Traveling along Chatkal Range.

"To love one's land, to know its unique features, its riches, its history - true patriotism is nurtured by these best feelings for one's native lands…"

L.N. Zavadovsky.

Chatkal Range Valleys.

Chatkal Range is located in Western Tien-Shan Mountains, spanning Tashkent and Namangan regions of Republic of Uzbekistan and Jalal-Abad region of Kyrgyz Republic.

The range extends for 265 kilometers. The Chatkal Range separates from the Talas Alatau at the sources of the Karasu, Uzunakhmat, and Chatkal rivers and, for nearly 120 kilometers, forms the northern border of the Fergana Valley. The southern slope of the ridge is 35-50 km wide from crest to base, while the northern slope extends 12-18 km from the watershed ridge to the Chatkal River.
The valleys on the northern slope slope steeply, while those on the southern slope are more gradual. River gorges cut almost transversely across both slopes. The exceptions are the latitudinal sections of the valleys of the upper tributaries of the Chatkal (Karakulja, Aksu, Karatoko) and the upper reaches of the Kasansay.
Most of the valleys near the watershed ridge bear traces of ancient glaciation in the form of troughs, and snowless cirques are common. Small glaciers remain at the headwaters of some rivers. The eastern part of the Chatkal Range, crowned by a jagged, sharply defined ridge, has many isolated, pointed peaks (the highest reaches 4,563 m).
Travel along the Chatkal Range from the Fergana Valley is conveniently located in the city of Namangan, accessible by train or plane. From there, regular buses take tourists to the village of Karavan in two hours. From Karavan, you can take a bus or a ride to the beginning of the hiking route.
The eastern boundary of the region is the Karasu, a relatively large river originating at the junction of the Chatkal and Atoynak Ranges. Its river system is highly branched and includes abundant tributaries.

Total glaciated area of Chatkal Range is approximately 40 sq. km.

Largest glaciers in Chatkal Range are:

Aksu Glacier in Chatkal Range.

The Aksu Glacier, 2.8 kilometers long and with an area of ​​1.8 square kilometers, is located at an altitude of 3,220 to 4,130 m. a. s. l., belongs to the Chatkal River basin.

Tegereksay Glacier in Chatkal Range.

Tegereksay Glacier is 2.8 kilometers long and has an area of ​​1.7 square kilometers. It is located at an altitude of 3,530 to 4,040 m. a. s. l. and belongs to the Chatkal River basin.

Karatoko Glacier in Chatkal Range.

Karatoko Glacier is 2.4 kilometers long and has an area of ​​2.3 square kilometers. It is located at an altitude of 3,310 to 4,080 m. a. s. l. and belongs to the Chatkal River basin.

Karatoko East Glacier in Chatkal Range.

Karatoko East Glacier is 2.4 kilometers long and has an area of ​​2.3 square kilometers. It is located at an altitude of 3,310 to 4,080 m. a. s. l., belongs to the Chatkal River basin.

Kengtur Glacier in Chatkal Range.

Kengtur Glacier, 2.4 kilometers long and 1.2 square kilometers in area, is located at an altitude of 3,470 to 3,990 m. a. s. l. and belongs to the Syr Darya River basin.

Glacier No. 84 in Chatkal Range.

Glacier No. 84 is 2.4 kilometers long and has an area of ​​0.9 square kilometers. It is located at an altitude of 3,350 to 3,940 m. a. s. l. and belongs to the Chatkal River basin.

Ogunsu Glacier in Chatkal Range.

Ogunsu Glacier is 2.0 kilometers long and has an area of ​​0.9 square kilometers. It is located at an altitude of 3,600 to 3,920 m. a. s. l. and belongs to the Naryn River basin.

Arpatakty Glacier in Chatkal Range.

Arpatakty Glacier is 2.0 kilometers long and has an area of ​​0.8 square kilometers. It is located at an altitude of 3,420 to 3,850 m. a. s. l. and belongs to the Chatkal River basin.

Geographic coordinates of Chatkal Range are: N41°38'02 E71°03'54

Authority:
"Across Native Spaces" by G.M. Vernadsky, Moscow, Physical Culture and Sport, 1972.

Photos by:
Alexander Petrov.