Arashan The High-Mountain Wonder of the Fergana Valley

The mysterious beauty of nature in central Uzbekistan is captivating in every season of the year. The fertile blossoming valleys of Fergana, its picturesque mountains, and its clear lakes impress visitors with their purity and charm.

Today we head to Pop District, the high-mountain jewel of Namangan Region. Here, behind rolling hills, winding gorges, and alpine meadows, lies the true treasure of the area — the Arashan lakes. This is an excellent destination for genuine admirers of natural beauty and lively adventure. It encourages travelers to make some effort, and in return they cover a considerable distance while enjoying the remarkable beauty of the local villages and the astonishing scenery of untouched nature.

The Arashan lakes are located in the border area of Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan, on the high-mountain Angren Plateau between Tashkent and Namangan Regions. In Turkic languages, the word “Arashan” means “healing spring,” because there are hot mineral springs near the lakes. The four lakes of the Arashansay are moraine-type high-mountain lakes situated at elevations from 2,770 to 3,350 meters above sea level. The largest lake reaches 750 meters in length and 250 meters in width. The Arashan lakes were formed as a result of the melting of ancient glaciers. After the glaciers retreated, water that remained in rocky “basins” became the basis of crystal-clear lakes.