Tashkent to Andijan: train, car or plane

Andijan is the main city of the eastern Fergana Valley, close to the border with Kyrgyzstan. It is the birthplace of Babur, founder of the Mughal empire in India, whose life is told in the Babur museum. Andijan is also a lively regional centre with one of the biggest bazaars of the valley, and the starting point for the road to Osh.

Trains run from Tashkent to Andijan through the Kamchik tunnel, opened in 2016, which allows trains to reach the Fergana Valley without passing through Tajikistan. The journey takes about 5–6 hours, with stops at Kokand, Margilan or Namangan depending on the train.

Trains are air-conditioned and comfortable, and are the most reliable option in winter, when snow can affect the mountain road. Tickets go on sale about 45 days ahead; you need your passport. Our train ticket service can help, and our guide to trains in Uzbekistan explains classes and booking.

The road from Tashkent climbs over the Kamchik pass (about 2,270 m), descends into the valley near Pap, and continues east via Namangan or via Kokand and Fergana to Andijan. The distance is roughly 350–400 km depending on the route, and the drive takes about 5.5–6 hours without long stops.

There are police checkpoints at the pass; carry your passport. In winter, snow and ice may cause delays or short closures. A private car with driver lets you stop at the pass for the view and visit Kokand, Rishtan or Margilan on the way. Shared taxis also leave from Tashkent when full. See our transfer service.

Domestic flights link Tashkent and Andijan in about 1 hour. Andijan airport also has some international routes, mainly to Russia. Flying saves time if you are going directly to Andijan or on to Kyrgyzstan, though many travellers prefer the train or the road for the scenery.

The main border crossing between the Uzbek Fergana Valley and Kyrgyzstan is at Dostyk, south-east of Andijan, on the road to Osh, the second city of Kyrgyzstan. From Andijan to the border takes about 30–40 minutes by car, and from the border to Osh a short drive more. The crossing is popular with travellers combining Uzbekistan with the mountains of Kyrgyzstan and the Pamir Highway. Border rules, opening hours and procedures can change; check before you travel.

From Andijan you can visit the rest of the valley: Margilan and its silk workshops, about 1.5 hours away; Fergana; Rishtan for ceramics; and Kokand with the palace of the khans. See our Fergana Valley itinerary, and Tashkent to Fergana for the central valley.

Andijan’s main sights are the Babur museum, in a park on the site associated with the young prince’s childhood home, the Juma mosque and madrasah, an important 19th-century complex in the old town, and the huge Jahon bazaar, one of the busiest markets of the valley. In the hills north of the city, the Bogishamol area and the reservoir are favourite places for local families on weekends. Half a day is enough for the city before continuing to Osh or to the centre of the valley.

• Comfort and reliability: the train.
• Scenery and stops on the way: a car with driver over the Kamchik pass.
• Short on time or going on to Osh: fly to Andijan, or take an early train.

Carry your passport at all times, dress modestly in the more conservative valley, and visit in spring or autumn for the best weather; see Fergana Valley weather.