Ecotourism as a concept economical,
SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT AND INTERNATIONAL RELATION OF UZBEKISTAN
Introduction
Tacis West Tien Shan Interstate Biodiversity Project (WTSBP) provides supports for the GEF Central Asia Biodiversity Conservation Project in the West Tien Shan. The emphasis of the Tacis project is upon sustainable social and economic development in the buffer zones.
The project has 3 Objectives:
- to reinforce, harmonise and support the implemntationof the legal frmewor relevant to environmental conservation in the three parner countries
- to carryout a programme of treining andprofessional development to increase the skills and knowledge of the stake holders, inoorder to protect the biodiversity andlandscape of the West Tien Shan (WTS) and to ensure sustainable and economic devleopmetn, and
- to develop mechanisms and to implement plans to enable cross=order cooperation among protected areas (PAs), forestry and local authoriteees to create an integrated approach to the management and monitoring of the territories of the WTS.
The expected results of the project are:
Recommendations to introduce necessary changes into the national legislation related to biodiversity conservation in the three countries.
Productive cooperation with local communities, staff of the specially protected areas, local administrations, regional government agencies and NGOs.
Increased opportunities for economic activity and employment of local communities.
Reduced dependence o the communities on resources of the specially protected areas.
Improved pubic awareness on relationship between the environment and economic and social situation of local communities.
Tourism is one of the components of the project as a means of improving the economic and social conditions in the local communities around the protected areas of the West Tien Shan. The biodiversity of the region is a major potential attraction for visitors to the area upon which to develop a thriving tourism industry. The project has identified the tourism resources and markets, and undertaken training and provided technical support to persons in the local communities around the protected areas and to stakeholders involved in the development of tourism through a series of workshops in the region an from the project base in Bishkek. The project has also supported the preparation of a number of leaflets, booklets and other material for publication the which give information and advice for tourists, tour operators and entrepreneurs providing accommodation and other tourism facilities and services, particularly at the community level.
The project team put forward the following objectives for the development of tourism in the West Tien Shan region:
- Conservation and enhancement of the environment and heritage of the WTS
- Development of small scale ecotourism on the basis of the natural and cultural attractions of the WTS
- Promote community based tourism (CBT) in the communities of the WTS
- Provide training and advice to raise the capacity of local people to participate in ecotourism in the WTS.
- Improve the quantity and quality of tourist facilities to attract higher paying tourists from abroad
- This document provides and introduction to the context for development of ecotourism in the WTS and makes recommendations on the way forward particularly in the areas around the Ugam-Chatkal National Nature Park and Chatkal Zapovednik.
Tourism Terms:
Tour operator. An organisation specialised in preparing product packages sold either directly (a 'direct seller') or through travel agents to the customer
Travel agent. An organisation selling mainly package tours from tour operators and transportation tickets to the customer
Destination. Country, region or location visited by tourists for a holiday or other purposes (i.e. business, research)
Domestic tourism. Domestic tourists are inhabitants of the destination country but not of the destination area
Product. A natural, cultural or human quality made accessible for tourists with the help of certain facilities or services
Product package. A tourist product such as a tour or a complete arrangement, as published in a travel brochure. Usually a combination of transport, accommodation, food and activities / excursions
Incoming or inbound tour operator. A tour operator at a destination who receives tourists from an outgoing tour operator in the source country
Outgoing or outbound tour operator. A tour operator in the tourist source country sending tourists to a foreign destination
Ecotourism Terms:
Sustainable tourism. This can be defined as tourism that meets the needs of tourists and host regions while protecting and enhancing opportunities for the future. It is envisaged as leading to management of all resources in such a way that economic, social and aesthetic needs can be fulfilled while preserving social and cultural integrity, essential ecological processes, biological diversity and life support systems. Sustainable tourism is a management approach applicable to both mass tourism and small-scale ecotourism.
Nature-based tourism. Tourism that occurs in a natural setting and often focuses on activities in this specific natural setting, such as walking, safari trips, climbing, rafting, horse riding, ski trekking etc.
Ecotourism. Nature based tourism in relatively undisturbed natural areas that involves education on and awareness of the natural environment and is managed to be ecologically sustainable
Ecotourism industry. That sector of the tourism industry directly involved in ecotourism operations, the development of ecotourism operations and/or the provision of services for ecotourism operations
Natural areas. Existing in, or formed by nature; not artificial; also incorporates cultural aspects
Region. An area which surrounds a protected area with boundaries considered relevant for sustainable tourism development. The region should be based on the unique characteristics and identity of an area and offer recognisable ecotourism products and services. Existing and future tourism supply (transport, accommodation and activities) will have to be identified, including points of attraction, natural and cultural heritage.
Ecotourism region. An ecotourism region is the combination of physical, biological, social, cultural and managerial conditions that give value to a place. A region includes qualities provided by nature (vegetation, landscape, topography, scenery), qualities associated with ecotourism use (intensity and types of use) and conditions provided by management (development, access, regulations). By combining variations of these qualities and conditions, a variety of ecotourism opportunities can be provided in each of the different regions
Carrying capacity. The number of visitors/tourists that an area can receive within a determined span of time (day, year, season) without causing negative ecological, socio-economic cultural and, psychological impacts.
The psychological capacity safeguards the quality of the tourism product as perceived by the tourist, and refers to negative impacts on the perception of the tourist/ visitor, including crowding, conflicts between different user groups.
Ecological carrying capacity includes avoiding negative impacts on ecosystems, habitats, species and geomorphology. Socio-economic carrying capacity includes avoiding negative impacts on the quality of life of communities and their social structure (conflicts, social division), on the economic structure (negative impacts on local ownership and control, diversification of economy, employment etc.)
Cultural carrying capacity includes avoiding negative effects on the identity and way of life of communities, on their religion, and, their cultural heritage etc.
Stakeholders. All parties (communities, institutions, government organisations, non-government organisations (NGO)), enterprises, organisations representing economic and social sectors and persons) whose participation and/or support can be considered necessary and/or useful in order to realise the conservation goals of the protected area and to guarantee the success of the sustainable tourism development strategy.
SWOT analysis. An analytical tool that helps to differentiate the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats of a proposed development strategy
Zoning. The division of a territory into specific zones for specific purposes, based on an evaluation of the area's physical and social carrying capacity and its tourism potential. Zones in which no or only a limited level of development is allowed, ensure optimal environmental conservation
Defining Ecotourism
Ecotourism is often used interchangeably with other terms such as nature-based tourism, sustainable tourism, green tourism, responsible tourism and soft tourism. While some elements of these different tourism types are the same, the terms are neither synonymous nor mutually exclusive. Ecotourism is a subset of nature-based tourism - tourism that occurs in a natural setting. Some ecotourism experiences may include the activities of other nature-based tourism types such as adventure tourism in which the focus is on the activity, e.g. trekking on horseback or canoeing. The following ecotourism definition is most commonly used:
"Ecotourism is nature-based tourism that involves education and interpretation of the natural environment and is managed to be ecologically, socially and culturally sustainable”
This definition recognises that 'natural environment' includes cultural components and that 'ecologically sustainable' involves an appropriate return to the local community and long-term conservation of the resource. It notes that ecotourism, like any other type of tourism, should be ecologically sustainable, provide visitor satisfaction, local benefits and be 'appropriate' to its environmental and cultural setting. 'Appropriate' means being compatible in style, sizes and type of operation with the scale and character of the landscape and in tune with the local inhabitants.
Interest in ecotourism has arisen from a combination of increasing demand for authentic tourist experiences and increasing interest in environmental conservation. Ecotourism occupies a specialist niche within tourism. It includes forms of tourism that are consistent with natural, cultural and community values and that promote cultural and environmental interaction in authentic natural settings. Ecotourism is at the leading edge of the overall 'greening' of tourism in which environmental aspects are a high priority. In some cases, it may need only a small shift of focus for a nature-based tourism operation to become an ecotourism operation.
A major benefit for encouraging ecotourism is that it integrates tourism and conservation thus providing an economic incentive for environmental protection. Also beneficial is the value of increasing awareness and appreciation of the relationship between natural settings and the diverse range of cultural perspectives of the community. A key challenge is to ensure balance so that the ecotourism industry can be commercially viable, ecologically sustainable and culturally responsible.
The term ‘ecotourism’ has been open to misinterpretation by planners, operators, managers, marketers and the media, with the result that it has been used to describe a range of products that do not fall within the above definitions. This broad use of the term has led to debate throughout the industry and receiving communities and has led to the creation of other terms, including ‘sustainable’, ‘minimal impact’, ‘community based’ and ‘responsible’ tourism. None of these definitions or alternative terms provides a discrete test that will precisely distinguish ecotourism from other forms of tourism.
Elements of Ecotourism
All tourism should be sustainable - ecologically, socially, culturally and economically. Ecotourism differs from other forms of tourism by its dependence on the protection of natural ecosystems so that they, and their associated cultural values, can be visited and interpreted.
The challenge for the tourism industry is to develop ecotourism capacity and the quality of its product without adversely affecting the environment on which it depends. This involves ensuring that the type, location and level of ecotourism use do not harm the natural areas and that management is adequate to sustain appropriate levels of ecotourism.
Revenue raised from ecotourism should be used to maintain ecological sustainability by providing supporting infrastructure, which will avoid damage to the natural environment for example boardwalks, toilets, and camping grounds. Infrastructure can also educate visitors about minimising impacts on the natural environment (e.g. interpreted walks and interpretation centres).
Managers of natural areas need to consider the requirements of ecosystems, allowable activities under the form of tenure and management regimes and the appropriate locations for various ecotourism activities, as well as the social needs of visitors (e.g. crowding, presentation of the area).
Different management techniques such as permit conditions, infrastructure provision and styles of presentation can allow for maintaining or increasing visitor use of an area. However, limiting access to and use of sensitive environmental areas for ecotourism ventures may be required at times to avoid overuse, preserve biodiversity and ensure opportunities exist for different types of ecotourism.
Following are some of the main elements and principles of sound ecotourism:
; The natural environment
; Ecological and cultural sustainability
; Contribution to conservation
; Education and interpretation
; Provision of local benefits and participation
; Visitor satisfaction
; Responsible marketing
Natural environment
Ecotourism relies on use of the natural environment and includes a focus on biological and physical features. Ecotourism occurs in and depends on the natural setting and may include cultural elements where they occur in largely natural settings. The conservation of natural areas and natural resource management is therefore essential to the planning, development and management of ecotourism.
Many natural areas have significant ethnic and cultural values. Although the focus of ecotourism is on the natural values of an area, it is impractical to separate the natural and cultural components of ecotourism. Therefore, for the purposes of this project, the term 'ecotourism' can embrace the sustainable use of cultural as well as natural assets.
Ecological and cultural sustainability
Tourism activity that degrades the environment, adversely affects the local community or fails to return worthwhile economic benefits is not sustainable in the long term. Ecotourism is managed to avoid or minimise negative impacts and to confer benefits on host communities and environments for present and future generations. Ecotourism can involve active participation by tourists and tour operators in the conservation of an area. For example, visitors may participate in scientific monitoring or rehabilitation projects, or may contribute financially to the management of an area. Planning for ecotourism is based on resource constraints. When an area exceeds its capacity to absorb the impacts of uses to which it is put, or if its biodiversity and physical appearance are altered significantly. The impacts of ecotourism can be managed through the recognition and application of sustainable practices. For example, environmental impacts can be managed using facility design, equipment and waste management practices that minimise impact, both at the site of the activity and in terms of broader resource use.
Contribution to conservation
Ecotourists and ecotourism operators can contribute to conservation in a variety of ways. The form of contribution must first be negotiated between natural resource managers and ecotourism operators to provide the greatest benefit for conservation within the means of the operators. Ecotourism operator contributions could include, but would not be limited to, participating in or supporting research and monitoring of wildlife or the impacts of visitation, assisting in management of the natural resource or returning a percentage of revenue for the management of the natural area. Examples of how independent visitors and members of the local community could contribute to conservation include: adhering to visitor codes of practice and exercising minimal impact techniques, participating in management surveys, reporting inappropriate behaviour to managers and rangers, picking up litter on route and participating in organised community service activities in the area such as cleanups, weeding and scientific research on wildlife.
Education and interpretation
Ecotourism's educative characteristic is a key element, which distinguishes it from other parts of nature-based tourism. Environmental education and interpretation are important tools in creating an enjoyable and meaningful ecotourism experience. Ecotourism attracts people who wish to interact with the environment and, in varying degrees, develop their knowledge, awareness and appreciation of it. By extension, ecotourism should ideally lead to positive action for the environment by fostering enhanced conservation, environmental and cultural awareness. Environmental education can influence visitor, community and tourism industry behaviour and assist in the long-term sustainability of tourism activity in natural areas. Environmental education and interpretation help visitors see the big and little picture of the environment. It acknowledges the natural and cultural values of the area, resource management needs and the complexity and interdependence of the natural environment.
It is one of the tasks of the Ecotourism operators to provide an appropriate level of environmental and cultural interpretation, usually through the employment of appropriate qualified guides and the provision of information prior to and during the trip.
The level and type of education will depend on the interests and expectations of the visitor and will include a broad range of educational opportunities through interpretation, interactive approaches and the use of various media. This educational or interpretative component may acknowledge the natural and cultural values of a destination and could also address issues such as resource management and the role and attitude of the host community.
Local benefits and participation
The benefits of ecotourism should be equitably distributed with significant benefits accruing to the local community, even though ecotourism businesses may be based in other communities or involve national or multinational ownership. Local benefits may accrue from the use of locally based operators, the employment of local guides and use of specialised local knowledge, the purchase of provisions and services and the use of local facilities.
These benefits should outweigh the cost of ecotourism to the host community and environment, although the benefits and costs are difficult to measure.
Ecotourism generally returns revenue or other benefits for resource conservation and management, as well as bringing social and cultural benefits to locals and visitors alike. It therefore offers a positive approach to tourism development in these areas.
The involvement of local communities may benefit communities and the environment while improving the quality of the visitor experience. Local communities can be involved in ecotourism operations and help provide knowledge, services, facilities and products that, in turn, can provide employment. The benefits of ecotourism should outweigh any cost to the host community and environment. Ecotourism should also generate income for resource conservation and management to help maintain environmental values that are important to the community.
Visitor satisfaction
Visitor satisfaction with the ecotourism experience is essential to the ecotourism industry's long-term viability. The ecotourism experience should match or exceed visitors' realistic expectations. Client service and satisfaction, an integral part of the product, should be second only to the conservation and protection of each area visited. Visitor enjoyment will be facilitated by:
· quality assurance and best practice;
· an ecotourism accreditation system;
· a broad range of ecotourism products suitable for different styles of ecotourism, land tenures and management regimes;
· adequate and environmental sensitive infrastructure which does not compete with the natural environment;
· adequate consideration of the needs of local communities;
· responsible marketing which gives realistic expectations of ecotourism experiences in each natural area; and
· appropriate planning and management.
Responsible marketing
Realisation of ecotourism opportunities relies to a large extent on marketing - making potential visitors aware of the available opportunities and matching demand with supply. In the field of ecotourism, marketing can often be a challenge since:
· the industry includes many small operators who, on their own, do not have the necessary resources to market on the national or international level; and
· operators may be based in relatively remote locations where they do not have ready access to necessary marketing skills and resources.
Visitors need to have realistic expectations and understanding of the tourism experiences on offer to help them choose a product suitable for their needs and the experiences they desire. In terms of ecotourism, responsible marketing will inform potential visitors of the type of activities available and appropriate in particular areas.
The 'Growth-Peak-Decline' Cycle
Tourism in an area often suffers from what has been called the 'growth-peak-decline' model first proposed by Butler (1980). He identified that, as destinations or attractions become popular, they proceed through a cycle of growth, peak and decline. This process describes a 'cycle of evolution' with tourist locations passing through distinct stages. Each stage of the cycle is characterised by different environmental perceptions and uses.
By providing the impetus for small-scale development in areas valued for their environmental and cultural attributes, ecotourism may be followed by additional development to accommodate increasing visitor numbers. The long-term outcome of this process could be a fundamental change in the quality of the visitor experience, including the destruction of the values that initially attracted the visitors and a loss of value of investments. There are many examples around the world notably in beach-based tourism.
Planning for sustainable tourism requires long-term approaches aimed at establishing the location and scale of appropriate infrastructure and mechanisms for its careful management. Ecologically sustainable management practices will avoid the growth-peak-decline process.
Styles of Ecotourism
In planning for and managing ecotourism, it is important to be aware of the different styles of ecotourism. These may vary considerably in the:
· types of natural settings required;
· extent of direct experiences and interaction with the natural environment;
· group sizes involved;
· use and extent of personal interaction with tour guides;
· reliance on mechanised transport and supporting infrastructure; and
· types of visitor experience.
For the purpose of the WTS project, three broad ecotourism styles have been identified which need to meet the principles of ecotourism identified earlier. The various characteristics of each style are outlined in the following table № 1.
Table № 1. The various characteristics of each style are outlined in the following
Criteria Self-reliant ecotourism Small group ecotourism Popular ecotourism
Main methods of travel during ecotourism activity Non-motorised travel by foot, horse or mountain bike Non-motorised or motorised low-capacity transport such as car, 4WD, mini bus or mountain bikes Motorised high capacity transport such as larger bus
Supporting infrastructure needs Only those structures and facilities needed for public safety, environmental protection or interpretation Roads, toilet facilities, campgrounds and interpretative displays Possibly permanent accommodation facilities and some site hardening in popular areas Full range of facilities generally expected of high quality recreation tourism
Group sizes Generally 10 or fewer Generally 30 or fewer No clear limit
Degree of self-reliance required High Moderate/low Low
Level of knowledge/skills required Moderate/high knowledge and skill base required to make most of the opportunity Moderate/low knowledge and skills base required to make most of the opportunity Little knowledge and skills base required to enjoy the opportunity
Style of management Primarily an off-site style of management through environmental education and information A mixture of on-site and off-site management techniques A high degree of obvious on-site management
Likely nature of outcomes Very much a 'hands on' experience where participants learn about the intricacies of biological and cultural systems An increased understanding and knowledge of the environment of the area which is probably unfamiliar to the visitor A general introduction to the area’s ecosystems and some of their special characteristics
Examples of activities/settings Walking in nature with an environmental educational focus; yurt camps, guided horse trekking, and bird watching study groups Interpreted tours in the forest; self guided mountain drives or walks; interpretation of flora and fauna ecosystems; guided bird watching tours; guided visit to traditional ‘shepherd’ camps understanding their interaction with / impact on the natural environment High capacity educational trips; guided bus trips tours to various attractive sites.
There are also other nature-based tourism activities which are related to ecotourism and can complement an ecotourism experience, but which are not within the definition of ecotourism. Examples of such activities include:
· visitor centres and ex situ displays of native flora and fauna;
· aquarium displaying native marine life and vegetation;
· native plant collections and botanical gardens;
· Collections of native fauna and zoos;
· Designed nature-based theme parks; and
· virtual reality experiences.
While all these examples can have substantial environmental educational and interpretative components and similar objectives to ecotourism, they do not occur in and depend on a natural setting and are therefore not considered as ecotourism.
Supporting infrastructure availability
While the ecotourism experience tends not to make great demands on services or generally require major infrastructure, the participants in ecotourism have:
· transport needs both into and within the ecotourism area;
· accommodation needs; and
· demands for retail and other products during their visit.
Stakeholders
The following ecotourism stakeholders can be identified, each of them having a range of potential roles in ecotourism:
· Tourism industry
· Ecotourism industry
· Visitors
· National government
· Regional government
· Local government
· Natural resource managers (including property owners)
· Nature conservation groups and organisations
· Local communities
· Educational and research institutions and other professional interest groups.
Conditions for sustainable ecotourism development and management
The following principles and recommendations for ecotourism development should relate to the West Tien Shan region.
1. Ecotourism should assist to protect and improve nature areas and support sustainable development of adjoining territories and local communities.
2. Ecotourism requires implementation of the special policies, strategies and programs for the whole country and each region and area.
3. Ecotourism requires practical and effective coordination systems between stakeholders, including governments, private enterprises and local communities.
4. Ecotourism planning should include clear criteria of area zoning, including zapovedniks and low and medium impact zones.
5. Physical planning and design of ecotourism sites, especially hotels and other accommodations, restaurants, national park information centers, car parks and other facilities for ecotourism activities, should be developed so that any negative impact on natural or cultural environment is avoided or minimized. Local construction materials, architectural styles, furniture and settings should be used, as well as energy sources not polluting the environment.
6. Similarly, transportation and communication means used in ecotourism regions should have low level of impact and minimize pollution. Sports using noisy or heavily polluting types of transport should be strictly prohibited in areas for ecotourism.
7. Ecotourism activity in the national parks and protected areas should be performed strictly in accordance with the rules of conduct in such areas.
8. Management plans should be prepared for areas used for ecotourism such as national parks and protected areas to ensure development and organization of tourist activities meet the requirements of sustainability.
9. Proper legal and organizational mechanisms should be established aimed to assist the effective involvement of local communities in the whole ecotourism development process, including policy identification, planning, management and monitoring.
10. Organizational, financial, tax and other mechanisms should be established, which would allow local communities to keep the larger part of the income generated from ecotourism and use it to protect nature and invest in improvements to ecotourism infrastructure.
11. Ecotourism should be beneficial, economically sustainable and profitable business. If there are no perspectives for getting profit, private entrepreneurs would not make investments nor take risks.
12. All ecotourism business related parties should recognize and meet the costs required to minimize potential negative impacts. These costs to the investor and wider community should be included into feasibility studies and financial analysis of all ecotourism projects before investments are approved.
13. In ecotourism development it is necessary to ensure strict observance of tourist standards and codes, and control and monitoring requirements and apply sanctions to violators. Self-regulating and local initiatives related to ecological, social and cultural sustainability of ecotourism should be encouraged, but necessarily checked. Advice and explanatory campaigns among entrepreneurs and tourists and training of service providers can assist in ensuring compliance.
14. Certification systems for ecotourism sites and activities should be considered. Certification should be related to international standards in Central Asia and Europe in order to ensure consistency of their quality to the principles of sustainability. Accreditation of the existing local certification systems should be also considered to improve their image among customers and foreign tour operators.
15. Education and professional training is the basis of sound ecotourism management. Managers and their staff, as well as the local population, need training on general and specific aspects of ecotourism, and this training should be targeted to the requirements of each category. In particular, ecotourism requires highly qualified guides, preferably natives from the local area.
16. Ecotourists need detailed and specialist information before and during the trip. Provision of full information is one of the elements differentiating ecotourism from traditional tourism, and this information may be provided in various forms, including booklets, guidebooks, maps, information centers, eco-museums, designated tracks and local guides.
17. Promotional materials on ecotourism should contain sufficient information on tourist attractions, including flora, fauna, relief, geology, ecosystem. They should also include accurate information on accommodations and catering facilities, as well as recommendations what tourists can and cannot do in the local area. This information would allow potential customers identify the difference between real ecotourism operators before buying an eco-tour.
18. Both marketing channels and promotional materials should correspond with the type of tourism offered to a customer and the type of eco-tourists being targeted.
Two diagrams follow, the first showing Ecotourism Products and the second Product Development Issues. The information is relevant to the analysis of the resources and conditions for tourism in the West Tien Shan later in Section 3 onwards.
Review of Uzbekistan legal documents to expand cooperation in ecotourism within Western Tien-Shan
Tourism in Uzbekistan and in the Ugam-Chatkal National Park is regulated by the normative-legislative acts. They have to be taken into account when agreeing itineraries and the presence of foreign and local travelers in specially protected areas, in particularly in transboundary bio reserve of the Western Tien Shan, which is being set up. As is well known this region covers three states – Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic and Uzbekistan and their relations are being formed on the level of national legislation and international law.
Uzbekistan legislation in particularly concerns the aspects of physical persons (residents and non-residents of the republic, foreign citizens from neighboring and distant countries) traveling and fulfilling necessary procedures. There are also issues of tourism companies’ activities in the territories of nature reserves, payment for resources, etc. In this regard several aspects should be taken into account for tourists, visiting Uzbekistan and for economic subjects, who arrange for such visits:
Legislation on entry, transit and crossing of the state, customs, sanitary border:
Resolution “Regulation on the Exit and Entry Procedure for Tourists in the RoU”. The document is registered by the Ministry of Justice of the RoU from November 3, 2004 No 1421. It stipulates the order of composing tourist groups, visa application and crossing of the state border;
Regulation “On Medical (Sanitary) Control in the State Border Check-Points of the RoU”. The document is registered by the Ministry of Justice from May 22, 1999 No 927. It stipulates the procedure of checking of citizens who have symptoms of hazardous illnesses at the entry to Uzbekistan. It also includes a number of limitations and stipulates the responsibility for spreading of an epidemic;
Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers from November 21, 1996 No 408 “Rules of Transit Passage through the Territory of Uzbekistan for Foreign Citizens and Persons Without Citizenship”. It regulates the issues of transit crossing for foreign citizens, forced stay or residence, need for registration;
Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers from November 21, 1996 No 408 “Rules of Entry to the RoU and Exit from the RoU for Foreigners and Persons Without Citizenship”. The document stipulates the rules of visiting Uzbekistan by foreigners, applying for visa;
“Procedures of Interacting between National Company of Uzbektourism and State Customs Committee of the RoU on Customs Clearance for Tourists Crossing Customs Border of the RoU” – approved by the National Company (NC) Uzbektourism and State Customs Committee of the RoU on July 20, 1993. It sets the system of relations between tourism companies and tourists with customs bodies at the crossing of customs border, fulfilling necessary procedures including entering goods, currency and valuables;
Regulation for Permits for Physical Persons-Residents for Taking Foreign Currency in Cash Abroad Being Provided by the Central Bank of the RoU. Registered by the Ministry of Justice on July 3, 2003 No 1253 from June 21, 2003 No 535. The document sets the procedure of getting the permit for foreign currency to be taken out of the country by citizens of Uzbekistan;
Regulation on the Exit-Entry Procedure of National Cash Currency of Uzbekistan. Approved by the Board of the Central Board and the State Customs Committee from March 1, 2004 No 249-В, 01-02/19-16. It regulates the aspects of exit-entry of Uzbek Soums for both national citizens and foreigners;
Law of the RoU “On Exit-Entry of Cultural Values” from August 29, 1998 No 678-I. It regulates the issues of entry-exit of the subjects being of cultural value. Tourists shall know what can be purchased in the country for further taking out of the country;
Regulation “On the Procedures for Entry-Exit of Cultural Values”. Approved by the Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers from March 23, 1999 No 131. It stipulates procedures and mechanism for the assessment of cultural values and providing permits for foreigners and local citizens for taking cultural values out of the Republic of Uzbekistan;
Law of the RoU “On the State Border of the RoU” from August 20, 1999 No 820-I. It regulates aspects of crossing border; border, customs, sanitary, police points and legal procedures of exit-entry of physical persons, checks, procedures for providing permits to enter the territories being limited for visits by foreigners and local citizens;
“The Rules of Traveling Abroad for Citizens of the RoU”. Approved by the Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers (CoM) No 8 from January 6, 1995. Sets obligatory procedures for getting a permit to leave the country for Uzbek citizens;
Regulation “On the Procedures of Registration and Providing a Certificate for Citizens of the RoU Who Did not Reach 16 Years Age”. Approved by the Resolution of the CoM of the RoU from December 30, 2000 No 519. It stipulates the procedure of providing documents for under aged for their leaving the country.
“Instruction on Providing Certificates for Returning to the RoU” which was registered by the Ministry of Justice on June 17, 1998 No 448. It foresees the procedure of providing a document for returning to the country for citizens of Uzbekistan from other countries in case of their national passport is lost;
Regulation “On Passport System in the RoU”. Approved by the Presidential Decree of the RoU from February 26, 1999 No УП-2240. It describes the system of issuing passport, introducing certain notes, including permission for exit and registration at the place of residence (propiska);
Standard Instruction on the Order of Border and Customs Control in Automobile, Train, Avia and River Checkpoints at the State Border of the RoU. Registered by the Ministry of justice from July 6, 1999 No 765. The document sets the order of power and controlling authorities’ arrangements at the checkpoints of the state border;
Criminal Code and Administrative Code of the RoU set the norms of punishments for current legislation violations in the sphere of crossing border, registration of documents for exit-entry, performing of nature protection rules.
Documents, regulating tourist activities:
Regulations about Licensing of Tourist Activities. The Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers from November 11, 2003 N 497 stipulates the procedure and rules for receiving the license for tourist activities for legal persons;
The Order of Certification of Tourist Services. It is registered within the Ministry of Justice on March 18, 2000 N 911. It stipulates the mechanism of applying for certification of different tourist services.
About Approval of the Regulations on Exit-Entry of Tourists to the Republic of Uzbekistan. The Regulations are registered by the Ministry of Justice on November 3, 2004 N 1421. It stipulates the coordination of actions undertaken by the National tourism administration and tour operators with the controlling bodies in arranging foreigners’ traveling in the territory of the RoU and national travelers at the exit from the Republic.
The Rules for Hunting and Fishing in the Territory of Uzbekistan. Registered by the Ministry of Justice of the RoU No 337 from May 1, 1997 on April 15, 1997. It sets the procedure for getting permits, hunting and fishing for foreign and local citizens.
About Measures for Nature Resources Protection and Ensuring Comprehensive and Systemic Approach to the Development of Chimgan-Charvak Zone. Resolution of the CoM from March 10, 2000 No 83 directed to rehabilitation and development of Bostanlyk rayon, which is in part located in Western Tien Shan;
About Regulation of Radical Use of Natural Resources, Improving Environmental Status in the Territory of Rayon, People Entertainment and Entry of Automobile Means to the Territory of Rayon. The document is approved by khokim of Bostanlyk rayon from July 27, 2001 № 458, and sets the procedures for use and consumption of nature resources of Ugam-Chatkal National Park and other nature areas of the rayon;
About Additional Measures on Improving Recreation System and Preservation of Nature Resources of Health Resort – Recreation Zone Chimgan-Charvak. This Resolution of the CoM of the RoU from September 06, 2001 № 362 brings amendments into the development of the tourist zone in the territory of Western Tien-Shan;
Regulation on entry-exit of transport means and people on vacation as well as rational use of natural resources in the territory of Ugam-Chatkal National Park from January 10, 2002 № 9. The document is approved by khokim of Tashkent oblast. Its major objective to set up fees for the entry to specially protected area.
Exemptions provided by the government for tourism business:
Legislation sets exemptions for enterprises involved in tourism. For example, Tax Code specifies:
Article 92. Privileges under the property tax of legal persons. The tax is not imposed on the property of the following legal persons:
- newly created, engaged in tourist activities in the cities of Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva and Tashkent, for the period from the moment of creation before receiving first profit, but for the term of not more than three years from the moment of their registration. In case of liquidation of these legal persons before the expiration of one year after establishment of a grace period, the amount of tax is withdrawn in full size for the whole period of their activities.
Article 102. The tax bearers exempted from the payment of land tax. The following legal persons are exempted from the payment of land tax:
- newly created, engaged in tourist activities in Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva and Tashkent cities, for the period from the moment of creation before receiving first profit, but for the term of not more than three years from the moment of their registration. In case of liquidation of these legal persons before the expiration of one year after establishment of a grace period, the amount of tax is withdrawn in full size for the whole period of their activities.
According to the Resolution of Approving Instruction on Calculation and Payment of VAT for goods (works, services) produced and sold, which is enforced from May 9, 2003, services of sanatoriums and health resorts rendered above the price of a vaucher to these organizations are exempt from the VAT.
Tourist-excursion services include services of guide organizations included in the cost of the voucher for tourist services.
Tourist services include transport service, accommodation, meals, excursion service, cultural, sports programs and other services recorded in the Contract on Providing Tourist Services.
The given privilege is also applied to additional tourist-excursion services rendered by the specified organizations to tourists over the services included in the contract.
About the Measures to Facilitate Participation of the Republic of Uzbekistan in the Revival of the Great Silk Route and to Develop International Tourism in the Republic. The decree of the President of the Republic Uzbekistan from June 2, 1995. The document stipulates the following:
To exempt from all kinds of taxes newly formed tourist agencies and the enterprises of these cities for the period from the data of their establishment till the date of receiving the first profit, but no more than three years from the date of registration;
The specified organizations and enterprises in the first year of receiving the profit shall pay 50 % of the profit tax, in the second year – 75 %, starting from the third year – 100 %;
To exempt foreign investors which set up joint ventures in the sphere of tourism in Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva and Tashkent from the payment of exported profit tax for the period of 5 years in addition to the privileges granted.
At present in Uzbekistan exist standards:
State, in particular, for the tourism this:
- GOST 30385-95. Facilities to the population. Terms and determinations;
- GOST 28681.1-95. Tourist-excursing service. Designing the tourist services;
- GOST 28681.2-95. Tourist-excursing service. Tourist facilities. General requirements;
- RST 918-98. Tourist-excursing service. Categorization of hotels;
- GOST 28681.3-95. Tourist-excursing service. Requirements on ensuring safety of tourists and excursions.
- GOST 28681.4-95. Tourist-excursing service. Categorization of hotels;
- A Management ISO/MEK 2 1996. "General terms and determinations in the field of standardizations and adjacent types of activity";
- RD Uz 51-026-94. National system of certification Republic Uzbekistan. Order of consideration of appeals;
- RD Uz 51-053-96. National system of certification of Republic Uzbekistan. Certification of Services. Main positions;
- RD Uz 51-061-97. National system of certification of Republic Uzbekistan. Certification of Services. Order of undertaking.
Private, which are recommended by the Association of travelers Rabat Malik for СВТ for servicing the visitors. They are described in corresponding scholastic material.
Documents, which regulate relations in tourist sphere between RoU and neighbouring countries:
Agreement between the government of the RoU and the government of the Republic of Kazakhstan on deepening cooperation in the sphere of culture, health, science, education, tourism and sport from January 10, 1994. Declares commitment to cooperation and establishes business relations between the countries, including in tourism;
Agreement between the government of the RoU and government of Kyrgyz Republic on deepening cooperation in the sphere of culture, health, science, education, tourism and sport from January 16, 1994. Declares commitment to cooperation and establishes business relations between the countries, touches upon tourism as important part of humanitarian and economic partnership;
Agreement between governments of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Tadjikistan and Republic of Uzbekistan on cooperation in the area of sanatorium, health resort and tourist organizations and enterprises from June 8, 2000, Astana city. Article 1 stipulates that “Parties will facilitate cooperation in the area of sanatorium, health resort and tourist organizations and enterprises to create the most favourable conditions for improving population health in the countries, deepen familiarization with the culture, nature and places of interest as well as historical monuments and national traditions of people of four countries”.
Besides that it is foreseen that there will be cooperation in the area of exchange of citizens, who are in need of sanatorium or health resort treatment and rest on the basis of equality and mutual benefit. To increase the number of such people the Parties will fulfill measures on streamlining customs procedures, share the lists of tour companies, sanatoriums, health resorts and other recreation facilities. The governments engage to create favourable, mutually acceptable economic and legal conditions to implement the present Agreement.
Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Government of Kyrgyz Republic about cross-visits from July 2, 2000 is directed to the regulation of order and conditions of cross-visits of citizens of both countries. In particularly “citizens of the state (one Party), holders of valid diplomatic and service passports, who suppose to stay in the territory of the other country not more than thirty days shall enter, exit and stay in the territory of the other Party country without visa”. The rule is valid for the holders of national passports, visiting within official national and government delegations, public officials in the rank of not lower than heads of divisions of the ministries and agencies, as well as local governments on the basis of national passports, service certificates and business trip certificates (Table № 2). These people who intend to stay in the territory of the other state no more than thirty days are issued visas without consular fee upon written request of diplomatic service or consular office.
Citizens who permanently live in bordering Uzbekistan and Kyrgyz Republic rayons and cities can enter, exit and stay in the territories of bordering rayons and cities without visa for no more than five days. The place of stay is defined on the basis of the registration in passport (propiska). Their stay for more than five days shall be made on the basis of visa, which is issued in stipulated order.
The Agreement foresees: “Citizens of one Party who travel to rest houses, sanatoriums, health resorts and other recreation facilities, located in the territory of the other Party, enter, exit and stay in the territory of this Party without visa on the basis of valid national passports and sanatorium vouchers and other documents”. They are to live the country of stay within three days after validity of their voucher.
Citizens enter, exit and transit through the points, set for crossing the border in compliance with the procedures.
Table № 2. List of documents for entry, exit and traveling of citizens of
Uzbekistan in the territory of Kyrgyz Republic Kyrgyz Republic in the territory of Uzbekistan
1. Diplomatic passport of the RoU.2. National passport of the RoU.3. Birth certificate (for children younger than 16 years old).4. Certificate for returning to the RoU. 1. Diplomatic passport of the KR.2. Service passport of the KR.3. National passport of the KR.4. Passport of the former USSR format with the registration of citizenship5. KR – before January 1, 2003 (for citizens who are the subject of the Article 5 of the Agreement).6. Birth certificate (for children younger than 16 years old).7. Certificate for returning to the KR.
Rayons of Uzbekistan, which border KR Rayons of KR, which border RoU
Andijan oblast1. Andijan town2. Izboksan rayon3. Marhamat rayon4. Djalalkuduk rayon5. Pahtaabad rayon6. Kurgontepa rayon7. Bulokbashi rayon8. Hujaabad rayonNamangan oblast1. Pap rayon2. Chust rayon3. Kasansay rayon4. Yangikurgan rayon5. Chartak rayon6. Uchkurgan rayon7. Uychin rayonFergana oblast1. Rishtan rayon 2. Fergana rayon 3. Kuvasay rayon 4. Kuva rayon 5. Altaarik rayon 6. Uzbekistan rayon 7. Soh rayon Tashkent oblast1. Bustanlik rayon Batkent oblast1 Kyzyl-kiya town2. Batkent rayon 3. Kadamjay rayon Osh oblast1. Osh town2. Nookat rayon 3. Aravan rayon 4. Karasuu rayon 5. Uzgen rayon Djalal-Abad oblast1. Djalal-Abad town2. Kok-Yangak town3. Mailuu-Suu town4. Tash-Kumyr town5. Suzak rayon 6. Bazar-Korogon rayon 7. Nooken rayon 8. Ak-Syi rayon 9. Ala-Buka rayon 10. Chatkal rayon Tallas oblast1. Kara-Bura rayon
Consular fees for citizens of RoU and KR Issue of multiple entry visa:· For one month - 4 USD· For 6 months - 10 USD· For one year - 20 USDVisa extension tariffs are the same as for the issue of visa. Children under 16 are exempted from the consular fee
There is no visa regime between Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyz Republic, but it is hard for Uzbek citizens to cross Kazakhstan border as national border service requests invitation letters and other documents certifying the need for the presence of these citizens in the territory of neighbouring country. There are no publicly available legal documents on this procedure issued by the Committee on Border Control within the National Security Service of the RoU and this could allow to suppose that these measures have political and not criminal, economic character.
At the same time practice shows that tourist voucher works as a reason for Uzbek citizens to cross the border of Kazakhstan. Therefore it is necessary for Uzbekistani tourists have such documents in transboundary tours.
Documents of the RoU, Streamlining Tourist Formalities:
About Simplification of Visa Procedures for Citizens of Italian Republic, France, Latvia, Great Britain, Spain, Austria, Switzerland, Japan, Germany and Belgium. The Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers from February 19, 2003 N 85 issued in order to facilitate political, trade, economic, scientific, technical and cultural cooperation between Uzbekistan and other countries, to improve procedures for granting visa to foreigners, visiting the Republic with business and tourism objectives.
The Ministry for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan is entrusted to issue
multi-entry visas for one year to foreigners visiting Uzbekistan with business purposes within 2 working days in the foreign offices of the Republic with a waver of presenting invitation letter from inviting legal entity in the RoU to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the RoU;
multi-entry visas for one month to tourists visiting Uzbekistan within 2 working days with a waver of presenting tourist vouchers of the NC Uzbektourism or other tourist organizations.
These documents allow citizens of these countries get visas in facilitated order and travel within the territory of Uzbekistan including Ugam-Chatkal National Park. Streamlining of formalities facilitates tourist visits to Western Tien Shan.
Proposals to Improve Visa Regime for Tourists, Visiting Transboundary Bio-Reserve “Western Tien Shan”:
It is to issue unified standard visa (Western Tien Shan) for tourists wishing to visit Bio-Reserve Western Tien Shan, which is located in the territories of three countries. This visa shall be valid and recognized by authorities in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic and Uzbekistan. The prototype of such visa could be a Shengen zone visa in Europe or Mekong in South-East Asia. From one side it streamlines the procedure of getting permit documents, reduces the costs for consular and other fees and saves time from formalities. From the other side it facilitates the recording of travelers’ interest to ecological and sport tours and creation of common database of visitors. It should be noted that not all countries of the world have all three diplomatic missions of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic and Uzbekistan, but in one of them there will be a possibility to obtain “Western Tien Shan” visa to visit all three republics.
For example, French citizen applies to the Embassy of Uzbekistan and within tourist program purchases the tour and visa “Western Tien Shan”. Those allow him to enter Uzbekistan, stay there for certain time, travel to nature reserve areas and then cross the border through official checkpoints to Kyrgyz Republic and after some time – to Kazakhstan. In this way tourist chain is maintained and services are provided from country to country.
“Western Tien Shan” visa could be used within the framework of the abovementioned four-parties interstate Agreement on cooperation in using health resorts, recreation zones, as there are such objects in the territory of Western Tien Shan functioning at present. That can also stimulate the intensity and volumes of cross visits.
DEVELOPMENT OF ECOTOURISM
CBT organizations. There is no economic body or NGO, which unites CBT. Until now the СВТ of three villages have not yet received legal status (not legalized) and therefore their association into one structure does not seem visible.
In the meantime there were employees selected and trained within the CBTs of Chimgan, Humsan and Burchmulla, who are able to conduct primary marketing in particularly on supply and demand of any of tourism services, volumes and intensity of tourists arrivals, studying their preferences and quality assessment from the part of CBT.
Tour operators. As of now there are 365 organisations that have license for tourism services in Uzbekistan. 22 tour operators of Tashkent and Tashkent oblast, which work in the sphere of ecological tourism and in particular organization of tours, were chosen from the list provided by the National Company “Uzbektourism”:
- trekking and mountain climbing, rafting;
- ornithology, botanics;
- horse-back riding;
- gastronomy and folklore;
- beach tour, fishing, paragliding, heliski etc.
These 22 tour operators within the framework of agreements with the EuropeAid Project have agreed to participate in ecotourism development in Tashkent oblast. Special and the most interest to the Project territory has been shown from three Tashkent tour companies, which are: «Elena-Tour», «Asia-Raft», «Ecosan-Tour», «Yasmina-Tour». They actively use this territory for ecological tourism for more than two years.
NOTE ON PROTECTED AREA SYSTEM
Current legislative and normative documents related to protection of native zones in Uzbekistan include:
- Law of the RoU «On Nature Protection» from December 9, 1992. N 754-XII. It regulates relations in the sphere of nature protection and rational nature resources use in the RoU;
- Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of the RoU “On Measures to Protect Nature Resources and Ensure Comprehensive and Systematic Approach to Chimgan-Charvak Zone Development” from March 10, 2000 N 83. Regulates the process of development of tourist-recreation zone in the territory of Ugam-Chatkal National park.
- Administrative Code of the RoU. Section YIII. Administrative responsibility for violations in the sphere of nature protection and management and chemicals not suitable for use. Articles 65-96.
- Criminal Code of the RoU. Section XIV. Crimes in the sphere of nature protection and management. Articles 193-204.
Currently the draft law on “Specifically Protected Areas” is under discussion in the Parliament.
The objective of the EuropeAid Western Tien-Shan Biodiversity Project is creation of the bio reserve in three states (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic and Uzbekistan), where flora and fauna are preserved, where local economy develops on the basis of ecotourism, and local people use natural resources effectively and revive national traditions, crafts and culture.
Uzbekistan has fulfilled internal procedures on the agreeing of interstate agreement on the creation of Transboundary Bio-Reserve “Western Tyan-Shan”. The process of agreeing the issue between Uzbekistan and Kazakh and Kyrgyz side is on the way. Uzbek experts estimate its signing during 2006.
The government and local authorities positively assess rural tourism development. Certain decisions have been taken to facilitate development of related infrastructure (roads, accommodation, energy, transport, trading facilities and catering), and investments to tourism sector made. At the same time the government put constrains to tourism in specially protected areas within the framework of current legislation as well as in the border areas where there is special military-police regime.
Ugam-Chatkal National park is under the authority of Tashkent oblast khokimiyat. Khokim makes a decision on entry fee to the territory of the park. On January 10, 2002 he issued a regulation on entry-exit of transport means and people on vacation as well as rational use of natural resources in the territory of Ugam-Chatkal National Park № 9. In this regulation administration of Ugam-Chatkal National park,oblast internal affairs department and department of roads together with the khokimiyats of Akhangaran, Bostanlyk and Parkent rayons arrange for the control posts to regulate entry-exit of transport means and people to the nature areas. There were payment fees established for the use of natural resources, sanatoriums, rest homes in the territory of National Park as well as payment rates to be collected at the special control posts from people on holidays and from transport means entering the territory (Table № 3). At the same time it is stipulated that 50% of the funds collected at these posts shall be directed for the improvement of territory of Ugam-Chatkal Park, creating the recreation facilities and nature protective measures (30% - are transferred to the off-budget account of khokimiyat of the current rayon and 20% - to the account of social development of Tashkent oblast khokimiyat.
Table № 3. Payment fees to be collected at the control posts from people and transport means entering specially protected area (
For the entry of transport means of the RoU and CIS countries For the citizens of the RoU and CIS
а) autobuses and tracks - 400 soums;б) minibuses - 300 soums;в) automobiles - 200 soums;г) motorcycles - 100 soums. а) nationals of the RoU- 100 soumsб) for foreigners:- for vehicles - $10;- for adults - $5.
The fee is not collected from the children not older than 14, living in this territory, employees of the law enforcement bodies, rayon and oblast khokimiyats (business trip), forestry, inspectors from the State Committee on Nature Protection and experts conducting research and working within the framework of international programs. Note:1. The fee from foreign citizens is collected in soums at the current exchange rate of the Central Bank of the RoU.2. Citizens arriving with special tickets to the territory of National Park pay the above amount one time.
Besides that, according to the instruction of the khokim of Tashkent oblast “the volumes of payments collected for additional use of forests, sanatoriums, rest houses, located in nature protected areas” from August 19, 2002 №159 are defined on the basis of agreements concluded between the administration of Ugam-Chatkal National Park (except recreation zones and left bank of Charvak water reservoir, Bakachul to Burchmulla) and tourism and recreation agencies, taking into account that for each person (for one season) calculation is made in the amount of 50% from the minimal salary, for ecotourism services, i.e. familiarization of people and students with flora and fauna, is set (except for the school children) as 10% from the minimal salary. The same fee is set for the entry to the natural museum of Chatkal nature reserve.
Table 4. Ecoproducts in Uzbek segment of West Tien-Shan
Brichmilla ALONG PATHS OF KULOSII RIVER1 day. Travel from Tashkent to Burchmulla village (120 km, 2 hrs.). Accommodation in guesthouse or tent. Rest on the Charvak lakeside.2 day. Early start of the route. Simple ascent to Teksai pass 1560 м., 1 h. 30 min. Panoramic view of Charvak water reservoir, peaks of Aukashka (Hunter), Big Chimgan (3309 м.), Small Chimgan (2099 м.). Descending by good pass of the left bank of Kulosii River to Burchmulla village (1 hour, 30 min.). Rest on the Charvak lakeside. Evening leaving for Tashkent (120 km. 2 hours).
HORSE RIDE ALONG PSKEM RANGE (HORSEBACK RIDE ROUTE)1 day. Travel from Tashkent to mountain village Burchmulla (120 km, 2 hours). Familiarity with с life of local people. Rest and swimming in Charvar water reservoir. Overnight stay in the local house in Yakkatut settlement (900 м).2 day. Horse-back riding to upper stream of the Chavata River. Ascending to Kelenchek pass (2355м). Gorgeous panoramic view of Charvak water reservoir circled by mountain ranges of West Tien Shan. Descending to the Pskem river valley to Nanai village (880м). Stop in the local house. Evening leaving for Tashkent (120 km, 2 hours).
Khumsan HORSEBACK RIDING ALONG KARJANTAU MOUNTAIN RIDGE.1 day. Travel from Tashkent to the mountain village Khumsan located in the valley of Ugam river between Ugam mountain range and Karjantau mountain range of Western Tien-Shan (90 km, 2 hr). Accommodation in the house of local man. Walking around nearby surroundings. Rest by Ugam river. 2 day. Horseback riding from Dalya village (1000 m.) to the upper reaches of Urkutsay river. Panoramic view of the Chirchik river valley. Descending to Dalya village. Meeting a car. Leaving for Tashkent (90 km, 2 hrs.).
KHUMSAN-PUSTONLYK 1 day. Evening travel from Tashkent to Khumsan village, situated in the picturesque valley of Ugam river at the junction of Ugam mountain range with Karjantau mountain range, Western Tien-Shan (90 km, 1,5 hrs). Accommodation at home of local people. Dinner. 2 day. After early breakfast horseback riding along the gorge of Pustonlyk river to the place named Pustonlyk-bouva (7 km. 1,5 hrs). A walk to Kyrk-Kokyl waterfall (from Uzbek “Kyrk-Kokyl” means “1000 braids”). Return to horses. Ride to Khumsan village. Lunch. Rest by the Ugam river shore. Evening leaving for Tashkent (90 km, 1,5 hrs.)
TO THE SOURCE OF KANSAY RIVER (horseback riding)1 day. Travel from Tashkent to the mountain village Dalya at the foot of Karjantau mountain range, Western Tien-Shan (90 km; 1 hr 30 min). Horseback riding along the left-bank slope of Kansay river to Kourgantash Pass (3 hrs.). Stop for lunch in the summer house of herdsmen near the source of Kansay river. Walking on the slopes and going out to panoramic points. Wonderful view of Ugam, Pskem, Chatkal mountain ranges of Western Tien-Shan, and Charvak and Khodjakent water reservoirs. After lunch descending along the flat right-bank range of Kansay river to Dalya village (2 hrs). Stop in the house of local man. After short rest with drinking tea, meeting a car. Evening leaving for Tashkent (90 km; 1 hr 30 min).
Chimgan AROUND BIG CHIMGAN1 day. Travel from Tashkent to mountain-ski winter resort Beldersai, (80 km, 2 hours). Crossing along the Beldersai river ravine to the vicinity of the Chet-Kumbel pass. Overnight stay in tents in the picturesque meadow. Camp No1. 2 day. Short day. Crossing along good path to the upper reaches of the Beldersai River. Ascending to the Kumbel pass. Camp No2 next to the spring.3 day. Tense day. Crossing along southern slopes of Big Chimgan Mountain 3309 м. to the Komsomoletz pass. Camp No3. 4 day. Descending from Komsomoletz pass to the Mazarsai River ravine. Crossing to the place “water pipe”. Camp No4 next to the spring. 5 day. Descending into the gorge of Gulkamsai River. Visiting Gulkam Canyon. After lunch crossing Gulkam pass (1830 м.) to the Chimgansai River Valley. Meeting a car. Leaving for Tashkent (90 km, 2 hours).
FOOT ROUTE ALONG WESTERN TIEN SHAN1 day. Travel from Tashkent through Galvasai village to the recreation area of “Chimgan” next to Chatkal mountain range of Western Tien Shan (100 km 1,5 hours 1300 m). Ascending using good footpath to the Pesochnii (Sandy) pass (1830 m). Descending to the gorge of the Gulkamsai River. After the rest in the birch wood - crossing of the most beautiful places in Uzbekistan mountains, Gulkam Kanyon. Rock crevice which sometimes shrinks up to 5 meters with plentiful small waterfalls, dishes, rock plugs and frequent wades is taking two hours to go through. At the exit of the canyon – lunch in the scenic grove. After the rest – crossing along the country road around Small Chimgam mountain (2100 m). From the road one can see the grand panorama of Ugam, Pskem and Koksu ranges of Western Tien Shan, which surround Charvak water reservoir.After three hours of the way – descending to Chimgan settlement. Meeting a car. Leaving for Tashkent through Charvak water reservoir.
HORSE-BACK RIDING AROUND CHIMGAN MOUNTAINS. 1 day. Pm. Transfer Tashkent- Chimgan settlement, where ethnic Kazakhs are the major population (90 km.). Accommodation in national house or in a cottage. Walking tour to Black Waterfall in the foothill of Big Chimgan.2 day. Breakfast. Horseback crossing starts at 07:00. Tourists on the horses ascending the mountain range, which splits the rivers Chimgansai and Ishakkupriksai. Further way is along the range from where one would see majestic panorama of mountains, ravines and villages of Western Tien Shan. Tourists stop for rest in the surroundings of Kyzyl-Djar (Red Precipice) mountain with the local shepherds. They familiarize themselves with their life style, try fresh tea, see how kurt (dry curd) and kumys, national drink from mare’s milk, are made. After lunch tourists go around red precipice and descend to the foothill of Big Chimgam and leave for Tashkent.
BELDERSAI RING:1 day. Transfer to Beldersai River ravine to the junction of the Beldersai and the Mramornaya (Marble) Rivers (75 km, 2 hours). This is a starting point of the tour. Ascending along the left bank of the Mramornaya River, 2,5 – 3 hours. Stop in the birch grove. Camp. Rest and learning the surroundings. Acclimatization and preparation to the next day.2 day. Breakfast. Ascending to the Urta-Kumbel pass, 1 hour. (1850 m. above sea level). Wonderful view from the pass of the Chirchik River ravine and Chet-Kumbel pass. Gently sloping brings to the small grove on the bank of the Beldersai River. After short rest – continue of the crossing to the anticline of the Chet-Kumbel pass. Camp. 3 day. After breakfast – 4-hour walk to petroglyphs. Return to the camp, dinner. Descending along the Beldersai River ravine to the road. Meeting a car. Transfer to Tashkent.
TO THE UPPER REACHES OF BELDERSAI (horseback riding tour)1 day. Travel from Tashkent to the Beldersai River ravine (80 km, 1,5 hour) to the mountain village of Kyzylora (1300 m). Meeting with the groom and horses. Horse riding through scenic groves and alpine meadows, along the Badamsai River to mountain range top of Maigashkan (2310 m). Grand panoramic view of the Chirchik River ravine. Descending through Toganbulak spring in Kyzylora village. Stay in the forester house. Familiarization with local life.2 day. Hiking to rock dishes of the Badamsai River. Swimming. Rest. Walking around. After lunch – descending to Kyzylora village. Meeting a car. Evening leaving for Tashkent (80 km, 1,5 hours).
SITUATION AND FUTURE NEEDS FOR BORDER CROSSINGS BETWEEN KYRGYZSTAN AND UZBEKISTAN FOR TOURISM
Present situation. On 24 July 2004 the Governments of Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan signed agreement "On check-points through the state border". This document defines three categories of check-points for citizens of the two republics and citizens of other countries.
International check-points operate admission of persons, freights, goods, carriers, animals and other property of participating countries (Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan) and all other countries
Double-ended (bilateral) check-points operate admission of persons, goods, carriers, animals and other property of only Kyrgyz and Uzbek citizens.
Simplified (local) check-points operate admission of citizens of Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan which life in the region. The order of work of simplified check-points shall be established by agreement between border and customs agencies of participating countries.
Moreover the appendix includes information on check-points and category of each check-point particularly there are the following check-points in our project area (table 5):
Table 5. Situation on the check-points between Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan
# Name of check-point in Kyrgyz Republic Place of check-point in the Kyrgyz Republic Name of check-point in Republic of Uzbekistan Place of check-point in the Republic of Uzbekistan Status of check-points Regime of work
1 Dostuk-road-transport Osh oblast, Karasuu rayon Dustlik-road-transport Andijan oblast, Hodjaabad rayon International Twenty-four-hour
2 Madaniyat-road-trans port Djalalabadoblast, Nooken rayon Madaniyat road-trans port Andijan oblast Pahtaabad rayon International Twenty-four-hour
3 Baimak-road-transport Djalalabad oblast, Alabuka rayon Kasansai road-transport Namangan oblast, Kasansai rayon Double-ended Day-time
4 Sumsar-road-transport Djalalabad oblast, Alabukarayon Karakurgan road-trans port Namangan oblast, Chustski rayon Simplified Day-time
5 Kensai-road-transport Djalalabad oblast, Nookenrayon Uchkurgan road-transport Namangan oblast, Uchkurgan rayon International Twenty-four-hour
New crossings needed for tourism development. For international (e.g. rafting) and Tashkent region tourists it is important to open up the Sumsar border crossing in order to limit the transport distance (150 km) and travel time (4 hours) from Tashkent to Chatkal Valley.
Uzbek government could establish a seasonal crossing point for rafters on Chatkal river near Brishmulla village. Special permits could be issued (seasonally) for crossing the boarder even on a certain time. The cost of extra border service could be included into the special permit.
Skem boarder / for walking routes / Chatkal valley for pelgrims and other mountain from the Tashkent region (during Sowjet time this was a popular route)
Procedure for new border crossings. The Agreement states that creation of new and closing existing check-points or alteration of their status and regime of work shall be done by diplomatic ways and registered in protocols that will be an integral part of the Agreement.
The responsible authorities on execution of provisions of the Agreement are:
The Kyrgyz Republic - Border Service of the Kyrgyz Republic and Department of Customs Service of the Committee on Income under the Ministry of Finance of the Kyrgyz Republic;
The Republic of Uzbekistan - Committee on Protection of State Borders of the National Security Service of the Republic of Uzbekistan and State Customs Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan.
To solve the situation related to borders crossing by tourists visiting West Tien Shan and Chatkal Valley it is necessary:
- to include articles on tourism development as important part of developing cooperation on West Tien Shan biodiversity conservation and Agreement on establishment of the Trans-boundary Biosphere Reserve.
- after signing the Agreement to initiate the responsible authorities on creation of check-points of international importance on places of state border crossing with popular tourist routes.
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