A comprehensive overview of Uzbekistanās nature reserves, biosphere reserves, national parks and wildlife sanctuaries. Descriptions of landscapes, rare species of wildlife, desert and mountain ecosystems, as well as ideas for eco-tourism routes for travelers, students and nature enthusiasts.
Uzbekistanās nature reserves, national parks and state wildlife sanctuaries form a single network of protected natural areas. This page brings together up-to-date information on reserves, biosphere reserves, desert and mountain ecosystems, as well as eco-tourism routes and tour options for exploring the nature of Uzbekistan.
An overview of Uzbekistanās protected areas system: state nature reserves, biosphere reserves, national parks and wildlife sanctuaries, their purpose and their role in ecology, research and sustainable tourism.
Uzbekistanās nature reserves are strictly protected territories established to conserve unique ecosystems, rare wildlife and vulnerable plant species. These areas include mountain landscapes, deserts, forests, wetlands and steppe zones that together form the ecological richness of Central Asia.
The reserves support scientific research, biodiversity monitoring, environmental education and regulated eco-tourism. For students and researchers they serve as open-air laboratories, and for travelers they offer the opportunity to experience Uzbekistanās nature in its most pristine form.
The key reserves include the Chatkal Biosphere Reserve, Zaamin Nature Reserve, Nurata Reserve, Gissar Reserve, Surkhan Reserve, Kyzylkum Reserve, Aktag-Tamdy Reserve and the Lower Amudarya State Biosphere Reserve. Together they protect mountain, desert, steppe and tugai forest ecosystems.
State nature reserves are closed to free public access due to strict conservation rules. However, travelers can freely visit nearby national parks and eco-tourism zones where hiking, trekking and nature observation are allowed under regulated conditions.
Mountain ridges, juniper forests, alpine meadows, rivers, deserts, sand dunes, tugai forests, as well as rare species such as snow leopards, ibex, arkhar sheep, kulans, gazelles and many plant species listed in the Red Book of Uzbekistan.
The closest protected territories to Tashkent are the Chatkal Biosphere Reserve and the UgamāChatkal State National Park. Both are located approximately one and a half to two hours away by car, depending on the route.
An up-to-date overview of Uzbekistanās state nature reserves and biosphere reserves, including their landscapes, ecosystems, rare species and conservation importance.
The Chatkal Biosphere Reserve is one of Uzbekistanās most important protected areas, located within the Western Tien Shan mountain system. It includes coniferous forests, alpine meadows, high-altitude valleys and glacier-fed rivers. The reserve protects endangered species such as the snow leopard, arkhar, lynx and brown bear, and forms part of the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves.
Uzbekistanās oldest state nature reserve, known for its dense juniper (archa) forests and high-altitude meadows. Zaamin hosts more than 1,200 plant species and many rare animals, including mountain ungulates and birds of prey. The surrounding area is a major eco-tourism destination with hiking routes and panoramic views.
The Nurata Reserve protects steppe, forest and rocky ecosystems on the slopes of the Nuratau Mountains. It is home to the endangered Severtsovās wild sheep and a diverse range of plants, reptiles, birds and mammals. The reserve also includes a breeding center for rare ungulates and supports eco-tourism routes in nearby mountain villages.
One of the largest mountainous reserves in Uzbekistan, the Gissar Reserve contains glaciers, high-altitude valleys and peaks exceeding 4,000 meters. It protects rare species such as the snow leopard, brown bear, Siberian ibex and numerous endemic plants. It is essential for research on climate, glaciology and alpine biodiversity in Central Asia.
Located in the Kugitang Mountains, the Surkhan Reserve includes deep gorges, forested slopes, mountain streams and waterfalls. It protects rare species such as arkhar sheep, Bukhara mountain sheep, lynx and many birds and reptiles. The adjacent Zaravutsay eco-tourism zone is being developed as a nature travel destination in southern Uzbekistan.
A desert reserve protecting sand dunes, saxaul forests and patches of tugai vegetation. It is home to gazelles, kulans, desert foxes, steppe birds and numerous rare reptiles adapted to arid conditions. The Kyzylkum Reserve is one of the key areas for studying desert biodiversity in Central Asia.
A recently established desert reserve created in 2022 to protect the biodiversity of northeast desert landscapes. The reserve contains saxaul groves, tugai fragments and ephemeral desert vegetation. Wildlife includes gazelles, wild boars, foxes and several endemic species listed in the Red Book of Uzbekistan.
A UNESCO-recognised biosphere reserve that protects unique tugai forests, floodplain wetlands and sand-desert ecosystems in the Amudarya River delta. It is home to the Bukhara deer, numerous rare bird species, reptiles and fish. The reserve supports eco-tourism through museums, nature trails and guided wildlife observation routes.
Uzbekistanās national parks protect mountain landscapes, deserts, wetlands and tugai forests while providing opportunities for regulated eco-tourism, hiking, wildlife observation and nature-based education.
Established in 2019, Priaralye National Park protects tugai forests, narrow-leaf elaeagnus groves, shrubs and riparian ecosystems near Lake Davutkul. More than one hundred plant species and dozens of vertebrates inhabit the park, including reptiles and birds listed in the Red Book of Uzbekistan. It plays a key role in conserving the nature of the Aral Sea region.
One of the largest national parks in Uzbekistan, Aralkum covers one million hectares of newly formed desert on the dried Aral Sea seabed. The park protects saxaul deserts, sand dunes, saline depressions and wetlands. Wildlife includes saiga, wolves, jackals, foxes, wild boars and many desert birds and reptiles.
This park encompasses the spectacular escarpments of the Ustyurt Plateau, saline basins, desert plains and the Sarykamysh Lake area. It hosts numerous rare and endangered species listed in the Red Book and is of great interest for eco-tourism, geology and landscape photography.
Located between 930 and 3,700 metres above sea level, this park protects mountain forests, alpine meadows, glaciers and high mountain valleys. Snow leopards, Tien Shan brown bears and many Red Book species are found here. The ancient Savur juniper tree and high-altitude eco-trails are among its main attractions.
Khorezm National Park protects desert landscapes, tugai forests and riverine ecosystems along the lower Amudarya. Wildlife includes wild boar, lynx, jackal and numerous waterbirds and fish species. The park is an important site for studying riparian biodiversity and conducting thematic nature excursions.
Surrounding the Zaamin Nature Reserve, this park serves as a recreational buffer zone with sanatoriums, guesthouses, eco-trails and high-altitude landscapes. It is rich in medicinal plants, forests and mountain rivers, and is one of the most popular mountain tourism destinations in Uzbekistan.
This large desert park covers dunes, sandy ridges, salt flats and natural lakes. It protects numerous desert plants and animals, including gazelles, saiga, sand cats, jackals and endemic small mammals. Designated eco-tourism zones allow visitors to experience authentic desert environments.
Pap National Park covers mid-mountain and high-mountain areas of the Kurama Range. It includes forests, subalpine and alpine meadows, a natural lake and numerous streams. More than one hundred bird species and many mammals live here, making it suitable for nature tourism and hiking.
One of the most famous national parks in Uzbekistan, UgamāChatkal covers the Ugam, Pskem and Chatkal mountain ranges. It contains nearly 1,800 plant species, including many endemics, and rare animals such as snow leopards, brown bears and lynx. Popular resorts and recreation areas, including Amirsoy, are located within the park.
State wildlife sanctuaries and specialized breeding centers that complement Uzbekistanās system of protected territories by preserving desert, wetland, steppe and riparian ecosystems.
Established in 2022, the Barsakelmes Sanctuary protects a unique part of the Ustyurt Plateau with saline depressions, karst formations, desert basins and steppe landscapes. Wildlife includes saiga antelope, gazelles, Indian crested honey badgers, corsac foxes and rare desert reptiles. It is a promising site for scientific research and responsible eco-tourism.
This sanctuary combines one of Uzbekistanās most important wetland systems with surrounding desert landscapes. Its habitats include shallow lakes, reedbeds, saline marshes and sandy plains. The area is a critical stopover and breeding site for migratory birds such as flamingos, pelicans and various Red Book waterfowl.
The Jayran Breeding Center is devoted to conserving rare ungulates of Central Asia. Located between the cities of Kagan and Karaulbazar, it breeds goitered gazelles (jayran), Turkmen kulans, Przewalskiās horses, Bukhara mountain sheep and other species. Visitors can follow eco-routes and observe animals in semi-wild conditions.
Short and convenient routes with approximate distances and driving times. Each card opens a ready-made route in Google Maps, simplifying eco-tourism planning across Uzbekistan.
Detailed answers for travelers, students, researchers and all those interested in Uzbekistanās nature, biodiversity and protected territories.
Uzbekistan has several state nature reserves and biosphere reserves, including the Chatkal, Zaamin, Nurata, Gissar, Surkhan, Kyzylkum and Aktag-Tamdy reserves, as well as the Lower Amudarya State Biosphere Reserve.
The main reserves are the Chatkal Biosphere Reserve, Zaamin Reserve, Nurata Reserve, Gissar Reserve, Surkhan Reserve, Kyzylkum Reserve and the Aktag-Tamdy Reserve. The Lower Amudarya Biosphere Reserve is another key protected area, safeguarding tugai forests and wetlands.
The reserves are spread across the Tashkent, Jizzakh, Navoi, Bukhara, Kashkadarya and Surkhandarya regions and the Republic of Karakalpakstan. Mountain reserves are located in the Chatkal, Zaamin, Nurata, Gissar and Surkhan regions, while desert reserves are in the Kyzylkum and Aktag-Tamdy areas and the tugai forests are protected in the Lower Amudarya Biosphere Reserve.
Nature reserves have strict conservation rules and are primarily dedicated to scientific research and ecosystem protection. Public access is highly restricted. National parks allow regulated tourism, eco-trails and recreation zones while maintaining conservation priorities.
No. State nature reserves are closed to free visitation and require special permits. Travelers are encouraged to visit national parks and eco-tourism zones such as UgamāChatkal, Zaamin, Aralkum, Southern Ustyurt and Central Kyzylkum, where hiking and nature-based tourism are allowed.
Wildlife includes snow leopards, arkhar sheep, ibex, lynx, brown bears, gazelles, kulans, foxes, saiga antelope, numerous reptiles and many bird species, including endangered and migratory species. Many of these animals are listed in the Red Book of Uzbekistan.
The most scenic areas include the Chatkal Biosphere Reserve, Zaamin Reserve, the mountain regions of Nurata, Gissar and Surkhan. Alpine meadows, juniper forests, waterfalls and panoramic valleys make them very attractive for photographers and eco-tourists. Desert enthusiasts often choose Kyzylkum, Aralkum and Central Kyzylkum.
Chatkal, Zaamin and Nurata are most often used for school projects and academic reports because they represent different natural zones and have extensive scientific and educational materials available.
Uzbekistanās national parks include Priaralye, Aralkum, Southern Ustyurt, Yukori Tupalang, Khorezm National Park, Zaamin National Park, Central Kyzylkum, Pap National Park and the UgamāChatkal State National Park.
Visitors should not leave litter, light fires outside permitted places, damage plants, disturb animals or leave marked trails. Respecting these rules helps to preserve fragile ecosystems and endangered species.
Specify your travel dates, group size and preferred natural regions, and we will recommend an eco-tourism itinerary across Uzbekistanās mountains, deserts and cultural destinations free of charge.
Tailor-made and group itineraries across mountain regions, deserts, lakes, national parks and cultural cities.
The tour operator CAJ (Tashkent) organises nature-focused and combined routes across Uzbekistan: mountain itineraries in Chatkal, Zaamin and Nuratau, desert trips in the Kyzylkum and Aral Sea region, as well as cultural programs in the main Silk Road cities. Routes are designed based on the season, travel time, budget and personal interests.
We take care of transport, accommodation, meals and experienced local guides. Our programs are suitable for individual travelers, families, school groups, photographers and small expeditions.
A selection of short and multi-day itineraries through mountain ranges, deserts and culturally rich regions.
Light trekking routes with panoramic viewpoints, canyons, waterfalls and walks among juniper forests. Ideal for those who want to experience mountain landscapes without technical climbing.
Routes through saxaul groves, sand dunes and steppe habitats, with chances to see gazelles, kulans and typical desert flora and fauna. Suitable for desert photography and nature observation.
An in-depth journey to the Ustyurt Plateau and the former Aral Sea seabed, including the ship graveyard near Muynak, desert landscapes and an overnight stay in a yurt camp under the stars.
A combined route through mountain passes, terraced gardens and traditional craft centers of the Fergana Valley, with visits to pottery workshops, silk production and historical sites.
Professionalism, transparent pricing, local knowledge and attention to detail are the foundation of every journey we organise.
This page is prepared by a tour operator specialising in routes across Uzbekistan and Central Asia.
The content has been prepared by CAJ (caj.uz), based in Tashkent and operating across all regions of the country: Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva, the Fergana Valley, Nukus, Karakalpakstan and the mountain zones of Uzbekistan. We have over fifteen years of experience in organising tours across cities and natural territories in Central Asia.
Our team personally explores nature reserves, national parks, mountain passes, deserts and cultural routes, continuously updating information on roads, climate, seasonality and accessibility. We guide and support travelers on tours in Uzbekistan and nature-based routes, ensuring a safe and comfortable journey.
Our knowledge of local geography, eco-tourism trails and logistics allows us to design optimal tours considering time, budget and traveler interests ā from light walking routes to full expeditions across Uzbekistan and neighboring countries.
Last updated: December 2025
Selected itineraries combining cultural heritage, nature, desert landscapes and mountain regions.
