Samarkand to Kattakurgan: Heading West Along the Zarafshan Valley

Kattakurgan lies in the Zarafshan valley west of Samarkand, on the way to Navoi and Bukhara. It is a sizeable district town with a market, a railway station and good transport links. Many people come here on business or to visit relatives, and in summer to the Kattakurgan Reservoir, which locals jokingly call the 'Uzbek Sea'. Here is how to get there and how to combine the trip with some time by the water.

Distance and travel time

From Samarkand to Kattakurgan is about 75 km. The route follows a busy highway towards Navoi and Bukhara, through the villages and orchards of the Zarafshan valley.

By train

Kattakurgan is on the main railway line linking Samarkand with Navoi and Bukhara. Local trains and some long-distance services stop here, while fast trains usually pass straight through, so check in advance.

Advantages of the train:

• a predictable journey time;
• a low fare, roughly cheaper than a taxi and comparable to the bus;
• easy to travel with luggage.

The downsides are the fixed timetable and the need to get from the station to the part of town you need. Check timetables and fares on the railway website or app.

Buses and minibuses

Intercity buses and minibuses to Kattakurgan leave Samarkand from bus stations and ranks on the western edge of the city. They run often, especially in the morning. Many services towards Navoi and Bukhara also pass through Kattakurgan, and drivers can drop you on the way.

Shared rides and taxis

The Samarkand to Navoi highway is one of the busiest in the country, and hundreds of private cars use it every day. On Yo'ldosh many drivers list trips to Kattakurgan or further west. You book a seat in the app, see the departure time and the verified driver, and pay only for your seat, typically much less than a taxi. If the driver is continuing to Navoi, confirm your drop-off point when booking.

A door-to-door taxi is convenient for a group or if you are in a hurry. Agree on the price in advance.

Driving yourself

The highway is good and mostly flat. Things to keep in mind:

1. There are many speed cameras, especially near towns and villages.
2. Near villages you will meet pedestrians, cyclists and carts, so stay alert.
3. At harvest time slow vehicles on the shoulder call for care when overtaking.
4. Summers in the valley are hot, but filling stations and roadside cafes are frequent.

The Kattakurgan Reservoir

The reservoir lies not far from the town, to the south. It is a large artificial lake created to irrigate the valley's fields. In summer people come here to relax: they swim, fish and have picnics on the shore.

Important safety rules:

• swim only at designated or clearly safe spots without sudden drop-offs;
• do not swim alone or right after eating, and do not swim far from the shore;
• watch children at all times;
• ask locals where fishing is allowed and respect restrictions;
• take your rubbish with you.

The easiest way to reach the reservoir from Kattakurgan is by local taxi or car, as public transport there is irregular.

Combining business in town with time by the water

A sample day plan:

1. 7:30 a.m.: leave Samarkand before the heat.
2. 9:00 a.m.: Kattakurgan for the market, errands and meetings.
3. 12:00 p.m.: lunch in town.
4. 1:00 p.m.: drive to the reservoir, rest in the shade and swim towards evening.
5. 6:00 p.m.: head back to Samarkand.

In summer avoid sitting on an open shore during the hottest hours; from noon to 4 p.m. it is better to wait in the shade.

What to bring to the water

There is hardly any natural shade on the reservoir shore, and facilities vary a lot from place to place. So it is best to bring everything you need:

• a sunshade or large umbrella, a blanket and folding chairs;
• plenty of drinking water and food that will not spoil in the heat;
• sunscreen, sun hats and light clothing that covers your skin;
• water shoes, as there may be stones and shells near the shore;
• a basic first-aid kit and insect repellent for the evening.

If you are taking a shared ride, tell the driver in advance about cool bags and folding furniture.

What else to see

Kattakurgan is not a tourist town, but it has a large market where fruit and vegetables arrive from all over the area. In summer and autumn there is an excellent choice of melons, grapes and apricots. The town also makes a handy stop on the way from Samarkand to Navoi and Bukhara: stretch your legs, have lunch and carry on.

When to go

• Spring: fresh and green, good for walking, but the water is still cold.
• Summer: the season for the reservoir, though very hot during the day.
• Autumn: the harvest at the markets and mild weather.
• Winter: mostly business trips; there can be morning fog on the highway.

The way back

In the evening many cars head towards Samarkand, especially on summer Sundays when people return from the water. To leave at a convenient time, find a ride in advance on the Kattakurgan to Samarkand page.

You can find a trip to Kattakurgan on the Samarkand to Kattakurgan route page. Other destinations in the Zarafshan valley are listed in the routes section.

Cover photo: Sergei Prokudin-Gorskii, Public domain, Wikimedia Commons.