Ferghana
Ferghana is a city of 300,000 people (2022) in the Ferghana Valley in Uzbekistan.
A pass from Kashgar (now in China's westernmost province, Xinjiang) to Ferghana was an important link on the main course of the historic Silk Road. From Ferghana, westbound caravans would proceed along the Ferghana valley to Kokand (where they might branch off toward Tashkent) and Khujand, then continue toward Samarkand.
Get in
By plane
Uzbekistan Airways operates flights from:
- Kazan on Friday,
- Moscow Domodedovo International Airport on Friday,
- St. Petersburg on Sunday,
- Tashkent on Tu Th F Su (flying time: 1 hr) (Summer Timetable 2010).
By train
Ferghana is served by the Margilan (Маргилан) railway station. Ferghana-1 and Ferghana-2 are for goods/freight trains only. Trains depart Tashkent for Margilan multiple times a day with a one way ticket costing approximately 55,000 som.
By car
It's 360 km from Tashkent through Kamchik mountain pass with the drive taking around 5 hours. Taxis run from Kuyluk bazaar and Severniy (nord) train station in Tashkent. A seat in a shared taxi should cost no more than 50,000 som per seat (2017). If two people are travelling it might be worth buying the whole backseat of the car, ensuring plenty of space for the long drive. Ensure that your registration cards are in order when travelling to this area as there is a checkpoint at which all foreigners must present their passports and documentation. Police at this checkpoint may be very thorough with the checking of registration cards (October 2017).
See
- 🌍 Palace of Arts Park. A large greenspace where you could do some serious walking around (although you might freeze in the winter). Looking at it from a satellite image will have your mind spinning with all the geometric figures in place via the various walkways throughout the park.
- 🌍 Central Park. Another park with some monuments, fountains, and rides such as a ferris wheel.
Buy
- Korean Style Pickles, City Market / Bazaar. Many types of pickles can be found at the covered part of the city market. From Korean style pickled cabbage to pickled aubergine and carrot. From 2000 som a bag.
Eat
- Lag'mon Markazi, Yuksalish ko'chasi (on the end corner of Yuksalish ko'chasi and Alisher Navoi ko'chasi). Restaurant serving Uighur-style laghman, manti, pickles, etc. Delicious food and good prices. Around 20,000 som for two people.
- Shashlik Stands, City Market / Bazaar. Look for the smoke rising from the charcoal around 50 m away from the covered market area. A meal of shashlik, tea, salad and bread for two should be around 15,000 som.
Drink
- Brown Sugar, улица Худжант 4 (around the corner from Hotel Asia). Small coffee shop serving coffee and cake. Around 8000 som for a coffee.
Sleep
Budget
- Sakura Hostel, Yuksalish St (entrance is around the corner from the Tanho Market), ☏ +998 91 666 21 25. Nice new hostel in a good location near the centre. Big rooms come with en-suite bathrooms. The owner is very friendly and helpful and there are even a couple of friendly cats. US$20.
Mid-range
- 🌍 Asia Hotel, 26 Alisher Navoi Street (in front of hokimiat (city government)), ☏ +998 93 244 13 29. Very clean and comfortable. Single rooms starting from US$40. Breakfast included. swimming pool is available. 575090 som.
- 🌍 Voyage Hotel, ☏ +998 73 226 45 70. Here you get a clean bathroom and a nice nonushta (breakfast) in the morning. 472396 som.
Go next
By train
Trains to Tashkent take approximately 5 hours and leave several times a day. A single ticket in 2nd class costs 55,000 som (2017). Tickets can be bought at the train station or at the train ticket office at 9 Dodhoh Street.