Osh is the second largest city in Kyrgyzstan. Is is the biggest city in Fergana valley. This was one of the major trading cities that formed part of the ancient silk route. Today its a thriving modern city. The city is very tourist friendly and makes an excellent transit point for travelers going to Uzbekistan.
Osh Guesthouse
As most other places accommodation can be arranges by CBT. I was staying at CBT on Molinovskaya street. Its located on the centre of town and walking distance from most of the major attractions. The guest-house was typical of most of the houses in Osh.The rooms and towards the periphery with a large courtyard at the centre. All the houses have vines creepers in the courtyard.On the second day I woke up to loud music at 5:30 in the morning. There was a wedding next door and the musicians were playing on the street. As per Uzbek tradition only men were coming to the house. The guests were greeted by an usher ceremoniously washing their hands into a bowl of rose water. I was told that the groom will visit the in-laws house by noon and return with the bride in tow. The music lasted till 9 AM. I tried all over to buy the wedding music CD but could not find one:(
House of Bobir
The mountain complex of Sulaiman-Too is the main tourist attraction. This mountain complex has been designated as a World Heritage zone by UNESCO. Make sure that you visit the caves in the mountain complex. There is a museum that is built into the mountain. On the top of the mountain is the monument called "House of Bobir". Bobir was born in present day Uzbestistan. It is belived that Osh wasa the first city conquered by Bobir. He later conqured modern day afghanistan before invading India. The Mughal empire founded by Bobir (Bobir is called Babur in India) founded the Mughal empire that lasted until the rise of the British empire in India. There are many legends surrounding the "House of Bobir". It is believed that Bobir built this structure for his beloved sister Hansada Begum. Some people believe that it was a built as a mosque. During the 1960's this "mosque" was torn down by the atheist communist regime. The house of Bobir that we see today was built brick-by-brick based on old photographs after the Kyrgyzstan got independence.
Osh Wedding
The Chinese market in the city centre is worth a visit. Like in other parts of Kyrgyzstan the shops are modified shipping containers. Its easy to get lost in the maze of shops. CBT can arrange treks around Osh. Since I was running short of time, I decided to skip the trekking here.
The city park near Sulaiman-Too is a wonderful place to sit in the evenings and watch the fountains. It's also a favoured place for newly-wed couples for their photo shoot. I was surprised with the western attire and limousines as the city was bit more "orthodox" than Bishkek. The groom did have the traditional Kyrgyz hat with his suit.
Near the bus station is a sashlik seller. Make sure to have a few of his delicious sashliks (Kebabs) before you leave. Share taxis leave regularly to Bishkek and Jalalabad.
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