Fergana Valley · Getting around
How to get to the Fergana Valley
How to travel from Tashkent to the Fergana Valley by train through the Kamchik tunnel, by road over the Kamchik pass or by air, how to get around the valley, and the nearby borders.
From Tashkent, the Fergana Valley is about 4–5 hours away by train, through a long tunnel under the Kamchik pass, or by road over the pass itself, a spectacular mountain drive. Flights connect Tashkent with Fergana, Namangan and Andijan in about an hour. Within the valley, a car with a driver is the easiest way to get around.
The valley and the mountains
The Fergana Valley is a large, fertile basin surrounded by the Tian Shan and Pamir-Alay mountains. It is shared by Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, and the Uzbek part contains the regions of Fergana, Namangan and Andijan. The valley opens to the west only through a narrow gap near Khujand in Tajikistan, so the direct route from Tashkent crosses the Kurama mountains by the Kamchik pass, at around 2,270 metres.
By train
Since 2016, a railway line has crossed the Kurama mountains through the Kamchik tunnel, about 19 km long, one of the longest in Central Asia. Before it opened, trains had to pass through Tajik territory. Trains now run from Tashkent to Kokand, Margilan, Fergana, Namangan and Andijan. The journey to Kokand takes about 4 hours; to Andijan about 5–6 hours. The train is comfortable and avoids the mountain road in winter.
Book tickets in advance and bring your passport. Stations in the valley are within short taxi rides of the town centres.
By road over the Kamchik pass
The road from Tashkent climbs east through the Akhangaran valley and over the Kamchik pass, with views of snow-capped peaks, before descending into the valley near Pap and Kokand. It is one of the most scenic drives in Uzbekistan. The journey to Kokand takes about 4–5 hours by car.
There are police checkpoints at the pass, and you will need your passport. In winter, the road can be affected by snow and ice and may be temporarily closed in bad weather.
Private car with driver: the most comfortable and flexible option, allowing stops for photographs. Shared taxis leave from designated stands in Tashkent when full; they are cheaper but less comfortable.
By air
Domestic flights link Tashkent with Fergana, Namangan and Andijan, taking around an hour. Flying saves time if you are short of days, though with the trains and the beauty of the mountain road, many travellers prefer to go overland. Some international flights also land at Fergana, Namangan and Andijan, mainly from Russia.
Getting around the valley
Distances within the valley are short: Kokand to Rishtan about 40 minutes, Rishtan to Margilan and Fergana about an hour, Fergana to Andijan about 1.5 hours, and Namangan about 1–1.5 hours from Andijan or Fergana. A car with a driver for two or three days is the best way to combine the towns and the craft workshops. Shared taxis and buses link the main towns, and local taxis are cheap.
Borders
The Fergana Valley borders Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. The main crossing to Kyrgyzstan is at Dostyk, near Andijan, on the road to Osh. To Tajikistan, crossings in the west of the valley lead towards Khujand. Border rules and opening hours can change; check before you travel and carry your passport.
When to go
Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) are the most pleasant seasons, with mild weather in the valley and clear views on the pass. Summers are hot but the valley is green and full of fruit; winters are cold, and the pass can be snowy, making the train the more reliable choice.
Suggested routes
- Tashkent → Kokand → Rishtan → Margilan/Fergana → Andijan → Tashkent, by road or train, in 2–3 days.
- Tashkent → Fergana Valley → Osh (Kyrgyzstan), continuing to the mountains of Kyrgyzstan.
- Leave Tashkent by train in the morning and spend the first night in Fergana or Margilan.
See our Fergana Valley itinerary for a detailed plan, and how to get to Tashkent for arrival information. We arrange train tickets, cars and drivers for trips to the valley.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take from Tashkent to the Fergana Valley?
About 4 hours to Kokand by train or car, and 5–6 hours to Andijan. Flights take about an hour.
Is there a train from Tashkent to the Fergana Valley?
Yes. Since 2016, trains run through the Kamchik tunnel to Kokand, Margilan, Fergana, Namangan and Andijan.
Is the Kamchik pass road open in winter?
Usually, but snow and ice can cause delays or temporary closures. The train is a reliable alternative.
Rules, timetables and prices change. We check this page regularly, but always confirm entry requirements with official sources before you travel.
