Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > Northern and Central Asia
Fergana Valley (Kyrg) Fergana Valley (Kyrg)
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Northern and Central Asia Topics specific to Russia, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Mongolia, China, Japan and Korea
Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 13 Jun 2014
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Bermuda
Posts: 163
Fergana Valley (Kyrg)
Does anyone have any fairly recent experience/information regarding the Fergana Valley in Kyrgyzstan?

I'm currently in Bishkek and am trying to decide what route to take to the Uzbek border (to Namagan). First, I'll be heading to Song-Kol lake, over the pass from Kara-Balta, with a stop-over near Kyzl-Oi. I would appreciate any advice/information with respect to my route after Song-Kol.

One option is to take the route via Kazarman to Jalal-Abad, through the Fergana Valley. Another option is to back-track through Kyzl-Oi and then head to Toktogul and Kara Kol.

The Fergana Valley route looks to be the most interesting, but there is a lot of (dated) information on the web warning against unnecessary travel through the valley.

I'm single-crewed in a Land Rover Defender, so don't want to take any unnecessary risks, whether it be due to terrain (in the remote area) or man-made circumstances. At the same time, I don't want to make a decision based on three-year old reports if they are no longer valid.

Regards,
__________________
2014 overland adventure to Russia and Central Asia in Land Rover Defender www.bermudarover.com
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 13 Jun 2014
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Italy
Posts: 502
From Song Kol, you can go south to Tash Rabat, and then to Jalal-Abad through Kazarman, then north to the border to Namagan.
From Tash Rabat to Kazarman last year was easy gravel road.
Stunning scenery and absolutely no problems.

I did it 2 up on a bike in the opposite direction last august, pictures here:
http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...pictures-73836
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 14 Jun 2014
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Bermuda
Posts: 163
Thanks Jmi and Crisidsto,

Good to get first hand reports that are recent. I'm now looking at the Kazarman to Jalal-Abad road as my first option, thanks to your responses.
__________________
2014 overland adventure to Russia and Central Asia in Land Rover Defender www.bermudarover.com
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 14 Jun 2014
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Haarlem, The Netherlands
Posts: 177
We did it a few days ago, perfect route!! Jalalabad, Kazarman, Aktal, Baetov, Tash Rabat

GRTZ,

JP
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 14 Jun 2014
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Bermuda
Posts: 163
Excellent, thanks Jervig.

I also just spoke with a guy here at Nomads Home in Bishkek. He has recently travelled the route backpacking and also gives it the thumbs up.

Decision is made.

Thanks guys.
__________________
2014 overland adventure to Russia and Central Asia in Land Rover Defender www.bermudarover.com
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 14 Jun 2014
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Italy
Posts: 502
Remember not to miss Tash Rabat!
It's worth the short detour...
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 15 Jun 2014
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Bermuda
Posts: 163
OK, thanks for the tip.
__________________
2014 overland adventure to Russia and Central Asia in Land Rover Defender www.bermudarover.com
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 16 Jun 2014
maria41's Avatar
The franglais-riders
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: UK
Posts: 1,185
We spent few days in fergana and Andijan while trying to find a truck to make it to Osh two weeks ago! ( with a dead bike!)

Town is quite, few foreign workers ( massive General Motors assembly plant there!) we walked all around and felt safe. Locals friendly as everywhere in Uzbek to be fair. Lots of cops around.

Cheers,
__________________
Maria

www.franglais-riders.com
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 19 Jun 2014
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Bermuda
Posts: 163
Just arrived in Jalal-Abad after driving from Kazarman today. I have to say that driving the Kaldama Pass was amazing. There were some sloppy mud sections on the way up but nothing the Defender couldn't handle. The views were outstanding.

By the time you get down off the pass and mountain road, there's very little time actually spent in the Fergana Valley before you're into Jalal-Abad.

I also took a full-day detour to Tash Rabat. Nice historic building but I'm not sure it was worth committing a full day to it. It certainly would be worth a detour from Naryn, for example (90 minute drive) but probably not from Ak-Tal.

Uzbekistan tomorrow, if all goes to plan.
__________________
2014 overland adventure to Russia and Central Asia in Land Rover Defender www.bermudarover.com
Reply With Quote
Reply

Tags
fergana valley, kyrgyzstan

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
2 people seeking a ride through Omo Valley to Kenya Hud Travellers Seeking Travellers 0 12 Mar 2014 11:46
[B]Sumbawa Indonesia Hard Way Round:The Valley of the Forgotten Chiefs. kotamarudu Ride Tales 2 14 Aug 2013 15:40
Anyone took CMTS training at Horseshoe Valley, Ontario? twowordz North America 2 25 Mar 2013 22:45
Renfro Valley Dual Sport Ride Day2 2012 indypup The HUBB PUB 0 1 Mar 2013 23:22
Ethiopia to Kenya via Lake Turkana/Omo Valley bcfarley Route Planning 3 28 Jun 2012 15:01

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-15
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 05:50.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top