The Fergana Valley is a depression between the Tian Shan Mountain in the north and the Gissar-Alai range in the south. Some 300 km long, up to 60-120 wide (the widest point is 170 km), forming an area covering 22,000 square kilometers. The western part of the valley is 330 meters above the sea level and the eastern part 1000 meters. The Fergana Valley is naturally irrigated by two tributaries of the Syr Darya river and the most fertile part of Uzbekistan and hence the country’s agricultural heartland. Agricultural wealth historically gave rise to Silk Road trading towns, fortresses and the most importantly the XIX century Khanate of Kokand.
This three-night tour takes visitors to beautiful nature, high mountain passes, vineyards and extensive mulberry tree plantations which supply the valley’s silk factories with raw material.
ITINERARY AND DETAILS
Day 1: Tashkent to Andijan
Early morning transfer to the train station of Tashkent and the train leaves at 8.05 am (420 km, takes less than 6 hours, till Andijan 5 stops: in train stations of Orzu, Pop, Kokand, Margilan and Andijan). Upon arrival in Andijan city (Andijon in Uzbek transliteration) having a lunch in a local restaurant and check in to the hotel and after short break start sightseeing. Visiting central park of Babur (a descendant of Timur and grandfather of the Mughal Emperor Akbar, Zahir-ud-Din Muhammad Babur (1483-1530) is an intriguing figure) and the Juma Madrassah and Mosque (from XIX century).
Day 2: Andijan-Margilan-Rishtan-Fergana
After breakfast check out from hotel and drive to Silk factory in Margilan. This city was important stop on the Silk Road. The economic life of the town is still dominated by the enormous Margilan Silk Factory, which churns out 2,5 km of silk every day. Next place to visit is the city called Rishtan which is 45 km from Margilan, famed for its blue-and-green ceramics. After the sightseeing in pottery center in Rishtan drive to Fergana (the total driving for that day is 170 km).
Day 3: Fergana-Kokand-Tashkent
After breakfast check out from hotel and head on to Kukand. Visiting places in Kukand are Dahmai Shakhan and Modari Khan Mausoluems (tomb for the kings and their mothers) from XIX century, the Madrassah of Norbutabey from XVIII century and the most impressive sight of Kokand is the Khudayar Khan Palace , one of the most glittering royal residences in Central Asia. The Palace originally had got 113 rooms set around seven courtyards and this days visiters can visit 19 of rooms which is remained. After the sightseeing continue to drive to Tashkent (the total driving for that day is 320 km)
Day 4: Tashkent-Flight home
Transfer to the airport for return flight.
Note: Feel free to customize this tour based on your interests.
