More than 600 rivers and streams flow across Uzbekistan. Together with around 300 natural and artificial lakes and more than 50 major reservoirs, they supply drinking water, support agriculture and hydropower, and increasingly attract visitors looking to explore the country's diverse landscapes.
Water has influenced where people settled, how communities developed and why travellers stopped across what is now Uzbekistan. The Ugam river, the waterfalls of Jizzakh and the historic hovuzs (pools) of Bukhara each tell part of that story. Today, many of these places continue to serve local residents while offering a different way to explore Uzbekistan.
The waterways of the Tashkent region
Just over an hour from Tashkent, the Ugam river flows through the foothills of the Western Tian Shan before continuing into the Bo'stonliq District. Fed by snowmelt and mountain springs, it is one of Uzbekistan's main mountain waterways, supplying nearby communities while supporting local ecosystems and agriculture.
The river has also become one of the region's most popular destinations for outdoor recreation. Recreation areas, swimming pools, restaurants and picnic sites line parts of its banks during the warmer months.
