{"id":9444,"date":"2018-01-20T18:59:25","date_gmt":"2018-01-20T14:59:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/?p=9444\/"},"modified":"2025-11-07T20:14:47","modified_gmt":"2025-11-07T18:14:47","slug":"fergana-valley-uzbekistan","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/fergana-valley-uzbekistan\/","title":{"rendered":"A guide to the Fergana Valley in Uzbekistan"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/fergana-valley-1024x684.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/fergana-valley-1024x684.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/fergana-valley-1024x684.jpg\" alt class=\"wp-image-9471\"><\/picture><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Almost 100 years ago, between 1924 and 1927, Stalin, the leader of the Soviet Union, created five artificial Republics named Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Due to the ethnic complexity of the region, the division was not a simple process. Not at all! Sometimes, several ethnicities were living in a single area and, in consequence, when the respective republics were created, many groups suddenly found themselves within a republic which was not theirs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Among all the partition complexities, the Fergana Valley was the most dramatic one, as the Soviet Union didn&#8217;t care about the fact that, in the valley, Kyrgyz, Tajik and Uzbek people, were all sharing the same piece of land.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Stalin divided the valley as he pleased, leaving most of Fergana on the Uzbek side, as well as a confusing number of enclaves, which is a part of&nbsp;a country within a country, which is within the first country. Crazy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left\">As a result, Fergana became the most troubled region <a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/travel-central-asia\/\" class=\"rank-math-link\"><strong>in Central Asia<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-background\" style=\"background-color:#e8e8e8\">For more places to visit, read: <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/uzbekistan-itinerary\/\">Backpacking in Uzbekistan &#8211; 1 to 3-week itinerary<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter is-resized\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/fergana-valley-1-579x1024.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/fergana-valley-1-579x1024.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/fergana-valley-1-579x1024.jpg\" alt=\"A guide to Fergana Valley\" class=\"wp-image-9481\" style=\"object-fit:cover;width:447px;height:auto\"><\/picture><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">In this travel guide to the Fergana Valley you will find:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group table-of-contents is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"table-of-contents__title\" style=\"font-size:20px\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a class=\"rank-math-link\" href=\"#10\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Intro<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a class=\"rank-math-link\" href=\"#1\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Why visit?<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a class=\"rank-math-link\" href=\"#2\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Is it safe?<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a class=\"rank-math-link\" href=\"#3\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Places to visit<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"#5\">More Information<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group atc-info-box is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center m-0 has-black-color has-text-color has-background\" style=\"background-color:#fe9900\">our recommended travel insurance for Uzbekistan<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\" style=\"font-size:20px\">With its Backpacker plan, <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.iatitravelinsurance.com\/en-eu\/products\/iati-backpacker-eu\/?r=30867932099453&amp;cmp=fergana_valley_travelguide_en_text\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\">IATI Insurance<\/a><\/strong> is the best insurance for any kind of adventurous destination, like Uzbekistan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-16018d1d wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button has-custom-font-size\" style=\"font-size:16px\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-black-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color has-text-align-center wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.iatitravelinsurance.com\/en-eu\/products\/iati-backpacker-eu\/?r=30867932099453&amp;cmp=fergana_valley_travelguide_en_text\" style=\"border-radius:11px;background-color:#fe9900\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\">GET 5% DISCOUNT HERE<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"10\">Introduction to visiting the Fergana Valley in Uzbekistan<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The Fergana Valley is a depression limited by the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/trekking-in-karakol\/\">Tien Shan mountains<\/a><\/strong> in the north and the Alay mountains in the south. It is the most fertile area in Uzbekistan and in the southern <strong><a class=\"rank-math-link\" href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/travel-central-asia\/\">part of Central Asia<\/a><\/strong>, hence it became the agricultural heartland in the region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For this reason, the Fergana region has been, since Silk Road times, such an important place, which can be seen in palaces, fortresses and wealthy&nbsp;towns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, since the last couple of years of the Soviet Union, the Fergana Valley has witnessed several clashes, ranging from competing for natural resources between countries to a civil war and many ethnic conflicts, the last one being on the Kyrgyz side in 2010.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These conflicts caused thousands&nbsp;of deaths and, even today, relations between countries are extremely tense, especially between Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If this was not enough, the Fergana Valley in Uzbekistan is where the <strong><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Islamic_Movement_of_Uzbekistan\" target=\"_blank\">Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan<\/a><\/strong>&nbsp;was created, a radical Muslim group founded by Wahabis <a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/visit-saudi-arabia-ethical\/\" class=\"rank-math-link\"><strong>from Saudi Arabia<\/strong><\/a> and which even has an active base in Afghanistan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Therefore, it&#8217;s perfectly understandable that, in the last few years, the Fergana Valley has not been on the top bucket list for travelers heading to the region. So, here we are talking about a real off the beaten track destination in Uzbekistan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Remember to have proper travel insurance. I recommend you read: <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/backpacking-travel-insurance\/\">how to find the right insurance for traveling and backpacking<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large wp-image-9469\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/namangan-mosque-1024x684.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/namangan-mosque-1024x684.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/namangan-mosque-1024x684.jpg\" alt=\"Namangan mosque\" class=\"wp-image-9469\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><span style=\"color: #808080;\"><em><span style=\"font-size: 10pt;\">A mosque in Namangan<\/span><\/em><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"1\">Why go to the Fergana region?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Don&#8217;t even think that the Fergana Valley is your dreamy destination for next year, where you will be wandering around stunning Silk Road monuments and souvenir shops.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Bear in mind that here you won&#8217;t see the majesty you would find in Bukhara, Khiva, and Samarkand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Fergana Valley is a place only suitable for the most voracious and real travelers who prefer hanging out with locals rather than visiting historical sites.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Fergana is best enjoyed at the numerous local caf\u00e9s, strolling through the fancy parks while you get stopped by tens of curious locals, full of kindness, because the Fergana Valley is also home to the nicest people <a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/uzbekistan-travel-guide\/\" class=\"rank-math-link\"><strong>in Uzbekistan<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In the Fergana region, you want to go to Andijan to see where the internationally famous massacre took place and visit the Wahabi mosque of Namangan because that was the place where one of the most radical Islamic groups ever was created.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Fergana is about symbolism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large wp-image-9471\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/fergana-valley-1024x684.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/fergana-valley-1024x684.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/fergana-valley-1024x684.jpg\" alt=\"Fergana Valley\" class=\"wp-image-9471\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; color: #808080;\"><em>These men invited me to have lunch at their mosque in Namangan<\/em><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"2\">Is Fergana Valley safe?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Today, yes, it is. The last clash was in 2010 and, actually, it mainly happened on the&nbsp;<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/country\/kyrgyzstan\/\">Kyrgyzstan<\/a><\/strong> side.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Whereas it&#8217;s completely true that relationships between countries are still tense, the region has been enjoying a certain stability in the last couple of years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Foreigners are extremely welcome and I have never heard of anyone getting into any trouble.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"3\">Places to visit in the Fergana Valley<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>There are a couple of cities which are worth a visit and, due to the region&#8217;s small size, all of them are easily accessible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I strongly recommend using <strong>Fergana City as a base<\/strong>&nbsp;to explore the rest of the cities on day trips.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Why? Because Fergana City is a transportation hub, the most modern of all the cities and has the best accommodation in the region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Fergana City<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A relatively new town, only founded in 1876, Fergana City is the capital of the Fergana region, home to a large Russian population and a regional center for oil extraction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Therefore, it&#8217;s not difficult to believe that Fergana City is a surprisingly wealthy town where you can stay for a couple of days, while you explore the rest of the valley.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Aside from leisure stuff, there&#8217;s not much to do around town but, just ten minutes outside of the city, you find <strong>Margilan<\/strong>, the most important silk production center in the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/travel-central-asia\/\">whole of Central Asia<\/a><\/strong>, which has been going on since ancient times. Here you can visit two authentic silk factories.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I visited <strong>Yodgorlik Silk Factory<\/strong>, built in the 80s but keeping the old, traditional weaving techniques. From growing cocoons to selling the final product to retailers, here you can see the whole manufacturing process. The entrance, with tour included, is completely free!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter wp-image-9465 size-large\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/silk-factory-uzbekistan-1024x684.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/silk-factory-uzbekistan-1024x684.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/silk-factory-uzbekistan-1024x684.jpg\" alt=\"Silk Factory Uzbekistan\" class=\"wp-image-9465\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><span style=\"font-size: 10pt;\"><em><span style=\"color: #808080;\">Inside the factory<\/span><\/em><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>There&#8217;s a second silk factory named <strong>Margilan&nbsp;Silk Factory<\/strong> which is supposed to be very interesting as well, as it is run by the Uzbek government, using the old-fashion Soviet production system. However, I was told that you need to arrange your visit in advance but, to be honest, I couldn&#8217;t confirm it, unfortunately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter wp-image-9461 size-large\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/Yodgorlik-Silk-Factory-1024x684.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/Yodgorlik-Silk-Factory-1024x684.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/Yodgorlik-Silk-Factory-1024x684.jpg\" alt=\"Yodgorlik Silk Factory\" class=\"wp-image-9461\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em><span style=\"color: #808080; font-size: 10pt;\">with the cocoons<\/span><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Where to stay in Fergana City<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">Like I said, Fergana has great accommodation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Budget Guest House<\/strong> &#8211; <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/uz\/sakura.en-gb.html?aid=1232728&amp;label=fergana_valley_travelguide_en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\">Sakura<\/a><\/strong><\/span> &#8211; The owner is a really kind man who will make you feel at home. All the people I met throughout Central Asia agreed that this was the best place in Uzbekistan. Beds are comfortable and all the furniture is brand new. Do book in advance because there are not many rooms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-background wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/uz\/sakura.en-gb.html?aid=1232728&amp;label=fergana_valley_travelguide_en\" style=\"border-radius:11px;background-color:#0c3b7c\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\"><strong>Check on Booking.com<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Budget Guest House &#8211;&nbsp;<\/strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/uz\/valentina-39-s-guest-house.en-gb.html?aid=1232728&amp;label=fergana_valley_travelguide_en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\">Valentina Guest House<\/a><\/strong><\/span> &#8211; We stayed here on the first night because Sakura was fully booked. You basically stay at Valentina&#8217;s apartment, a Russian woman who is very accommodating. It&#8217;s a nice place but nothing can beat Sakura.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-background wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/uz\/valentina-39-s-guest-house.en-gb.html?aid=1232728&amp;label=fergana_valley_travelguide_en\" style=\"border-radius:11px;background-color:#0c3b7c\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\"><strong>Check on Booking.com<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large wp-image-9475\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/Fergana-city-1024x684.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/Fergana-city-1024x684.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/Fergana-city-1024x684.jpg\" alt=\"Fergana city\" class=\"wp-image-9475\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; color: #808080;\"><em>The streets of Fergana City<\/em><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Kokand<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Kokand was my first introduction to Uzbekistan, as this is the first main town you find when you <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/tajikistan-uzbekistan-border-crossing\/\">cross the border from Tajikistan<\/a><\/strong>. Coming from the relatively poor area of Khujand in Tajikistan, Kokand was kind of a shock.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When I was trekking in the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/fann-mountains\/\">Fann Mountains<\/a><\/strong>, I met an American guy who told me:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>You will see that the center of Kokand looks like being in California.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We didn&#8217;t understand what he meant until we actually got there.&nbsp;Home to a beautiful Silk Road palace, the streets of Kokand belong to a wealthy town filled with fancy hotels, very far away from the image we had of Uzbekistan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Make sure to check out&nbsp;<strong>Khudayar Khan Palace<\/strong>, a stunning, architectural masterpiece and the fancy residence of a ruler in the 18th century, when the whole Fergana Valley was under Kokand&#8217;s control. The palace is composed of beautiful courtyards, as well as mind-blowing ceilings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In Kokand, there is also <strong>Juma mosque<\/strong>, which has some peculiar wood columns which are definitely worth checking out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large wp-image-9459\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/kokand-fergana-1024x684.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/kokand-fergana-1024x684.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/kokand-fergana-1024x684.jpg\" alt=\"Kokand Fergana\" class=\"wp-image-9459\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><span style=\"color: #808080;\"><em><span style=\"font-size: 10pt;\">Kokand<\/span><\/em><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Where to stay in Kokand<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Budget \/ mid-range hotel &#8211;<\/strong> <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/uz\/kokand-kokand1.en-gb.html?aid=1232728&amp;label=fergana_valley_travelguide_en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\">Hotel Kokand<\/a><\/strong><\/span> &#8211; Located in a very peculiar building, this is the most budget hotel in town. They have both budget rooms and luxury rooms, so you will find all sorts of travelers.&nbsp;The location is great, breakfast is included and the rooms and spacious and clean.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-background wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/uz\/kokand-kokand1.en-gb.html?aid=1232728&amp;label=fergana_valley_travelguide_en\" style=\"border-radius:11px;background-color:#0c3b7c\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\"><strong>Check on Booking.com<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Mid-range, much nicer &#8211;<\/strong> <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/uz\/istiqlol.en-gb.html?aid=1232728&amp;label=fergana_valley_travelguide_en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\">Istiklol Hotel<\/a><\/strong><\/span> &#8211; If you are looking for a mid-range option, this hotel seems pretty good, much better than Hotel Kokand but more expensive of course. When I arrived in Kokand, I didn&#8217;t know any hotels and all the locals were recommending this one to me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-background wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/uz\/istiqlol.en-gb.html?aid=1232728&amp;label=fergana_valley_travelguide_en\" style=\"border-radius:11px;background-color:#0c3b7c\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\"><strong>Check on Booking.com<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large wp-image-9488\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/Khudayar-Khan-Palace-1024x684.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/Khudayar-Khan-Palace-1024x684.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/Khudayar-Khan-Palace-1024x684.jpg\" alt=\"Khudayar Khan Palace\" class=\"wp-image-9488\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; color: #808080;\"><em>Khudayar Khan Palace<\/em><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Namangan<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Once home to 600 mosques, Namangan is the religious center in Uzbekistan and, perhaps, in Central Asia, as well. When I went there, it felt like being&nbsp;<strong><a class=\"rank-math-link\" href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/best-places-visit-middle-east\/\">in the Middle East<\/a><\/strong>, where I even saw women wearing the&nbsp;<em>niqab<\/em>, the Islamic women&#8217;s dress that covers everything but the eyes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The now-banned Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan was founded here and you can see the actual site, a Wahabi Mosque called <strong>Ota Valikhon Tur<\/strong>. It&#8217;s easy to distinguish it from other mosques in Central Asia as this one has plenty of Arabic calligraphy everywhere.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Next to the bazaar, there is also a madrassa worth checking and<strong> Khadja Amin mosque<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You should visit Namangan only if you are interested in exploring a real Central Asian Muslim city. In my experience, this is the only one I found in the whole of Central Asia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Where to stay in Namangan&nbsp;<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>To be honest, I don&#8217;t know about any hotels here, as I came from Fergana City on a day trip.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large wp-image-9473\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/namangan-fergana-1024x684.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/namangan-fergana-1024x684.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/namangan-fergana-1024x684.jpg\" alt=\"Namangan Fergana\" class=\"wp-image-9473\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; color: #808080;\"><em>Madrassa Namangan<\/em><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Andijan<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Andijan is the border town with Kyrgyzstan, which means that it&#8217;s also a transit point for overlanders in Central Asia. Besides a few mosques and friendly people, the reason to come here is merely symbolic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here took place one of the bloodiest massacres ever, when the Government opened fire against a peaceful demonstration in 2005. If you want to know more details, read the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/2005_Andijan_Unrest\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Andijan Massacre<\/a><\/strong> article from Wikipedia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Where to stay in Andijan<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">Like I said, I recommend staying in Fergana City but, if you stay here:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Budget Hotel &#8211;<\/strong> <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong>Andijan Hotel<\/strong><\/span> &#8211;&nbsp;Located in the city center, is the only budget hotel in the city. You can&#8217;t book it online though.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Mid-range hotel &#8211; <\/strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/uz\/karvon-saroy.en-gb.html?aid=1232728&amp;label=fergana_valley_travelguide_en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\">Karvon Saroy Hotel<\/a><\/strong><\/span>&nbsp;&#8211; If you are two people, this hotel has some relatively budget rooms as well and a better option than the previous one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-background wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/uz\/karvon-saroy.en-gb.html?aid=1232728&amp;label=fergana_valley_travelguide_en\" style=\"border-radius:11px;background-color:#0c3b7c\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\"><strong>Check on Booking.com<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Transportation &#8211; How to move around the Fergana region<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Going or coming from Tashkent<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>There&#8217;s a super modern and comfortable train leaving every day <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/places-to-visit-in-tashkent\/\">to Tashkent<\/a><\/strong>. From Fergana City, tickets cost 52,000UZS (6USD) for a 3-4-hour journey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When we were there, there was a morning train at 8am and one leaving at 3pm. They recommended us to book in advance. You can book your tickets at the bazaar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large wp-image-9477\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/train-Fergana-1024x672.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/train-Fergana-1024x672.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/train-Fergana-1024x672.jpg\" alt=\"Train Fergana\" class=\"wp-image-9477\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; color: #808080;\"><em>Train Station Fergana City<\/em><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">From Fergana City to the rest of the towns<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>If you use Fergana as a base to explore the rest of the Valley, you should know that local shared taxis leave from the main bazaar to all towns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Prices range from 2,000UZS to 10,000UZS (25\u00a2 to 1USD). Yes, it&#8217;s extremely cheap.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Coming from Tajikistan<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Read my report: <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/tajikistan-uzbekistan-border-crossing\/\">How to cross from Tajikistan to Uzbekistan at Fergana<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Coming from Kyrgyzstan<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Read this report: <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lostwithpurpose.com\/kyrgyzstan-uzbekistan-border-crossing-dostyk\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">How to cross from Kyrgyzstan to Uzbekistan at Fergana<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"5\">More information for visiting Fergana Valley<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-background\" style=\"background-color:#2b8f2b\">\ud83d\udce2 In my <a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/travel-resources\/\"><strong>Travel Resources Page<\/strong><\/a> you can find the list of all the sites and services I use to book hotels, tours, travel insurance and more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Don\u2019t forget to check our <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/uzbekistan-travel-guide\/\">travel guide to Uzbekistan<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As well as all our Uzbekistan articles:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/moynaq-aral-sea-uzbekistan\/\">Travel Guide to Moynaq<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/places-to-visit-in-tashkent\/\">Tashkent Travel Guide<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/tajikistan-uzbekistan-border-crossing\/\">Tajikistan-Uzbekistan border crossing<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/uzbekistan-itinerary\/\">Uzbekistan Itinerary<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter is-resized\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/fergana-valley-1-579x1024.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/fergana-valley-1-579x1024.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/fergana-valley-1-579x1024.jpg\" alt=\"A guide to Fergana Valley\" class=\"wp-image-9481\" style=\"object-fit:cover;width:465px;height:auto\"><\/picture><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Almost 100 years ago, between 1924 and 1927, Stalin, the leader of the Soviet Union, created five artificial Republics named Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan. Due to the ethnic complexity of the region, the division was not a simple process. Not at all! Sometimes, several ethnicities were living in a single area and, in [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":9471,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[229,208],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-9444","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uzbekistan","category-central-asia"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9444","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=9444"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9444\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":50419,"href":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9444\/revisions\/50419"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/9471"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=9444"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=9444"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=9444"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}