English Club Hike: Mountain Walking and Language Learning in Uzbekistan
In the early 2000s, I co-founded something I'm deeply proud of: the Original Club of Spoken English (CSE) in Tashkent. The idea was simple and unique — combine mountain hiking with English conversation practice. Members hike together, camp together, and speak only English the entire time. Two decades later, the club has grown to over 2,000 members on Facebook and has helped countless people improve their English while discovering the beauty of the Tien-Shan.
Today, we offer the English Club Hike as part of our regular tour lineup — a 1-2 day mountain experience that blends language learning with outdoor adventure.
What Is the English Club Hike?
The English Club Hike is a guided mountain walk in the Chimgan region where participants speak only English throughout the experience. It's not a formal English class — no textbooks, no grammar drills. Instead, you learn naturally through conversation. We talk about nature, share stories, practice vocabulary related to the outdoors, and help each other express ideas in English.
The hike is led by me (Viola), a native-Russian speaker who learned English through practice and passion. I understand what it's like to learn a new language, and I create a supportive environment where everyone feels comfortable making mistakes.
Who Is It For?
Everyone is welcome! Our participants include:
• Uzbek locals who want to practice English with native and fluent speakers
• International travelers who want to meet local people in a natural setting
• Solo travelers looking for company in the mountains
• Language teachers and students seeking immersive practice
• Anyone who loves hiking and good conversation
The hike is designed for intermediate and above English speakers, but we've had beginners join and make great progress just by listening and picking up new words in context. International travelers find it a wonderful way to connect with locals beyond the typical tourist experience.
What to Expect on an English Club Hike
We meet in Tashkent (transport provided) and drive 1.5 hours to Chimgan. The hike itself is moderate — 4-6 hours of walking with stops for conversation, games, and a picnic lunch. Here's a typical structure:
10:00 - Arrival: Meet at the trailhead. Brief introductions in English. "What's your name? Where are you from? Why are you learning English?"
10:30 - Hike begins: We walk in small groups, rotating partners every 30 minutes so everyone talks to everyone. We discuss topics like nature, travel, culture, and daily life — always in English.
12:30 - Picnic lunch: We find a beautiful spot with a view. Everyone shares food, and we play English word games — 20 Questions, Story Chain, or Describe That Object.
14:00 - Continue hiking: The second half of the trail. By now, even shy participants are chatting freely. Mountain air and natural beauty have a way of breaking down barriers.
16:00 - Return to Tashkent: Tired but happy, with new friends and new English confidence.
For the 2-day version, we camp overnight in the mountains, have a campfire dinner with English conversation games, and hike to a peak viewpoint the next morning. Price: from $60 for the 1-day version.
The History of the CSE Club
The Club of Spoken English (CSE) has deep roots. Our Facebook group (over 2,000 members) has been active since the early 2000s. Members like Ira, Dima, Garik, Nastya, Daniel, and Olga were regulars — hiking, cleaning riverbanks, planting flowers along the trails, and even doing volunteer work in mountain villages, all while speaking English.
One memorable trip, several of us dug a garden and cleaned a local man's home completely free of charge, speaking English the entire time. That's the spirit of the CSE Club — community, nature, and language, all intertwined. You can read more about the club's story and our philosophy on our about page and in our personal story.
Why Hike in English?
There's research behind why outdoor activities boost language learning. When you're walking in nature, your brain releases endorphins and reduces cortisol (the stress hormone). This relaxed, positive state is ideal for acquiring new vocabulary and building speaking confidence. Plus, the context is rich — you can point to a mountain and learn the word "ridge," touch a flower and learn "petal," feel the wind and describe it as "brisk" or "gentle."
Many of my CSE members told me: "I tried learning English in a classroom for years and never felt confident. After one weekend in the mountains, I'm actually speaking!"
How to Join an English Club Hike
English Club Hikes run regularly throughout the trekking season (April-October). We also offer winter editions for the adventurous. The 1-day hike costs $60 per person, including transport from Tashkent, guided hike, and picnic lunch. The 2-day overnight version includes camping equipment, dinner, and breakfast.
To join, simply contact us via WhatsApp or Telegram. You can also follow our Instagram (@mountainguide_uz) for upcoming hike announcements. If you're already in Tashkent, you can join with just a day's notice.
A Typical Member's Experience
As Olga, one of our long-time members, wrote: "I can't express my feelings about the beauty of Nature. Several of us dug Otabek's garden and cleaned his home free of charge, speaking English the whole time. If you need active life, welcome to our Club!"
Danny from New York, who joined one of our day hikes, said simply: "Get friends in the mountains! You will always get friends in the mountains."
Whether you're a traveler looking to meet Uzbek locals, or a local Uzbek wanting to practice English, the English Club Hike offers something unique: nature, friendship, and a new language — all in one day. We'd love to have you join us.