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Scenic panoramic view of lush greenery on mountainous landscapes
© Abduhalil Tursunboev / Shutterstock

Golden Ring of Tashkent

See the best that Tashkent has to offer, from traditional Uzbek yurt camping in mountain foothills to ancient complexes.

In the districts all around Tashkent, there are fascinating things to see, from heritage sites to local communities. Working out where to go and what to see may seem a bit intimidating for some visitors to Uzbekistan, which is why local tourism authorities have developed a route called the 'Golden Ring' that takes you in a loop between the best destinations around the capital.

Whether you're driving, on a guided tour, or using minibuses, it's possible to do the Golden Ring as a day trip or a multi-day journey. Going counterclockwise, the first district showcases Zangiota and the historical pilgrimage complex of the Islamic prophet Sheikh Ai Khoja. The next stop is the city of Chinaz, which is the site of a significant Mongol battle. Be sure to stop at traditional roadside cafes and visit the historical settlement of Karshaul-Tepa. You'll then arrive at Buka district, which is best in spring for its beautiful blooms and fields.

Traditional Tashkent ceramic ornaments © Yahkin Ilya
Traditional Tashkent ceramic ornaments © Yahkin Ilya

Next, Akharangar is the city of artisans where large cement and slate factories dominate the landscape. Angren is famous for the village of Geologist and the ancient mausoleum of Gumbez-Bobo. Favoured by climbers, the city of Yangiabad has rock walls, spring fishing, mountain biking, and swimming to entertain any outdoor enthusiast. In the Parkent district at the base of the Tien-Shan mountains lies the hidden village of Kumushkan. Try the local delicacy of shish kebabs and take in the scenery of stone gorges and cascading waterfalls from a yurt camp.

Uzbek handicraft store © Evgeniy Agarkov / Shutterstock
Uzbek handicraft store © Evgeniy Agarkov / Shutterstock

The famous tourist centre of Bostanlyk district has mountain activities for winter and summer. The winter ski resort Amirsoy is suitable for all skill levels. In the summer, the villages of Nanai, Nevich, and Sukok shine as gems of the Chatkal mountain range. Enjoy the crystal-clear Urungach Lakes and sunbathe on Charvak beaches. The Chatkal range holds ancient cave sites on the Aktash river, the fortress of Jilga-Tepa, and Guria Mugh’s 'cemetery of magicians'.

The Golden Ring will have brought you to every corner of the Tashkent oasis. The driving route consists of the cities of Zangiota, Chinaz, Buka, Ahangaran, Angren, Yangiabad, Parkent, and Bostanlyk. This trip is a great experience to see more of the country, with history, tradition, culinary delights, and extraordinary Uzbek hospitality.