Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Y02n1ekALQ&t=15s
About 160 km from Tashkent, in the Ugam-Chatkal National Park, lies the uniquely beautiful Lake Urungach, which is considered a natural attraction of Uzbekistan. In fact, there are two lakes: The Lower Lake is very small and has a beautiful turquoise hue, whereas the Upper Lake is large. Every year the number of people wishing to visit this unique lake grows because of its amazing beauty and unspoilt nature. We decided with our film crew and tourists from Germany to visit the outskirts of Ugam-Chatkal National Park and Lake Urungach and to make a video for our subscribers.
The road to the lake lies through the foothills with picturesque natural areas and sprawling trees. Majestic mountains form numerous gorges and canyons, and between them flow the mountain rivers Pskem, Chatkal, Ugam and Koksu. Wild thickets and sprouting orchards can be found in the foothills. Hawthorn, maple, almond, and alycha are often intermixed with shrub vegetation – barberry, rose hips, honeysuckle, etc. There are also wild apple trees and birch groves in the foothills, for example, in the Aksakata tract in the Western Tien-Shan Mountains.
The foothill areas of Chimgan, Beldersay, Hojikent and Parkent are very popular at any time of the year.
In summer, these places charm you with their green cover and juniper bushes, and in winter, snowy peaks that immerse you into the atmosphere of a winter fairy tale.
The fauna is also very diverse. Four classes of terrestrial vertebrates inhabit the Ugam-Chatkal Nature Park, comprising about 280 species. They are distributed as follows: 48 mammal species, over 200 bird species, 20 fish species, 18 reptile species and 2 amphibian species. Mountain rivers are inhabited by the marinka, the most common fish in this area. The lake frog lives in the river valleys and the green toad lives along the banks and in warm lakes. Reptiles, such as water grass snake, yellow-belly, grey gecko, desert goblin and colorful snake, inhabit the foothill and high-mountain zones. One can also come across poisonous snakes, such as grey viper and copperhead.
The active part of the route can be divided into two stages: a gradual ascent to the small, lower lake and a steeper ascent to the upper lake. The Upper Lake is distinguished by its unique flavour, where you can meditate while enjoying the calm surface of the water, surrounded by harsh rocky peaks covered with snow caps.
Meaning of the word Urungach from Uigur means kash – jade, urung means light, i.e. light or white jade. It is called jade because of the colour of its water: it is green in colour, which is characteristic of jade. The water in the lower lake is crystal clear, so much so that every stone can be seen at a depth of ten meters. Historically, the lake is believed to have been formed by the collapse of a rock that served as a natural dam.
Although the path is not an easy one, the view that you get once you reach the lake immediately removes all memories of the arduous journey. The majestic beauty of the lake and the mountains around it open up before you. This place plunges you into an atmosphere of peace and serenity, you just have to sit and admire the view and any stress disappears. The lake is unique in that its waters have a rich jade colour. This place looks especially beautiful in spring, when beautiful snowdrops blossom around the trails and give the place an even more beautiful look. During summer the temperature of the water allows you to swim in the pristine lake and sunbathe on its shores. Memories of this unique lake and its landscape will stay with you for a long time.
The most exciting time to visit the Jade Lakes is considered to be the period from May 15 to June 25, when the lakes reach their maximum water level. At the end of this period, the water gradually leaves the lower lake, and by autumn, it dries up completely. In the upper Urungach, water is stored throughout the year.
For hikers and physically fit people, climbing to both lakes is not difficult. Such a walk is a great opportunity to bring positivity, bright emotions, and unforgettable impressions into your life. The active part of the tour takes 3–4 hours, and with the road, 11–12 hours.
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