Can tourists hike in Ugam-Chatkal National Park?
Hiking is actively encouraged inside Ugam-Chatkal National Park; it is a UNESCO biosphere reserve filled with alpine meadows, waterfalls, and pretty deep gorges. For tourists in the Tashkent region, it is also quite easy to reach; you can get there without too much fuss.
The place has a diverse set of trails, built for different levels of stamina. You will often hear about the hard Gulkam Gorge, the calmer scenic routes near Beldersay, and the longer climbs that go up towards the summit of Greater Chimgan. You can hike on your own on paths that are well-trodden, yet the ground can become surprising in small ways. For longer routes, it is strongly recommended to hire a registered mountain guide. That helps with safety, and it also helps prevent getting lost across the vast wilderness.
