Fergana Valley day trip: Kokand palaces & train ride

A full day crossing the Kamchik Pass to royal palaces and a train ride back through the mountains

A full-day private tour from Tashkent to Kokand in Fergana Valley, departing at 7 a.m. with hotel pickup and returning by train the same evening. You visit Khudayar Khan Palace, Juma Mosque, and Norbutabey Madrasa with a local guide. The drive crosses the Kamchik Mountain Pass at 2,200 meters, and the return journey runs through Central Asia's longest tunnel, a 21 km passage carved through the mountains. The tour lasts 14 to 15 hours and includes entrance tickets, the train ticket, an air-conditioned vehicle, and a guide for the sightseeing in Kokand.

Step-by-step itinerary

Full day tour to Fergana Valley

• Hotel pickup at 07:00 am
• Drive to Kokand via Kamchik Mountain Pass
• Meet local guide for Kokand sightseeing
• Visit Khudayar Khan Palace
• Visit Juma Mosque
• Visit Norbutabey Madrasa and graveyard
• Transfer to Kokand train station
• Train from Kokand to Tashkent

The experience

The day starts with pickup from your Tashkent hotel at 7 a.m., then a 240 km drive to Kokand through the Kamchik Mountain Pass. The road climbs to 2,200 meters, and as you rise, snow-capped peaks of the Fan Mountains come into view across the Fergana Valley. This is not a highway lined with tourist stops. The route passes through non-touristic towns and open terrain, so the landscape itself is part of the journey.

Once in Kokand, a local guide leads you through the city's architectural landmarks. Khudayar Khan Palace is the centerpiece: one of the most glittering royal residences in Central Asia, originally built with 113 rooms around seven courtyards. You visit 19 of the rooms that remain. Juma Mosque, constructed between 1809 and 1812, stands with 98 carved redwood columns imported from India and a minaret. It was restored and reopened in 1989 after decades of closure. Norbutabey Madrasa, built in the 1790s, has an ornate blue-glazed tile portal and an attached cemetery where Omar Khan and his wife, the poet Nadira Begim, are entombed. Entrance to all three sites is included.

At 5:31 p.m., you transfer to Kokand's train station and board the return service to Tashkent. The train passes through Central Asia's longest tunnel (a 21 km bore through the mountains), and arrives back in Tashkent at 9:48 p.m. The train ticket and all monument entries are covered in the price. Dress code applies at the religious sites: shoulders and knees covered, and women should bring a headscarf for the mosque and madrasa. It's worth carrying some extra cash in local currency for souvenirs and meals along the way.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off in Tashkent.
• air-conditioned vehicle for the drive to and from Kokand.
• entrance tickets to Khudayar Khan Palace, Juma Mosque, and Norbutabey Madrasa.
• local guide for sightseeing in Kokand.
• train ticket from Kokand back to Tashkent.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 07:00

Book up to2d before

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 14 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 11 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Samaria Travel

Is this one for you?This tour works best for travelers with a full day to spare and the stamina for 14 to 15 hours of travel, sightseeing, and train time. The private format means you set the pace and can adjust the 7 a.m. pickup time by request. The fixed train departure at 5:31 p.m. is what keeps all the Kokand sites reachable inside a single day without an overnight stay.

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Top questions

What is Khudayar Khan Palace like when you get there?

Khudayar Khan Palace is one of Central Asia's most ornate royal residences, originally built with 113 rooms arranged around seven courtyards. You visit 19 of the rooms that have been preserved. The palace reflects the wealth and power of the Kokand khans in the 18th and 19th centuries.

How long is the drive from Tashkent to Kokand?

The drive is 240 km and takes you through the Kamchik Mountain Pass at an elevation of 2,200 meters. The road climbs through the Namangan Region with views of the snow-capped Fan Mountains, and you pass through non-touristic towns rather than tourist zones.

What happens on the train ride back to Tashkent?

The train departs Kokand at 5:31 p.m. and travels through Central Asia's longest tunnel, a 21 km passage carved through the mountains, arriving in Tashkent at 9:48 p.m. The train ticket is included in the tour price.

What should I wear when visiting the mosques and madrasa?

Both men and women should wear clothing that covers shoulders and knees. Avoid tight or transparent clothing. Women should bring a headscarf or shawl to cover their hair when entering the Juma Mosque and other holy sites.

Is lunch included in this tour?

Lunch is not included in the tour price, though the 14 to 15 hour duration accounts for a lunch break. You'll have time to eat in Kokand. Carrying some extra cash in local currency is recommended for meals and any souvenirs.

Can I store luggage in Tashkent before the tour?

Yes, most hotels offer free luggage storage in their compartments, so you can travel light on this long day trip and leave your larger bags behind at your hotel.