Tashkent to Margilan: Straight to the Silk City
How to get from the capital to Margilan without changing in Fergana: the train through the tunnel, direct cars over the Kamchik pass and timing your arrival for the bazaar.
Many people assume that the way to Margilan is through Fergana: first to the regional capital, then a change. In fact you can travel from Tashkent to Margilan directly, by train or by car. This saves an hour or so and spares you extra changes with luggage. And if you time it right, you will reach the Margilan bazaar just as it comes to life in the early morning.
Distance and route
The road from Tashkent to Margilan is about 300–320 km. It heads east through the Akhangaran valley, then over the Kamchik pass (about 2,270 m high) into the Fergana Valley, past Kokand and on through the valley to Margilan. By car it usually takes 4.5–5.5 hours, depending on the weather on the pass and traffic leaving the capital.
The railway runs in parallel, through Angren and a long rail tunnel under the pass, then via Kokand to Margilan. Margilan station is the main one for this part of the valley, and the trains used by passengers bound for Fergana arrive here too.
By train
The train is a comfortable and predictable option. Pros:
- it does not depend on the weather on the pass, which matters especially in winter;
- you can sleep, read or work;
- you arrive right in Margilan with no change.
The downsides are a limited number of services and tickets that sell out early around holidays and in summer. The journey takes about 5–6 hours depending on the train; check the current timetable and buy tickets in advance. From the station to central Margilan and the bazaar is a few minutes by taxi.
By car over the Kamchik pass
The road over Kamchik is one of the most scenic in the country: hairpin bends, mountain slopes and views of the Kurama range. But there are things to know:
- there are checkpoints on the pass where documents are checked, so keep your passport handy;
- in winter and early spring there may be snow, ice and temporary traffic restrictions, especially for cars without winter tyres;
- traffic slows on the climbs, and trucks form convoys;
- there are places to pull over near the pass, but do not step onto the road for a photo.
Direct cars
Cars leave regularly from Tashkent's eastern exits for the valley, and some of them go to Margilan specifically, not just Fergana or Andijan. The easiest way is to book a seat in advance: on Yo'ldosh drivers post trips with an exact departure time, and you see the driver's profile and price. It is usually cheaper than a whole taxi, and you do not have to wait for the car to fill up. Trips are on the Tashkent — Margilan page.
How to arrive for the bazaar
The Margilan bazaar is busiest from early morning until noon. To be there when it opens:
- Leave early by car. Leaving Tashkent at 3–4 am puts you in Margilan by 8–9. The roads are emptier at dawn and the pass is especially beautiful in morning light. Keep in mind that crossing the pass this early is riskier in winter, so check the forecast.
- Leave the evening before. Arrive in the evening, stay overnight in Margilan or Fergana and go to the bazaar in the morning. This is calmer and safer in winter.
- Take a morning train. It arrives around midday or later, so the bazaar is still open but past its peak. This timing works well for the Yodgorlik factory.
If you are heading for the Kumtepa bazaar on the outskirts of Margilan, it operates on certain days of the week from early morning. Check the days in advance and plan to travel the day before.
What to see in Margilan
- Yodgorlik silk factory: hand production of silk, from cocoon to finished fabric.
- Central bazaar: fabrics, spices, dried fruit, morning samsa and tea.
- Said Ahmad Khoja madrasa and the old mahallas nearby.
- Kumtepa bazaar: a traditional market on the edge of town.
The way back
It is best to return to Tashkent during the day so you cross the pass in daylight. Trains from Margilan to the capital run on a timetable, so check times. Cars to Tashkent gather in the morning; if you do not want to wait, book a seat in advance on the Margilan — Tashkent page. If you are carrying a lot of fabric or ceramics, let the driver know about your luggage.
Comparing the options
| Option | Time | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Train | 5–6 h | comfort, no pass weather issues | few services, book early |
| Shared ride | 4.5–5.5 h | flexible time, door to door | weather on the pass |
| Whole taxi | 4.5–5 h | maximum freedom | most expensive |
Prices for all options change, so check current rates before travelling. Roughly, a seat in a car and a train ticket are comparable, while a whole taxi costs about the same as four seats.
Tips
- Bring warm clothes even in summer: the pass is cooler than Tashkent and the valley.
- If you get carsick on hairpins, sit in the front or take the train.
- Cash is useful at the bazaar, as not all sellers accept cards.
- Summers in the valley are hot, so explore the bazaar in the morning.
The bottom line
You can travel from Tashkent to Margilan directly, by train through the tunnel or by car over the Kamchik pass, in 4.5–6 hours. For the bazaar, choose an early start or an overnight stay the day before. Trips in both directions are on the Tashkent — Margilan and Margilan — Tashkent pages.
Cover photo: Jamshid Nurkulov, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons.
