Highlights of the trip
Fergana Valley is like Central Asia in miniature. It is the beating heart of the region, gathering the best of history, culture, and delectable cuisine. Explore the treasures of this underrated region by joining our two-day tour through the Fergana Valley from Osh. This tour is ideal for those in Osh with two days of spare time who want to experience culture rather than nature. If you are among those, go ahead and discover Islamic architecture, legends of the past, the secrets of silk production, ceramics, and the finest cuisine.
Tour Details
Available
All year around
Schedule
Upon request
Duration
2 days (customizable)
Price
upon request
Itinerary
Day 1: Osh — Kokand — Rishtan — Fergana
Early departure from Osh city, the Kyrgyz part of the Fergana Valley. Crossing the Dostuk/Dustlik checkpoint to Uzbekistan, where you will be greeted by our colleagues and head towards Kokand city, the former capital of the Kokand Khanate. Here, you will delve into the architectural legacy of the palace built for the last legitimate ruler. This is one of the last iconic buildings of the pre-Soviet era, built following the region’s architectural schools. The lunch break will be followed by further exploration of Kokand, including visits to the Jami Mosque (XIX century) and the Madrassah of Narbutabey (XVIII century).
Heading to Rishtan — the capital of Uzbek ceramics and visiting the gorgeous workshop gallery of Alisher Nazirov, full of marvelous and decorated pottery. You are welcome to purchase souvenirs before heading to the Khoja Ilgor mosque, a pilgrimage site with a mysterious cave.
Your first day exploring the Fergana Valley is coming to an end, with you heading to Fergana City for an overnight at the hotel.
Day 2: Fergana – Margilan – Andijan – Osh
The second day begins with a Fergana City tour focused on the Russian Imperial era in the region. First named the New Margilan, Fergana represented a new Russian town, a counterpart of the old Margilan. Here, you will visit the Governor’s Residency (1879-92), now a performance theater; Fergana’s Central Park; the Boys’ Gymnasium (1903); and the Officers’ Club (1879). After exploring “New Margilan”, we are heading to the old Margilan – the silk capital of Uzbekistan. Here, you will delve into the old tradition of ikat silk genesis at the Yodgorlik Silk Factory. You will witness the whole process of silk production from silk worms to the final product. And before the long-awaited lunch, we will visit the Madrassah of Saidakhmad, built in the 19th century.
After lunch, we are heading to Andijan — the hometown of Babur, the conqueror of India and founder of the Mughal dynasty. Andijan will welcome you with visits to the old artisans’ street, mosques from the XVIII-XIX cc., and a vibrant bazaar. In the evening, you will be transferred back to the Uzbek-Kyrgyz border and then returned to Osh, the end of the program.
This tour program can be modified with the possibility of ending the tour either in Tashkent or at the border with Tajikistan at Andarkhon – Kanibodom Checkpoint.