Mountains, Charvak and a waterfall: what to see around Tashkent in one day

Many tourists come to Tashkent and never leave the city. That's a mistake. Just outside the city, the Western Tien Shan begins: snowy slopes, a turquoise reservoir, and a waterfall that freezes in winter. You can see all of this in a single day.

The capital's surroundings are divided into two groups. The first includes mountain resorts with lifts and chalets. The second includes natural spots where people go for views and walks. Below, we'll look at what's worth seeing, how far it is from the city, and the best way to get there.

We check prices, seasons, and opening hours against official sources before publishing.

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What to see around Tashkent

💡 In short:

• In winter, choose the Amirsoy and Beldersay resorts: they have snow and working lifts.
• In summer, head for Charvak and Chimgan: swimming, walks, and views of the water.
• Most spots are hard to reach without a car, so sort out transportation in advance.
• Lift tickets and seasonality: 09/2026, according to the Uzbekistan tourism office.

1. Amirsoy

© Stephanieadams99 · CC BY-SAPhoto: Stephanieadams99, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

The Amirsoy resort opened in 2019. It covers 900 hectares on the northern slope of Mount Maygashkan, 65 kilometers east of Tashkent. A gondola takes you to the upper station at 2,290 meters, and skiing runs across 11 trails totaling 15 kilometers (as of 09/2026, Amirsoy Mountain Resort).

In winter, people ski and snowboard here; in summer, the cable cars and hiking routes operate. The convenient place to stay is Le Chalet by Amirsoy, right next to the lifts.

• Who it's for: those who want to ski or ride without spending a whole day on the road.
• How to get there: by car or taxi from Tashkent, the drive takes just over an hour.
• The catch: there are no black runs yet; most slopes are suited to beginners and intermediates (as of 09/2026, Amirsoy Mountain Resort).

2. Charvak Reservoir

© Arina Pan · CC BY-SAPhoto: Arina Pan, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

The Charvak Reservoir appeared in 1970, when a 168-meter rockfill dam was completed on the Chirchiq River. The reservoir, with a volume of 2 cubic kilometers, lies in the Bostanlyk district and separates the Ugam, Pskem, and Chatkal ranges (as of 09/2026, Lake Charvak).

In summer, the water warms to a comfortable temperature, and locals come here to swim and fish. Recreation centers line the shores, and the village of Yusufhona is popular with paragliders.

• Who it's for: those who want to swim and have lunch with a view of the water.
• How to get there: easiest with your own car; a rental car for a trip to Charvak saves you from hunting for a taxi back.

3. Chimgan

The Chimgan massif lies in the Tashkent region. It's considered the most popular spot for active recreation. The highest point of Big Chimgan rises to 3,309 meters, with Little Chimgan standing nearby at 2,097 meters (as of 09/2026, Uzbekistan Travel).

© LBM1948 · CC BY-SAPhoto: LBM1948, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

People come here for trekking, paragliding, and cable car rides. In winter, ski slopes operate in the valley; in summer, hiking routes to gorges and rock formations are open.

• Who it's for: active travelers and lovers of mountain views.
• How to get there: by car from Tashkent or with a tour to Chimgan.

4. Kulasya Waterfall

Kulasya Waterfall hides in the southeastern part of the Charvak Reservoir. It's not the tallest in the country, but in winter it turns into a wall of ice: the streams freeze and form striking shapes.

The route to the waterfall is short, but it requires sturdy footwear and caution on the rocks. Bring water and don't step onto the ice right at the base of the falls.

• How to get there: on foot from the shore of Charvak along a trail; it's hard to reach without a car.
• The catch: access is difficult in winter, as the trail gets icy.

5. Beldersay

© sussexbirder · CC BYPhoto: sussexbirder, CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0), Wikimedia Commons

Beldersay sits right next to Chimgan. Experienced skiers come here when Amirsoy's groomed slopes aren't enough.

Snow lasts longer here than in neighboring valleys. When trees are already blooming in the valleys, you can still ski up top.

• Who it's for: experienced skiers and those who want a less crowded slope.
• How to get there: by car from Tashkent, usually combined with Chimgan.

6. Samsa Minor

A food stop on this route is a must. In Tashkent, for samsa, people most often point you to Samsa Minor, next to the Minor Mosque.

At lunchtime the place is packed, so come in the morning or closer to evening. The cook pulls the samsa out of the tandoor, scrapes off the char with a metal brush, and puts it straight on your plate.

• Who it's for: anyone who wants to try real Uzbek samsa.
• How to get there: in central Tashkent, next to the Minor Mosque; easy to combine with a walk through the old city.

When to go and how to get around

The best time for mountain resorts is winter, from December to March: the lifts run and there's snow. From June to September, it's more comfortable by the water, although it can be hot during the day.

Most tourists don't have their own transport. So either rent a car or book an organized excursion from Tashkent. Public buses to the resorts are almost nonexistent.

If you want to see more than just the surroundings, train tickets across Uzbekistan come in handy: the high-speed Afrosiyob goes to Samarkand and Bukhara without transfers.

⁉️🤔 Frequently asked questions

What should I see around Tashkent in one day?

In one day, you can realistically cover Charvak and Chimgan. You leave the city in the morning, spend the afternoon by the water and ride the cable car, and return to Tashkent by evening. If you want to ski, add Amirsoy or Beldersay, but then it's better to stay overnight rather than rush back along the winding mountain road.

When is the best time to go to the mountains near Tashkent?

In winter, from December to March, people ski here: Amirsoy and Beldersay have snow and working lifts, and the resorts offer rentals. From June to September, it's more comfortable at Charvak and Chimgan: hiking routes are open, and you can swim and paraglide. The shoulder season suits quiet walks without crowds.

Do I need a car to see the surroundings?

Having your own car saves a lot of time. A taxi back has to be arranged in advance, especially in the evening.

How much does the lift cost at Amirsoy?

The ski pass price depends on the season, day of the week, and age, so we don't list a fixed price. Check current rates and lift schedules on the resort's official website before your trip. They also have child and family tickets, as well as equipment rental if you're coming without your own gear.

What should I try in Tashkent?

Besides tandoor samsa, try plov, lagman, and hot flatbread. For samsa, the easiest option is Samsa Minor by the Minor Mosque. Portions are large, so order for two and share.

In short: what's worth booking

The surroundings of Tashkent cover a range of needs. Plan your trip in advance: accommodation gets booked up quickly in season.

If you only have one day, take a car and head to Charvak with a stop at Chimgan. If you plan to ski, choose Amirsoy and book a chalet in advance. If you want to travel around the country, buy train tickets.

To avoid scrambling for transport at the last minute, book a tour of Uzbekistan in advance.