Begin your full-day experience with pickup from your hotel, apartment, or agreed location in Tashkent and travel by comfortable SUV or minivan with an English-speaking guide.
The main highlight is an extended visit to the Big Solar Furnace in Parkent, one of only two 1-MW solar furnaces of its type in the world. Spend approximately 1.5 hours exploring this remarkable Soviet-era scientific complex with a local Solar Furnace science guide, whose guiding service is included.
Learn how thousands of mirrors concentrate sunlight into a powerful focal point. In suitable sunshine and operating conditions, the furnace can reach extremely high temperatures of up to approximately 3,000°C, using concentrated solar energy rather than conventional fuel.
When conditions allow, watch a hands-on solar experiment using concentrated sunlight on a permitted coin or metal sample. The experiment is included for bookings of 2 or more guests; solo travelers can join for approximately $8. It depends on weather and facility conditions. Uzbek currency cannot be used for the experiment.
After the Solar Furnace, continue with a contrasting look at modern and future Uzbekistan.
Visit the New Tashkent development area, one of the country’s largest urban projects. New Tashkent is currently under construction, so this stop gives you the chance to see the developing city, major infrastructure works, and publicly accessible areas while learning about plans for the future city. The project covers approximately 20,000 hectares and is planned for up to 2 million residents. Access to active construction zones is restricted and cannot be guaranteed.
Then visit New Uzbekistan Park, a 104-hectare landscaped park opened in 2021. See the 60-meter Independence Stele, landscaped areas, lakes, and monuments representing important periods and personalities in Uzbekistan’s history.
Complete the experience with a visit to Uzumfermer vineyard and discover another side of the Tashkent region through local grape-growing and agricultural life. Explore the vineyard surroundings and learn about local viticulture. Wine tasting, meals, and additional vineyard services are paid separately unless specifically included.
This full-day experience combines Uzbekistan’s Soviet-era scientific heritage, ambitious urban development, national landmarks, and local agricultural traditions.
The exact order and duration of stops may vary depending on traffic, weather, site access, construction activity, and Solar Furnace operating conditions.