Osh
Overview
Osh is the first city you’re likely to stay coming from Tajikistan. It lacks sights, but if you have to spend time there waiting to go to Bishkek or somewhere in Northern Kyrgyzstan there are a few places to go and have a look at.
Sightseeing
Just a few kilometers outside Osh we accidentally came accross a Kok-Boru, a Kyrgyz traditional game where men riding horses fight for a goat’s head. Interesting to see but not sure when and where to see it, just ask around.
In town, climb the Suleyman Too mountain for some views over town and visit the lively Central Bazar and get yourself some really cheap and nice souvenirs, like an al kalpak (traditional Kyrgyz hat) for 100 soms, really worth it!
If you happen to be in Osh on a Sunday morning, hop onto marshrutka number 105 until the end of the line. You’ll be in the livestock market. Cows, sheeps and horses are sold here, quite interesting to see how they deal and buy the animals and then they are put into trucks to be carried away. It’s crowded and you’ll be walking on animal shit all time, so take proper shoes.
In town, climb the Suleyman Too mountain for some views over town and visit the lively Central Bazar and get yourself some really cheap and nice souvenirs, like an al kalpak (traditional Kyrgyz hat) for 100 soms, really worth it!
If you happen to be in Osh on a Sunday morning, hop onto marshrutka number 105 until the end of the line. You’ll be in the livestock market. Cows, sheeps and horses are sold here, quite interesting to see how they deal and buy the animals and then they are put into trucks to be carried away. It’s crowded and you’ll be walking on animal shit all time, so take proper shoes.
Accomodation
We stayed at Osh-Nuru Hotel, quite good and cheap option at 1000 soms per night. The hotel is undergoing some renovations but romos are ok and with working wifi.
Food & Drink
You can eat anywhere in or around the bazaar (mainly shashlik) or if you are faraway the Osh-Nuru hotel has a bar and a restaurant, although not really good ones.
Transportation
To get to Osh from Batken it takes 4 hours by shared taxi and it costs some 600 soms. On the way you cross some Uzbek enclaves, but no issues at all, we only had to show our passport once to a Kyrgyz official and continued our way. From Osh to Bishkek you can take a marshrutka at 10 in the morning and be in Bishkek 12 hours later for 1000 soms per person.
Safety
No issues, Osh feels totally safe.
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