Untouched Beauty
Who can imagine that Uzbekistan has such unusual landscapes like Lashkerek and Gulkam camps, which have real juniper forests and canyons? Let's dive into one of the beautiful hiking places in Uzbekistan. Having visited this wonderful place, photographer Marat Najibaev shares his interesting impressions in detail about this fascinating place.
Text by Diyora Gulyamova
Photos by Marat Nadjibaev
Lashkerek is the Kuramin ridge where century-old juniper trees grow. If it takes 3 to 4 hours to get to Zaamin, it only needs 1 to 2 hours. Every season of the year, this place has its unique beauty. In spring, you can enjoy the beauty of tulips and the greatness of waterfalls; in summer, if you are tired of the city's heat, you can cool down with pleasant and fresh weather. It is very colourful there in autumn, and minimalism and frosty freshness in winter. Long ago, there were children's camps, and guesthouses for tourists have now replaced them.
Gulkam combines a gorge, a waterfall, and a river. Although it is an escape from the heat in summer, you can enjoy the beauty of the view in spring.
"If I talk about the geographical position of Lashkerek, it is located near the city of Angren. You can get there either by car or by taxi. Gulkam sits at the base of Big Chimgan Mountain. As well as the Lashkerek, a personal car or a taxi are the best options to reach there." - adds Marat.
Spring in Lashkerek is a separate topic. It's delightful to see how every part of nature is in bloom; there are also many seasonal waterfalls. The fresh smell of spring in the air is a natural relaxation for the eyes. If you catch the fog, the place becomes mystical. Lashkerek is a beautiful place you want to return to and rediscover in every season and weather.
"As a photographer, I can say that Gulkam is a place where you can capture waterfalls and animals. In the upper reaches, you can meet foxes and bears. They stay away from people, but it's a real challenge to shoot them."
Gulkam tests tourists' endurance while walking on icy water. In some places, tourists have to climb up a rope. It was installed for safety reasons because it is one of the most popular routes in the Tashkent region.
"Lashkerek is considered a protected conservation area, and you must behave according to the rules. You are not allowed to stay overnight inside, only in designated areas. If in spring you get tired of walking from one beautiful place to another, then in winter you will have to try harder to get to an amazing view. When it's snowing and freezing, you may not be allowed to go in." Marat warns.
Marat's must-do recommendations:
Decide on the season and check the weather forecast to discover these places' beauty.
You can't go to the mountains alone. It's perilous. Therefore, you need to make a group tour.
Take some food, water and a first aid kit.
Be sure to warn your loved ones where you are going if something happens to you.
There are foresters at the entrance to the Lashkerek and Gulkam; check-in and tell them what route you are taking.
Sometimes, it's nice to return to the same place several times in different seasons and weather. In Gulkam, it is convenient to stay overnight. In Lashkerek, accommodation is restricted to designated areas only. The main thing is to leave no trace of your presence and to act as a respectful guest.
