Arashan Lakes

The Arashan Lakes are among the most stunning yet inaccessible bodies of water in Uzbekistan.

Nestled in the high-altitude Angren Plateau, the Arashan Lakes straddle the border between Tashkent and Namangan regions of Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan. While administratively part of the Pap district in the Namangan region, we have included them in the attractions of Tashkent, as this location is highly favored by Tashkent residents and is more conveniently reached from Tashkent than from Namangan.

The Arashan Lakes system consists of four main lakes: Upper Arashan, Khoja Arashan, and the Big and Small Arashan Lakes, along with two small unnamed lakes located at elevations exceeding 3350 meters (higher than the peak of Big Chimgan). These lakes are ice-free for only two to three months each year (from mid-July to September) in the northwestern part of the plateau. All of them are high-altitude glacial lakes situated at altitudes ranging from 2770 to 3350 meters above sea level. The largest lake measures up to 750 meters in length and 250 meters in width. Nearby, a small thermal spring maintains a constant water temperature of 36.7 degrees Celsius year-round.

The challenging journey to the lakes begins from the Tashkent-Kokand highway at the village of Ertash. The route is characterized by steep ascents, sharp switchbacks, rivers to ford, and rocky debris. Despite being only 50 kilometers away with a height difference of 1580 meters (from 1190 to 2770 meters above sea level), the trip takes approximately four hours even in off-road vehicles. The landscape of the plateau closely resembles the Kyrgyz “jailoo,” where tens of thousands of sheep graze and yurts of shepherds are scattered throughout the area.

The Angren Plateau, covering an area of 1200 square kilometers, along with the Arashan Lakes, attracts tourists with its pristine natural beauty, alpine meadows, vast canyons, and waterfalls.

Climbers and mountain trekkers can conquer Peak Karakush (3864 meters above sea level), while skiers can enjoy the slopes even in June. Rafting enthusiasts can navigate the Akhangaran River in May, and in winter, extreme skiers arrive by helicopter to experience the thrilling terrain.