CBT Osh

CBT Osh

Southern Osh, Kyrgyzstan’s second largest city, holds about 250,000 people and a dominantly Uzbek population. One of Central Asia’s oldest cities, Osh is said to be older than Rome. A number of legends depict its history dating back to the fifth century BC: Alexander the Great passed nearby on his way to India, King Solomon slept on “Solomon’s Throne” and Bobur the Lion, conqueror of India was born here. One of the Central Asia’s best open markets is here, the central bazaar crowded with Kyrgyz, Uzbek and Tajik offering everything from seasonal fruits and vegetables to traditional hats, knives and horseshoe. Craftsmen still employ ancient technologies for making everyday knives, horseshoes and steel home decorations.

The center of Osh holds Sulaiman Mountain, throne of King Solomon. According to legend the mountain appeared only after King Solomon rested here. For Central Asian Muslims Taht-I-Suleiman is the third most sacred place after Mecca and Medina. At the summit an ancient mosque built by Bobur in 1510 still operates. There is also unique museum in the natural cave. Osh can be reached from Bishkek by taxi (720km, 12-14 hours) via the Bishkek-Osh highway or by plane (about 40 minutes).

The Pamir highway, leading to the Kyrgyz-Tajik border and main Pamir-Alai road to Kashgar (China), starts in Osh.

СBT Osh is a community based tourism agency located in Osh city. It has Tourist Information Office in the city where you can gain information about southern Kyrgyzstan. Osh city is at the gateway to the countries as Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and China. The best treks and horseback tours to Alay Valley starts in Osh city.