Undiscovered Tashkent: Ishakkupriksay

Exploring Uzbekistan often conjures images of historic cities like Tashkent or Samarkand, but this tour offers a fresh perspective—untouched mountain trails and scenic gorges just outside Tashkent. As a seasoned travel writer, I’ve reviewed countless excursions, and this one stands out for its ability to combine adventure with authentic natural beauty without breaking the bank.

What makes it truly appealing? First, you’ll enjoy stunning waterfall views and colorful canyon walls that seem straight out of a painting. Second, the light trekking and hiking options are accessible yet engaging, perfect for those wanting a taste of mountain life. Third, the chance to walk on water, crossing mountain streams in waterproof shoes, adds a unique thrill.

A possible drawback? The route can be physically challenging in parts, with narrow ledges and water crossings that require some agility. It’s not ideal for anyone with mobility issues or small children.

This tour suits adventurous travelers eager for an authentic outdoor experience beyond the usual tourist stops—especially those who enjoy scenery, light hiking, and mountain landscapes. If you’re looking for a day out that’s active and off the beaten path, this could be a perfect fit.

Good To Know

• Stunning natural scenery with waterfalls, colorful rocks, and mountain views
• Moderate difficulty level, suitable for active travelers
• Includes walking on water, crossing streams in waterproof shoes
• Panoramic views of Charvak Reservoir from mountain peaks
• Guided trek with a small group for a personalized experience
• Extra activities in Chimgan like chair lifts, ATV, and horse riding (extra cost)

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring the “Undiscovered Tashkent” Experience

This tour from Asli Travel promises a blend of adventure and natural beauty, starting from Tashkent and heading toward the Chimgan Mountains. It’s a well-rounded trip that offers more than just a walk in the park—think waterfalls, canyon walls painted in different hues, and panoramic views that highlight Uzbekistan’s lesser-known landscapes.

The Route: An Active Day in the Mountains

The linear route covers around 12 km (round trip), with a medium difficulty level, including a climb of approximately 400 meters. The journey begins with a pickup from your hotel, airport, or railway station in Tashkent, transporting you comfortably in an air-conditioned vehicle to the Chimgan Mountains.

The trek kicks off at Ishakkupriksay stream, a mountain waterway famed for its colorful canyon walls and multiple waterfalls. As you follow the stream, expect to encounter narrow passages, rocky ledges, and spots where walking on water is part of the adventure—wearing waterproof shoes is highly recommended, and some reviewers mention that not everyone had slippers or water-resistant footwear, so it’s worth informing your guide if you need them.

Waterfalls and Mountain Challenges

One of the tour’s highlights is visiting several waterfalls, including the largest waterfall, which you can climb for a close-up view of the gorge. Climbing waterfalls is a unique activity, and from there, you’ll enjoy breathtaking vistas of the gorge’s vivid rock formations.

Traversing the stream can be tricky; some parts are narrow, with water reaching just above the ankles, but in some sections, you might find yourself walking across shallow water or crossing small cascades. The experience isn’t just fun but also offers a chance to connect with nature in a raw, unspoiled setting.

Panoramas and Mountain Views

After navigating the stream, the trek continues uphill to mountain viewpoints, where you’re rewarded with panoramic views of the Charvak Reservoir. The contrast between the lush mountain greenery and the shimmering blue water below creates a picture-perfect backdrop. Here, your guide might encourage a brief rest or photo session before descending.

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The Charvak Escapade: Chair Lifts and More

Post-trek, the tour takes you to the Chimgan Mountains, where a sightseeing stop offers stunning views of Charvak. You’ll have the opportunity for a chair lift ride, covering approximately 3 km and climbing around 2000 meters. The scenery from the top is impressive, with sweeping views of the reservoir and surrounding peaks.

For those interested, extra activities like ATV riding or horse riding are available, adding a fun, adrenaline-filled layer to your day (though these are at additional costs).

Practical Details and Preparation

The tour includes an escort guide, transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, and all fees and taxes. Water and eco-taxes are covered, but lunch is not included, so bringing a lunch box is advised.

What to bring: comfortable hiking shoes, sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen), waterproof shoes, a change of clothes, and quick-dry apparel. Expect parts of the trek to involve walking on water, so waterproof footwear is a must. The terrain is stony, and some parts are quite narrow or require balance, so adequate preparation is key.

What Reviewers Say

One reviewer mentioned that “the walls of the canyon are different colors in different places,” emphasizing the visual diversity of the landscape, which added a special touch to their hike. Another noted, “Some sections are very difficult to pass without help,” highlighting the importance of a guide and proper footwear.

Many appreciated the small group size—up to three people for $225—making it a more intimate experience. They also found the scenic views of Charvak from the mountain top to be unforgettable, often citing it as the best part of the day.

Additional Activities in Chimgan

If you have extra energy, the chair lift ride is a highlight, providing a quick yet scenic ascent with spectacular views. ATV and horse riding are available, but these come at extra costs, so plan accordingly if you’re interested.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for adventurous travelers who enjoy a mix of light hiking, natural beauty, and a touch of adrenaline with water crossings and waterfall climbs. It’s perfect for those wanting to go beyond the city and explore Uzbekistan’s mountainous landscapes in a manageable, guided setting.

However, it’s not suited for small children under 8 or travelers with mobility difficulties due to the physical nature of the trek and water crossings. Also, those looking for a leisurely sightseeing day would find this too active.

Final Thoughts

For anyone craving authentic mountain scenery, this tour offers a refreshing escape from Uzbekistan’s urban hustle. The combination of waterfalls, colorful gorges, panoramic mountain views, and the chance to walk on water makes it memorable, especially if you’re into outdoor activities and photography.

The value is strong considering the inclusion of transportation, a guide, and access to scenic spots, with extra activities available for those wanting more. The tour’s moderate difficulty level ensures it’s accessible but still engaging for most active travelers.

In short, if you’re after a day of adventure, authentic natural beauty, and a taste of Uzbekistan’s less-traveled landscapes, this trek around Ishakkupriksay and Chimgan is well worth considering.

FAQs

What is the price of the tour?
The tour costs $225 for a group of up to three people, providing a private and personalized experience.

What should I bring for the trek?
You should bring comfortable shoes, a sun hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, a lunch box, waterproof shoes, quick-dry clothing, and an extra change of clothes. Some parts require walking on water, so waterproof footwear is recommended.

Is this tour suitable for children?
It’s not recommended for children under 8 years old due to the physical activity and water crossings involved.

What activities are included in the tour?
The main activity is trekking along the Ishakkupriksay stream with waterfall visits. Additional activities like ATV riding and horse riding are available in Chimgan but at extra cost.

How long does the tour last?
From pickup in Tashkent to drop-off, the tour lasts around a full day, with the main trek about 12 km round trip.

Are there any physical challenges?
Yes, parts of the trek involve narrow ledges, walking on water, and steep climbs, so a reasonable level of fitness is recommended.

Is transportation provided?
Yes, an air-conditioned vehicle is included for the transfer from Tashkent and to the scenic spots.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, cancellations are accepted up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

To sum it up, this “Undiscovered Tashkent: Ishakkupriksay” tour offers a genuine slice of Uzbekistan’s mountainous outdoors, perfect for travelers looking for active adventure combined with scenic views. It’s a chance to explore a less-known but striking landscape, ideal for those willing to embrace a bit of physical challenge for truly authentic experiences.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby