UZ
Fergana Valley
Uzbekistan’s fertile east, known for silk weaving, ceramics and bazaars
Uzbekistan’s fertile east, known for silk weaving, ceramics and bazaars
In Margilan, this working factory shows every stage of making silk, from boiling cocoons to hand-weaving colourful ikat (atlas) fabric.
Tours are usually free; the shop sells fabric.
Photo: Bgag, CC0
Margilan’s ikat technique, where threads are dyed before weaving, is a living tradition passed down in families.
Photo: Geoffreywatson, CC BY-SA 4.0
Completed in 1873, the palace of the last khans of Kokand has a long tiled facade. About 19 of its rooms survive, with a local history museum.
Photo: upyernoz, CC BY 2.0
Margilan is one of the valley’s oldest towns. The Kumtepa bazaar outside town, held on Thursday and Sunday mornings, is one of the busiest in Uzbekistan.
Photo: upyernoz, CC BY 2.0
Try Fergana-style plov, shashlik, fresh fruit from the bazaars and green tea.
Rishtan’s potters and Margilan’s weavers often welcome visitors to their workshops.
Trains from Tashkent run through a tunnel under the Kamchik Pass to Kokand, Margilan and Andijan. Shared taxis cross the pass by road in about 4–5 hours.
Fergana city has an airport with flights from Tashkent and makes a good base.
Uzbekistan uses the som (UZS). Cards work in many hotels, but carry cash for markets and small sites.
Crafts, bazaars and a palace.
Travel from Tashkent and visit the Khudayar Khan Palace and Jami Mosque.
Tour the Yodgorlik silk factory and, if it is market day, the Kumtepa bazaar.
See the ceramic workshops of Rishtan, then return to Tashkent.
Plan around Thursday and Sunday bazaars.
Buy train tickets early on the official railway site or app; fast trains sell out in spring and autumn.
Fergana city is a good base with hotels and transport.
Check your government’s travel advice; some countries urge caution near the Kyrgyz and Tajik borders.
Quick answers for planning time in Fergana Valley.
By train through the Kamchik tunnel, shared taxi over the pass, or a flight to Fergana.
Silk, especially hand-woven ikat (atlas) fabric.
Its blue-glazed ceramics made from local clay.
Most visits pass without problems; check current advice for border areas.
April to May and September to October.
Guesthouses, guides and drivers take bookings by message; Telegram is also widely used.
Free
Planning a wider trip? Our Uzbekistan travel guide covers getting there, costs, when to go and more.