Tourist Attractions & Monuments Kyrgyzstan

After passing the entrance, where a porcupine and a few turkeys are desperately trying to cheat their boredom, you can see at Karakol Zoo the main animal species living in the Kyrgyz mountains with the exception of the Marco Polo and the snow leopards. Camels, eagles, grey wolves, yaks and also some lynx are the main attractions but do not shine by their vivacity. The living conditions of the animals in this zoo seem questionable and we encourage you not to endorse this zoo by your visit.

The local agency can arrange accommodation in town or nearby, and suggest excursions on foot or horseback in the area. Immersion programs from 2 to 7 days in the Terskey Ala-Too range, adaptable according to demand. Rinat, CBT's local coordinator, obviously knows all there is to know about falcon hunting and the various events organized or improvised throughout the year. Apart from the classic winter hunts, you can attend the eagle hunting festival held in summer.

Dominating the west bank of the river, the hill of Solomon's throne was called until the 15th century "Bara Kukh", the "Wonderful Mountain". A sacred water source flowed there until the beginning of the last century. Solomon, the mythical founder of Osh, is said to have been enthroned on top of this hill and is also said to be buried there. The legends surrounding the life and death of King Solomon are as numerous as they are contradictory, but have not prevented the hill from becoming one of the most famous holy places in Central Asia over the centuries. And if the mosque built on the hill reminds us that Mohammed himself would have come to worship there, the site was sacred long before the Islamic period, as the rites of the pilgrims, largely tinged with shamanism, still testify. According to archaeological findings on the site, the oldest construction dates back to the Pre-Mongolian period. A mausoleum, erected by Sultan Makhmudkhan, became a high place of pilgrimage until its destruction in the middle of the 20th century. The last Timurid khan, Babur, also had a khoudj built in the 15th century: a small prayer hall with an iwan, probably destroyed by the Soviets (an accidental explosion for which no investigation was able to establish responsibility) and rebuilt after independence. A French woman, Marie Bourdon, who went to Osh in 1877, tells how pilgrims, in order to cure their illnesses, had to stick their heads three times through a crevice in the rock next to the mosque erected by Babur. The hill itself, whose shape evokes the silhouette of a pregnant woman, has become the object of a ritual by all newlyweds (and their mothers) praying for the rapid arrival of a first child. On the left side of the path, during the ascent, you will see a large stone completely smooth: this is where women expecting a child let themselves slide to promote their fertility. Even today, pilgrims still come to Osh every day to climb the hill, rubbing shoulders with tourists for whom the main motivation remains the panoramic view of the city. There is a small mausoleum on the observation platform at the top, where an imam recites continuous prayers. Below, a large Muslim cemetery seems to have partly burned down: the earth is burnt on a good half of the ground. Finally, at the bottom of the hill are the Assaf Boukhia mausoleum and the Jami Ravat Abdullah Khan mosque, which has become a place of worship again since independence.

A hundred kilometers northwest of Djalalabad, several thousand rock engravings cover the rocks of the Saïmali-Tash site, in the Ferghana ranges near the Kurgat pass. Situated near a lake at an altitude of 3,000 m, these 3,000-year-old icons are dedicated to the cult of the Sun Man. Hunting scenes and ritual dances are depicted in over 11,000 drawings spread along a 3 km trail.

This hunt, reserved for the nomadic elite, is carried out on horseback with a golden eagle or sparrowhawk. The falconer, always from one of the "noble" clans, raises and trains his eagle from an early age. The bird of prey is released onto birds, rabbits or foxes. When the eagle grows old, its master gives it back its freedom. These hunters can be found in other regions of Kyrgyzstan, including the Tian-Shan and At-Bashi valleys. Hunting takes place in winter. Local tour operators can organize demonstrations.

Very close to Burana. The site contains the ruins of the ancient city of Suyab, capital of the ancient Turkish khanate in the 6th century, then of the Karluk Turks in the 8th century. These tribes were settled in Kyrgyzstan even before the arrival of the Kyrgyz, but unfortunately the site offers very little information on the daily life of these populations and the layout of their capital. Archaeologists have nevertheless discovered traces of a Buddhist temple and a Nestorian church dating from the 7th century, testifying to the lively circulation of ideas along this axis.

From the central square, cross the bridge over the river to the bazaar. You will find just above a mosque and the mausoleum of Arslanbob Ata, a local hero dead in the vicinity of the siècle century and to which the village owes its name. Discover the peaceful atmosphere of the village, go to the meeting of the aksakal who do not leave the ombragée shaded town centre… Arslanobob, at the foot of the mountains, offers all the freshness and authenticity of a successful stage.

This 1,500-year-old stone block is engraved with Tibetan Buddhist inscriptions. Certainly engraved by monks or pilgrims following the path of propagation of religions between Afghanistan and China. It has become the pretext for nice hikes at a very easy level. The stone is not really in the middle of the path, and if you go alone you will have trouble finding it. Ask a guide to accompany you or, if you are in season and you meet people on the road, ask for the direction of "Tamga tash".

The Oak Park was laid out at the end of the 19th century by a Russian botanist. It is best known for its amazing statuary, which began in 1984 and has continued to grow in value ever since. Several sculptors collaborated on this work to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the founding of the Kyrgyz SSR. The spaces between each oak tree now seem to abound with sculptures in wood, stone or metal, among which one can recognize Kyrgyz heroes (including Jakov Logvinenko) or Russian personalities (such as Marx and Engels chatting peacefully).

Like the Musée d'Histoire, the Musée des Beaux-Arts underwent a famous facelift after the pandemic. Numerous works of painting and sculpture, once kept in reserve or displayed in dark corners, are now showcased in bright, pleasant spaces. There are no exceptional pieces in the collection, but there are some fine collections of handicrafts, as well as the usual litany of Russian and Kyrgyz painters from the Soviet period. The first floor hosts interesting temporary exhibitions.

In its original state, this museum is housed in the supposed home of the prestigious Soviet general Mikhail Frunze, born in Bishkek in 1885. Numerous photographs from the 1920s and propaganda posters are on display. The second floor is devoted to more contemporary military history. Press clippings even tell of the "Tulip Revolution" that put an end to the Akaev government. The first floor features a reconstruction of Frounze's house, oddly presented with a thatched roof.

The Museum of Zoology presents stuffed versions of all the flora and fauna of Kyrgyzstan. The stars, of course, are the Marco Polo sheep and the snow leopard (don't dream of seeing real ones in the country, so take advantage of this consolation prize), but enthusiasts will be able to spend time in front of the showcase of insects and butterflies brought back from Africa, the Himalayas or the Tian-Shan by Russian and Kyrgyz expeditions.

Inaugurated in December 1991, this gigantic bazaar consists of thousands of freight containers bought from Kazakhstan and Russia, stacked and organized around 18 main aisles cutting through five distinct districts. On the ground floor the shop, upstairs the stocks. It is mainly wholesalers who come to Dordoy, a gigantic brewery of goods from China, Turkey or Central Asia, supplying the bazaars of India, Russia and the whole of the former USSR. Costumes, fabrics, leather, carpets, ceramics, traditional clothing and even modern DIY and electronic products: everything can be bought and sold in Dordoy. This tin town has grown steadily over the last 25 years to now house more than 35,000 people. Each district (Turkish, Chinese, Kyrgyz, European...) has its specialities and the quantities sold are such that a bus station and hotels had to be built to accommodate the traders who came from far away. You won't find a lot of handcrafted souvenirs, but take a walk around to taste the unique atmosphere and entertainment! For food and drink, you will find a few vendors selling drinks and snacks at the bazaar's main entrance, around the bus station, or simply in the bazaar's aisles, near the street vendors. For a little more comfort (and a real meal), go near the administration offices in the centre of the bazaar where the Café Lissi is located. Kyrgyz and Uyghur specialties.

The minaret, built in the late ^10th or early ^11th century, measures almost 20 m and must have been double that when it was built. Its bare-brick decoration is typical of the pre-Mongol era. In the center, the Nasr-ibn Ali mausoleum is the oldest of the three (^11th c.) and houses the first khan of the Karakhanid dynasty. The northern mausoleum (1152-1153) is that of Hassan ibn Hussein ibn Ali. The chiselled terracotta of the southern mausoleum (1187) is the most admirable.

The Karakhanid city that controlled this stretch of the Silk Road until the ^12th or ^13th century covered more than eight hectares. All that remains today are sections of the walls, gradually crumbling into dust. Legend has it that Manas, the mythical hero of the Kyrgyz epics, built it and a mausoleum for his comrade-in-arms Koshoï. As the snow-capped foothills of the nearby mountains contrast with the steppe, a few red earth walls still protrude from the ground, forming a Hollywood-style backdrop that you'll never tire of strolling along.

At 3,100 m, the "Raztek stop" is the usual base camp from which some 30 routes of varying technical levels leave for the summits of the Ak-Saï ranges, culminating in Peak Korona, at 4,860 m, and Peak Semionov, at 4,875 m (allow two days for an ascent). One-day treks are also available at the foot of the Ak-Saï glacier, with picnics by a waterfall (the most accessible route). The best season for expeditions is from May to September. Horseback riding is also available.

Following Narynskaya or Usman Kasimov Street, turn left and then right to reach the banks of the Chuy, crossed by a small bridge. There's a beautiful panorama framing the snow-capped mountains to the north and the lower, green and ochre mountains to the south of Kochkor. Horses and sheep graze in the pastures on either side of the river, when they're not making way for the livestock market. Nor is it unusual to see cars parked directly in the river, to be washed by their owners..

Built in 1908, it was the first city racecourse in Tsarist Russia. It owes its existence to a very romantic love story between an officer of the czar and the daughter of General Petrakov. The general strongly opposed the marriage of his daughter Elena to the young captain Pianovsky, so the two lovers decided to flee from Tashkent. They seized the General's best horses and galloped to Karakol, where they took refuge and built the racecourse, which still sometimes hosts horse races.

Shepherd's Way Trekking was founded in 1994 by a Kyrgyz family from the village of Barskoon. In order to promote Kyrgyz culture and control the tourist movement on their land, they have set up hikes with the riders' peoples.

What do they propose? 20 hiking trails ranging from 3 to 30 days. You can visit the Juuku Valley, the Ak-Shyiraq Gorge and the Silk Road. You will sleep under the tent and share the daily lives of Kyrgyz men.

Where is it? Kyrgyzstan.

Prices and conditions. The journey is at your expense. On site, count between $ 60 and $ 100 ½ per day, depending on the duration of your stay, the period and the hiking.

The museum, opened to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the death of Nikolai Przhevalsky (1839-1888), traces the life of the famous 19th century Russian explorer by exhibiting engravings dating from his travels as well as some extracts from his publications and journals. Linger in the first room where, around a globe, are presented the four successive great expeditions in Central Asia of the man who gave his name to the small prehistoric horse that has now disappeared from the Central Asian landscape. The number of individuals was so small that inbreeding accelerated their near-extinction, before attempts at reintroduction were made in Kazakhstan. Don't miss to carefully observe the murals, which seem to move as the angle of vision changes. The second room is interesting for photos of Kyrgyzstan at the time of the explorations. It shows the different populations in their ethnic diversity as well as their traditions and scenes from their daily life in the 19th century. A few pieces of Przhevalski's personal material decorate the showcases here and there, as well as stuffed animals among those he listed. The 10-hectare park surrounding the building is also home to the memorial itself, which consists of a statue and a small chapel. In the cove of Mikhailovka, where in Soviet times torpedo tests were carried out, CBT organizes excursions and fishing trips by boat. Find out more at Karakol.

This vast, cold granite esplanade was built just over 30 years ago to commemorate the ^40th anniversary of the victory over the Nazis. The monument evokes the silhouette of a yurt, housing an eternal flame under four pillars, and contrasts furiously with the architectural style of the neighboring circus, erected in 1976 and very similar in style to that of Tashkent, Uzbekistan. The names of the Kyrgyz who died in the Great Patriotic War are engraved in granite on either side of the pillars.

The mausoleum has a very classical form: a brick cube supporting a pointed roof. The building dates back to the ^14th century, as evidenced by the arrangement of the bricks, which form a network of geometric decorations quite common at the time. The remains of the famous storyteller are believed to lie beneath the mausoleum's foundations. In addition to the mausoleum itself, visitors can wander around the battle site and visit the large museum dedicated to the most famous of Kyrgyz epics. In summer, equestrian games are frequently held near the mausoleum.

Turdubek, the local CBT representative, knows the surrounding mountains very well and can organise a ride to Sary Chelek (6 days on horseback or 8 days on foot to go there). To reach Toktogul, it takes four days on foot. The organization is well established and Turdubek can also provide you with basic equipment if you didn't bring any with you (duvets, tents...). Very good advice, he also knows a few off-road hikes, but you will have to organize in advance so that he can accompany you.

This park located along the river seems to serve as a spillway for the bazaar which is just a stone's throw away. It is very lively, the chaikhanas are full almost all day long, and one can join the chess players in hard games. The other stands are classics of Central Asia: rifle shooting, merry-go-rounds, punching-ball... The chaikhanas in the central square mainly serve ice cream, pastries and cold drinks. Set back, under the trees, others have paid more attention to comfort by having attractive sofas and serving compound dishes like simple chachlyks all day long. In the evening, the stands are full until 10pm, with groups of friends, young couples in love, lost tourists, aksakals and babushkas watching the time go by without getting tired of it for a second! In the centre, a Yak 40 seems to be stranded at the top of the waterfalls, and attracts all the kids in the park who regularly test the strength of its wings. This is the version, repainted in blue, and now harmless, of the old Yakovlevs that once linked Bishkek to Osh: a tight flight between the mountains. The only reassuring thing to know as you climbed in is that only Afghanistan veterans were able to fly them! It was scrapped some time ago and replaced by much safer Boeing. The park is a good place to feel the general atmosphere of the city while breathing a breath of fresh air along the river.

Taste the peaceful atmosphere of the village, meet the aksakal who never leave the shady gloriette in the town centre... Arslanobob, at the foot of the mountains, offers all the freshness and authenticity of a successful stopover. From the central square, cross the bridge over the river to the bazaar. Just above, on the left, you will find a mosque and the mausoleum of Arslanbob Ata, a local hero who died nearby in the 11th century and to whom the village owes its name. There is nothing special about the architecture.

The Osh bazaar is the most impressive in Kyrgyzstan, and is certainly up there with the most attractive in Central Asia. It wakes up every day at 7am, when the smoke from the first chachlyks begins to fill the aisles, between which, in summer, tarpaulins are stretched to provide shade. The traders have a bite to eat before setting about meticulously staging their wares. Like all Central Asian markets, the Osh bazaar is divided into several sectors: a few tourist souvenir stores as you come in from Alisher Navoi street, followed by textiles, fruit, dried fruit, vegetables, spices, meat, kumiss, textiles, boots and accessories for horses, yurt-building materials... You can get lost in the maze of aisles, navigating between stalls at a glance while avoiding being jostled by the cart pushers (" osh !osh!"). The bazaar is such an important part of daily life that a small prayer room has been set up here. The bazaar is such an important part of daily life that a small prayer room has been set up here. You can also enjoy a meal here on a very modest budget, either by sitting down in one of the chaikhanas, or by sampling the various ready-to-eat products on sale (salads, dried fish, kuruts...). You'll find everything you need to fill up on victuals if you're going to Tajikistan, where supplies are more random, as well as local specialties such as Uzgen red rice or Arslanbob pistachios.

CBT runs several bed and breakfasts in Osh. In addition to basic tourist information, you can book your plane tickets or plan your crossing of the Uzbek or Chinese border via Irkhestam (visas must be obtained in Bishkek). CBT Osh also offers a wide range of treks in Kyrgyz-Ata National Reserve (1 to 3 days), to the Alay Mountains (2 to 3 days) or to Lenin Peak Base Camp (7 days). These tours can be arranged and carried out on foot or on horseback or a combination of both.

This strange museum has been set up in the largest of the caves on the cliff. It presents the different religions that were once followed in the region: Zoroastrianism, Buddhism, Shamanism, Islam. The different places of worship are represented by cardboard and pasteboard reconstructions. Don't miss the cave called "stone fantasy", a marvel of useless kitsch. On the first floor, after a staircase full of stuffed animals, there is a large vaulted room that is almost empty, but offers a beautiful view of the valley from its bay window.

Hayat is one of those CBT coordinators who has taken his role very much to heart. He speaks excellent English and can organize many things around Arslanbob. Accommodation and transport of course, but also walking or horse riding to the jailoo when spring comes, or skiing in winter. One of the most beautiful hikes in the area is to reach the Babush Ata peak. Just behind is a lake, 50 km from Arslanbob, which has become a great place of pilgrimage and is accessed by a choice of three passes of different levels.

This agency has two other offices, in Tashkent and Moscow. It organizes treks in Kyrgyzstan for all levels and in all areas up to high level mountaineering. Its services are reliable, the guides and accompanying cooks have real skills, including language skills, and the drivers are punctual. And if you feel like going off the beaten track, you can go wandering in the remotest parts of the country without anxiety: knowledge of the terrain is one of the best assets of Pamir Expeditions.

Obviously if you've been to the bazaars of Bishkek or Osh, this one will seem quite modest. But it is still worth a visit for the textile part, which has made its reputation. It stretches all along the railway line, opposite the Tsoum department store. Of course, there are many cheap clothes made in China, but if you browse around you will also find more typical Kyrgyzstani items, made of good quality felt or leather. As in all bazaars, prices will have to be negotiated boldly.

This museum is a small architectural feat, since it was set up in a yurt with... three floors! And yet it's made sense for years. An ideal setting for discovering local and particularly nomadic customs. An interesting collection of photographs on the different minorities present in the country and their daily life before the Soviet standardization can be detailed through various objects and tools. Beautiful photographs also of Osh, and especially a very nice collection of shyrdaks.

On the road to Tajikistan rises, majestic, the second highest peak of the Pamir massif. Located in the northern Pamir Mountains, in the Zaalaiskiy mountain range, on the border between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, its summit is 7,134 m high. In 2006, the Lenin Peak was renamed "Independence Peak" but the name given to the Russian revolutionary leader has remained in common usage.

Despite its impressive altitude of 7,134 metres, the "ease" of access to its summit makes it the world's busiest "7,000". And every year numerous expeditions criss-cross its slopes following the different ascent routes. As a result, numerous camps are set up throughout the Atchyk Tash base camp, located at an altitude of 3,750 metres. They are managed by different Kyrgyz tour operators based in Bishkek and it is very easy to book a place for the night or to camp around them. The difficulty will be to reach the base camp, the best solution being to share a 4x4 with other travelers, as the Osh Guesthouse or CBT in Osh does.

Everywhere around the base camp, climbers walk around, loaded with all their equipment, to acclimatize before the start, waiting for the right weather window. But you don't need to be a mountaineer to climb from the base camp up the gently sloping plain to a splendid panorama dominated by the peak itself. It was first climbed in 1928 by the German-Russian team of climbers Karl Wien, Eugene Allwein and Erwin Schneider. It remained the highest peak in the Soviet Union for five years, until an expedition managed to climb Ismail Samani Peak, located about 100 kilometres to the southwest, and to accurately measure its altitude, which was 361 metres higher! Although Lenin Peak is easily accessible, the history of its ascents is marred by the heaviest death toll in the history of mountaineering: in 1990, during an earthquake, Camp 2 was buried and 43 climbers died.

As a simple walker, you will be able to wander around the base camps: it is an enchantment (apart from being out of breath after only a few metres!) of greenery and mountain pastures dominated by the peak which, unfortunately, can often be lost in the mist or clouds. You will console yourself by counting the countless marmots but don't sympathize too much, some of them are on the menu of the day in the campsites!