MountaineeringThe 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 plateau. 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).
CyclingTours 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.
OtherThere 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.
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