Kolkhoz: Private visit to the cotton farmers' village
Description
This circuit is unique and exceptional in several respects: You discover a former kolkhoz - Soviet collective farm. You walk through the cotton fields with the possibility of assisting in the work. You meet the ex-kolkhozians, simple village people but with a heart full of warmth. You discover local life in rural areas. You share pleasant moments with them during a lunch together. You walk along the banks of the Zeravchan River and discover its dry basin allowing you to understand the water problems in Central Asia. You visit fish and bee farms taking advantage of local production. For French-speaking travelers, we can organize a meeting with students who are learning French. You can discover seasonal activities depending on the season (April-May) silkworm breeding, (September) cotton picking etc.
Tour Options
Itinerary
On the way, you can visit the Payshanba Bazar market. This typical market takes place every Thursday between 6 a.m. and 2 p.m. It is intended for the sale of everything: livestock, clothing, food. This visit which allows you to encounter authentic Uzbekistan will remain engraved in your memory for a moment.
You arrive at the village around 10 a.m., meeting the family around welcome tea (1 hour). You walk towards the Zeravchan river, the waters of which are entirely used for irrigation. You discover the dry basin and the crops grown in the riverbed, including a fish farm. This walk will allow you to discover the scale of the water problem in Central Asia, one of the driest areas on the planet. (4.5 km on foot, 2h30) Lunch at “Palov”, the traditional Uzbek dish, at a local’s home (2 hours). You go to cotton fields as far as the eye can see. Cotton is sown in April and it flowers in early June. The harvest is done in September and October. Thus, you discover the cotton plantations in their evolving phase depending on the month of visit. You stop at a beekeeper who produces cotton honey. You discover its farm and its cotton honey (2.5 km on foot, 2h30). Return to Samarkand at the end of the day.
A school in the countryside that still teaches French as a foreign language. You can take a tour and meet the students in this village school. You must notify the school authority of your visit so that your visit does not disrupt the running of classes. The visit is only by permission of the school administration and must be booked in advance.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
Pickup from hotel, travelers should send the hotel location
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Reviews(2)
Incredible experience in this former kolkhoz, it is an aspect of Uzbekistan that you do not see at first glance when you wander between the historical monuments of the big cities and which is nevertheless an integral part of its history. Our guide, originally from the kolkhoz, spoke perfect French and was extremely cultured. It allowed us to understand the last century of the country's history with a certain degree of finesse as well as current and future issues. This complementary look at the country was really very enriching. Furthermore, we were very well received! We visited the school where the students learn French, it was one of our best experiences in Uzbekistan, the exchange was very interesting both for us and for them (at least I hope so). The family who then welcomed us were also very attentive, we ate very well and learned to cook Palov. We will also learn through our 3 weeks in the country that the recipe varies depending on the region, so we are very happy to have been able to add this one to our repertoire because it was the best! Overall a very great experience, a real, very complete “day trip” in total immersion in a former Uzbek kolkhoz!
