East of Tashkent, the land rises steeply into the western ranges of the Tian Shan, and the Chatkal range forms the border with Kyrgyzstan. The Chatkal State Biosphere Reserve, established in the Soviet era, protects a stretch of these mountains, with juniper forests, walnut and wild fruit trees, alpine meadows and rocky peaks.
The reserve is home to rare animals, including the snow leopard, the Tian Shan brown bear, the Siberian ibex and the Menzbier's marmot, a species found only in this region. The forests of wild apple, apricot and walnut are of special interest: Central Asia is the ancestral home of the domestic apple, and these trees are a genetic treasure. Access to the strict reserve itself is limited and usually requires permits, but the surrounding mountains, part of the Ugam-Chatkal National Park, are open to visitors.
The road from Tashkent toward Angren and over the Kamchik pass into the Fergana valley is the main route through these mountains, a major highway climbing to over two thousand metres, with tunnels and checkpoints. It is busy with trucks but scenic. Side roads lead into the valleys and toward villages and summer pastures, often unpaved and rough. Further north, the Chimgan and Charvak area is the most popular weekend escape for Tashkent residents.
Riding in Uzbekistan requires preparation. Fuel supplies can be erratic, petrol may be low-octane, and many vehicles run on gas; carry extra fuel. Check the requirements for bringing your own motorcycle into the country, and expect police checkpoints. Mountain roads can be damaged by landslides and snow, and the Kamchik pass can close in winter.
Yangiobod, about seventeen kilometres away, Parkent and Angren have basic services, and Tashkent, around two hours away, has everything. Food in the mountains is simple: shashlik, plov, bread, fresh fruit and yoghurt. Late spring, when the meadows are full of flowers, and early autumn, when the walnuts ripen, are the best times to visit.