Uzebekistan: Be sure to Visit Fergana Valley – here are 5 reasons
When travellers think of Uzbekistan, the Silk Road cities of Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva usually come to mind: ancient skylines glittering with turquoise domes and intricate tilework. But east of these storied cities lies a region often overlooked, the Fergana Valley. Stretching between the towering Tian Shan and Alay Mountains, the valley is Uzbekistan’s greenest and most fertile region, a land of orchards, artisans, and age-old traditions. Here, the pace is slower, the air fresher, and the smiles warmer.
Fergana Valley
Fergana may not feature in most itineraries, but for those who venture here, it offers an experience which feels deeply personal. It’s a place where craftsmanship thrives, where you can taste the difference in every meal, and where nature and culture live in harmony.
Green, spacious, and filled with sunlight, Fergana immediately charms. Its low, even buildings and wide boulevards give Fergana a feeling of calm. On our first day, locals greeted us with fresh tandir bread, hot from the oven, green somsa bursting with herbs, and sweet Kokand halva, a local confection which melts in your mouth. Even the plov, Uzbekistan’s national dish, is distinctive here — it is made with devzira, a rice variety grown only in the valley, lending it a heartier, more aromatic flavour.
Away from the crowds and the hum of the main tourist trail, here are five reasons why the Fergana Valley deserves a special place on your Uzbekistan journey.
The Art of Silk – From Cocoon to Masterpiece
Fergana is the heart of Uzbekistan’s silk production, and its reputation for fine weaving stretches back centuries. The small town of Margilan remains the centre of this tradition, home to the renowned Yodgorlik Silk Factory, where the process still follows ancient methods.
Visiting the workshops, you’ll see the journey of silk from cocoon to cloth — silkworms fed on mulberry leaves, threads dyed with natural pigments, and artisans working looms by hand. The air hums softly with the sound of weaving; every strand seems to tell a story.
The result is atlas silk, famous for its shimmering patterns of deep indigo, crimson, and gold. In the local bazaars, you can find bolts of fabric, scarves, and robes woven from this delicate material. But beyond shopping, what stays with you is the connection to tradition — the patience, precision, and pride that make each piece unique.
Rishtanand the Ceramics of Colour
Ceramics in Rishtan
Just west of Margilan lies Rishtan, a town synonymous with pottery. Here, artisans create some of the most exquisite ceramics in Central Asia, known for their radiant blues and intricate designs.
Walking through Said Ashmedov’s home in Rishtan feels like stepping into a living museum. Courtyards echo with the clink of tools and the scent of clay. Masters shape bowls, plates, and teapots on spinning wheels, coating them with ishkor glaze, a natural alkaline made from mountain plants and the region’s soil, which gives the pottery its signature turquoise sheen.
Each piece is a blend of art and alchemy, decorated with motifs of vines, pomegranates, and geometric patterns that have adorned Uzbek homes for generations. Visitors can try their hand at the craft, guided by artisans whose skills were passed down from father to son, mother to daughter. In a world of mass production, Rishtan’s pottery is a quiet act of resistance — proof that beauty made by hand still matters.
The Flavours of the Valley
To understand Fergana, you must taste it. The valley’s rich soil and mild climate make it a paradise for farmers and food lovers alike. Every market brims with the scent of ripe fruit, spices, and freshly baked bread.
Meals here begin with generosity. Locals will insist you share what’s on the table — a steaming plate of Fergana plov, green somsa stuffed with herbs, or bowls of fresh yoghurt. The devzira rice used for plov is key to its reputation: slightly reddish in colour, it absorbs flavours deeply, giving the dish a comforting, almost nutty depth.
And then there’s Kokand halva, a sweet made of sugar, butter, and flour, mixed into delicate layers that melt on the tongue. It’s a recipe perfected over centuries, often served with tea in the late afternoon as the day cools.
The Fergana Valley’s cuisine mirrors its people — humble yet rich, rooted in the land, and full of warmth.
A Living History – Kokand and Its Heritage
Palace of Khudayar Khan in Kokand
Before Tashkent rose to prominence, Kokand was the capital of one of Central Asia’s most powerful khanates. Its story is one of ambition, artistry, and cultural flourish.
At the heart of the city stands the Khudoyar Khan Palace, a grand structure built in the 19th century that once housed the rulers of the Kokand Khanate. Though only part of the original complex remains, its vibrant façade — adorned with blue and green tiles — still captures the imagination. Step inside, and you’ll find elegant courtyards, arched halls, and decorative patterns which blend Persian, Russian, and local Uzbek influences.
Beyond the palace, Kokand is home to numerous mosques, madrasas, and bustling markets that offer a glimpse into the valley’s historical soul. Yet, what makes the city remarkable isn’t just its past — it’s how seamlessly history weaves into daily life. Old traditions persist not as relics, but as living expressions of identity.
Nature at Its Purest – The Valley Beyond the City
For all its cultural treasures, perhaps Fergana’s greatest gift is its natural beauty. Surrounded by the Tian Shan and Alay Mountains, the valley bursts with life — from apple orchards and vineyards to walnut forests and clear, tumbling rivers.
Travel further south and you’ll find Shakhimardan, an emerald enclave surrounded by mountains, where rivers of glacial water meet and alpine meadows bloom. The nearby Blue Lake (Kulikubbon) shimmers at the base of cliffs, its cold, clear water reflecting the sky. Hikers and nature lovers will find quiet trails leading through juniper forests and open pastures where shepherds still graze their flocks.
Closer to the city, Kandiyon offers a more pastoral scene, a landscape of rolling fields and winding streams. The air is fresh, the roads are quiet, and the connection to nature feels effortless.
In every direction, the valley reminds you that beauty doesn’t always need grandeur. Sometimes it’s enough to stand by a river, feel the cool mountain breeze, and listen to the gentle rhythm of life carrying on around you.
A Journey Off the Map
The Fergana Valley may not be the Uzbekistan most travellers expect, but that’s precisely why it’s worth visiting. It’s a place where crafts are made by hand, meals are shared with sincerity, and landscapes stretch wide and green beneath a vast sky.
Far from the crowds, Fergana offers an Uzbekistan that still feels personal — alive with stories, artistry, and quiet wonder. It’s not a region you rush through; it’s one you linger in, letting its charm unfold naturally, like silk drawn slowly through careful hands.
Fact Box
British and EU passport holders can visit Uzbekistan for up to 30 days without a visa.
Uzbekistan Airways flies direct to Tashkent from London Heathrow and London Gatwick. You can then travel by train to Fergana, Kokand, and Margilan, booking tickets online with Uzbekistan Railways.
To find out more about the Fergana Valley, visit the Fergana Valley Community Tourism Network.
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