Gafur Gulyam Recreation Park

Imagine a vast green oasis sprawling across 22 hectares amidst the bustling streets of a metropolis. Gafur Gulyam Park is the second-largest park gracing the city of Tashkent, offering residents and visitors a perfect balance between untouched nature and modern entertainment.

Gafur Gulyam Recreation Park. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

The highlight of the park is its two artificial lakes, fed by the cool waters of the Anhor Canal. One of them, nicknamed "The Bagel" by locals due to its picturesque central island, has become a favorite spot for photo shoots. Ancient plane trees provide dense shade, offering a cool escape from the summer heat—a true sanctuary for those visiting Uzbekistan during the hot season.

Following a major renovation in 2022, the park took on a second name—Dream Park. It has been transformed into a high-tech space with updated landscaping, while still preserving its historical "soul" and cozy atmosphere. This is a place where birdsong in the morning blends harmoniously with the soft glow of modern illumination in the evenings.

To find up-to-date information on events or venue rental terms, you can use the official communication channels. Park staff generally respond quickly to inquiries on social media.

For those who enjoy active recreation, the park offers plenty of opportunities: from cruising on boats and catamarans across the mirror-like surface of the large lake to horseback riding. Be sure to ride the Ferris wheel—its enclosed cabins are air-conditioned, and the top offers a breathtaking panorama of the capital. Modern rides, carousels, and a rope park for testing your agility are available for both children and adults.

The local mini-zoo is a particular highlight. Here, you can get a closer look at llamas, monkeys, foxes, and even a jackal, which is always a hit with young visitors. In the park's shady corners, you'll often see elderly residents engrossed in games of chess or yoga enthusiasts practicing in the fresh air.

If your visit coincides with national holidays like Navruz, you'll witness vibrant festivals featuring folk craft exhibitions and traditional treats. If you get hungry after a long walk, you can stop by the cozy cafes serving local cuisine or enjoy a small picnic in a specially designated recreation area.

The attraction is located in the Chilanzar district at 58 Chapanata Street. Thanks to its convenient location at the intersection of major transport arteries, it can be reached from the city center in just 20–30 minutes by car or public transport.

For those who prefer the metro, the nearest stop is Bunyodkor (or neighboring stations on the Chilanzar line), from which you can reach the park entrance on foot in about 15–20 minutes. Numerous buses and shuttle taxis also pass by the park, stopping in the immediate vicinity of the main gates.

The most convenient way is to use taxi apps (such as Yandex Go). A trip from the international airport or the railway station will take about 15–30 minutes, depending on traffic. For those with private cars, a parking area is provided.

This green expanse owes its existence to the enthusiasm of city residents: the park was established in 1967 using the "people's method" on the site of a vast wasteland. It was originally named the 40th Anniversary of the Uzbekistan Komsomol, becoming an important leisure center for the residents of the rapidly developing Chilanzar district.

Over the decades, the location has changed its name several times. In the 1990s, the park was renamed in honor of the great astronomer Mirzo Ulugbek, and later it was named after the prominent Uzbek poet and academician Gafur Gulyam. Interestingly, during World War II, before it officially became a park, this area served as a retreat for evacuated children.

A new chapter in the site's history began in 2022 following a large-scale renovation. The park was transformed into a modern space under the Dream Park brand. The major achievement of the update was that the developers managed to fully preserve the old ecosystem and ancient plane trees while completely modernizing the irrigation system and all entertainment infrastructure.

For a leisurely stroll through the shaded alleys, a couple of rides, and a chance to admire the lakes, you will need about 2–3 hours. However, if you're planning a family trip with children, a visit to the mini-zoo, and a full lunch at one of the local cafes, it's better to set aside 4–6 hours.

Many visitors choose to spend the entire day here, especially on weekends, combining active water activities with picnics in designated areas. The park is large enough for everyone to find something they enjoy without feeling crowded, even during peak times.

The park is open to visitors daily, with no lunch breaks or weekends. This allows you to plan your visit for anything from an early morning jog to a romantic evening walk under the glow of the amusement park lights.

Opening Hours:
Monday — Sunday: 09:00 – 23:00

A visit to the park can easily be combined with exploring other interesting locations in Tashkent. The Chilanzar district and surrounding areas are rich with modern entertainment centers and themed parks, each offering its own unique atmosphere.

Exploring the surroundings will allow you to see different sides of the capital—from cozy themed gardens to large-scale water parks offering a refreshing break on hot days.