.

What Makes This Trek Special?

The guides’ local knowledge and friendly attitude shine throughout the trip. One reviewer called the guide “very nice and helpful,” which makes all the difference in a remote, outdoor setting. The stunning views of mountain peaks, forests, and valleys are second to none, especially when combined with the opportunity to see Petroglyphs dating back to the Stone Age, adding a layer of cultural richness to your adventure.

The luggage transport via horses or donkeys is a thoughtful touch, allowing you to travel light and focus on the scenery. The all-inclusive meals—simple but hearty—are a welcomed convenience, giving you energy for each day’s hike without worrying about where to eat or carry extra food.

The Value of the Price

At $370 per person, this tour offers a comprehensive package that includes transportation, guiding, camping gear, meals, and entrance tickets. While it’s not the cheapest option, the value is high considering the inclusions and the well-organized itinerary. You’re paying for a guided experience that balances outdoor adventure with comfort, making it accessible to those who enjoy hiking but don’t want to deal with logistics or camping gear logistics on their own.

Potential Drawbacks

A key consideration is the moderate physical fitness level needed. The days are long, and the terrain varies from gentle slopes to steep passes. If you’re not accustomed to walking several hours a day or carrying a pack, this could be challenging. Also, weather can change quickly in the mountains, so flexible planning and proper gear are advisable.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

If you love mountain scenery, are curious about ancient petroglyphs, and want a guided, organized trek with comfortable camping, you’ll enjoy this experience. It’s ideal for moderately fit travelers who appreciate authentic landscapes and don’t mind a bit of physical effort. The inclusion of luggage transport and meals makes it practical, especially for those traveling from Tashkent seeking a real outdoor adventure without the hassle of planning every detail.

FAQs

What is included in the tour?
The tour provides camping gear (tents, sleeping bags, mattresses), transportation, the guide, meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner), entrance tickets, and luggage transport via animals.

How long is each trekking day?
Day 1 involves about 4 hours of walking, Day 2 about 8 hours, and Day 3 around 7 hours. The length and difficulty vary, with the second day being the most demanding.

Is this tour suitable for children or older travelers?
It’s designed for moderate fitness levels, so older travelers or those with mobility issues might find it challenging, especially on the longer, more strenuous days.

What should I bring?
Bring a backpack, sturdy trekking shoes, warm clothing, a hat, sunglasses, sunblock, and a flashlight. The tour provider recommends packing no more than 13kg, as luggage is transported on animals.

Are meals included?
Yes, the tour includes three meals per day—simple, hearty, and prepared fresh. You can expect local, filling dishes suitable for outdoor activity.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, cancellations are free if made at least 24 hours in advance for a full refund, which offers some flexibility.

What if the weather turns bad?
The guide has the authority to change the route or cancel the trek for safety reasons, which is common in mountain adventures.

To sum it up, this 3-Day Chimgan Trekking Tour from Tashkent offers a well-rounded, authentic experience of Uzbekistan’s stunning mountainous landscapes. It balances scenic hiking, cultural discovery, and outdoor comfort, making it ideal for travelers who want to see the mountains without sacrificing convenience. Whether you’re a seasoned trekker or a curious explorer wanting to see something truly different, this tour provides a memorable glimpse into the rugged beauty of the Tian Shan.