April 12, 2021 · 1 min read
When you visit Kyrgyzstan, the Central Asian architectural beauties in and around Osh are impossible to be overlooked. Osh serves as the briefing point en route Pamir Mountains, Dostyk crossing to Uzbekistan, Irkeshtam Pass to China and the newly discovered trek-roads through the Alay Mountains.
Uzgen was once home to the ancient Turkic Karakhanid dynasty. The place is now the site of Silk Routes to an 11th-century minaret and a 12th-century mausoleum.
Photography tip: Late afternoon offers light at iconic angles pointing towards the mausoleum that contrasts with the snow-covered Pamir Mountains lying in the distance.
The Alay valley is characterised by some of the most beautiful one-day and multi-day treks in Kyrgyzstan. The sometimes moderate and sometimes difficult trek offers you a series of turquoise alpine lakes and gorges that reach an altitude of 4,195 meters. While on the trek you will also pass the yak-filled high pasture or jailoo as the locals call it and can meet the local shepherds and their families.
The Alay mountain peaks also offer beautiful views of the Lenin Peak and the Pamir Mountains stretching out at a distance.
The Soviet-era Yak-40 Aeroflot aeroplane can be found sitting in the relics of the Bygone era now decommissioned and dismantled.
Climb the Solomon mountain or the Solomon throne to learn about Osh's geographical and historical background. A walk up to the mountain-cum-sacred pilgrimage through the region's Zoroastrian, Shamanistic and Islamic history will also give you an opportunity to visit a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The caves and niches dotted with petroglyphs and prayer relics follow up to a well-worn 'fertility slide' of the peaks. The mountains are also believed to be ground to a fortune and wish telling well, where visitors drop a coin to fulfil their wishes or to know their fortunes.
The Solomon mountains offer a deeper and quirkier dive into the Kyrgyz history. Archaeological enthusiasts can spend a day at the archaeological museum built in Soviet-style. The museum offers additional information on the pre-Islamic history of the country that includes information about the 'The cult of the horse'.
Explore the places in and around Osh to learn all about Kyrgyzstan's culture and history through pictures, landscapes and stories from the mouth of the locals. Book your tickets to the city of Osh and places that are around Osh. Call us or visit our visit our website to plan your trip to places around Osh.
