Discover a unique blend of cutting-edge science and stunning natural beauty on the Solar Furnace Tour. Situated just east of Tashkent, the tour takes you to Parkent village, home to one of the most remarkable scientific facilities in the world—the Big Solar Furnace. Located at the Physics-Sun Institute of Material Science, this solar furnace is the second-largest of its kind globally and stands as a testament to Uzbekistan’s pioneering role in solar energy research.
The Solar Furnace, with its impressive capacity of 1000 kW, is an extraordinary relic from the Soviet era, offering a rare glimpse into the forefront of solar technology. As you explore the institute, you’ll be captivated by the sight of 62 large mirrors, known as heliostats, that focus sunlight onto a single point to generate intense heat. This process enables researchers to conduct groundbreaking experiments in material science. During your visit, you’ll have the opportunity to tour the heliostat field, see the solar museum, and learn about the institute’s work at the hydrometeorological station.
One of the highlights of your visit will be climbing the concentrator tower to witness the process of melting materials at temperatures reaching up to 3000 degrees Celsius—though note that melting activities are not conducted on weekends or certain weekdays. From the top of the tower, enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding Tien Shan Mountains and the serene landscape.
After your tour, take advantage of some free time to explore the natural beauty of the area, or extend your experience with optional visits to local culinary delights, historical sites, or seasonal attractions. This tour promises a fascinating and enriching experience, combining advanced scientific exploration with the tranquility of the mountainous surroundings.
Begin your adventure with a pickup from your hotel in Tashkent. Your guide and driver will escort you on a journey to Parkent village, located approximately 55 kilometers to the east, a drive that takes around 1 hour and 20 minutes. Upon arrival, you will be introduced to the Big Solar Furnace at the Physics-Sun Institute of Material Science, renowned as one of the largest solar furnaces globally.
Your visit starts with a comprehensive tour of the institute. You’ll explore the heliostat field, home to 62 large mirrors that concentrate sunlight onto a single point. This setup allows researchers to create extremely high temperatures for advanced scientific studies. Next, you’ll visit the Solar Museum to learn about the history and technological advancements associated with solar energy.
At the hydrometeorological station, gain insights into the weather and environmental conditions crucial for solar research. Climb the concentrator of the Big Solar Furnace to observe the process of material melting under intense heat, reaching up to 3000 degrees Celsius. Note that the melting process is not conducted on weekends and certain weekdays.
Enjoy a visit to the upper area of the solar furnace, where you can appreciate the breathtaking views of the Tien Shan Mountains and breathe in the fresh, mountain air. Please be aware that, as of April 4, 2023, the elevator to the observation deck is out of service, so access requires climbing 13 flights of stairs.
After the tour, you will have some free time to relax and soak in the beauty of the natural surroundings.
Optional Activities: Extend your experience with optional activities such as:
After enjoying these optional activities, you will return to Tashkent. Your guide and driver will transfer you back to your hotel, concluding a day of scientific discovery and natural beauty.
Tour Duration:
| Number of Tourists | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price per tourist * | $250 | $130 | $110 | $85 | $70 |
All transportation throughout the tour, including pick-ups and drop-offs English speaking guide Entrance fees to Solar Institute of Uzbekistan.
Any Private Expenses Lunch Travel insurance
Our visit to the Big Solar Furnace was an incredible experience. The tour provided a deep dive into solar energy research, showcasing the impressive solar concentrator and the field of mirrors. The solar museum added valuable context to the technology. Although the melting process wasn’t active on the day we visited, the climb to the top and the mountain scenery made up for it. We also took the opportunity to visit the ancient plane tree and the holy spring in a nearby village, which added a cultural touch to our day. This tour offers a fascinating glimpse into both science and local culture.
The Solar Furnace tour was a unique and memorable adventure. The drive from Tashkent to Parkent village was smooth, and the Big Solar Furnace itself did not disappoint. The technology behind the solar concentrator is impressive, and climbing up to observe the high temperatures was thrilling. Although the elevator was out of order, the hike up to the observation deck was worth it for the stunning mountain views. I also enjoyed the optional visit to the nearby poppy fields. Overall, it was a fantastic day trip, and I highly recommend it to those interested in scientific innovations.
I recently took the Solar Furnace tour near Tashkent, and it was an incredible experience! The visit to the Big Solar Furnace at the Physics-Sun Institute was fascinating. Seeing the massive heliostat mirrors up close and learning about their role in solar research was eye-opening. Climbing to the concentrator and watching the high-temperature melting process was a highlight. The views from the top were breathtaking. The guide was knowledgeable and engaging, making the tour both educational and enjoyable. If you’re interested in science and technology, this tour is a must-do!