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Mountaineering :
The mountains in the
south of the country offer good trekking. There
are high peaks for those wanting a challenge, while easier treks can
be done in the foothills and on the plateaux. The best time to go is
between March and November. There are many opportunities for serious
mountaineering, and Uzbekistan contains some of the world’s
highest peaks including Peak Pobeda (7439m/24,399ft), Peak
Korzhenevskaya (7105m/23,304ft) and Peak Khan-Tengri (6995m/22,943ft).
Equipment can be transported to base camps by helicopter. Recommended
sites for ice climbing include the Gissar, Matcha and Turkestan
ridges. Vertical rock faces for rock climbing can
be found in the Fan mountains (at Bodkhana, Chapdara, Maria-Mirali and
Zamok) and on the Matchi Ridge (at Aksu, Asan-Usan and Sabakh).
Cycling
:
Tours are available for
cyclists of all levels. Easier rides can be done in the Ferghana
Valley and around Tashkent, where lake and mountain scenery can be
enjoyed. The more experienced cyclist might prefer to take the Silk
Road from Tashkent via Lake Aidarkul to Khiva.
Other :
There is skiing
in the mountains above Tashkent. The deepest caves in Asia are
in Uzbekistan at Boi-Bulok (1415m/4641ft) and Kievskaya (990m/3247ft).
These are suitable for experienced cavers only. Beautiful gypsum
formations can be seen at the Kugitang cave, while the caves of
Baisuntau contain mummified bears and those in western Tian Shan
feature underground rivers and lakes. The martial arts,
particularly Taekwon-Do, are also popular.
Rafting
and kayaking are possible on the Angren,
Chatkal, Pskem, Syr Darya and Ugen river, the best time being
September to October. |
