10 Best Things To Do In Osh, Kyrgyzstan

1. Be taken away by Sulayman Mountain's natural beauty

Kyrgyzstan boasts many wonderful tourist attractions. Sulayman Mountain, one of the three UNESCO World Heritage sites in the country, is among the most well-known attractions in Osh. It is also where National Historical and Archaeological Museum Complex is located. Here, visitors can appreciate various archeological discoveries in the area or just take pictures of the mesmerizing mountain views. The slope of the mountain is surrounded by a cemetery.

Sulayman Mountain

Address: Osh, Kyrgyzstan

2. Pay your respects at Dom Babura Mosque

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

If you love hiking or mountain climbing, reach the top of Mount Solomon and marvel at the charm of Dom Babura Mosque. To get to the mosque, you must take a 200-meter stairway (656 feet) along the hairpin of Sulayman Too. Locally known as Babur’s House, the mosque was built by a 15th-century Central Asian emperor as a tribute to Solomon. The mosque that you can visit now is a 1989 reconstruction of the prayer room built in 1497. If you happen to speak Russian, the Uzbek caretaker will tell you more about the mosque and even offer you a prayer for a few bucks.

Dom Babura Mosque

Address: Mount Solomon, Osh, Kyrgyzstan

3. Enjoy a picnic session at Park Alishera Navoi

Take a walk or set up a picnic session in this park located along Ak-Buura river. This scenic park has a fountain that serves as a central meeting place for people. There is also an area where you can watch the locals playing chess. The place also features an amusement park where kids can ride a Ferris Wheel and play in numerous shooting galleries. Another attraction in the park is the abandoned Yakovlev Yak-40 which used to be a video salon.

Park Alishera Navoi

Address: Osh, Kyrgyzstan

Opening hours: Fri - Wed: 9am - 9:30pm (closed on Thu)

4. Shop for organic produce at Jayma Bazaar

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Considered as the most picturesque open market in Asia, Jayma Bazaar, also known as The Great Silk Road Bazaar, is located along Ak-Buura river. The market features numerous traditional chaikhanas or teahouses along the west bank of the river. The bazaar offers diverse products where you can purchase organic seasonal fruits and vegetables, locally-made knives and horseshoes, Chinese tea sets, shoes, cosmetics, and even books. It is usually crowded as even people from neighboring countries visit Jayma Bazaar for their needs. Even though the market is open every day, it is usually deserted on Mondays.

Jayma Bazaar

Address: Kyrgyzstan, Osh, Kyrgyzstan

Opening hours: Tue - Wed: 7am - 8pm; Fri - Sun: 7am - 8pm (closed on Mon & Thu)

5. Experience trading at Osh Animal Market

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Don’t leave Osh without dropping by or shopping at Osh Animal Market. The shopping schedule is usually done during Sunday mornings. You will get to see sheep, horses, donkeys, and cattle being sold or traded by the locals. Seeing the negotiations is quite amusing as you get to see the cultural differences between people. If you plan on visiting, please wear shoes and clothes that you won’t mind getting dirty as it is like visiting an actual farm.

Osh Animal Market (Sunday Market)

Address: Medrese, Kyrgyzstan

Opening hours: Sun: 7am - 12pm

6. Take some photos next to Lenin Monument

For your Osh travel memorabilia, take some photographs of the largest remaining Lenin statue in Central Asia. If you are in the central Aravanski district, walk south on Lenin Street until you see the gigantic statue. The monument stands right in front of the city hall. This gigantic statue of Lenin is the main attraction of the main city square.

Lenin Monument

Address: Lenin Avenue, Osh, Kyrgyzstan

7. Get a close up view of the mountain at Alymbek Datkanyn Aykeli

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

The main attractions of the park are the monuments of Alymbek Datka and his wife, Kurmanjan Datka. You can interact with the locals and fellow tourists while walking around this historic park. Alymbek Datkanyn Aykeli also features the independence monument, a water irrigation stream, and a view of Sulayman Too Mountain. There are also cafes within the area, in case you want to unwind after exploring the pleasant views of the park.

Alymbek Datkanyn Aykeli

Address: Kurmanjan Datka St., 262-264, Osh, Kyrgyzstan

8. Know more about Osh's history at Mavzoley Asaf Ibn Burkhiya

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

This mausoleum is named after the mythical helper, Asaf Ibn Burkhiya. This site is one of the most popular points of interest in Osh due to the stunning mountain views and the impressive sight of the mausoleum at the foot of the mountain. You can stop by here just to appreciate the entire place, take some souvenir photographs, talk to the locals, or go brisk walking. If you want to dig deeper into Osh’s rich history, this park is definitely one of the places you should explore.

Mavzoley Asaf Ibn Burkhiyay

Address: Osh, Kyrgyzstan

9. Marvel at the Soviet murals

If you are interested in Russian art, music, and culture, you need to take a closer look at Soviet Murals spread throughout the city of Osh. Make sure to have your cameras ready because you are in for an inspiring street art treat once you see these awesome murals. Some murals can be seen in buildings and residential apartments. Although there were changes in the art in recent years, the changes were mostly revising the Soviet political ideologies in the murals. Some notable murals are located on the building of the wedding registry, a technical college building, and one can also be seen across Lenin’s monument.

Soviet Murals

Address: Osh, Kyrgyzstan

10. Try out a vast variety of food at Izyum

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Have a taste of Osh by eating at Izyum. This local restaurant is the top spot for tourists when it comes to a complete dining and drinking experience, especially during the summer. You may opt to dine riverside or dine on woodland dining platforms. The restaurant also offers a cafe if you would like to sit on comfortable cushioned sofas. The restaurant offers a vast variety of food such as pizza, steaks, sushi, and local food. There is also a bar that is separate from the dining area. The bar is packed with back-lit bottles. As the night wears on, you can dance with the locals or other tourists.

Izyum

Address: 214, Lenin, Osh 714000, Kyrgyzstan

Opening hours: 8am - 12am (daily)

A great city with a touch of Soviet history

If you are looking for a Central Asian country with its Soviet history somewhat intact, look no further than the city of Osh in Kyrgyzstan. The city has a great history and rich culture. Osh is a budget-friendly city and an interesting choice for a vacation in Central Asia.