Tashkent is the capital and largest city of Uzbekistan, a green, modern Central Asian metropolis with a medieval Old City, Soviet-era monuments, a space-themed metro and some of the best plov in the world. It is the usual arrival point for the Silk Road cities of Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva.
Top beaches
A ranked editor’s shortlist of the coastline worth planning a day around in Tashkent.
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- Lively holiday resort with summer crowds and lakeside dining
- Pebble and sand shoreline
- Lakeside restaurants and terraces
- Boat and water-sport rentals in season
- Parking near the shore
Charvak Reservoir Shore at Khojikent
Editor’s tip. Weekends are crowded; weekdays are quieter
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- Quieter than Khojikent, with local families and picnic spots
- Lakeside cafes
- Small beaches and boat rental in season
- Mountain views
Brichmulla Lakeside
Editor’s tip. Bring water and snacks for remote stretches
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- Easy-access stretch on the road to Charvak, used by day trippers
- Shoreline with cafes
- Parking
- Views of the dam
Charvak Reservoir near Gazalkent
Editor’s tip. Combine with Chimgan or Brichmulla
Things to do at the beach
Beyond swimming and sunbathing — the activities that make a coastal day in Tashkent memorable.
Practical beach info
What to know before you head to the coast — season, getting there, facilities, and what it costs.
Best season
Tashkent is landlocked, so the nearest swimming spots are on Charvak Reservoir north-east of the city. The season runs from June to early September, with the warmest weather in July and August.
Transport
Private taxi or minibus from Tashkent takes 1.5-2 hours; there is no train or metro to the reservoir.
Cost
Free shoreline access in most places; boat rentals, loungers and lakeside meals cost extra, roughly 30,000-150,000 UZS (about $2.50-12.50).
Booking
No booking is needed for most free shore areas; private resorts take bookings through their own channels or the hotel.
What to bring
A short packing list for a comfortable beach day — adjust for season and the specific spot.
- Sun protectionHigh-SPF sunscreen, hat, polarised sunglasses, light long-sleeve cover-up.
- HydrationReusable bottle, salty snacks for longer days, electrolyte sachets if it’s hot.
- FootwearWater shoes for pebble or rocky entry, flip-flops for sand, dry pair for the trip home.
- Swim & coverQuick-dry towel or sand-resistant mat, change of swimwear, light cover-up for restaurants.
- Cash & valuablesSmall notes for beach clubs and rentals; waterproof pouch for phone, keys, cards.
- ExtrasReef-safe sunscreen near protected coastline, a book, a small first-aid kit for jellyfish or scrapes.
Beach safety
Hard-earned guidance — read this before you swim, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the coast.
Critical
Swim where lifeguards are posted and follow flag warnings — green is safe, yellow is caution, red means no swimming. Rip currents are the leading beach hazard worldwide.
Caution
Watch for tide changes and marine life — jellyfish blooms, sea urchins on rocky entries, occasional shark or stingray advisories. Don’t swim alone, especially at dawn or dusk.
Tip
Reapply sunscreen every 90 minutes and after every swim. Take shade between 11 am and 3 pm — the sun is harsher than people expect, even when the air is cool.
Practical
Keep valuables out of sight or back at the accommodation. Beach theft is a small-but-real risk at busy beaches; never leave bags unattended while you’re in the water.
Common questions
Quick answers to the questions we get asked most about Tashkent’s coast.
Is Khojikent a good place to swim?
Yes in summer, with cold, clear water; stay close to the shore and check conditions locally.
From the Charvak Reservoir Shore at Khojikent editorial.
Is Brichmulla busy?
It is quieter than Khojikent on weekdays but crowded on summer weekends.
From the Brichmulla Lakeside editorial.
Can visitors swim near Gazalkent?
Swimming is possible in places, but stronger currents and deep water near the dam make Khojikent and Brichmulla better choices.
From the Charvak Reservoir near Gazalkent editorial.