• Trek in the mountains in the south of the country. There are high peaks for those wanting a challenge, while easier treks can be done in the foothills and on the plateaux. The best time to go is between March and November. There is superb hiking along the spurs and gorges of the Chatkal Range to the ancient silver mine in the Chatkal Natiore Preserve.

• Climb 7,000m- (23,000ft-) high mountains. There are many opportunities for serious mountaineering, and Uzbekistan contains some of the world’s highest peaks, including Peak Pobeda (7,439m/24,399ft), Peak Korzhenevskaya (7,105m/23,304ft) and Peak Khan-Tengri (6,995m/22,943ft). Equipment can be transported to base camps by helicopter.

• Go ice climbing on the Gissar, Matcha and Turkestan ridges. Vertical rock faces for rock climbing can be found in the Fan mountains (at Bodkhana, Chapdara, Maria-Mirali and Zamok) and on the Matchi Ridge (at Aksu, Asan-Usan and Sabakh).

• Ski in the mountains above Tashkent.

• Explore the deepest caves in Asia at Boi-Bulok (1,415m/4,641ft) and Kievskaya (990m/3,247ft). These are suitable for experienced cavers only. Beautiful gypsum formations can be seen at the Kugitang cave, while the caves of Baisuntau contain mummified bears and those in western Tian Shan feature underground rivers and lakes.

• Cycle the Silk Road from Tashkent via Lake Aidarkul to Khiva. Easier rides can be done in the Ferghana Valley and around Tashkent, where lake and mountain scenery can be enjoyed. Organised tours are available.

• Raft or kayak on the Angren, Chatkal, Pskem, Syr Darya and Ugen river, the best time being September to October.

See Contact Addresses for further tourist information.