Difficulty: Moderate ★★☆☆☆
Distance: 8 km (total)
Elevation gain/loss: +320 m / -320 m
Available: mid-May – early October
We encourage you to try one of the simpler hikes in the western Tien Shan mountains. This one–day tour to the Obi-Rakhmat grotto and Paltau Waterfall will take you on a walk with a total length of 10 km, where most of the way is along an abandoned dirt road. This tour combines beautiful nature as well as ancient human history. The Neanderthal site is where tools of ancient people, animal bones and human remains have discovered. The farthest point of your route will be the 38-meter-high waterfall on the Paltau River after which you will return.
The trail leading to the waterfall will require some dexterity and good general fitness. However, you will be rewarded with a picturesque view of the waterfall among the impressive rocks-formations. The coolness of the river gives respite on a hot day. The bravest can swim under the waterfall – a swim to be remembered!
See the Obi-Rakhmat grotto and Paltau Waterfall tour program. It will be a busy day with simple physical activities; an excursion into ancient history and beautiful mountain landscapes!
Tour itinerary:
8:00-10:20 Transfer to Paltau region (100 km). Early in the morning, a driver and a mountain guide will meet you at the hotel. Leaving Tashkent towards the Chimgan Mountains, a wide highway brings you to the foot of the huge Charvak reservoir in an hour. Here the road rises higher, winding through the foothills. Driving alongside Charvak reservoir, we will park and begin the walk. There will also be a passage of a small border post.
10:30-11:30 Here begins the active part of the tour to the Obi-Rahmat grotto and the Paltau waterfall. Walk the dirt road to the Obi-Rakhmat grotto (2.5 km). Enjoy the surrounding landscapes, including beautiful view of the Chatkal River and the rock formations of Okhotnichiy Mountain. Turning to the gorge of the Paltau River, after a few of kilometers you reach the rocks.
11:30-12:00 A rocky ridge leads you to the entrance to the Obi-Rakhmat grotto. Traces of archaeological work remain, and you can inspect the site, learning about the people who lived more than 50 thousand years ago! Climbing the ridge you will discover two hidden caves.
12:00-13:00 After visiting the cave, the steep path to the bed of the Paltau River begins, taking you upstream (1.5 km). This path is narrow and steep in places – you will have to focus on walking and overcome small natural obstacles with the help of the guide. At the end, you will see a view of the whole 38-meters of the Paltau waterfall. Now you rest, relax and cool down.
13:00-14:00 Lunch is provided at the waterfall. Take photos with the backdrop of the waterfall, and even ‘shower’ and swim under the waterfall.
14:00-15:30 Return to the car via the same route (4 km).
15:30-18:00 Transfer to Tashkent and back to your accommodation. End of the tour to the Obi-Rakhmat grotto and Paltau Waterfall.
Attention! Please inform us in advance if you have any musculoskeletal issues (knee or joint problems), cardiovascular or respiratory conditions (high blood pressure, asthma, implants), or if you have undergone surgery within the last 2 years. Please also specify any food allergies or dietary preferences (vegetarianism, etc.).
Your safety is our priority: if a participant's health condition poses a risk, the guide reserves the right to modify or terminate the route.
Important information:
- To pass the border checkpoint, you must have your passport with you;
- In case of bad weather, guides reserve the right to modify the route;
Equipment:
- In hot and sunny weather: a panama hat, sunglasses and sun-screen, long-sleeved top, trousers or shorts, trekking boots or strong sneakers with laces/straps.
- Until the end of June, due to the full flow of the Paltau River, flip-flops or sandals for the crossing. For those who want to swim: a swimsuit and a towel.
- In cold weather: a jacket or a windbreaker.
Price includes:
- Transport to / from the mountains (1-2 people by sedan car; 3-6 people by minivan);
- Mountain guide services;
- Environmental fee;
- Trekking poles;
- Picnic-lunch.
Prices, per person
Tour Enquiry
Obi-Rakhmat and Paltau Reviews
They were both very friendly, professional and helpful. We loved the hike and learned a lot about the country and the region. The lunch was lovely. We had a lot of fun.
Thank you!
Thank you!
