Tashkent to the Fergana Valley and Back Through Different Towns

Most travellers enter the Fergana Valley and leave it by the same road. But the valley is ringed by mountains and has enough towns to build a proper loop. Below is a route where you never see the same landscape twice inside the valley: you enter from the Kokand side, cross the southern part and leave through Namangan and Pap.

The big picture

The valley stretches from west to east, and from the capital it is reached over the Kamchik pass in the Kurama mountains. The road from Tashkent through Angren and the pass is the main entrance. It is roughly 250 to 300 kilometres to Kokand, about four to five hours with stops. On this route you cross the pass twice, but inside the valley nothing repeats. The alternative by railway and tunnels can be left for another time.

Day 1: Tashkent, the pass, Kokand

Set off in the morning. Passing Angren, do not miss the mountain views. The pass opens a panorama of the valley. Route description: Tashkent — Kokand. In Kokand the main sights are the Khudayar Khan palace with its rich decoration, the Jami mosque with its forest of columns and the Dahma-i-Shokhon mausoleum. Stay overnight here.

Day 2: Rishtan and Fergana

On the way east from Kokand you can turn off to Rishtan, the ceramics centre, and spend half a day there, then continue to Fergana. In the evening in Fergana a stroll through the park and boulevard is pleasant.

Day 3: Margilan and Andijan

Morning in Margilan with its silk factories and bazaar. After lunch move on to Andijan, a city with a rich history: the birthplace of Babur, founder of the Mughal Empire. There is a memorial park dedicated to him.

Day 4: Andijan to Namangan

From Andijan go north to Namangan. It is one of the most densely populated cities of the valley, known for gardens and bazaars. For the evening, a walk through the centre and dinner with local dishes fit well.

Day 5: Pap and the return

From Namangan the road heads west to Pap, and from there to the pass and Tashkent. The distance between Namangan and Pap is short, so you can stop in Pap for a few hours. More: Namangan — Pap. Then the way back over the pass and on to the capital: Namangan — Tashkent. The trip takes about 5 to 6 hours, so leave in the first half of the day.

How much time for everything

These are approximate estimates and in practice depend on roadworks and traffic.

What to consider on the pass

In winter Kamchik can have snow and ice, so check the forecast and road conditions before the trip. In summer there may be queues of lorries on the climb. Fill up in advance, as there are few filling stations on some stretches. Do not drive in fog or heavy rain. Do not overtake on bends and keep to the speed limit; on a mountain road this matters more than anywhere.

Travelling without your own car

If you have no car, you can do the whole route by intercity bus, minibus and train, but you will wait for departures on each stretch. A compromise is to take shared rides on the longest legs. On Yo'ldosh you can book a seat with a driver going from Tashkent to Kokand or from Namangan to the capital and pay only for your seat. A flexible departure time helps you avoid losing a day. All directions are collected in the all routes section.

What to pack

• Passport: checks are possible at the post at the start of the pass.
• Cash: terminals do not work everywhere in small towns.
• A warm jacket in case it is cool on the pass.
• Water and a snack for long stretches.
• A charger and an offline map.

Tips on overnight stays

Guesthouses and small hotels exist in all the towns on the route, but in spring and autumn high season it is better to book in advance. If you like a free schedule, keep one day in reserve: it will cover an unexpected delay or a beautiful spot you want to see for longer. Prices for lodging, transport and entry are approximate, so check on the spot.

You can choose suitable legs in the for passengers section.

Cover photo: Bgag, CC0, Wikimedia Commons.