3 / 5 - 2 reviews
How to get there
1 1/2 hours from Kokand or Andijan in a shared taxi
When to go
Avoid June through September (40°C)
Minimum stay
One day
Fergana (Uzbekistan)
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@flickr cc Slava Myronov
Practical information about Fergana
Reviews of Fergana
A rather modern city, far from the main tourist attractions, Fergana is a quiet city that is at the heart of Uzbek culture and at the same time influenced by the Russian community that is still present there.
My suggestion:
Quiet and well positioned in the Fergana Valley, it's an ideal base for visiting sites like Rishton or Margilan.
Summary:
Let's be honest. Basically, there isn't much to do there. But strangely it's still worth a stop!
After several months of travelling in Uzbekistan, the calm of Fergana can really do some good, far from the crowds of tourists wandering around Bukhara or Khiva.
With few tourists on the horizon... it's time to take advantage of the large market where Russian and Asian merchants run the stalls filled with ripe fruits or shashliks maintained by Uzbeks. One of the most authentic things I was able to do!
Just a few steps from the market, Al Farghoni Park is the perfect place to enjoy recently purchased products, while observing the Uzbek middle class families taking their afternoon strolls. A picnic in the park is an especially attractive option, as restaurants are not the city's strong point.
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@flickr t_y_l P9070983
The main city in the eponymous valley, Fergana is rather new but nice, and remains an ideal gateway for discovering the natural wonders of the area.
My suggestion:
The nearby city of Margilan has the regional center for silk production, a must see destination.
Summary:
With its wide tree-lined avenues and colorful government buildings in the city center, it isn't hard to see that Ferghana lacks history, especially for an area at the heart of the Silk Road, where the evidence of the glorious past is very present. Yet despite being relatively new, in my opinion Fergana appeared to be a very nice and practical city for exploring the surrounding Fergana Valley.
A few kilometers outside the city, you'll find yourself in a beautiful landscape of unpopulated grassy highlands, an especially good thing in the region. Perfect for taking walks, hiking, or an authentic local experience in a yurt. Without a doubt, this is a destination that is essential on a trip to Uzbekistan.
©
@flickr cc Slava Myronov
