Feb 8, 2025 • 14 min read
05.02.2025 - 20:45 / lonelyplanet.com
Feb 5, 2025 • 8 min read
Fergana Valley, a fertile region in eastern Uzbekistan, is famed for its significance along the fabled Silk Road trade routes and centuries-old artistry in silk weaving and ceramics. Visiting the bazaars and the artisans’ workshops in places like Margilan, Rishton and Andijon, you can still sense the ancient spirit of exchange and get a glimpse into the living-traditions that define Uzbek identity today.
Sandwiched between the northern Tian Shan Mountains and the southern Gissar-Alai range, the valley boasts pleasantly rolling landscapes and has long been considered the heartland of Uzbek culture and agriculture, mainly for its lush fields of cotton, fruits and raw silk.
Today, Fergana Valley is one of Uzbekistan's most populous and modern regions. While it may lack the glitz of Samarkand or the understated grandeur of Bukhara, the valley’s authentic charm makes it a must-visit for anyone seeking to experience the soul of Uzbekistan.
The best times to visit the Fergana Valley are in spring (April to early June) and fall (September to November), when the weather is mild. In spring, the valley bursts to life with blooming flowers and verdant fields. Fall, on the other hand, ushers in the harvest season, offering a chance to savor the valley’s fresh fruits, such as pomegranates and melons, while enjoying cooler, more pleasant days.
The peak summer months of July and August can be challenging, as temperatures often climb above 40°C (104°F), with the dry heat making outdoor exploration uncomfortable. Similarly, winter (December to February) can be harsh, with cold temperatures and occasional snowfall.
Train tracks connect Fergana’s main cities, Andijon, Margilan and Kokand, to the country’s capital, Tashkent, with an international airport. There are several trains daily and tickets can be booked online. The train stations are clean and safe, some with small cafes and kiosks – but don’t stock up on snacks too heavily, as normally there’s an attendant selling refreshments, non (naan) and other types of fresh bread on the train.
Another option is to use the local buses and taxis to explore the remote spots. Ridesharing app Yandex Go is widely used for booking a ride, but to download it, you do need a local SIM card, available from Beeline or Ucell, among others.
For locating the correct bus, it is best to ask for advice at your hotel – staff members tend to speak English and are friendly and helpful. For comparison: a taxi ride of some 50 minutes from Fergana City to Rishton costs around US$10 whereas a bus ticket for the same journey is US$0.60.
In just three days, you can explore the region’s highlights, from Kokand’s impressive Khudayar Khan Palace to Margilan’s silk heritage and Rishton’s
Feb 8, 2025 • 14 min read
While travelers have felt the pain of expensive airfare, a new report reveals a clever way that can help save money. The Department of Transportation regularly publishes a ranking of the cheapest, and most expensive, airports within the United States based on the price of an average round-trip ticket. In its most recent filing, the range of airfare prices varies widely from a low $90, to an expensive $1,600 ticket. Within the data, the ranking shows how driving a few extra miles can help a traveler save dramatically on their flight.
Multiple earthquakes are rattling Santorini, a volcanic island in Greece, prompting authorities to dispatch rescuers with tents, a sniffer dog and drones, and to shut schools on four islands.
Multiple earthquakes are rattling Santorini, a volcanic island in Greece, prompting authorities to dispatch rescuers with tents, a sniffer dog and drones, and to shut schools on four islands.
With over 30 years of experience in hotels from Abu Dhabi to Napa Valley, Michelin-starred chef Massimo Falsini has encountered every kind of guest.
A spike in seismic activity has raised concerns of a potentially powerful earthquake on the Greek island of Santorini, prompting some residents and travelers to evacuate as a preemptive safety measure.
Schools were closed and emergency crews deployed on the volcanic Greek island of Santorini on Monday after a spike in seismic activity raised concerns about a potentially powerful earthquake.
Feb 2, 2025 • 8 min read
Feb 2, 2025 • 8 min read
Feb 2, 2025 • 8 min read
Blessings from an altar boy amid the sound of chanting monks is not how I expected to begin my first-ever three-star Michelin restaurant experience.
This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Stephen and Joanna Vargha, a married couple who moved from North Carolina to Cuenca, Ecuador, in 2020 after retiring early. Cuenca is located in the Andes mountains and has a population of about 600,000 people. Their interview has been edited for length and clarity.