A Fergana Valley Route for Mountain Lovers

The Fergana Valley is usually associated with silk, ceramics and orchards, while the mountains around it stay in the shade. Yet the valley is ringed by ranges on every side, and from any of its towns you can be among gorges, reservoirs and cool rivers within an hour or two. This route follows the mountain rim of the valley from south to east and north, and suits anyone tired of the heat who wants fresh air.

An overall scheme for 4 to 5 days

The route is built as a circle with stops in different towns:

1. Fergana and Kuvasay: foothills and the road to the high country.
2. Shakhimardan: a mountain enclave and an overnight stay.
3. Andijan and Khanabad: the eastern foothills and a reservoir.
4. Namangan and Kasansay: northern gorges and mineral springs.

You can rearrange the order depending on which side you enter the valley from.

Kuvasay and Shakhimardan

Kuvasay is about 20 kilometres from Fergana on the way to the southern slopes of the valley. It is an industrial town and little reason to go for its own sake, but it is a convenient stop before the mountains. Details: Fergana — Kuvasay. From there the road leads to Shakhimardan, an Uzbek enclave in Kyrgyzstan, about 80 to 90 kilometres from Fergana. It has mountain meadows, the Sokh river, a shrine and the Blue Lake with clear cold water. In summer it is cool at altitude, and on warm days a picnic by the water is a pleasure. Border regimes and entry rules can change, so check conditions in advance and carry your passport.

Andijan and Khanabad

In the east of the valley, near the border with Kyrgyzstan, lie foothills where people from Andijan go to relax. The town of Khanabad is in this zone, and the road to it passes through orchards and small settlements. It is a good place for a day by the water or on meadows: nearby are a reservoir, picnic spots and quiet trails. More on the direction: Andijan — Khanabad. Choose weekdays for your visit, since popular shores are crowded on weekends.

Kasansay and the Namangan area

Kasansay lies north of Namangan, roughly 50 to 60 kilometres from the city. Expect green gorges, cold streams, a reservoir and springs where people come to rest and take the waters. Chartak with its mineral water is known across the valley. Locals like to come here on weekends, and in hot months it is a few degrees cooler. The route is described on the Namangan — Kasansay page.

What to do in the valley's mountains

• Walks on easy trails along rivers and across slopes.
• Picnics in meadows and by reservoirs.
• Horse rides offered by local people.
• Getting to know mountain settlements, their teahouses and bazaars.
• Spa baths and springs where they operate.

Best time to travel

The best period is April to June, when the slopes are green, and September to October, when the heat subsides and fruit ripens. In summer it can be hot in the valley itself, but the mountains offer relief. In winter snow closes passes and some roads may be unsafe. In spring beware of mudflows: after heavy rain, slides are possible in gorges.

Getting around

Minibuses and taxis run regularly between the valley's towns, but public transport to mountain settlements is less frequent and follows timetables that depend on how full vehicles are. To avoid depending on a single car for the whole route, combine methods: shared rides between towns and arrangements with local drivers in the mountains. On Yo'ldosh you can find companions for intercity legs, book a seat and pay only for it. It is cheaper than a taxi, especially when you travel alone.

Practical tips

1. Bring warm clothes: evenings at altitude are cool even in summer.
2. Download an offline map, as coverage drops in gorges.
3. Carry your passport: checks are possible on approaches to the border and enclaves.
4. Swim only in safe places; water in mountain rivers is cold and fast.
5. Do not leave rubbish: shores and meadows suffer from the influx of visitors.
6. Prices for lodging and transport are approximate, so check on the spot.

Why add the mountains

The mountain side of the valley gives what craft routes lack: silence, air and a chance to see how people live on the slopes. Such a day alternates well with city days: in one place you watch silk being made, in another you drink tea above a river. If you pick several directions at once, begin with the nearest, such as Kuvasay or Kasansay.

Browse all routes to assemble your own trip from convenient pieces, and in the for passengers section learn how booking works.

Cover photo: Janob Mirzaolim, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons.