The Orchards of Parkent and the Kurama Foothills
Blossoming apricots, mountain streams and quiet trails an hour from Tashkent: why Parkent is a calm alternative to crowded Chimgan.
At weekends the road to Charvak and Chimgan turns into one long traffic jam, and on the popular meadows it is hard to find a free patch of grass. Parkent lies in a different direction, about 50 km northeast of Tashkent, and lives at a completely different pace. This is a land of orchards, vineyards and small streams running down from the western Tian Shan, where spurs of the Chatkal and Kurama ranges reach the valley. People come here for the blossom in spring, for apricots in early summer and for cool water in the heat.
Where it is and how to get there
Parkent is a district centre in Tashkent region. The drive from the capital takes about an hour, depending on where you start and how busy the city exits are. A shared ride is easy to find on the Tashkent — Parkent route: drivers make the trip regularly because many Parkent residents work in the capital. The town itself is small; to get further into the foothills, to the villages and streams, you take a local taxi or walk.
Orchards: when and what blooms
The main reason to come in spring is the orchards. Parkent has long been known for its apricots, cherries, apples and grapes.
- Late March to early April: apricot trees blossom. The slopes above town turn white and pink, which looks especially striking against mountains still capped with snow.
- April: apple and sour cherry trees, the first lush greenery and poppies along the roadsides.
- June: the cherry and apricot harvest. Fresh fruit is sold at the local bazaar and right at house gates, often cheaper than in Tashkent.
- August to September: grapes and late apples.
Exact blossom dates depend on the spring: in a warm year everything starts a week or two earlier, in a cold one later.
Keep in mind that most orchards are private. You can photograph freely from the road, but go inside only with the owners' permission. They are usually easy to find nearby, and often they invite you in for tea.
Streams and trails
Above Parkent, the valleys of small rivers, called sai, cut into the mountains. The most notable is the Parkentsay, lined with villages and picnic spots. The valley near the village of Sukok is also popular with locals for picnics by the water.
What you can do here:
- A 2–4 hour walk upstream along a sai. The paths are made by villagers and shepherds, and the terrain is easy.
- Climb the nearest hills for views over the Chirchik valley and the town below.
- Picnic by the water, the classic summer pastime. The water in the streams stays cold even in July.
There are no waymarked trails like in European parks. Use offline maps, do not wander far alone, and remember that after heavy rain the streams quickly become muddy and fast.
The Solar Furnace
The district's main man-made sight is the Big Solar Furnace, a late Soviet-era research complex on the slope above Parkent. A huge field of mirrors focuses sunlight onto a tower, and the structure is impressive even from outside. It is a working scientific facility, so check visiting rules and tour options in advance.
Visitors usually combine the furnace with an orchard walk: the complex in the morning, a stream-side trail in the afternoon and plov or shashlik at a local teahouse in the evening.
Parkent versus Chimgan
| Parkent | Chimgan and Charvak | |
|---|---|---|
| Weekend crowds | far fewer | very heavy |
| Altitude and coolness | foothills, moderate | higher, cooler |
| Facilities | modest | resorts, chairlifts |
| Main draw | orchards and quiet | mountains and the reservoir |
If you want high peaks and snow, this is not the place. If you want a calm day in nature without traffic and noise, Parkent is ideal.
Practical tips
- In spring bring a windproof jacket: the foothills can be cool and breezy, and the weather changes within an hour.
- In summer set off early, because by midday even the foothills are hot.
- Carry cash: cards are not accepted everywhere in the villages.
- Respect private land and do not pick blossom from the trees as a souvenir; it is someone's future harvest.
- Take your rubbish with you, especially from stream banks.
Getting there
The simplest way to reach Parkent is a shared ride: on Yo'ldosh drivers publish trips on the Tashkent — Parkent route, and you book a seat in the app. It costs less than hiring a taxi for the whole day, and you can choose a convenient departure time, such as early morning during blossom season. Find other trips from the capital in the routes section.
Cover photo: Shuhrataxmedov, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons.
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