From Tashkent to Osh via the Fergana Valley

Attention! This excursion is individual, available on any day you choose, and does not involve joining any group.

This fascinating, adventure-filled express tour of the Fergana Valley will introduce you to one of Uzbekistan’s most remarkable regions. The Fergana Valley is not only rich in ancient history and culture but also a true garden paradise. Here grow the tastiest peaches, apricots, and grapes in Uzbekistan. During the tour, you will see the most interesting monuments of Kokand and Margilan, discover the traditions and craftsmanship of Rishtan’s ceramic masters, witness the creation of the famous Fergana silk and the weaving of magical fabrics such as khan-atlas and adras. You may also take part in master classes. Overnight stays are possible both in hotels and in artisans’ guesthouses.

Tour program

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Tashkent – Kokand – Rishtan

09:00–13:00 Transfer Tashkent–Kokand (240 km). After breakfast, we depart for the Fergana Valley—the most densely populated region of Uzbekistan, home to farmers, gardeners, and artisans. The route passes through numerous villages, the winding Kamchik Pass (2 km), and picturesque mountain valleys and gorges. Our first stop is ancient Kokand, once the capital of a powerful Khanate and an important Silk Road trading city.
After lunch, we tour Kokand’s main attractions: Khudoyar Khan Palace (1871), Jami Mosque (1818), Modarikhon necropolis (1825), and Dakhmai Shakhon (1825). We then continue to Rishtan (50 km, 1 hour), famous since ancient times as Central Asia’s largest center of glazed ceramics. Here we visit the Khodja Ilgor Mausoleum (19th century) and the home workshop of a renowned ceramic master, where we learn the craft from clay preparation to molding, painting, and firing. Handmade ceramics are available for purchase. Here, the family will serve a traditional Uzbek dastarkhan – dinner. Accommodation at the Guest House.

Fergana – Margilan – Andijan – Osh

08:00. Today we enjoy an exciting excursion to Margilan, Uzbekistan’s silk capital, located just 20 km (30 minutes) from Fergana. At the Silk Center, we see the entire process of silk fabric production: cocoon unwinding, thread dyeing into the unique “abr” pattern, weaving on hand looms, and finished products such as scarves, clothing, and carpets.
Afterward, we travel (90 km, 1.5 hours) to Andijan, the second-largest city in the Fergana Valley and birthplace of Babur—the Timurid and Chinggisid descendant, ruler of Fergana and Kabul, Padishah of Hindustan, and founder of the Mughal Empire in India. Here we have lunch and visit Andijan’s main sights: Jami minaret and madrasah (19th century), Devannaboy Cathedral Mosque (19th century), Babur’s equestrian statue, Bogishamol Park, and the local bazaar with artisan stalls.
Finally, we drive to the Uzbek–Kyrgyz border (Dustlik checkpoint), 40 km (40 minutes). Here we bid farewell to the tourists and wish them a successful journey in Kyrgyzstan.

Highlights

Palace-residence of Khudoyar Khan (1871), now housing the local history museum
Norbutabiy Madrasah (18th century)
Modarikhon Mausoleum (19th century)
Silk Center (where you can see the entire process of handmade silk production, from cocoon unwinding to dyeing, and purchase affordable silk souvenirs)
Original architectural complex Pir Sadik, 17th century (mausoleum, mosque, minaret, and dovecote)
Ceramic workshop in Rishtan
Khodja Ilgor cult complex (19th century)
Андижан:
Минарет и медресе Джами (XIX в.)
Парк Богишамол