Friends, we continue exploring interesting places in Tashkent and the Tashkent region. With the onset of warmth, many travelers increasingly prefer to choose outdoor destinations. I was no exception and on one of the warm April weekends, I planned a trip to a recreational area called So‘qoq, located an hour and a half's drive from the center of Tashkent.
So‘qoq: How to Get There
This natural attraction is located near the settlement of So‘qoq in Parkent district of the Tashkent region. While places like Charvak Reservoir or Tavaksay Waterfalls are easily accessible by train, getting here requires a car.
For those without a car, options include taxi, transfer services, or using ride-sharing taxis. In the latter case, travelers can reach out to taxi drivers near the "Buyuk Ipak yo’li" metro station, where drivers are available nearly round the clock. You can either hire the entire car or just one seat, with the driver arranging additional passengers.
Since we had a group of ten people, we decided to arrange a transfer from the city to So‘qoq. The cost of renting a comfortable car with a driver from 10 AM to 6 PM was 900,000 Uzbekistani som.
So‘qoq: Forest Walk
The entrance fee in April 2024 was 17,000 Uzbekistani som. Children under seven years old can enter for free, while schoolchildren pay 8,500 som. Payment can be made in cash or with bank cards.
Online, this recreational area is referred to as a forest management area. Within its territory are a waterfall and a small cave. According to the map, they are connected by a circular route, but we first walked to the waterfall, then returned to the entrance junction and proceeded to see the cave and the nearby spring.
The recreational area is distinct from wild trails in the Charvak Reservoir mountains: it has trash bins, benches for resting, and according to online maps, even toilets.
On the way back, we decided to have lunch at a local café. It looked very unusual: the dining platforms are set right by the So‘qoq River, with several seating areas elevated directly over the water. Lunch for one person, including service, cost approximately 70,000 Uzbekistani som. On the table were shurpa, kebabs, salads, suzma, bread, and tea.
I am already planning further trips to beautiful places near Tashkent. For now, I can recommend reading about trips to the Kyzyl-Su Waterfall or hiking to the Kungurbuka Ridge.
Have a nice trip!
