Visit Central Asia
Osh is one of the oldest recorded cities in Central Asia, at more than 2,500 years old, and the cultural and logistical hub for Southern Kyrgyzstan and the Ferghana Valley. The highlights here are a gigantic, sprawling bazaar and some interesting muslim relics. Of the latter the most famous is the so-called Solomon's Throne, a rocky hillock jutting up above the city, where it is claimed that the Prophet Mohammed once prayed. A few hours drive to the north, the leafy village of Arslanbob nestles at 1,600 metres beneath the granite cliffs of sacred Mount Babash-Ata. The temperate climate, warm welcome and spectacular setting make this mainly Uzbek settlement a delightful place to relax and experience a little local life. Arslanbob is at the forefront of the excellent Kyrgyz Community Based Tourism (CBT) project, offering a number of excellent homestays and arranging guides and transport (horses or donkeys) for exploration of the local area. There are fantastic outdoor opportunities here, anything from gentle one-day walks through the celebrated walnut forests to local waterfalls and beauty spots, to more adventurous treks over the high passes of Mount Babash-Ata to Holy Lake.