Description
Once Ferghana was the stable of the Mongols and horses bred in Ferghana were known as “Heavenly” and they were descended from the legendary dragon-horses of the far west. The blood sweating horses of Ferghana were coveted for their great size and speed by the Han emperor, Wudi. Over seven million people, about a third of the population, live in this fertile flood plain of the Syr Darya. Ferghana valley is known for its scenic splendor, gushing stream and lush green valleys. The town of Ferghana has grown into the Ferghana valley’s third-largest city, with population of 220,000. Founded in 1876, 20 kilometers from the ancient town of Margilan, it was christened New Margilan, then in 1907 became Skobelov, after the first military governor, and in 1924 assumed the valley’s name. Ferghana’s wide avenues spread fan-like from the old military fortress, recalling the St. Petersburg design of Tashkent. Parks, fountains, Russian architecture and industrial zones strengthen the similarity, and the contrast, with Uzbek Islamic Margilan.
Day 1 (Tashkent – Ferghana, by air): Early in the morning transfer to airport for flight to Ferghana. Transfer to hotel for check in. Visit Margilan, Rishtan, Andijan and bazaar. In Margilan visit Silk Factory and see the process of getting silk, in Rishtan visit famous ceramistsЖ family and workshop. In Andijan we will visit bazaar, one of the most interesting bazaars of Central Asia. Also visit birth place of Zaheriddin Mohammad Babur, the fifth in line to the throne of Tamerlane, born in Andijan in 1483. Also, visit city museum and Juma mosque (300 years old). Return to Ferghana for dinner and overnight.
Day 2 (Ferghana – Tashkent, by air): After breakfast drive to Tashkent via Kokand. Visit the famous Khudayar KhanЖs Palace (closed Monday). Palace is last truly monumental building in Central Asia, it took eight years to build ( 1863-71), was badly damaged by Russian shells in 1876 and 1918. It contains, antique jewelry, samovars, musical instruments, lavish carving and painted plaster in most of the KhanЖs rooms. Also visit Juma Masjid, it is KokandЖs largest mosque about 10,000 men can attend Friday Prayer and graves of kings. Continue drive to Tashkent. Lunch at local restaurant. Upon arrival transfer to hotel. Dinner at local restaurant. Overnight.
Day 3 (Tashkent, departure): After breakfast visit Applied Arts museum, Friendship Square and Abdulkasim Madrassah. After farewell lunch at local restaurant transfer to airport for departure flight.
