Kokand Travel Guide

Discover the best things to do, see, and eat in Kokand, Uzbekistan. Learn about local culture, safety tips, and transportation options to plan your perfect trip.


Introduction to Kokand

Located in Ferghana Valley, Kokand is a historic city with a rich cultural heritage that dates back to the 10th century. The city was once an important trading hub along the Silk Road, and its location also made it a strategic military stronghold.

Today, Kokand is known for its stunning architecture that blends Persian and Uzbek styles, as well as its picturesque natural landscapes, including mountains, rivers, and forests. This travel guide will help you plan your perfect trip to Kokand, complete with the best things to see and do, tips on local culture and customs, and advice on transportation and safety.

List of Places to Visit in Kokand

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Jami Mosque: This impressive mosque was built in the late 18th century and is one of the largest and most beautiful in Uzbekistan.
  • Khudayar Khan Palace: This exquisite palace was the residence of the last Kokand ruler and features intricate carvings, colorful tile work, and stunning gardens.
  • Norbut-biy Madrasah: This 18th-century Islamic school is a fine example of Kokand’s distinctive architectural style and is decorated with intricate floral patterns and geometric designs.
  • Narodnoy Revolutsii Museum: This museum illustrates the history of the Soviet era in Uzbekistan and contains extensive collections of art, books, and other cultural artifacts from the region.

Natural Attractions of Kokand: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Chatkal Mountains: These stunning mountains offer excellent hiking and trekking opportunities for adventurous visitors and provide breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.
  • Kokand Botanical Garden: This garden features thousands of different plant species and is a peaceful place to explore and relax.
  • Syabry Nature Reserve: This reserve is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including wild boar, deer, foxes, and various bird species.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Kokand

Kokand is surrounded by mountains, offering plenty of opportunities for hiking and biking enthusiasts. Some popular routes include:

  • Mount Kaigas: This peak is just outside of Kokand and can be reached by a challenging hike or a more leisurely bike ride.
  • Ak-Say Canyon: This stunning canyon is a popular spot for hiking and picnicking, with a clear river that runs through it and dramatic cliffs on either side.
  • Chimgan Mountains: This mountain range is a bit further afield but is well worth the trip for its stunning natural beauty and challenging hikes.

Best Things to Do in Kokand: Activities and Tours

  • Visit local markets: Kokand is known for its colorful bazaars, where visitors can shop for everything from fresh produce to handmade crafts and souvenirs.
  • Attend a traditional music performance: Kokand has a rich musical heritage, and visitors can enjoy live performances of local music and dance styles.
  • Take a cooking class: Uzbek cuisine is delicious and diverse, and visitors can learn to make traditional dishes like plov, shurpa, and somsa.
  • Visit a silk factory: Kokand is famous for its silk production, and visitors can learn about the traditional process of creating silk fabrics and textiles.

Week-Long Itinerary for Kokand

Day 1: Explore Kokand’s historic center, including Jami Mosque and Khudayar Khan Palace. Day 2: Visit Norbut-biy Madrasah and the Narodnoy Revolutsii Museum. Day 3-4: Hike or bike in the Chatkal Mountains or Ak-Say Canyon. Day 5: Visit the Kokand Botanical Garden and Syabry Nature Reserve. Day 6: Attend a traditional music performance or take a cooking class. Day 7: Shop for souvenirs at the local markets and visit a silk factory.

Food and Drink Scene of Kokand

Must-Try Dishes

  • Plov: This is the national dish of Uzbekistan and is a hearty rice pilaf made with meat, vegetables, and plenty of spices.
  • Shurpa: This is a hearty soup made with lamb, potatoes, carrots, and various other vegetables and spices.
  • Samsa: This is a savory pastry filled with meat or vegetables and is a popular snack or breakfast food in Kokand.

Local Beverages

  • Green tea: Tea is a popular drink in Uzbekistan and is often served with a variety of sweet treats.
  • Doogh: This is a refreshing yogurt drink that is perfect for hot summer days.
  • Wine: Uzbekistan is famous for its wine production, and visitors can enjoy a variety of local wines while in Kokand.

Where to Stay in Kokand: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Kokand has a range of accommodation options to suit all travelers and budgets. Some popular options include:

  • Hotel Shaherezada
  • Guesthouse Kukaldosh
  • Hotel Khudayar Khan

What to Buy in Kokand: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Silk products: Kokand is famous for its silk production, and visitors can buy a variety of handmade silk scarves, garments, and textiles.
  • Local crafts: Kokand’s markets are filled with handmade crafts and souvenirs, including pottery, jewelry, and woven baskets.
  • Spices and dried fruits: Uzbekistan is known for its flavorful and aromatic spices, as well as its delicious dried fruits like figs, apricots, and raisins.

Local Culture and Customs of Kokand

The people of Kokand are friendly and hospitable, but visitors should be aware of local customs and dress modestly when visiting mosques or other religious sites. It is also polite to remove your shoes when entering someone’s home.

Best Time to Visit Kokand

The best time to visit Kokand is between March and May, and from September to November, when temperatures are mild and the weather is pleasant for outdoor activities.

Do’s and Don’ts of Kokand

Do:

  • Learn a few basic phrases in Uzbek to communicate with locals and show politeness.
  • Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites.
  • Bring a hat and sunscreen for protection against the sun.

Don’t:

  • Don’t take photos of people without their consent.
  • Don’t wear revealing clothing in public places.
  • Don’t disrespect local traditions and customs.

Safety and Health

Safety in Kokand

Kokand is generally a safe city, but visitors should take basic precautions like not carrying large amounts of cash or valuables and staying aware of their surroundings at night.

Health in Kokand

Visitors should ensure they have up-to-date vaccinations before traveling to Uzbekistan and should take care to only drink bottled water and eat at clean, hygienic restaurants and cafes.

Getting to Kokand: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Kokand

The nearest airport to Kokand is located in Tashkent, approximately a 5-hour drive away. From there, visitors can take a taxi or public transportation to Kokand.

Bus Stations Near Kokand

Kokand has a central bus station that connects to other cities in the region.

Other Options

Taxis are readily available in Kokand, and visitors can also rent cars or bikes to explore the city and surrounding areas.

How to Get Around in Kokand

Kokand is a small city, and most places can be easily reached on foot. Taxis are also readily available, and visitors can rent bikes or scooters for a more adventurous mode of transportation.

Where to Go Next from Kokand: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Tashkent: Uzbekistan’s capital city is a bustling metropolis that combines traditional and modern elements, with plenty of historic sites, museums, and restaurants to explore.
  • Samarkand: One of the oldest cities in Central Asia, Samarkand is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is known for its stunning architecture and rich history.
  • Bukhara: Another important Silk Road city, Bukhara is home to hundreds of historic buildings and monuments, including stunning madrasahs, mosques, and ancient citadels.

Conclusion

Kokand is a hidden gem in Uzbekistan, with a rich cultural heritage, stunning natural landscapes, and welcoming locals. This comprehensive travel guide will help you plan your perfect trip, with tips on the best things to do and see, local culture and customs, and transportation and safety information. With its beautiful architecture, delicious cuisine, and outdoor adventures, Kokand is a must-visit destination for any traveler to Uzbekistan.

Khan's Palace, built 1863-1874 Khan's Palace, built 1863-1874 Kokand Teahouse Kokand Teahouse