The Parkent District is a veritable paradise of grapes and fruits, cherished by the residents of Tashkent as a favored retreat located just 50-60 kilometers from the capital of Uzbekistan, Tashkent.
Among the most popular leisure spots in the vicinity is the charming village of Sukok. Thousands flock here to savor the renowned culinary delights of Sukok, including the famous Kuk somsa and Mador somsa, as well as the region’s succulent shashlik. In spring, the area transforms into a canvas of vibrant blooming poppy fields, drawing crowds who come to revel in the beauty, while children fly kites from the surrounding hills. Another captivating attraction of the district is the mysterious karst spring, a significant water source known as a “chashma,” which is accessed through the only shaded pine forest in the Tashkent region.
The district’s primary treasure lies in its vineyards, sprawling across more than 3,000 hectares on the slopes of the Chatkal mountain range. The unique natural conditions here allow for the cultivation of not only table grape varieties, such as black and white Kishmish, Husayni, Rizamat, and Toifi, but also wine grapes. Farmers in the area grow prestigious varieties including Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Muscat, Saperavi, Riesling, Soyaqi, and Kuljinsky. A major wine producer, Château Hamkor, operates based on these vineyards, where visitors can observe the winemaking process and indulge in tastings.
Equally appealing to tourists is the picturesque canyon along the Bashkizylsay River, located near the village of Nevic.
Not far from the village of Zarkent, several caves are nestled within one of the gorges. The largest of these, the Zarkent Cave, extends 102 meters deep, culminating in a rocky debris blockage through which a stream flows. It is believed that this stream, after traveling underground for over 5 kilometers, emerges at the sacred Zarkent-ota spring.
Another noteworthy site is Kumyshkan, where tourists can immerse themselves in stunning mountain landscapes, visit the unique Geliocomplex, explore the original Hazrat Ali Buvah Mosque, and relax in sanatoriums, boarding houses, and hotels. From here, visitors can venture into the valleys of the Aksakata and Nurekata rivers or ascend to the peaks of Syurenata (2,042 meters) and the striking twin-headed summit of the region, Kyzylnura (3,289 meters).
Explore the Big Solar Furnace
Visit the heliostat mirror field
Observe high-temperature material melting
Tour the solar museum
Optional: Taste kebabs in Sukkok