Pulatkhan Plateau

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Pulatkhan Plateau

Pulatkhan Plateau

The legendary Pulatkhan Plateau is nestled within the mountains of the Southwestern Tian Shan, located in the Ugam-Chatkal National Park and administratively part of the Bostanlyk District in the Tashkent region of Uzbekistan. This high-altitude plateau is shrouded in an aura of mystery, largely due to its inaccessibility; reaching the plateau from the nearest road requires a strenuous trek of 2.5 to 3 days on foot. The standard route to Pulatkhan is designed for a five-day journey, and the arduous ascent is richly rewarded with breathtaking landscapes and the wild beauty of the plateau.

The immense dining table-like mountain, covering an area of 3 square kilometers, has been thrust upward by subterranean forces to nearly three kilometers in height above the surrounding gorges and mountains. The sheer cliffs of the plateau drop hundreds of meters into the valleys below, with only a narrow isthmus connecting it to a neighboring ridge to the west.

At an elevation of 2,823 meters, the plateau is encircled by mountain ranges and steep, almost vertical cliffs. Access is possible only via one of the ridges, making it a natural fortress. The summit of the mountain appears as if it has been sliced with a knife. Legend has it that during the time of Genghis Khan, the Turkic khan Pulan and his kin held out here for several years. Lacking cannons, the khan’s archers easily picked off the daring Mongol attackers, who were as visible as if they were on a chessboard atop the ridge.

Another legend surrounding the plateau speaks of untold treasures allegedly hidden in the cave by the khan Pulat. The plateau is indeed of karst origin, featuring numerous sinkholes, and its walls are adorned with small recesses—caves. However, only one entrance to a cave, descending vertically to depths exceeding 500 meters, has been discovered so far. Aspiring adventurers should temper their enthusiasm; entering the cave requires specialized spelunking skills and at least 500 meters of rope. Yet, the cave awaits explorers who can widen the constriction in the monolithic diaclase at the bottom. Beyond this narrowing, the entrance expands, and a stream flows deeper within, cascading through the cave, starting at a depth of 20 meters from the surface.

“The Pulatkhan Plateau serves as a natural fortress with a single entrance suitable for troop movement. It could be defended by a small garrison and spans an impressive area of around eight square kilometers, capable of sustaining up to 8,000 goats, based on the assumption that each goat requires 10 acres of grazing. This allowed for the sustenance of a small garrison and a community of up to 200 people indefinitely. It is the only place in Central Asia with such favorable conditions. For over four thousand years, the local elite have sought refuge here during wars and civil unrest. Access to the plateau was guarded by three fortresses (the remnants of which still exist), intended not only to deter invading forces but also to prevent idle wanderers from discovering alternate routes and revealing them to enemies during peacetime.”

Visitors venturing to this remarkable plateau should be aware that water is scarce; there is only one spring located in the northeastern part of the area. Surprisingly, during spring, the plateau bursts with greenery and mushrooms, and it is riddled with burrows of the endangered Menzbir marmots.

Chimgan Mountains & Charvak Lake

From$40
6-8 hours

Driving through scenic mountain roads
Cable car ride to Kumbel Ridge
Panoramic views of Big Chimgan
Horseback riding in mountain gorge
Lunch at a local restaurant

Escape the city for a day with our Chimgan Mountains & Charvak Lake tour. Enjoy scenic views, ride a cable car to Kumbel Ridge, explore Big Chimgan’s gorge, and relax by Charvak Lake's serene shores. Adventure and relaxation await!
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