Welcome to Osh.

Osh is the southern capital of the Kyrgyz Republic. They say that the soul of Kyrgyzstan lives here. Here are the best and the best pilafs in the industry.
Osh is located at the crossroads of the Great Silk Road. There is something to see and be surprised.

Sulaiman-Too
Towering over the southern capital, the Sacred Mountain Sulaiman-Too is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
For more than one and a half millennia, Sulaiman-Too has been a beacon for travelers who considered the mountain sacred. On its five peaks and mountain slopes are numerous ancient places of worship and caves with rock carvings, as well as rebuilt mosques from the 16th century. On the mountain, 101 places with rock carvings of people, animals and various geometric shapes are officially registered.
Many pilgrims come to Sulaiman-Too. It is believed that here people are cured of infertility, pain in the head and back, and receive a blessing for a long life.
The worship of Sulaiman-Too combines pre-Islamic and Islamic beliefs, that is, the mountain has been worshiped without exaggeration for several millennia.

East market
At the bazaar in the city of Osh, you can see both skilled artisans and traditional clothes of local residents. It is said here that the local bazaars remember the merchants of the times of the Great Silk Road, and their atmosphere has not changed much since then.
The oldest bazaar in the city is Zhaima Bazaar or Osh Bazaar. Here you can find vegetables, nuts, spices, dried fruits, national clothes, patterned textiles, souvenirs and household utensils. There are whole rows with Persian carpets and gold ornaments. And, of course, a lot of souvenirs - caps, painted knives or jugs.
Local sellers invite tourists and local residents to dine with tandoor samsas. Osh samsas are famous throughout Kyrgyzstan.
Those who want to fully immerse themselves in the local flavor and feel like a local should go to the cattle market on the outskirts of Osh. The so-called "small bazaars" sell the main value of these places - livestock. But the situation here is like on a working farm, so you need to wear clothes that you are not afraid to get dirty.
There are many interesting things in Osh and its environs for outdoor enthusiasts. There are routes for both professional hikers and beginners in mountain walks. You can admire the beauty of the Pamir Mountains while traveling through the Alai Valley to the picturesque mountain pastures. From the mountaineering bases in Osh, you can go on a one-day or multi-day tour, a horseback adventure, ride in a ski resort or explore the mysterious caves of Chil-Ustun, Chil-Mayram and Kekli-Too. For lovers of quiet walks, local guides are advised to go to the Chyyyrchyk pass, where it is easy to get there by car or to Lake Sary-Chelek in the reserve of the same name.

Historical and Ethnographic Museum of Kurmanjan Datka.
The story of the "Alai Queen" has become a symbol of the freedom of the Kyrgyz people. Here you will be told something that you will not hear anywhere else. Even the very structure and exposition of the museum is interesting - it is a three-story yurt.
Museum of Fine Arts of Turgunbay Sadykov.
In this museum, you can see the world through the eyes of Kyrgyz modernists. Combine aesthetic pleasure with the purchase of souvenirs (handmade dolls, colorful panels) in the art galleries "Saimaluu-Tash" and "Saltanat".
Cafe
In Kyrgyzstan, according to the Oshans, they cook the most delicious pilaf. But the range of local cafes is not limited to them. Those who have not tried it should appreciate the taste of local manti, they are very different in filling and size from manti served in Bishkek or Kazakhstan.
You can drink lunch with sour koumiss or the ancient drink of nomads - maksym. They say that every housewife has her own unique recipe for this drink.
And yet, the best way to get to know Osh better is to go for a walk around the city. Walk along the rows of colorful bazaars, stroll through green parks, appreciate the scale of the Soviet mosaic.
Local guides advise you to take a walk through residential areas (mahalla) that remember the Middle Ages, visit the ancient Orthodox Church and local ancient mosques.
On the street of artisans at the northern foot of Sulaiman-Too, you can watch the work of craftsmen and buy leather and steel products.
In addition, anyone can sign up for a walking tour of Osh and see the ancient Asian capital with a guide.

Uzgen Archaeological and Architectural Museum Complex

This complex is a historical monument to the Karakhanid Empire of the 10th -12th centuries. This period, according to historians, was the peak of development of Uzgen town.

The Uzgen Museum Complex consists of four historical and archaeological monuments. The minaret, built in the 12th century, takes a special place among them. Initially, the building was 40 meters high, but due to an earthquake that occurred in the 19th century, part of the tower was destroyed. The complex was restored in 1923. The actual height of the minaret is 27 meters. There are also three mausoleums on the territory of the complex, where the remains of the rulers of the Karakhanid period are kept.

Tulpar-Kul Lake

Tulpar-Kul is a large and clear lake, located at an altitude of 3,500 meters in the mountains of Trans-Alay Range. Tulpar-Kul is a favorite destination of choice for tourists and climbers visiting the Alay Valley.

On clear days, one of the highest peaks of Pamir-Alay, Lenin Peak, is mirrored in the lake.

Tulpar-Kul is located within walking distance from Achyk-Tash (departure point to Lenin Peak). You can ride horses to the lake from the nearby Sary-Mogol and Kashka-Suu villages.

Lenin Peak

Lenin Peak is one of the most famous and frequently visited seven-thousanders of the Pamirs. Despite the classical route is technically simple, climbing Lenin Peak belongs to the class of high-altitude mountaineering and requires good health and appropriate equipment from the climbers.

Beginning of the way to the base camp for climbing the peak is Osh city. A helicopter is not required to get to the starting point, a car is enough. Attention! Lenin Peak ascent is classified as extreme sports and can be dangerous. The Lenin Peak climbing program is also recommended as an acclimatization program for climbers planning expeditions to the Himalayas and Tibet.

Abshir-Ata Waterfall

Rapid water stream flows down a steep rock from a one-and-a-half-meter hole at a height of 12-15 meters in Abshir-Sai Valley, 70 kilometers from Osh city. The valley lies at an altitude of 1,500-2,000 meters above the sea level. To get to the waterfall, you need to walk three kilometers from the mouth of the river running along the floor of the gorge. Water of the waterfall is good for human health; it contains mineral salts. This water is considered holy by the locals. According to legend, once upon a time an unknown wanderer struck the rock with his staff and milk poured out of it. Pilgrims from miles around began to come here, the place was considered holy. But then people stopped revering it and the milk turned into water again.

Accommodation

Osh is the second largest city in the Kyrgyz Republic and a popular tourist destination. There are many hotels and hotels for every taste and in a different price range.

1. Jannat Resort Osh.

Address: Kokum-Biy, 5/3. Phone: +996 558‒39‒96‒81. Website: jannat.kg

2. Rayan Hotel Osh.

Address: Lenina, 189/2. Phone: +996 770‒00‒47‒84. Website: www.rayanhotel.kg

3. Osh Grand Hotel Chavo.

Address: Kurmanjan Datka, 280. Phones: +996 555‒52‒10‒77, +996 (3222) 7‒10‒77. Website: www.grandhotelchavo.com

4. Hotel "Osh-Nuru".

Address: Bayalinova, 1. Phone: +996 558‒39‒94‒01. Website: osh-nuru.kg

5. Hotel complex "Shanghai City".

Address: Nurmatova, 22. Phone: +996 779‒01‒99‒99

Food

There are many cafes and restaurants of Kyrgyz and Uzbek cuisine in the city of Osh. There is a cafe of Russian, Caucasian, Italian cuisine and other peoples of the world.

1. Teahouse NAVAT.

Address: Lenina, 288. Phones: +996 551‒77‒11‒11, +996 551‒52‒11‒11. Website: www.navat.kg

2. Restaurant PRESTIGE.

Address: Bekmamat Osmonov, 32. Phone: +996 770-03-36-58

3. Cafe Ethno Cafe Osh.

Address: Lenina, 212/1. Phones: +996 704‒44‒89‒77, +996 554‒44‒89‒77

4. Restaurant "Uluk Ata".

Address: Askar Shakirov, 132. Phones: +996 997‒10‒10‒10, +996 552‒10‒10‒10

5. Restaurant Nirvana.

Address: Bekmamat Osmonov, 25a. Phones: +996 555‒06‒37‒84, +996 505‒06‒37‒84

Taxi

There are several taxi services in the city of Osh, which are distinguished by efficiency and low prices.

1. Yandex Go service.

Tel: +996 554‒55‒06‒01, Yandex Go: taxi and delivery app for smartphone

2. Jorgo Taxi service.

Tel: +996 775‒00‒01‒53, +996 505‒000‒153, +996 558‒153‒000, +996 700‒88‒20‒23.

3. Service "Osh-Taxi".

Tel: 141, 1208, +996 705‒99‒78‒00, +996 775‒99‒78‒00, +996 558‒99‒78‒00

4. Ultra Taxi 180 service.

Tel: 180, +996 558‒999‒444, +996 704‒99‒94‒44, +996 778‒99‒94‒44

5. Service "City".

Tel: +996 774 16 90 00, +996 554 16 90 00, +996 704 16 90 00, +996 708‒16‒90‒00

Bank

All major banks of the Kyrgyz Republic have their branches in the city of Osh. There you can get a wide range of banking services, including currency exchange. ATMs are located in busy parts of the city.

1. Commercial bank "Kyrgyzstan".

Address: Kurmanjan Datka, 119. Tel: +996 770-33-33-69, +996 (312) 61-33-33,

+996 701-33-33-69 . Website: cbk.kg

2. Optima Bank.

Address: Gapar Aitiev, 6/1. Tel: +996 (312) 90-59-59, +996 (3222) 5-60-26, +996 (3222) 5-60-51. Website: optimabank.kg

3. DemirBank.

Address: Kurmanjan Datka, 180a. Tel: +996 (312) 610-610, +996 (3222) 4-85-85, +996 (3222) 5-55-55. Website: demirbank.kg

4. RSK Bank.

Address: Kurmanjan Datka, 124. Phone: +996 (312) 91‒11‒11. Website: rsk.kg

5. Bakai Bank.

Address: Gapar Aitiev, 7/1. Tel: 6111, +996 (312) 61‒00‒61. Website: www.bakai.kg

Welcome to Batken

Batken is the most remote and original region of Kyrgyzstan. Unique in nature, it holds many discoveries for travelers and wins their hearts forever.

Only here you can see the unique Aigul flower with its huge fiery petals. Listed in the Red Book, the "moon flower", as its name is translated from the Kyrgyz language, blooms for two weeks a year.

The most legendary and mysterious cave of Central Asia, Kan-i-Gut, which was mentioned by Avicenna, is located in the Batken region. This is one of the most important milestones of the ancient Silk Road. The length of the cave is more than 6 kilometers, almost half of them were discovered as recently as 2017. According to legend, countless treasures are hidden in it.

Another unique place in Batken is the rainbow mountains of Sary-Too. On their slopes you can see all the colors that can only exist in nature: terracotta, turquoise, lemon, emerald, sand, black, purple. Once these colored mountains were the bottom of the ancient Sarmatian Sea.

There is a Lunar Lake in the Batken region, a fortress with rock paintings and many other interesting places.

Ai-Kul Lake

"Moon Lake" Ai-Kul is located at an altitude of almost 3,000 meters. It is located on the territory of Sarkent National Nature Park in the mountains of the Turkestan Range, and it takes a long way to get there.

According to legend, the lake got its name because of its curved shape, similar to a crescent moon. It is ice-covered from October to March, but the summer sun paints its water turquoise. The lake, the area of which is less than a square kilometer, is almost inapproachable, surrounded on all sides by sheer cliffs. You can admire it either from the height of the pass, or from the south side, where two small rivers flow into the lake.

Ai-Kul is located near the border with Tajikistan, and a special permit is needed to get here.

Kan-i-Gut Cave

The most legendary and mysterious cave of Central Asia Kan-i-Gut is located west of Batken in Shadymir mountain area, on the slope of a spur of the Turkestan Range. This is one of the most important milestones of the ancient Great Silk Road. Information about Kan-i-Gut is found in the works of Avicenna.

In the X-XI centuries, the cave was a center for extraction of silver and other minerals. Then the mined-out deposit got empty, and only a gloomy cave remained, which people started calling "Mine of Doom".

The cave mine consists of numerous grottoes, deep, up to 40 meters, gaps, narrow intertwining tunnels and corridors. They connect more than 30 chambers, the largest of which is almost 70 meters long and 100,000 cubic meters in volume. The length of the cave is more than six kilometers, almost half of them were discovered as recently as in 2017. According to legend, countless treasures are hidden in the cave. Therefore, condemned to death were sent here so that they would either find treasures or die in the countless tunnels of Kan-i-Gut.

Karavshan Gorge

The Karavshan Gorge is called “the Asian Patagonia”, but it is much larger. Karavshan is located on the Turkestan Range, which has an amazing shape in this place. The pointed marble peaks are like giant crystals, and the sheer cliffs reach the height of 5,500 meters. The highest point of Batken region - Piramidalny Peak is located here.

The gorge is located in a remote mountainous area where there is no road. Walk from the nearest village to the gorge can take two days. But the difficulties of the route are compensated by comfortable weather, gorgeous mixed forests and fast-flowing rivers.

Kan Fortress

Kan fortress is located above Abgol village. It stretches out on the slopes of the Turkestan Range for almost half a kilometer. The fortress was built in the 17th century from sandstone, but numerous loopholes, rooms, protective covers are well preserved. The fortress consists of two parts connected by a narrow bridge. One of them looks more like an outbuilding, and the western one, hanging over the Sokha valley, is a real citadel that embodies the full power of the Kokand Khanate. The fortress served for defense and was practically impregnable for enemies.

There is a stone slab with rock carvings of animals and camel riders in the courtyard of the fortress. These rock carvings are much older than the fortress walls, and have nothing to do with the fortress. In the last century, an apricot orchard was planted on the territory of the fortress.

Aigul-Tash Mountain

Aigul-Tash mountain, located 20 kilometers southeast of the city of Batken, is famous for the endemic Aigul flower growing only in this place, which cannot be seen anywhere else in the world. Translated from Kyrgyz it is called "moon flower": it grows only on shady slopes, as if hiding from the sun.

Aigul stands out for its bright orange petals and large size, which is not typical for mountain plants. It is not easy to see it - it blooms only two weeks once a year. The Aigul reaches a height of 80-90 centimeters.The flower has become a symbol of Batken region. Holidays are held in its honor, and the plant itself is included in the Red Book of Endangered Species.

Sary-Too

The Sary-Too mountain range is translated from Kyrgyz as “yellow mountains”. But it’s more correct to call them rainbow mountains as they create such a colorful surreal landscape. These mountains are like a cut layer cake, in which you can see all the colors that exist in nature: terracotta, turquoise, citrine, emerald, sand, black, purple.

Once these colored mountains were the bottom of the ancient Sarmatian sea. It disappeared several million years ago, and the exposed rocks containing various metals oxidized, creating a bizarre palette. They contain many fossils, fossil shells of heterodont molluscs and plant remains of that period. The people even call Sary-Too “the mountain of shells”.

Welcome to Jalal-Abad!

Unique Jalal-Abad, you can list colorful, impressive places of which you can spend all day. Reserves, the likes of which are not found anywhere else in the world. The famous ancient walnut forests of Arslanbob, where, according to legend, Alexander the Great first ate walnuts, now known to the whole world as walnuts. There are trees here that grew back in the time of the great commander.

Saimaluu-Tash tract with the largest collection of petroglyphs. Here, at an altitude of more than 3000 above sea level, there are more than 90 thousand of them, the most ancient date back to the first millennium BC. Chychkan Gorge with unique animals and plants. Reserve Padysh-Ata, where juniper forests grow and snow leopards are found.

There is a stunning lake in the region - the stunning Sary-Chelek Lake, one of the most beautiful in Central Asia. Lakes Kara-Suu and Kapka-Tash, also located on the territory of the reserve.

In Jalal-Abad there is a mausoleum, the like of which is not found in all of Central Asia - Shah-Fazil. Next to it are other religious buildings, which many pilgrims come to worship.

The Toktogul reservoir, the largest in the region, is also located here. It is formed by a dam on the Naryn River, built for a huge hydroelectric power plant. And the remains of the road that goes under water to the flooded city are still preserved.

Sary-Chelek Lake

The lake is surrounded by amazingly beautiful and diverse landscapes: mountain ranges with snow-capped peaks, rapid rivers and quiet swamps, mountain taiga and alpine meadows, but the main wealth of these places is walnut and fruit forests.

Sary-Chelek Lake is considered one of the most beautiful lakes in Central Asia. It is located on the territory of the nature reserve of the same name at an altitude of 1,940 meters above sea level. The area of the lake is more than 500 hectares. Sary-Chelek is the third deepest lake in Central Asia and the second deepest in Kyrgyzstan. Sary-Chelek means "yellow water vessel" in Kyrgyz.

You can fish in the lake, and pick raspberries on the nearby slopes.

There are several opinions about formation of Sary-Chelek Lake. According to some scientists, it appeared due to an earthquake and collision of two mountain ranges, as a result of which a rock collapse blocked Khoja-Ata River.

Arslanbob

Arslanbob is the largest walnut forest in the world, located in the mountains of Jalal-Abad region on Fergana and Chatkal ridges at an altitude of 1,700 meters above the sea level.

Arslanbob is a natural forest that appeared in ancient times. According to some sources, its age exceeds 50 million years, its area is 700,000 hectares. Walnut, pistachio, almond, cherry plum and pear trees grow here - about 130 plant species in total. Some walnut trees are over a thousand years old.

Each tree gives from 150 to 400 kilograms of nuts per year.

There are several beautiful waterfalls and lakes on the territory of the forest.

Arslanbob Waterfalls

Arslanbob waterfalls are located in Jalal-Abad region, one and a half kilometers from the village of the same name in Babash-Ata mountain area, which cuts through the western and southern slopes of Fergana and Chatkal ridges. Arslanbob means "lion's mouth", because when water falls from a height, there is a sound similar to lion's roar. There are two waterfalls in Kyrgyzstan called Arslanbob, Big and Small. Big is named so because of its height - 80 meters. The waterfall is very narrow, so it looks even longer. Near the Big Arslanbob is the Holy Lake and the Ibn-Abbas tomb. You can get to the waterfall only on foot or on horseback, the journey will take about two hours. The height of Small Arslanbob is 30 meters. It is surrounded by trees; you can get to it along the narrow streets leading from the village. Kyrk Cherten (forty angels) cave is located not far from Small Arslanbob. According to legend, a woman who helped people lived there. Residents believe that mystical powers still live in the cave.

Toktogul Reservoir

It is the largest water reservoir in Kyrgyzstan and Central Asia, its area is 284 square kilometers, and the average depth is 215 meters. Two powerful hydroelectric stations are located on Toktogul reservoir - Toktogul and Kurupsai. Banks of Toktogul reservoir are popular rest area among residents and guests of Jalal-Abad region. In summer, the water here is warm and pleasant. Trout, carp and pike perch live in the reservoir.

Shah-Fazil

Shah-Fazil mausoleum belongs to the complex of buildings for public worship dating back to the era of the Karakhanids (11th century). It is believed that there are no similar monuments in other parts of Central Asia. Shah-Fazil is a square structure that looks like a massive truncated pyramid with original stepped drum and a tall dome resting on it. The interior of the mausoleum from floor to ceiling is covered with a thin ornament of different colors. Construction of the complex is connected with the legend about the campaign of the Arab army to this area to propagate Islam, led by Shah-Jarir - the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad. During the campaign, the Arabs were attacked and killed. The cause of Shah-Jarir was continued by his son - Shah-Fazil. He punished the killers and continued to spread Islam in those lands.

The complex of religious buildings also includes the holy Archa-Mazar mountain with Alamberdar mausoleum (19th century) and the cave of the Saint Hermit, the place of execution of 2,700 warriors of Islam, a mosque of the 18th -19th centuries, a vertically positioned stone and Safed-Bulon mausoleum. The entire complex is a Muslim shrine - a place of worship for many pilgrims

Chychkan Gorge

Chychkan Gorge is one of the most beautiful and picturesque gorges in Jalal-Abad region of Kyrgyzstan. Its average height is 2,200 meters. Bishkek - Osh road runs through the gorge, the slopes of which are covered with Tien Shan spruce trees, flowers and berries. The Chychkan Gorge begins from Ala-Bel Pass, which is located at the western end of Suusamyr, and stretches for tens of kilometers to the south, to Toktogul reservoir. "Chychkan" means “a mouse” in Kyrgyz. Such a specific name was given to the gorge due to the abundance of field mice that live on its slopes. A fast-flowing river of the same name runs along the floor of the gorge; it starts in the mountains near Ala-Bel Pass and flows into the large Toktogul Reservoir. There are fish farms along the banks of Chychkan River, where you can go fishing. Tourists can try freshly cooked fish and other delicacies here. A hunting reserve is also situated in Chychkan Gorge, where roe deer, wild boars and other animals live.

Kara-Suu Lake

Kara-Suu Lake is located near the Toktogul Reservoir, in the area of Taktalyk ridge, at an altitude of about 2,000 meters above sea level. The lake was formed in ancient times as a result of collapse of a part of the mountain range. A magnificent view to one of the peaks of the Fergana Range – Alyampasy opens up from the shore of Kara-Suu.Kara-Suu Lake fascinates tourists with blue color of its water. The enchanting azure hue of water in the lake changes depending on the time of the day, and therefore you can look at it for an infinitely long time. The depth of the lake is 90 meters; the area is 15 square kilometers. The river of the same name flows out of Kara-Suu - the left tributary of Naryn River, which belongs to the Syrdarya basin.

Itagar Gorge

Itagar Gorge is hidden behind the rocky mountains of Chychkan Gorge. It is believed that this place is especially beautiful in autumn, when the trees begin to turn yellow and, together with the blue sky, are mirrored in the local alpine Saz-Kul Lake."Saz-Kul" is translated from the Kyrgyz as "a swampy lake". Despite this, only some parts of the lake are swampy and in general the water in it is clean and clear. Saz-Kol is ideal for swimming and fishing. The lake is surrounded by trees, many of which are old and dry and can be used as firewood.Wild raspberries and blackberries can be picked here from July to September. Calls and whistles of local mountain birds will delight even the most sophisticated tourist.

The road along the gorge to the lake is of medium difficulty. Along the way, you will need to cross the river several times.

Kapka-Tash Lake

The locals call this lake "Kol-bashi", which means "main lake, water source". The thing is that a river flows out of this lake, which falls into the next lake and fills it. The lake is located at an altitude of 2,300 meters above the sea level."Kapka-Tash" is translated from the Kyrgyz as "stone gate".

Northern slope of Kapka-Tash Lake is covered only with rare shrubs and juniper trees, while its southern shore is particularly picturesque and rich in vegetation.Shore of the lake offers a magnificent view of the snow-capped peaks of the Fergana Range. A greenish-blue strip of Tien Shan spruce trees stretches below, and a deciduous forest descends to the shores of the lake. Birch, hawthorn and mountain ash also grow here.Kapka-Tash is a rock-dammed lake near the Toktogul Reservoir.