Tashkent to Namangan: train, car or plane

Namangan is the second-largest city of the Fergana Valley and one of the largest in Uzbekistan. It lies on the northern side of the valley, near the Syr Darya, in an area of orchards and gardens at the foot of the mountains. Namangan is known for its flowers, its Mullah Kyrgyz madrasah, its parks and its bazaars, and is a base for visiting the ancient site of Akhsikent and the mountain villages to the north.

From Tashkent, the road climbs east through the Akhangaran valley and over the Kamchik pass at around 2,270 metres, then descends into the valley near Pap, from where it is a short drive east to Namangan. Because Namangan lies on the northern side of the valley, this is the most direct route, and the drive takes about 4–5 hours.

The pass has police checkpoints; carry your passport. In winter, snow can slow traffic or briefly close the road. A private car with driver is the most comfortable option and lets you stop for photographs on the pass. Shared taxis leave from stands in Tashkent when full. See our transfer service.

Since the Kamchik tunnel opened in 2016, trains have run from Tashkent into the Fergana Valley without crossing Tajikistan. Trains to Namangan take about 4.5–5.5 hours, depending on the service and route. Some trains continue to Andijan.

Trains are comfortable and the safest option in winter. Tickets go on sale about 45 days ahead; you need your passport. Our train ticket service can help; see also trains in Uzbekistan.

Domestic flights connect Tashkent and Namangan in about 1 hour. Namangan airport also has some international routes, mainly to Russia. Flying makes sense if your time is short, but the road over the pass is spectacular and not much slower once airport time is included.

• The Mullah Kyrgyz madrasah, a 20th-century madrasah with fine brickwork. See Mullah Kyrgyz madrasah.
• The city’s parks and its flower festival, traditionally held in spring.
• The bazaars, full of fruit, dried apricots and walnuts.
• Akhsikent, the ruins of the ancient capital of Fergana, on the bank of the Syr Darya west of the city.

From Namangan, it is easy to continue to Andijan, Margilan, Fergana and Kokand, each 1–1.5 hours away.

Namangan has a range of city hotels, mostly modern and business-oriented, and some family guesthouses. Many travellers prefer to base themselves in Fergana or Margilan, in the centre of the valley, and visit Namangan as a day trip, about 1–1.5 hours away. Staying in Namangan makes sense if you arrive over the pass in the evening or want to explore the north of the valley and the mountain villages beyond it.

A good loop around the valley: Tashkent → Namangan (by road over the pass) → Andijan → Margilan/Fergana → Rishtan → Kokand → Tashkent (by train). This takes 3–4 days, avoids backtracking and shows both the pass and the tunnel. See our Fergana Valley itinerary, Tashkent to Andijan and Tashkent to Fergana.

• Carry your passport for the train and the pass checkpoints.
• Namangan is conservative: dress modestly, especially near mosques.
• Spring (April–May) is beautiful, with blossom and flowers; autumn (September–October) brings fruit and pleasant weather. See Fergana Valley weather.
• Few people speak English; a guide or driver who speaks your language makes the visit much easier.