Things to Do in Margilan, Oʻzbekiston

Margilan, located in the heart of Uzbekistan's Fergana Valley, is renowned as the country's silk capital and a living testament to centuries-old craftsmanship. This ancient city has been producing some of the world's finest silk textiles for over 2,000 years, earning it a place on the UNESCO Creative Cities Network. The city's narrow streets are lined with traditional workshops where master craftsmen continue to practice age-old techniques of silk weaving, dyeing, and ikat production. Beyond its textile heritage, Margilan offers visitors an authentic glimpse into traditional Uzbek culture, with bustling bazaars, historic mosques, and family-run workshops that welcome curious travelers. The city serves as an excellent base for exploring the broader Fergana Valley, known for its fertile landscapes, traditional pottery, and warm hospitality. Unlike Uzbekistan's more touristy destinations, Margilan provides an intimate cultural experience where visitors can witness master artisans at work and participate in workshops to learn traditional crafts.

Top Things to Do in Margilan

Visit Yodgorlik Silk Factory

Tour one of Central Asia's most famous silk production facilities, where traditional methods dating back centuries are still used today. Witness the entire silk-making process from cocoon to finished fabric, including the intricate ikat dyeing technique that creates Margilan's signature patterns. The factory offers guided tours where you can observe master weavers at work and purchase authentic silk products directly from the source.

Booking Tip: Tours cost around $5-10 per person and are available daily except Sundays. Best visited in the morning (9-11 AM) when production is most active. Book through local hotels or arrive directly - no advance booking usually required.

Explore Kumtepa Bazaar

Immerse yourself in local life at this vibrant traditional market, considered one of the most authentic bazaars in the Fergana Valley. Browse stalls selling everything from fresh produce and spices to handcrafted textiles and traditional Uzbek clothing. The bazaar is particularly famous for its silk products, traditional carpets, and the opportunity to interact with local vendors who often speak multiple languages.

Booking Tip: Free to explore, but bring cash for purchases. Best visited early morning (8-10 AM) for freshest produce and most active atmosphere. Haggling is expected - start at 30-40% of asking price.

Traditional Craft Workshop Experience

Participate in hands-on workshops to learn traditional Uzbek crafts including silk weaving, pottery making, or wood carving. Local master craftsmen offer personalized instruction in their family workshops, providing insight into techniques passed down through generations. These intimate experiences often include tea with the artisan's family and stories about the craft's history in Margilan.

Booking Tip: Workshops range from $15-30 per person for 2-3 hours. Book through guesthouses or local guides 1-2 days in advance. Morning sessions (10 AM-12 PM) are preferred by most artisans.

Visit Historic Mosques and Madrasas

Explore Margilan's religious architecture including the 19th-century Tora Mosque and several historic madrasas that showcase traditional Islamic design. These buildings feature beautiful tilework, carved wooden elements, and peaceful courtyards that provide insight into the city's spiritual heritage. Many sites are still active places of worship, offering visitors a chance to observe local religious practices respectfully.

Booking Tip: Free to visit most sites, though small donations (1,000-2,000 som) are appreciated. Best visited between prayers (avoid Friday afternoon prayers). Dress modestly and remove shoes when entering prayer halls.

Fergana Valley Day Trip

Take a day trip to explore the broader Fergana Valley, visiting nearby cities like Rishtan (famous for ceramics), Kokand (historic khanate capital), or rural villages known for traditional crafts. The valley offers stunning mountain views, fertile agricultural landscapes, and opportunities to visit family workshops specializing in pottery, metalwork, and textile production. These excursions provide context for Margilan's place in the region's rich cultural tapestry.

Booking Tip: Day trips cost $40-80 including transport and guide. Book through local tour operators or guesthouses. Spring and autumn offer best weather and road conditions. Bring lunch or plan stops in local restaurants.

Getting There

Margilan is accessible by road from major Uzbek cities, with the most common route being a 4-hour drive from Tashkent via the scenic Kamchik Pass tunnel. Shared taxis and marshrutkas (minibuses) run regularly between Tashkent and Margilan, costing around $10-15 per person. The nearest airport is in Fergana city, about 15 minutes away by taxi, with domestic flights from Tashkent. Train connections are limited, so road transport remains the most practical option for most travelers.

Getting Around

Margilan is a compact city best explored on foot, with most attractions within walking distance of each other. Local taxis are inexpensive ($1-3 for most trips within the city) but negotiate prices in advance. Marshrutkas provide cheap transport to nearby areas for under $1. Many guesthouses offer bicycle rentals, which are perfect for exploring the old town's narrow streets and visiting workshops in residential areas. For day trips to the broader Fergana Valley, hiring a private taxi or joining organized tours is recommended.

Where to Stay

Old Town Center

Near Yodgorlik Silk Factory

Kumtepa Bazaar Area

Residential Neighborhoods

Fergana Road

City Outskirts

Food & Dining

Margilan's dining scene centers around traditional Uzbek cuisine served in family-run restaurants and chaikhanas (tea houses). Local specialties include plov (pilaf) cooked in large communal pots, fresh nan bread from traditional ovens, and regional variations of lagman noodle soup. The area around Kumtepa Bazaar offers numerous small eateries serving authentic local dishes at very reasonable prices ($2-5 per meal). Many guesthouses provide home-cooked meals, offering visitors the chance to experience genuine Uzbek hospitality and family recipes passed down through generations.

When to Visit

The ideal time to visit Margilan is during spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) when temperatures are pleasant (15-25°C) and perfect for walking tours and craft workshops. Summer can be extremely hot (35-40°C), making outdoor activities uncomfortable, though silk production continues year-round in climate-controlled workshops. Winter (December-February) is cold but offers fewer crowds and the opportunity to experience local life during the quieter season. Avoid visiting during major religious holidays when some workshops and attractions may be closed.

Insider Tips

Learn a few Uzbek or Russian phrases - locals greatly appreciate the effort and it enhances workshop experiences and bazaar interactions

Bring cash in small denominations (Uzbek som) as credit cards are rarely accepted and ATMs can be unreliable

Respect photography rules in workshops and mosques - always ask permission before photographing people or their work, and consider purchasing items from artisans you photograph

Things to Do in Margilan