Undiscovered Tashkent: Arashan Lakes
Name of the Program:
Undiscovered Tashkent: Arashan Lakes
Introduction:
These places were once the warm waters of the ocean. In these mountains you can find a lot of Jurassic marble stones, 150 million years ago there was a warm and not deep sea bottom, and now the mountains are high and it is cold even in June-August, although in the cities of Uzbekistan during this period it is 40-45 degree heat. The Arashan lakes system includes 6 lakes: Khoja Arashan, Big Arashan, Small Arashan, Upper Arashan and 2 small unnamed lakes, which are located at an altitude of more than 3350m (above the peak of Big Chimgan) and are released from ice for only 2-3 months (mid-July – September) in the northwestern part of the plateau. All of them are high-mountain lakes of the moraine type and are located at altitudes from 2770 to 3350 m above sea level.
Included:
- Escort guide
- A/C vehicle
- Eco taxes
- 4×4 vehicle (USSR Niva, no a/c)
- All fees and taxes.
NOT Included:
- Medical Insurance
- Lunch (picnic)
- Personal and other expenses wich are not specified in the program
Languages:
- English;
- Russian.
Price:
From $399
(per group up to 3).
Itinerary:
Route: Tashkent – Arashan lakes – Tashkent
Mountains – Tashkent.
Route: Linear.
Type: Easy
Climb: ±600 meters.
Trekking length: 12 km (round trip).
Recommended: personal medicines, comfortable clothes, headdress, jacket, warm clothes.
Needed: lunch-box, towels and clothing (there are some thermal baths)
Departure: 05:00 from Tashkent.
Arrival: 06:30 in the village of Ertash, change the transport to 4×4 cars and transfer to the lakes.
50 km off road from highway to lakes.
Arrival to Arashan lakes.
– Every year more than 1000 sheep are brought from shepherds to the shore of the lake. In addition, here you can get acquainted with the shepherds and their social life who come here from the Fergana Valley.
– Thermal spring waters. Swimming in the thermal springs. – The Arashan lake system starts 500 m from the thermal spring. The smallest among them is Khoja Arashan. This lake begins to dry up with the onset of the warm season.
– At an altitude of 2770 m above sea level, there is Lake Arashan (Big Arashan). The length of the lake reaches 1 km, the maximum width is 250 m.
– Opposite the lake is a large pile of gravel. The first people who saw a pile of white sand and gravel thought it was ice. In fact, it was formed as a result of a giant flood or avalanche.
– Just above this place there is a small lake Arashan at an altitude of 2880 m above sea level. The lake has a rectangular shape.
– After walking a little up the trail, you will reach the Upper Arashan. This lake, located at an altitude of 2795 m above sea level, is almost the same size as the big Arashan below.
– You will also reach the top of the mountain. From here there are 4 lakes: Khoja Arashan, Big Arashan, Small Arashan, Upper Arashan.
– At the top of a steep mountain, just below the top, at an altitude of 3,365 m, you are attracted by two glacial lakes.
– Descent to the village of Ertash and departure to Tashkent.
– Arrival in Tashkent.