Chimgan - a mountain area near Tashkent. Skis, mountaineering, trekking & hiking

In clear weather in Tashkent, mountains in the north-eastern part of the horizon are clearly visible: the spurs of the Chatkal range, which locals and guests of the capital call simply "Chimgan". This name refers to the highest peak - the Greater Chimgan (height 3,309 m above sea level), Smaller Chimgan (2,099 m.) and several smaller peaks. During the Soviet era, a complex of facilities for recreation and tourism as well as for mountain skiing was built in the Chimgan mountains. At later time, new resorts and hotels emerged for comfortable stay. There is still a cableway that lifts everyone up to the heights that dominate over the area; from there you will enjoy a wonderful view of the mountains, gorges and the capital Tashkent in the distance (in good weather). Below, at the cable car station, locals offer tourists various entertainments such as horseback riding to the nearby gorge, and high-speed trips on ATVs (quad bikes). The main attraction in the mountains of Chimgan is the ski slopes. Fans of fast skiing use several northern slopes on which the snow is held, depending on the season, from mid-December to March. There are several ski lifts for skiers. For non-professionals in winter there are gentle slopes where all visitors, including children, can ride using improvised tools - sledges, pallets, and even a piece of polyethylene for better sliding. Chimgan is the favorite vacation destination for residents of Tashkent and the region. Located about 80 km from the capital (excellent road, 1.5 hour drive), it is very convenient for organizing a one-day tour or a weekend tour from Tashkent. A natural continuation of the visit to Chimgan is the Lake of Chorvak, a beautiful artificial lake located in the same mountains and offering all kinds of aquatic recreation and sports, such as boating, swimming, and paragliding.