Overview
Two days of sightseeing packed into one. This private day trip from Tashkent combines science and nature: the legendary Sun Heliocomplex solar furnace in the morning, then Charvak Lake, the Chimgan chairlift and a sunset at Amirsoy Mountain Resort. It is a long day of around 10 hours, but a truly memorable one.
Highlights
- Visit the Sun Heliocomplex (Solar Institute “Physics-Sun”) and watch concentrated sunlight melt iron, stone and coins
- Lunch at Fayz Cafe – try the Fayz special meat kebab, cooked in butter with garlic
- Panoramic views over the turquoise water of Charvak Lake
- Ride the classic Chimgan chairlift – a little thrilling, but very enjoyable
- Finish with sunset at Amirsoy ski resort, reached by a two-stage cable car
- Private car, hotel pickup and a licensed English-speaking guide
What you will see
Sun Heliocomplex – science powered by the sun
Hidden in the foothills of the Tian Shan, the Sun Heliocomplex is one of only two large solar furnaces in the world. A field of large mirrors (heliostats) collects sunlight and focuses it onto a giant concave mirror, creating temperatures high enough to melt metal in seconds. Weather permitting, you will see live experiments where iron, stone and coins melt using nothing but the power of the sun.
Lunch at Fayz Cafe
We stop for lunch at Fayz Cafe, a local favourite on the mountain road. Our recommendation is the house-special meat kebab, cooked in butter with garlic. Lunch is paid on the spot, so you can order whatever you like.
Charvak Lake and the Chimgan chairlift
Next, enjoy the view over Charvak Lake, a large reservoir with bright turquoise water surrounded by mountains. In Chimgan, often called the “Uzbek Switzerland”, you can ride the chairlift up the slope for wide mountain views and great photos.
Sunset at Amirsoy
Our last stop is Amirsoy Mountain Resort, the most modern resort in Uzbekistan. We take the two-stage cable car up the mountain and watch the sun go down over the peaks before driving back to your hotel in Tashkent.
Why book this tour
This is a 100% private tour, so the day runs at your pace. We can spend more time where you enjoy it most and stop for photos along the way. Your guide is a licensed local who knows the region well and is happy to answer every question about Uzbekistan.
Know before you go
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Not stroller accessible
- No public transportation nearby
- Infants must not sit on laps
- Infant seats unavailable
- Duration is around 10 hours, including travel time
- After booking, I will contact you by email to confirm the details a few days before the tour. On the day, I usually meet you at your hotel reception and ask the reception staff to let you know I have arrived.
What's included
- English speaking guide with car
- water 0.5 per person
- Lunch
- Sun insitute. If you would like to extra melting experiemnt $8 additional should be paid per group.
- Chairlift
- Amirsoy cable car 2 stops
- Gratuities
Meeting and pickup
Hotel pickup anywhere in Tashkent
Pickup starts at 08:00Itinerary
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1
Sun Heliocomplex (Solar Furnace)
Sun Heliocomplex Insitute only two worldwide. one in France was built by NASA. Second was built by Soviet Union in Tashkent Region. During the tour you will get familliar with the history of the University and the main purpose of the Sun helicomplex insitute to get 3000 heat to check the surface of the rocket. at that time 1500 sciensits worked in this university currently 150scientsist working. Also you know more about the projects they are doing in the field of solar energy, green house, gas and oil. Also you can burn wood with the help of sun mirror. there are additional experiment to melt coin, iron and break for extra payment.
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2
Lunch at Fayz Cafe
we will stop for lunch in Fayz cafe. Foods are really amazing. If you wish you can taste locally make spinach samsa cooked in traditional oven with woods. There are tandir bief and chicken kabaks cooked with christmis tree. Taste is yummy. There are other differnt foods as well.
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3
Charvak Reservoir
Charvak water reservoir is water suppy of Tashkent city. this is artificial water reservoir was built in 1964-1970. 168 meter deep. When mountain ice melted all water gathers here. Durring summer time people visit here for swimming activities.
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4
Chimgan mountain meadows
The mountain meadows turn emerald green, blanketed by vibrant wildflowers (like wild tulips), making it a hotspot for hiking, horseback riding. Winter: It transforms into a historic ski hub. The traditional double chairlift—affectionately referred to by locals as the Bolshoi Kanatka (Big Chairlift)—is an adventure and a nostalgic experience in itself.The Experience: This open-air, two-seater chairlift is a classic relic from the Soviet era. While it moves at a slow, leisurely pace, riding it feels incredibly peaceful as you glide about 40 meters above the alpine meadows, rocky slopes, and mountain streams. The Route: The lift spans roughly 800 meters in length, lifting passengers from the base station (~1,600m) up to a ridge station at an elevation of roughly 1,950–1,975 meters. The ride takes about 10 to 12 minutes each way. The Summit View: Once you reach the top station, there is a small observation area.
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5
Amirsoy Ski Resort
2 hours free time will be given in Amirsoy. Amirsoy Express Launched at the end of 2021, this lift acts as a massive transit link. It allows visitors to park at the lower access road and immediately travel directly into the main resort area, bypassing nearly 5 kilometers of winding, mountainous mountain serpentine roads. • Length: 2,913 meters (nearly 3 km) • Elevation Gain: Connects the base station at 1,378 meters up to the main resort plaza at 1,675 meters. 2. "Prima" Gondola This is the main cable car located within the resort hub that transports both winter skiers and summer pedestrian tourists up to the highest lookout point of the resort. • Length: 2,193 meters (often rounded to 2,200 m) • The Route: It lifts passengers from the main resort square (~1,630–1,675 meters) all the way up to the mountain summit at 2,290 meters above sea level. • The Summit Experience: At the top station, you will find an observation deck with a 360-degree panoramic view of the Chatkal range.
Cancellation policy
- Cancel at least 24 hours before departure: 100% refund.
- Less notice than that, or a no-show: 0% refund.
Times are local Tashkent time (UTC+5).