Uzbekistan is famous around the world for its textiles and ceramics, but within Uzbekistan itself, Fergana is the most famous place for artisans. Between visits to the Fergana Valley’s most famous sights, stop in to meet artisans and master craftsmen in their workshops. Ok-Yer is home to Kyrgyz craftsmen who make wool carpets, while Rishtan is world famous for its ceramics and the Yodgorlik Silk Factory produces silk fabrics with traditional ikat designs. If you have two extra days, this Fergana Valley Tour is the best tour for learning more about Uzbekistan’s famous handicrafts from the masters themselves.
Tour itinerary:
At 07:00 transfer to the Tashkent train station. Take the train departing to Kokand at 08:05 (Alternative transport is available, see below). Arrive in Kokand at 12:16. Meet your guide and driver and start sightseeing tour in Ferghana Valley. Visit the Khudoyar-Khan Palace, Jami Mosque and Norbut-biy Madrasah. Drive to Ok Yer village to the house of craftsman Bakhrom-aka to visit a traditional Kyrgyz family manufacturing wool carpets. After, drive to Fergana city (80 km) to visit Akhmad Al-Fergani Park. Overnight at the hotel.
Alternative transportation is a car with a driver; the road takes 6 hours and lies through Kamchik Mountain Pass.
Alternative transportation is a car with a driver; the road takes 6 hours and lies through Kamchik Mountain Pass.
In the morning, drive from Fergana to Rishtan to the house of a well-known ceramic master Rustam Usmanov whose works are exhibited on world exhibitions. Enjoy a pottery workshop and have a look at ceramic collection in a small museum. Drive to Margilan and visit Said Akhmad-Khoja Madrasah. Today, madrasah is a home to a number of craftsmen producing handmade carpets and silk. Have a walk on traditional market and continue to Yodgorlik Silk factory to see the production process of silk with traditional Ikat patterns. If it is Thursday or Sunday, visit Kumtepa Bazaar, the largest market in Fergana Valley. At 15:20 transfer to Margilan railway station. Take the train to Tashkent at 16:20. Arrive in Tashkent at 21:25. Pick-up and transfer to your hotel or location. End of the tour.
Alternatively, the road back to Tashkent can be driven; you will return around 19.00.
Alternatively, the road back to Tashkent can be driven; you will return around 19.00.
- All transfers by sedan type car;
- Accommodation based on double/twin room sharing, breakfasts included;
- Sightseeing tour program in each city with local guide;
- Entrance fees to sights as per itinerary;
- Business/Economy-class tickets for trains Tashkent – Kokand and Margilan – Tashkent as per option.
- Tour leader to accompany the travellers for the whole period of the tour;
- Full board (lunches and dinners);
- Hotel charges for additional services;
- Travel insurance.
Accommodation:
| Fergana - 1 night | |
| Club 777 or similar | Asia Fergana or similar |
