Nature of Uzbekistan - national parks and reserves for active recreation

Uzbekistan occupies vast expanses in the heart of Central Asia, the interfluves of the Amu Darya and the Syr Darya. The natural diversity of the country has Plains and Mountain landscapes organically combined. Plains are represented by the ancient Ustyurt plateau, river deltas and the Kyzylkum Desert. Mountain relief is formed by the mountains of Tien-Shan and Gissar-Alai. The unique nature of the region unites Lakes and Waterfalls, Canyons and Mountain Peaks, Steppes and Deserts, Nature Reserves and National Parks. Uzbekistan has a sharply continental climate with dry summers and cold, frosty winters. The picturesque and many-sided nature of this sunny country is open to tourists in its entire splendor, offering various attractions for visit.

The most significant natural treasure of Uzbekistan is the Fergana Valley. Surrounded by the Tien Shan Mountains, the territory is crossed by two rivers – the Syr Darya and Naryn. Vegetables and fruits are grown on fertile lands. The meadows of the valley are occupied by pastures. Today, among the blossoming expanses, there are ruins of ancient fortifications and remnants of civilizations of the past. The opposite of the living nature of the valley is the Kyzylkum Desert, which is one of the most extensive in the world. The landscapes of the desert are covered with salt lakes and the paths of ancient caravans.

In the Desert near the City of Nurata, there is the picturesque lake Aydarkul. There are more than a hundred species of animals here, including rare ones in an artificially created reservoir. The waters of the lake are an excellent place for fishing. One of the natural attractions of Nurata is the holy spring of Chashma, a site for the religious worship of Muslims from the countries of Central Asia. According to legend, the spring was formed in the crater from a fallen meteorite. Local residents believe in the healing and soothing properties of its water. On the southern slope of the Karatau Mountains stretches the most beautiful tract Sarmish-say. Among the emerald greenery of plants on its rocky surface, you can find many pieces of cave art. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

There are several Reserves and National Parks in Uzbekistan. One of the oldest reserves is the Chatkal Reserve located at the Chatkal ridge in the western region of the Tien-Shan. It is formed by middle hill areas and a huge mountain trench surrounded by ridges. The reserve was constructed in the early 20th century to preserve the unique world of flora and fauna of these regions. In the Samarkand region between the middle section of the river bed of the Zarafshan River and the border with Tajikistan, is the Zarafshan Reserve created in the second half of the 20th century to maintain the biological diversity of the tugai forests of the river valley. The tugai zone is represented by trees, bushes and grasses capable of growing at high temperatures and abundant moisture. Many species of insects, mollusks, reptiles, amphibians, birds and mammals are recorded in the reserve.

The territory of the Aral-Paygambar Island and the eastern slope of the Kugitangtau Ridge are occupied by the Surkhan Reserve which were constructed to preserve the ecological system of tugai valleys and the natural population of rare Bukhara deer. On the northern slopes of the Turkestan range is situated the Zaaminsky National Park which has since become a favorite vacation spot for locals and Eco tourists. There are several sanatoria and camping sites in the reserve. During the summer months, tourists come here wishing to enjoy pristine nature, pure mountain air and the fragrance of archa flowers. Hiking and horseback rides are also organized within the Park. Here you can see a two-barrel walnut tree which is nearly 700 years old, a waterfall, a healing spring, deep canyons, the ruins of ancient fortresses and Chinese silver mines.

Within the territory of the Ugam-Chatkal National Park, research is being conducted on the study of rare and endangered species of flora and fauna. Today, among young trees grown in the park are apple, mountain almond, dog-rose, and archa flowers. The measures taken helped to increase the population of bears and wild boars. You will find snow leopards in the highlands. The Park is open to tourists for visits. It is especially good in spring, during the flowering period of hundreds of plant species. A tourist infrastructure has been established on the banks of the Charvak reservoir. It includes children’s camps, modern hotels and beaches. The Park also contains a popular ski resort, many hiking trails, horse and bike rides and opportunities for rafting on Mountain Rivers.