The second largest city in Kyrgyzstan, Osh might seem like a bit of a backwater at first with its abundance of low rise buildings. Nevertheless, there is still plenty to see here and it is a nice chance to relax and enjoy a slower pace. Osh is also very easy to navigate, with one major road running from north to south parallel to the river, and much of the town being concentrated along the river.
Park on Ak-Buura River
This large park is located just south of the stadium on the main river running through town. It has an amusement park, with carnival rides and food stalls. In addition, there is a path running along the river bank, and next to the path there are sections of shaded embankment. This is a perfect spot for sitting and watching the river go by. You might also want to get some relief from the heat and take a swim much like the locals.
Main Bazar
The main street through town intersects a highway, and a large bazaar begins underneath the underpass where this highway crosses the river. Wandering through the stalls selling cheap clothing and shoes provides some shaded entertainment. Along the river there are small cafes with a wide selection of cheap local food. This might not be the most scenic bazaar in Kyrgyzstan, but it is free of tourists.
Sulaiman Too Mountain
The Sulaiman Too Mountain is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the most famous attraction in Osh. Climbing the mountain for the viewpoint of the surrounding countryside and into Uzbekistan is certainly worthwhile even if you are only staying in Osh for a day or two.
There are two entrances to the complex. The east entrance is the most accessible from town, and is near the main road. The other entrance is more scenic, located on the southwest side of the mountain, but about a 2 kilometre walk from the main town road. It is possible to enter by one entrance and exit via the other.
It costs 20 Kyrgyz Som to enter the complex and climb the mountain and 150 Som to visit the museum. The museum is not so interesting for the artefacts, but it is carved into the mountain and is a nice place to cool off.
Following the main path and stairs up to the top viewpoint is very straightforward. There is little shade, so go in the morning or afternoon and bring water. For experienced hikers with good shoes, there are many opportunities to go off this main trail to view caves and petroglyphs.
Food: Tsarskii Dior
While this restaurant will not win any prizes for being inexpensive or off the beaten track, there are only a few TripAdvisor foreigners in Osh, so this restaurant can hardly be called “touristy”. It is a great opportunity to enjoy some good “shashlik” (BBQ skewers). It is located quite near to the eastern entrance of the Sulaiman Too complex, and can be a nice place to enjoy a post hike dinner with some cold beers. For a scenic atmosphere and cool breezes, see if you can get a table in the upstairs patio area. A good and filling meal will be around 15-20 dollars.
Travel Further: Uzbekistan
One of the nice things about Osh is that it is very easy to get across the border to Uzbekistan. Just a short marshrutka ride away, Uzbekistan, like Kyrgyzstan, is now visa free for passport-holders of many countries. Read more about how simple it can be to travel onward to Uzbekistan here!
