Trekking Uzbekistan: 3-Day Chimgan Trek & Camping in The Tian Shan Mountains

Embark on a captivating 3-day guided trekking adventure in the breathtaking Chimgan area of the Western Tian Shan Mountains. This journey unveils a treasure trove of natural beauty, boasting lush flora, diverse fauna, and awe-inspiring mountain panoramas. For nature enthusiasts and adventurers, this region holds a special allure, offering a range of hiking options that cater to different preferences and abilities.

Your expedition commences near the charming Chimgan village at the Beldersay Ski Resort. Over three days, you’ll traverse a total distance of 36 kilometres, with daily treks lasting between 4 to 8 hours. Your journey culminates near the tranquil village of Shuldak in the scenic Aksakata valley.

Indulge in the rich tapestry of nature, witness captivating landscapes, and relish the freedom of the open trails. This trekking tour promises not only physical exploration but also an intimate connection with the untamed beauty of Uzbekistan’s mountainous terrain. Your evenings will be enriched with the enchantment of camping amidst these remarkable surroundings, allowing you to truly immerse yourself in the outdoors. This itinerary is crafted for participants of varying fitness levels, provided they are in good and healthy shape.

Day 1 – Tashkent – Beldersay Ski Resort – Beldersay Valley
At 9:00 am our driver and guide will pick you up from the parking lot of the Uzbekistan Hotel in Tashkent and transfer you to the start point of the trekking tour at Beldersay Ski Resort (98 km /1,5-2 hours). The trek commences near Beldersay Ski Resort towards the plains called Sunny Meadow. Reach the meadow and observe the stunning mountain landscape that surrounds you – a perfect opportunity to capture photos of the panoramic mountain scenery.

From Sunny Meadow, you will continue along the trail that descends to the Marble River. Before ascending from Marble River valley to Urta Kumbel pass (1850), walk through the valley for stunning views of the waterfall and canyon. After a picnic lunch, continue heading up along a trail that is surrounded by numerous juniper trees, and arrive at Urta Kumbel pass. Observe the stunning views of Chirchik Valley and Chetkumbel pass from Urta Kumbel. After a short rest, descend to Beldersay Valley to set up in today’s camping area (1720m).

Highest Altitude 2000m
Camping altitude 1720m
Distance 6 km, 4 hours, ascent 204m, descent 280m

Day 2 – Beldersay Valley – Nurekata valley
After breakfast, we pack up camp and continue trekking up from Beldersay valley to the south towards Chetkumbell pass (1800m) which separates Beldersay and Nurekata valleys. At the Chetkumbel pass, take a moment to bask in the awe-inspiring panoramic scenery offered by the massive Chimgan peak (3309m). Carry on along the trail on the ridgeline to the east towards Kumbel Pass (2550m). Before a major ascent on the way to the Kumbel pass, you’ll take a sharp left turn and a short walk on the left-hand takes you to the petroglyphs site (2400m) from the late Stone Age period. This is the highest point of our three-day trekking tour in the mountains of Ugam Chatkal National Park. This spot opens up panoramic views of Chatkal Range and Chirchik Valley. From the petroglyph site, we start descending to the south to scenic Nurekata valley. We will be camping in an open space along the riverbed of Nurekata (1400m).

Highest Altitude 2400m
Camping altitude 1400m
Distance 12 km, 6 hours, ascent 680m, descent 1000m

Day 3 – Nurekata Valley – Shuldak village
Today we continue our descent along the valley of the Nurekata River, abundant with juniper, walnut, and fruit trees until we reach the junction of the Aksakata and Nurekata rivers. On the way, we’ll see herds of sheep and horses in the mountain meadows, and occasionally, you might spot birds of prey flying high above the valley. As we walk down through the valley we’ll see the summer huts of nomadic shepherds where you can try Kymiz (fermented mare’s milk – the traditional drink of mountain people). Most of the shepherd families build their summer huts in the valley and stay there during the hot summer months.

Once we reach the junction of the Nurekata and Aksakata rivers we continue heading down for about 1 hour along the valley of Aksakata River crossing a small pass before reaching the end point of our trek – Shuldak village (1000m). Upon arrival in Shuldak village, we will meet our driver who transfers us to Tashkent.

(84 km/1,5 -2 hours).
Highest Altitude 1400m
Distance 18 km, 8 hours, ascent 300m, descent 400m

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.