Surrounded by the Tian Shan and Pamir-Alay Mountains with the Naryn and Kara Dara Rivers running through it, the Fergana Valley an ideal place to relax in nature or go on an outdoor adventure.
Choose a remote location in the mountains for a real outdoor adventure with the options of hiking, horseback riding and camping. Or for a quick getaway to nature, visit a village in the foothills of the mountains not too far from the cities to relax with tea and plov around a tapchan (traditional table) overlooking a river or mountain landscapes. Many of the natural attractions below also feature sanatoriums or wellness services to rest and recover in natural settings.
Some of the recommended natural places below are easy to get to by shared taxi or public transport while others require a 4×4 or other special transportation and support services. Get in touch with one of our CTN member tour operators or tour guides if you want more information about organizing outdoor activities or visits to any of the natural attractions below. We also recommend these CTN Recommended Routes that include two-day itineraries for hiking and camping in the Chatkal Mountains.
Located in northern Namangan Region, the Arashan Lakes are a series alpine lakes surrounded by the beautiful Chatkal Mountains. Renowned for their turquoise waters and pristine natural beauty, these lakes and the surrounding mountains are a haven for nature lovers and adventurers.
Arashan Lakes is also popular for hiking and camping, with a variety of trails that provide breathtaking views of the surrounding mountain landscapes. Given the remote location, a four-wheel drive car is needed to reach the Arashan Lakes and it is only accessible in the summer time. It’s recommended to work with a local tour operator so you have all the proper support you need to enjoy hiking or other outdoor adventures in Arashan Lakes.
Check out this CTN Recommended Route for a 2-day itinerary around Arashan Lakes.
Khanabad (or Xonobod) is one of the most popular places in Andijan Region where travellers can relax in the natural beauty of its mountain landscapes and visit the famous Fozilmon Ota Spring known for its special healing powers. Located on the coast of the Kara Darya River at an altitude of 850m above sea level, Khanabad is a green oasis filled with different types trees and plants.
Khanabad Sanatorium is known throughout the region for its treatment of respiratory, nervous, and cardiovascular diseases with oxygenated, ionized air from the natural surroundings. In addition to the sanatorium, there are walking trails and areas to enjoy nature all around Khanabad.
Shohimardon (Shakhimardan) and Sokh are enclaves of Uzbekistan in the Pamir-Alay Mountains. Filled with incredible hiking opportunities and ecotourism routes, this is one of the best places in the region experience this high alpine natural beauty. One of the highlights is Lake Kulikubbon or Blue Lake in Shohimardon at an elevation of over 1,700 meters.
As both of these enclaves are surrounded by Kyrgyzstan, you may need to go through several border crossings to reach them. This can either be done by land travel overland or there are special short flights or helicopter routes from Fergana City. With the latter option you don’t need to ever officially leave or stamp out of Uzbekistan.
Chodak in Namangan Region’s Chodaksoy River Valley is a picturesque village with over 4,000 years of history, which included a visit from Alexander the Great who stayed a while to regain his strength in these natural surroundings. Known for its lush walnut groves, lush gardens, and natural springs, Chodak is a popular place to escape into nature.
One of the village’s highlight is the mystical Weeping Rock, a cliff from which water cascades year-round, creating the illusion of a crying stone. The water is believed to have healing properties, and many come to make wishes for love and happiness.
For those who want to fully experience the dramatic nature, there are suspension bridges across gorges that are each 300 meters long and one 50-meter-long glass suspension bridge. There are a different walking trails that will take you past the different waterfall, springs and forests.
The village of Imam Ota in Andijan Region is another great option to enjoy a blend of mountain and river landscapes with visiting different sacred and cultural sites, including a holy cave. A small river flows through the entire village with its source a sacred spring in the foothills of the Chilustun Ridge. The water in the spring is rich in minerals and has healing properties.
Imam Ota village is located in the foothills and you can see the low mountain peaks of the Khojaabad district. There are five mountain walking routes in the village and you may find other places for hiking by following the shepherd trails into the hills.
Nanay village is another popular place in Namangan Region to relax in the foothills of the Chatkal Mountains with its green surroundings and beautiful mountain vistas. The village is currently being developed as an ecotourism resort with guest houses and services to support those interested in outdoor activities like hiking, as well as wellness services through the sanatorium.
Located not far from Namangan City (1.5 hours), Govasoy is a cute, green village to relax near the river and to follow the paths of shepherds into the hills. The local sanatorium is also well known for its wellness treatments.