Vibrant emerald jade green waters of Urungach high mountain lake surrounded by rocky scree slopes

Tashkent Region · Tien Shan NatureHighland Waters

Urungach Lakes (The Jade Lakes)

Crystal-Clear Emerald Glacial Jewels in Remote Mountain Gorges

Two breathtaking high-altitude mountain lakes in Ugam-Chatkal, famous for their surreal turquoise-green waters and dramatic stone cliffs.

Visitor Guide Back to Tashkent Hub

Location

Ugam-Chatkal National Park (approx. 160 km northeast of Tashkent)

What is Urungach Lakes (The Jade Lakes)?

Urungach Lakes, popularly known across Central Asia as the 'Jade Lakes' (Nefritovye Ozera), are two extraordinary high-mountain lakes hidden within a remote gorge of the Ugam-Chatkal National Park. Situated approximately 160 kilometers from Tashkent at an altitude of 1,227 meters (Lower Lake) and over 1,500 meters (Upper Lake), they are celebrated for their hypnotic, jewel-like emerald and turquoise water clarity. Fed by pure glacial meltwater filtering through underground rock screes, the lakes reflect towering limestone cliffs and blue skies like a polished gemstone.

Historical Context

Chronicles & Story

For decades, Urungach remained a secret known only to local mountain shepherds and hardy Soviet geological teams. In recent years, with improved road access and social media sharing of its surreal turquoise waters, it has emerged as one of Uzbekistan's most sought-after eco-destinations. Due to its remote location near the border zone, the environment has retained its pristine, wild character. The Lower Lake is seasonal, reaching its peak turquoise volume during spring snowmelt in May and June, while the Upper Lake remains filled with deep, mirror-like jade water throughout the summer.

Who Created It and Why?

Untouched natural monument designated as a strictly protected hydrological and ecological site within the national park system.

Established: A natural formation created centuries ago when massive seismic rockfalls slid into the Urungach river gorge, forming natural dams that pooled the icy glacial streams into two successive alpine lakes.

Design & Form

Architecture & Landscape Features

The lakes are separated by an adventurous 4-kilometer uphill hiking trail across rocky scree and wild mountain meadows. The Lower Lake is small and intensely colored, cradled in a narrow stone bowl. The Upper Lake is vastly larger, occupying an expansive alpine cirque surrounded by steep, scree-covered peaks where patches of snow linger well into July.

Special Feature

The Natural Side of Tashkent Region

Urungach represents the untouched, raw alpine wilderness of Uzbekistan—a striking visual contrast to the manicured parks and urban boulevards of Tashkent City.

Seasonal Wonder

The Lower Jade Lake

Deep emerald-green water surrounded by steep slopes; reaches peak color in May and June before receding into subterranean rock channels.

Permanent Alpine Gem

The Upper Mountain Lake

A permanent alpine body of crystal glacial water at 1,500+ meters, framed by sheer rocky ridges and lingering snowfields.

Trekking Route

The 4-km Mountain Trail

A moderately demanding uphill trek along the rushing Urungach stream, traversing stone screes, walnut groves, and alpine shrubbery.

Glacial Hydrology

Seasonal Hydrological Cycle

Water levels and colors fluctuate depending on snowmelt timing: late spring brings radiant turquoise; late summer reveals calm, deep blue-green mirrors.

Visitor Experiences

What Can You Do Here?

Photograph the Jade Waters

Capture the vibrant reflection of jagged limestone peaks mirrored on the crystal-clear emerald surface.

Hike Between Lower and Upper Lakes

Trek the 1-to-1.5 hour mountain trail connecting the lower pool to the expansive upper alpine basin.

Dip Feet in Icy Glacial Water

Rest beside the shoreline and dip your feet into the invigorating, bone-chilling mountain meltwater.

Picnic in Untamed Mountain Nature

Enjoy bread, cheese, and fresh fruit beside the lake while breathing pure high-altitude mountain air.

Knowledge Takeaways

What Will You Discover?

Natural Rockslide Dam Formation

Discover how seismic activity naturally creates high-altitude lakes in tectonic mountain ranges.

The Purity of Glacial Filtration

Understand how subterranean percolation through gravel deposits filters meltwater to produce near-total transparency.

Remote Wilderness Stewardship

Experience the vital importance of preserving fragile high-mountain ecosystems from over-tourism and plastic waste.

Connecting Journeys

Nearby Experiences

Visiting Urungach requires a full day: travelers typically leave Tashkent at 6:00 AM, driving past Charvak Reservoir and into the Pskem Valley, before transferring to local 4x4 vehicles for the final mountain stretch.