Uzbekistan might not be one of the world’s most visited sports destinations; nonetheless, it has a lot of potential. Given that most of the country consists of untouched natural beauty, sports enthusiasts of all kinds will find what they’re looking for, from the vast plains covering a big part of the country to the more mountainous regions offering opportunities to thrill-seekers. Even though there aren’t any oceans or seas to be seen, the country’s lakes and rivers are pristine and, therefore, perfect for anyone wishing to enjoy a day on the water.
1. Mountaineering and rock climbing
Uzbekistan has vast mountainous regions, which are perfect for those interested in mountaineering, rock climbing and ice climbing. According to the Uzbek Federation for Mountaineering and Climbing, there are about 74 routes to be found, spread over 34 different mountain areas in Uzbekistan.
Avid mountaineers will dwell at altitude levels ranging from 3099 to 4326 metres, with difficulty levels between 4a to 6a depending on your chosen route. The Maydantal range, the Pskem range and the Chatkal range, located within the Western Tien Shan, offer the best opportunities.
2. Cycling
From mid-April until November, Uzbekistan becomes the perfect destination for cycling lovers. Cycling your way through the Great Silk Road and the ancient cities of Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva and Termez, you’ll discover the country from another perspective and at a different pace. Competitions and races are held throughout the season, allowing cycling enthusiasts to meet like-minded people and measure their skills.
3. Horse riding
Ever since the 2nd century BC, Uzbek horses have been bred and exported along the Great Silk Road for the army of the Chinese Emperor. Since then, a lot has changed, but the interest in Uzbek horses and equestrian tourism in the country hasn’t faded.
At this moment, Uzbekistan has more than 15 equestrian clubs proposing a variety of activities. At the foot of the Big and Small Chimgan, in a valley near Tashkent, tourists will find the equestrian complex “Chimgan Oromgohi”, where both beginners and advanced riders will be able to fine-tune their skills.
Those who are looking for a more adventurous kind of horse riding won’t be disappointed either. All throughout the country, from the Beldersay Ridge over the Ugam Ridge to the Pulatkhan Ugam Plateau of Chatkal National Park, special horse riding routes are laid out, and many multi-day routes are proposed, allowing you to discover a wide range of Uzbekistan’s natural beauty.
4. Paragliding
With Uzbekistan’s vast amount of untouched nature, paragliding might be one of the most spectacular ways to experience the country. The Charvak reservoir, located 60 kilometres from Tashkent, is the most popular place to take part in the activity, whether it is on your own or with the help of an instructor.
5. Winter sports
Whilst summer is the perfect season to discover the Uzbek mountains on foot, winter transforms the country’s mountainous regions into vast stretches of snow, thus making them ideal for winter sports lovers.
From December to March, four main ski resorts attract a growing number of winter sports enthusiasts: Chimgan, Beldersay, Yangiabad and Amirsoy. That last resort opened its doors only in 2019 and is open 140 days a year because of a modern artificial snow-making system. Given the popularity of winter sports in Uzbekistan, more resorts are set to open.
