22 Attractions in the City of Osh You Should See

In the city of Osh (Kyrgyzstan), there are plenty of attractions for tourists, as it is one of the main historical and cultural cities in the country.

The list of local attractions is incredibly diverse: mosques and mausoleums, national parks and reserves, unique natural features - mountains and caves, valleys and gorges, lakes and waterfalls, as well as interesting museums, city parks, and authentic eastern bazaars.

Osh and its surroundings will provide unforgettable experiences for fans of any kind of recreation - historical, cultural, and wellness tourism, mountaineering and paragliding, trekking and horseback riding, spelunking, falconry, and fishing. No one will feel bored!

Suleiman-Too is the main natural attraction of Osh, its symbol, and pride. The mountain is named after the prophet Solomon (Suleiman), who, according to the legend, once prayed here.

It has long been considered a sacred place, which still attracts Islamic pilgrims from around the world. In 2009, this unique mountain became the first site in the country listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Suleiman-Too mountain range, stretching 1,140 meters, rises 150 meters above the city. During the ascent, one can see ancient preserved petroglyphs, visit mysterious caves, explore the National Historical and Archaeological Museum Complex, and enjoy panoramic views of Osh from above (especially magical at sunset).

At the foot of the mountain, there are also many interesting attractions.

GPS coordinates: 40.53048484725293, 72.78501921217195

This small mausoleum, located at the eastern peak of Suleiman-Too Mountain, is one of the oldest architectural monuments in the country. At the end of the 15th century, the ruler of the state of Mogulistan, Sultan Mahmud Khan, built a cell on the site of a stone slab where, according to an ancient legend, the prophet Solomon once prayed. This cell later became known as a mosque.

The Takhti-Suleiman Mosque, also known as Babur's House, is a small building with two windows, consisting of a single room. It is built from polished white stone, and the entrance door made of oak and the interior walls are adorned with intricate carvings.

Every year, pilgrims traverse the difficult mountain paths to pay their respects at the sacred place of prayer of the great prophet. From the observation deck in front of the mosque, the entire city of Osh is visible.

GPS coordinates: 40.53044722154149, 72.79029170908967

At the foot of the renowned Suleiman-Too Mountain is a yurt village - the ethnocenter Alymbek. There, visitors can see a unique structure built in 1995 - a three-story yurt with beautiful interior decor, constructed to celebrate the 1000th anniversary of the epic 'Manas'. The yurt has long been considered a symbol of Kyrgyzstan's national culture.

Inside the three-story yurt is a small ethnography museum, which introduces visitors to the history of the region and its notable figures.

Here, one can see carpets, pottery, saddles, weapons, clothing, and other original items used at various stages of Kyrgyz history. The museum frequently hosts exhibitions and sales of unique handicrafts.

GPS coordinates: 40.529882618478105, 72.79377340774934

The Chil-Ustun karst cave is an amazing natural creation and a popular pilgrimage site. It is located in southwestern Kyrgyzstan - about 20 km from Osh. The existence of the cave has been known since ancient times, proven by Arabic inscriptions found inside the cave by archaeologists.

The cave has three separate chambers of varying sizes, connected by corridors and narrow openings. Its name literally translates to 'forty columns'. Inside, there are indeed a large number of sparkling light-pink columns and stone carvings - even the most skilled architect couldn't create anything more stunning.

There is plenty to see and hear here. The crystals are not silent - they produce a variety of unique sounds when touched.

GPS coordinates: 40.538954715025774, 72.52577709608767

The Ravvat Abdullakhan Mosque, located at the southeastern foot of Suleiman-Too Mountain, is considered the oldest mosque in Osh - it was built in the second half of the 16th century.

According to popular legend, the mosque was constructed during the reign of Abdullakhan II from the Great Shaybanid dynasty. Among the architectural complex, surrounded by a high wall, the main building has been well-preserved.

The rather simple appearance of the structure is explained by the fact that it was originally used as a fortification (as indicated by the word 'ravvat' in the mosque's name).

However, over time, the building lost its defensive functions and became a temple. Of all the structures of the fortress, only the main building - the mosque - has survived well to this day, due to the effects of time, wars, and earthquakes.

GPS coordinates: 40.53194028335517, 72.79169798706272

The central square on Kurmanjan Datka Street is adorned by the Cathedral of Archangel Michael - the only monument of Russian Orthodox architecture in Osh. It was founded in 1909 on the site of a temporary church built in 1877.

In 1910, the enlarged and renovated church was consecrated in honor of Saint Archangel Michael. At different times, the building hosted a club, a House of Culture, and a philharmonic. Only in 1992 was the church returned to the Orthodox community. Today, the Cathedral of Archangel Michael serves not only as a spiritual but also as a cultural center for the Russian population living in Osh.

The beautiful building of the Cathedral of Archangel Michael is an architectural dominant of the city. In 2001, restoration of the plasterwork and the choir for singers was carried out. Now the restoration of the inner paintings and chandelier, as well as the exterior appearance of the building, is on the agenda.

GPS coordinates: 40.51538143830861, 72.80553819045173

Opened in June 2012, the Suleiman-Too Mosque became the largest mosque of its time, not only in the city of Osh but in all of Central Asia. Today, this beautiful central cathedral mosque, situated at the foot of the sacred Suleiman-Too Mountain, serves as the spiritual center of traditional Islam for all believers in southern Kyrgyzstan, as well as being a stunning building and one of the landmarks of Osh.

The Suleiman-Too Mosque occupies an area of about 1 hectare. Inside the building, around 5,000 people can be accommodated, and outside its walls, about 20,000 worshippers.

Every year, thousands of pilgrims come from all over the world to the sacred Suleiman-Too Mountain, and they always visit the mosque to pray. The complex also includes a madrasah, library, and conference hall.

Address: Suleiman-Too Mosque, Suleiman-Too, Gapar Aytiev, Osh, Kyrgyzstan.

The museum was established in 2004 by the Ministry of Culture, Information, and Tourism and is named after its founder - academic Turgunbai Sydykov. The modest-sized museum building is located in the ancient craftsman quarter - near the Ravvat Abdullakhan Mosque, at the foot of Suleiman-Too Mountain.

The exhibition includes paintings mostly created by local artists in various artistic styles - from socialist realism to modernism. There are also several works from masters of neighboring countries.

In addition to paintings, the museum features sculptures and decorative-applied art from local artisans. The museum's exhibits serve as a kind of treasure trove of information about the lives of Kyrgyz people over the past century, as they reflect Eastern color and vividly describe the history of the region.

GPS coordinates: 40.532098343263556, 72.79223082484297

The ancient mausoleum is located in the historical center of Osh - at the foothill of Suleiman-Too (on the eastern side). According to local residents, the remains of the close associate of King Solomon, Asaf ibn Burhiya, are buried here, who had requested to be buried at the foot of the sacred mountain. Throughout its long history, the mausoleum, built in the 18th century, has been repeatedly destroyed and restored.

The historical monument exemplifies the classic architecture of ancient mausoleums of Bukhara and Samarkand. The main part of the building is adorned with a massive entrance portal featuring traditional geometric decor, above which four windows can be seen, closed with ornamental grilles.

The entrance arch is lined with tiles on the inside. The interior of the mausoleum, on the contrary, is simple.

GPS coordinates: 40.52955172609802, 72.79196891135061

For centuries, bazaars have been a significant traditional part of Muslim life. They are not only a place for shopping but also a meeting point, socializing, and conducting trade.

The ancient Eastern Zhajma Bazaar is one of the most colorful cultural attractions of Osh. It stretches several blocks along the banks of the river.

Trading at Zhajma Bazaar begins early in the morning and concludes at sunset. The diversity of goods is incredibly vast, so it's impossible to leave there without making a purchase:

Navoi Park is a popular leisure spot for both residents and guests of Osh. It is named after the famous Turkic poet and statesman - Alisher Navoi, who lived in the 15th century. The park is located in the central part of the city, stretching north from the end of Zhajma Bazaar along the Ak-Buura River - parallel to Lenin Avenue.

Visitors to Navoi Park will find amusement rides, a shooting range, a playground with tables for chess and ping-pong, and several cozy cafes. There is even a real retired Yak-40 plane installed here.

The park area is lush with greenery and abundant vegetation, with shady paths all around and numerous benches for rest. Near the entrance to the park by the plane, there is a spring, from which locals draw pure water into bottles.

GPS coordinates: 40.53208086268704, 72.79782448251483

The shaded Alymbek Datka Park, located at the foot of Suleiman-Too Mountain, is a wonderful place to relax, have fun, and enjoy delicious snacks. The atmosphere here is always pleasant, with music and laughter in the air, as well as aromas of tasty food (the establishments offer dishes from both national and foreign cuisines).

The park has its own attraction - the only three-story yurt in the world, which houses an exhibition telling about the folk heroes of the 19th century - Alymbek Datka, who fought for the independence of the Kyrgyz-Alai tribes, and his wife Kurmanjan Datka, who became a symbol of freedom for women in Kyrgyzstan.

There are also many cultural items displayed that are connected to the history of Kyrgyzstan and the traditions of nomadic peoples.

GPS coordinates: 40.53000779205094, 72.79414424593507

Love Park, located in the central square of Osh, is an original creation by modern architects and designers. This cozy and beautiful place in the city is perfect for family outings and photo sessions. A major reconstruction of the park took place in 2017.

In Love Park, which is surrounded by lush greenery and colorful flowers, there are a series of bright heart-shaped arches that form a long corridor.

Among other locations worth mentioning are a miniature replica of the Eiffel Tower, a large central fountain, tents, and statues of cupids. It's no wonder this romantic spot has become favored by newlyweds in the city - it's common to see one or several weddings in the park.

This city park on Lenin Avenue is one of the favorite spots for relaxation among locals and guests of Osh. The park was ceremonially opened in 1919. It is named after Toktogul Satylganov - a renowned folk singer and improvisational poet (akyn) in Kyrgyzstan.

The park area is lush with greenery and enchanting scents - there are many trees and flower beds. Benches are set up for relaxation, and mothers with children and elderly people often stroll along the walking paths.

Various urban cultural events, open-air concerts, meetings with interesting people, and themed evenings often take place in Toktogul Satylganov Park.

GPS coordinates: 40.51583999809346, 72.80873367078934

The seven-decade long era of communist rule left its mark on the city's appearance in the form of Soviet frescoes. Once created as part of the beautification of Osh, these frescoes represent a remnant of recent history - a unique element of urban architecture, distinct for most post-Soviet cities.

Six colorful tiled frescoes, created by artists and sculptors of the Soviet era, can be found in the central part of the city - just a few minutes' walk from the Lenin monument.

Most of the frescoes - from the legendary Olympic bear of the 1980s to a fresco celebrating labor - depict Soviet ideology interwoven with Kyrgyz cultural symbolism and ornamentation, with only a few mosaics showcasing the building's purpose.

The village of Aravan, located 29 km from Osh, is known for numerous rock paintings on the surrounding mountains. One such location is Aravan Rock on the right bank of the river of the same name, where unique historical artifacts - rock paintings and petroglyphs - can be seen.

On the rocky cliff, ancient rock paintings depicting horses, deer, goats, and hunters with bows are visible. The fairly large drawings capture the 'heavenly horses' of the Fergana Valley - the legendary ancestors of famous Asian horses.

Especially impressive is the depiction of a mare and her foal - the outlines of the animals, carved into the rock almost life-sized and painted with ochre, have not lost their bright colors and details over the millennia.

GPS coordinates: 40.49821037054345, 72.53080191982865

The Abshir-Sai Tract is a unique natural monument, located 70 km from the city of Osh. The picturesque canyon, framed by steep cliffs, is formed by the river of the same name. The canyon's floor lies at an altitude of 1,500 to 2,500 meters above sea level.

The flow of the Abshir-Sai River in the tract is quite strong, which makes its waterfalls impressive. The Abshir-Ata waterfall is one of the sacred sites of the canyon. Pilgrims frequently come here to bathe in the waterfall streams and collect water, which is considered holy and possesses healing properties.

The rushing stream bursts beautifully from a 30-meter height through a circular hole in the rock and falls down. In the Abshir-Sai Tract, one can also see rock paintings - in places where primitive people used to camp.

GPS coordinates: 40.16234409781389, 72.36312899980756

Located within the National Museum-Reserve 'Great Silk Road' near the city of Osh is the picturesque grotto 'Swallows' Nest'. It represents a karst cavity formed by the weathering of rocks over many centuries.

In the 'Swallows' Nest', it is always cool, even during summer heat. Deep inside, a spring flows, filling a specially created basin with its transparent water. The grotto invariably attracts tourists with the unique beauty of its fanciful rocky formations, vibrant colors of the surrounding nature, and crystal-clear mountain air.

Nearby are unique local attractions - the sacred Suleiman-Too Mountain and the associated archaeological museum, the Uzgen historical complex, and the Saimaly-Tash tract.

GPS coordinates: 42.379069, 78.597594

Lenin Peak, rising 7,134 meters above sea level, is considered one of the highest peaks in Central Asia. This peak of the Chon-Alai range is located on the border between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan.

Lenin Peak is one of the most accessible 'seven-thousanders,' attracting climbers from all over the world. Ascents to the summit are made from the base camp Ačyk-Tash. Along the way, climbers encounter a true kingdom of snow and ice.

If the rather challenging ascent isn't for you, embark on a simple trek to the base camp to admire the beauty of nature and the majestic snow-covered mountains of Pamir.

GPS coordinates: 39.34410329019337, 72.87759909295576

The Alaï Valley, stretching 150 km, represents an intermountain basin within the Pamir-Alai mountain system in Kyrgyzstan. The valley lies at an altitude of 3,000 meters and covers a total area of about 2,000 km².

To the south, it borders the Pamir, and to the north - the Gissar-Alai mountain range. Running from west to east, the valley separates two mountain ridges - the Alaï and Zaalai.

The valley, which locals simply call Alaï, is particularly picturesque during the warm months. Its stark valley landscapes are beautifully stunning - against the backdrop of the majestic wall of the Zaalai ridge, high-altitude meadows and lakes expand.

Numerous routes for mountaineering enthusiasts pass through the valley, and it can also be accessed to reach the Pamir (with the attainment of a special permit).

GPS coordinates: 39.597831245174994, 72.85305454467088

The high-altitude Tulpar-Kul Lake is located in the mountains of the Zaalai range within walking distance from Ačyk-Tash - the base camp of Lenin Peak. It is situated at an altitude of 3,500 meters above sea level. The lake can be reached on foot or by horseback from the nearest villages of Sary-Mogol and Kashka-Suu.

The natural attraction Tulpar-Kul is a favorite among tourists and climbers visiting the Alaï Valley. On clear days, the majestic peak of Lenin - one of the highest in the Pamir-Alai mountain system - is beautifully reflected in the water surface of this fairly large, transparent lake.

The blue lake and the surrounding hills of red soil, green grass, and snowy mountain peaks create an incredibly picturesque combination of colors.

GPS coordinates: 39.5054738854536, 72.93514242791605

The museum is located in the village of Gulcha in the Alaï district, 87 km from the city of Osh. It was opened in 1990 to celebrate the 180th anniversary of Kurmanjan Datka (datka means general) - a revered political figure. She began ruling the Alaï region in the mid-1800s and was an extraordinary diplomat.

Kurmanjan Datka is a national hero, a symbol of freedom for Kyrgyz women, and the only female vizier recorded in the entire history of Central Asia. She was referred to as the 'Queen of Alaï', 'Queen of the Mountains', and 'Mother of the Nation'.

In the three-story museum, which resembles a large yurt, over 3,200 exhibits narrating the life of this great woman and the entire Kyrgyz people are presented. The museum also features a crafts center, where visitors can participate in creating products from felt, leather, and wool.

GPS coordinates: 40.31317, 73.44798