Trekking tour in Western Tian Shan, Uzbekistan – 5 days

Explore the picturesque river valleys of Galvasay and Beldersay, visit interesting Gulkam Canyon and enjoy the stunning mountain views from the western slopes of Great Chimgan Peak with this 5 days trekking tour in the mountain of Western Tian Shan. The trekking tour takes part in an area easily accessible from Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan. The first day of the trek starts near the village of Karamazar in Aksakata valley and crosses in a total of 58km distance in 5 days it ends in Beldersay valley. This medium difficulty trekking program is aimed to take you to the most spectacular spots in Western Tian Shan Mountains. The program is suitable for all participants who are in good and healthy shape.

Trip Highlights

Gulkam Canyon
Beldersay valley
Marble River

Best time: May-October

Quick Itinerary

Day 1 – Karamazar village – Galvasay valley (14km/8 hours)
At 9:00 be picked up by our guide and driver from your hotel in Tashkent and drive to Karamazar village (65km / 1,5 hours). Start trekking by ascending to the mountain ridge that divides 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. Camping in Galvasay River valley.

Day 2 – Galvasay – Chimgan Waterfall (10km/6 hours)
From the camp in Galvasay river valley head up to Archali Pass (1600m) of mount Kiziljar. Reaching the top of the pass, continue on the ridgeline to the northeast towards Chimgan Waterfall. Reach the area of the waterfall and install the camp at the height of 1759m.

Day 3 – Gulkam day trip (10km/6hours)
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, interesting stone formations, and steep walls of Gulkam Canyon. Return to the campsite near Chimgan waterfall.

Day 4 – Chimgan waterfall – Beldersay valley (8km/5hours)
From the camp near Chimgan waterfall continue to the south-east on the direction to Great Chimgan Peak eventually reaching the western side ridge of the peak at 2460m. There a 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. Install the camp along the riverbed of Beldersay River.

Day 5 – Beldersay valley – Marble River (6km/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. Reach the ending point of the trekking tour and meet our driver who will transfer you to Tashkent (82km/1,5 -2 hours).

END OF THE PROGRAM

Price & Service

Number of People	1	2-3	4-12
Price per person	Upon request	EUR 460	EUR 350

What is Included

Camping equipment (2 pax tents, sleeping bags, matrasses)
Transport: Tashkent-Karamazar, Beldersay-Tashkent
All meals during the trekking (incl. service men meals)
Mountain guide (speaks basic English)
Cook*
Gas stove, gas, and tableware
Horses/donkeys for the luggage transportation
Trekking permits
Registration for the duration of the trekking
First Aid Kit
*-For the groups of up to 5 persons, meals are prepared
by mountain guide

What’s not Included

Items of personal nature such as sunblock cream etc.
Personal Travel Insurance

Day 1 – Karamazar village- Galvasay valley

At 9:00 be picked up by our guide and driver from your hotel in Tashkent and drive to the trek starting point – 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 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 walnuts, 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 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

In the morning, start the trekking 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 generally to the southeast on the ridgeline towards the Chimgan Waterfall located on the foot of Great Chimgan Peak. There are great views of the mountains and Great Chimgan Peak throughout the day. Install the base 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 do day trekking from the base camp to Gulkam canyon – one of the most beautiful places in Western Tian-Shan. From the camp head up towards Gulkam Pass also known as Pesochniy Pass (1830 m). Once you are on the Pass start descending to Gulkam canyon. The descent from the pass to the canyon requires participants more concentration as some stretches of the trail have loose and slippery ground. The 5-7 meters wide canyon meets hikers with vertical walls, several waterfalls, and interesting stone formations. Having spent some time enjoying in the canyon, return to the base camp.

Highest Altitude 1830m
Sleeping altitude 1750m
Distance 10km, 6 hours, ascent 80m descend 300m

Day 4 – Chimgan Waterfall – Beldersay valley

Today we reach the highest point in our trek – the western side ridges of Great Chimgan peak. After breakfast, start heading up on the path to the southeast getting ever 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. Take some time for a break before starting the descent to the ‘Beldersay Walls’ – the sources of the Beldersay River. Beldersay is great for bird watching where bird species including White-crowned Penduline-tit, Turkestan tits, Rufous naped tit as well as bird of prey such as Booted Gagle, Short-toed eagle, Eurasian Griffon Vultures and can be spotted. Walk downstream in the valley and reach the camping area.

Highest Altitude 2460m
Sleeping altitude 1730m
Distance 8km, 5 hours, ascent 710, descent 730m

Day 5 – Beldersay valley – Marble River

After breakfast, continue down in Beldersay valley and reach the last major accent- Urtakumbel Pass (1830m). Though Urtakumbel Pass drop down to picturesque marble River valley (1700m). Head down in the valley passing the waterfall and reach the ending point of the trek (1500m). Meet by our driver and be transferred to Tashkent (82km/ 1,5- 2 hours)

Highest Altitude 1830m
Distance 6km, 4 hours, 100m ascent, descend 330m

END OF THE PROGRAM

Mountain Guide

Your mountain guide is a leader of a group and a representative of our company on the program. Therefore the guide reserves the right to change the route of the trekking in the program due to known safety issues and bad weather conditions. It is the responsibility of the guide to act as a cook for the groups smaller than 5 people.

Recommended personal equipment/belongings

All the food, kitchen and camping equipment provided by our company will be transported by animals. The maximum allowed luggage weight is 13kg per person. We advise the participants to have below equipment and wear for the program: