Amirsoy and the Tashkent mountains

What it is

A modern mountain resort in the range north-east of Tashkent, with a gondola, skiing in winter and walking in summer. The appeal is contrast: you can spend four days among tile and desert heat and then be at altitude in cool air the same afternoon.

Charvak and the valleys

The reservoir at Charvak sits below the resort, blue against bare hills, and is where Tashkent goes in summer. The Chimgan area alongside it is the older, rougher walking country, and the villages in the valleys still farm rather than serve visitors.

When it works

Best in late spring and early autumn, when the cities are uncomfortable and the mountains are not. In midwinter this is a ski trip and should be planned as one.

How long to give it

One or two nights, most often added to the end of a Silk Road trip.

When to go

Average daytime high, night-time low and rain days for Amirsoy, from five years of recorded observations rather than a forecast or a brochure.

Comfortable months: Jun to Sep.