These two Fergana Valley CTN Recommended Routes introduce you to trekking and camping opportunities in the Chatkal Mountain Range at the edge of Uzbekistan’s Fergana Valley. Each route includes recommended trekking and hiking tours in Namangan Region that are each two days long. These trekking and outdoor experiences make for a perfect nature and adventure stop on your way from Tashkent to the Fergana Valley or if you are traveling from Fergana Valley to Tashkent.
Recommendation: Work with one of our Fergana Valley CTN member tour operators (Tohirjon Tursonov from Sayohatchi Opodda is specialized in these types of outdoor tours) or tour guides to help you organize your trip. They can assist with customizing your itinerary, organizing visits to artisans, arranging transportation and accommodation, and many other services. At a minimum, we recommend hiring a private driver as not all places are easily accessible by public transport or shared taxi.
Note: Bring your own trekking equipment like boots, backpack for two days, water, and sun protection. A walking stick is helpful for the uneven ground.
Length: 2 days each
The Chatkal Range branches off the western Tian Shan Mountains and borders the Fergana Valley to the northwest. With its jagged ridges and deep gorges, it remains an unexplored wilderness of striking beauty. Hiking trails reveal breathtaking views, turquoise alpine lakes, and unique flora. Only 3-4 hours from Tashkent, the Chatkal Range is an attractive stopover en route to or from the Fergana Valley.
Note: This 2-day tour is suitable for travelers in good health with no mobility issues. The route includes moderate ascents and descents with some uneven ground. Hiking boots are recommended.
In the morning, set off from Tashkent, Namangan or Kokand to Chorkesar village. There you leave the car and slip into the scenic Padibuva Gorge for a relaxed afternoon trek (1 hour). In the late afternoon, you’ll reach a peaceful campsite where you set up your tents. The fresh mountain air and landscapes invite slowing down. Enjoy a hearty dinner beneath the open sky and then gather around the campfire for conversation, stories, and stargazing.
Start the day with a light, scenic trek to the dramatic rock formation known as the “Dragon’s Mouth”. Given the beautiful landscape, you can explore more of the surroundings. After packing up the campsite, walk back to the car and drive to the village of Chodak (45 minutes) in the valley of the Chadaksay River. Enjoy a light lunch on the riverside before exploring the surroundings.
Chodak has been developing as a tourist village and is an ideal base for cultural and nature experiences. You can stay overnight in Chodak or in the late afternoon continue your tour to Tashkent (3.5 hrs.), Namangan (2 hrs.) or Kokand (1 hrs.).
Accommodation: As a popular tourist spot, Chodak offers simple home stays and guesthouses. For a local experience with a friendly family, home-made food, and simple accommodation, please contact Mahfuza (Tel. +998 95 153 8123) or ask one of the CTN Tour Operators to arrange accommodation.
Transportation: From Tashkent you can take the train to Pop (3 hours 45 minutes) to enjoy the scenery and a relaxed journey. En route you will pass the 19.2 km long Kamchiq Tunnel, which makes it the longest tunnel in Central Asia. From Pop to Chorkesar it is only a 30-minute drive. From Kokand or Namangan the drive takes 1.5 hours.
Note: Good physical condition is required for this 2-day tour. The route includes steep ascents and descents and reaches over 3,000 meters above sea level. Because the ground is uneven, sturdy hiking boots, trekking poles, and warm clothing are essential. The area is usually free of snow and ice only from mid-July through September.
Set out in the early morning by four-wheel-drive from Tashkent (4 hours), Namangan (3.5 hours), or Kokand (2 hours). Enjoy a light breakfast in the village of Ertosh before heading up to the soothing Arashan Spring, which lies at 2,900 meters on the high-mountain Angren Plateau on the border of the Tashkent and Namangan regions. Relax and swim in the natural 37°C thermal pools and then take a picturesque trek of around 1.5 hours to the alpine Arashan Tulpor Lake.
Return to the campsite (1.5 hours) for “Dimlama”, a hearty stew made with meat and various vegetables. Sleep overnight in tents beneath a canopy of stars.
You will trek the whole morning around Kelinchaksoy (4-5 hours), a plateau used by shepherds as pasture in the summer. “Kelinchaksoy” means “The bride in the stream”. According to a legend told by shepherds, a bride when rocking her child in a cradle in the cold, froze and turned into a rock. The area is a mix of green grass and rocky hills. The snow in the mountains stays until mid-summer, nourishing the lush grass and crystal-clear streams.
Enjoy the scenery and the aroma of the plants, which are indescribably enchanting. After a picnic lunch (shepherd-style) continue by car to your next destination.
Tip! Look out for the Tien Shan ground squirrel that roams the grassland.
Transportation: You need to come by four-wheel drive vehicle. The road to Ertash goes up with steep ascents and sharp serpentine turns until you reach the high-mountain plateau.
