Ramazon and Qurbon Hayit: Days Off, Roads and Transport

The two main religious holidays of Uzbekistan, Ramazon Hayit (Eid al-Fitr) and Qurbon Hayit (Eid al-Adha), are days when the country sets off on the move. Days off are announced, people travel to relatives in other cities and regions, and transport on popular routes is packed. If you plan to travel then, it helps to know how things work and to prepare in advance.

What the holidays are

Ramazon Hayit is celebrated at the end of the month of Ramadan, after the fast. It is a holiday of mercy, family gatherings and treats.

Qurbon Hayit is celebrated about 70 days after Ramazon Hayit. It is linked to the pilgrimage and sacrifice; families prepare feasts and share meat with relatives, neighbours and those in need.

Holiday dates depend on the lunar calendar and shift about 10 to 11 days earlier each year. In Uzbekistan one or several days off are usually declared, and these often combine with ordinary weekends into a long break. Exact dates and shifted days off are published officially; check them before booking.

How the flow of people changes

A few days before the holiday people leave the capital and large cities for the regions in large numbers: the Fergana Valley, Samarkand, Bukhara, Khorezm and Kashkadarya. Fergana, Namangan and Andijan see especially many people returning home. After the holiday the flow reverses.

In practice this means:

• train tickets for the dates you need sell out weeks ahead;
• buses and minibuses are full;
• highways are jammed, especially on the way out of Tashkent and on the Kamchik pass;
• taxis and seats in shared cars get more expensive or run out;
• stations are crowded.

Peak days

The busiest days are usually:

1. The eve of the holiday. The evening and day before, when people disperse.
2. The last day off. Everyone returns at once, especially in the evening.
3. The first morning after the holiday. Those who need to be back at work.

If your schedule is flexible, leave a day before or after the peak. In the middle of the holidays roads are noticeably freer.

How to plan the trip

• Book early. Train tickets open 45 days before departure, but popular routes for holidays sell out fast. Watch for sales opening.
• Consider alternatives. Train, bus, shared ride, flight: combine options.
• Leave early. Morning hours are freer. Build in extra time for traffic.
• Carry water and a snack. Stops at peak are crowded, and queues at cafes and fuel stations are longer.
• Refuel in advance if you drive your own car.
• Check your documents. A passport or ID card is required, and a licence and vehicle registration for drivers.

Popular destinations

The Fergana Valley

Namangan, Andijan and Fergana are the three main directions. The road from Tashkent runs over the Kamchik pass and usually takes 4 to 6 hours depending on the city and the load. On holidays traffic and convoys on the pass can add an hour or two. For Namangan there is the Tashkent to Namangan route (about 300 km), and for Andijan the Tashkent to Andijan route (about 320 to 350 km).

Samarkand, Bukhara and Khorezm

These directions also see high demand, especially for the high-speed trains. Plan early and keep a backup option.

Shared rides

When train tickets run out, the car remains. In the Yo'ldosh app, drivers publish trips between cities in advance: you pick a date and time, book a seat and see the driver's verified profile. It is cheaper than a taxi and more flexible than a train timetable. For holiday days it is wise to book several days ahead, not on the day of departure, so that seats remain.

If you are a driver, holidays are a good time to publish a trip early: passengers look for seats in advance.

What to keep in mind on holiday days

• Opening hours. Banks, government offices and many shops are closed. Some cafes and restaurants work but may be packed.
• Bazaars. Usually closed on the first day of the holiday, then open.
• Cash. Get it ahead of time: ATMs may run empty.
• Hotels. Regional rooms are scarce on holiday dates, so book early.
• Hospitality. During holidays you may be invited into a home. It is a sign of respect, so accept and bring a small gift.

Safety on the road

On holidays highways are full of cars, drivers get tired and accident risk rises. Observe speed limits, keep your distance and wear seat belts, take breaks and do not drive when tired. Choose drivers with good reviews and verified profiles.

Bottom line

Ramazon and Qurbon Hayit are times of warm gatherings and full roads. By planning ahead you avoid queues and stress. See the options on the pages for Tashkent to Namangan and Tashkent to Andijan and pick a convenient date ahead of the peak.

Cover photo: Abdufattohov Ibrohimjon, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons.