You are in the Heart of Namangan

Namangan is an oriental garden in the heart of the Fergana Valley. Here, millions of flowers bloom during festivals, the sounds of ancient crafts echo from the workshops of weavers and blacksmiths, and the aroma of somsa rises from traditional tandirs. The city is full of contrasts – from amusement parks and theaters to the serenity of sacred sites and crystal-clear springs. Follow our guide to feel the true rhythm of Namangan and its surroundings.

Top things to do in Namangan

1. Visit during May or June to experience the International Flower Festival, when the city is decorated with millions of plants.

2. Spend the day at Afsonalar Vodiysi (“Valley of Legends”) amusement park, home to the largest Ferris wheel in Central Asia, roller coasters, water slides, and an aqua park with swimming pools.

3. Visit a local artisan workshop – the city is famous for its weavers, potters, blacksmiths, and jewelers.

4. Explore the treasures of the Namangan Regional History Museum.

5. Visit the Art Gallery, located in the former Ota Valikhon Tur Mosque building.

6. Stroll through Babur Park of Culture and Recreation and enjoy tea at a traditional chaikhana (teahouse).

7. Attend a performance at the Namangan Regional Theater of Musical Drama and Comedy named after Alisher Navoi.

8. Go shopping at the vibrant Chorsu Bazaar.

9. Admire the architecture and interiors of the Mullo-Kirghiz Madrasah and the Mausoleum of Khoja Amin Kabri.

10. Taste dozens of varieties of somsa (Uzbek samosa) at the "Somsa Markazi" center and see the largest tandoor oven in Uzbekistan used for baking it.

Top things to do outside Namangan

11. Take a guided tour of the archaeological site of Bibiyonamozor (near Chust), home to the sacred spring “Bibi Ona-Qaynar Bulok”, believed to be the origin of all holy springs.

12. Visit the Sultan Uvais Qarani pilgrimage complex – the largest sacred site in the Namangan region, housing the second-largest handwritten Quran in Uzbekistan.

13. See the mausoleum of Bibi Naima Ona and the crystal-clear reservoir at its base.

14. Visit a skullcap (tubeteika) workshop in Chust, considered the birthplace of this traditional headwear.

15. See the “Weeping Rock” in the ancient village of Chodak.

16. Rejuvenate at the Chartak balneological health resort.

17. Explore the ruins of the ancient city of Axsikent, once the capital of the Fergana Valley.

What to try

- Namangan apples and peaches;
- Pilaf made with devzira rice;
- Somsa (samosa);
- Shashlik (grilled meat skewers).

What to bring home

- Plates with unique hand-painted designs;
- Locally crafted jewelry;
- Pichak knives made by artisans in Chust;
- Local textiles;
- Traditional Uzbek skullcaps (doppi or tubeteika).