Popularly known as the ‘Capital of the South’ Osh is the second-largest city in Kyrgyzstan. Located in Fergana Valley, it is believed to be more than 3000 years old and is considered the oldest city. Osh has a mixed population comprising of Uzbeks, Russians, Kyrgyz and Tajiks.
It was an important trade route between China and India before the sea route was discovered. Osh was destroyed in the 13th century by the Mongols and was rebuilt. It lies at the foothills of the Alay and is at an elevation of 1000 meters.
Though there has been an occasional flare-up of tension, Osh has been a relatively calm place in recent times. The city is loved for its distinct character and the delicious taste of its plov.
Jayma Bazaar is a sprawling market area stretching over a kilometer across both sides of the Al-Bura river. If you manage not to get overwhelmed by the hustle-bustle, one can find everything under the sun in this market. Operated from the same place for over 2000 years, it is considered the most colorful and the biggest market in Central Asia. Right from vegetables and fruits to electronic goods and textiles or any household goods and in fact anything under the sun, well almost!! You name it and you can find it here. Osh offers several other activities for you to indulge in and get a feel of the local culture and tradition. Visit the red rice factory, or learn the art of knife making. Head to the museum or interact with the warm and friendly locals.
• This is a historically significant market from the Silk Road Days
• Find everything you need under one roof. Right from apparel to electronic good, from foodstuffs to musical instruments, this is your one-stop-shop for all your needs
• Understand the history and geography with the amazing views from the top of Suleiman-Too or the Solomon Mountain
• Your trip to Osh will be incomplete without a visit to the town of Uzgen which was once home to the ancient Turkic Karakhanid dynasty. Learn how red rice is grown in the factory and also visit a Silk Road Mausoleum
• If the Craftsmen Street or the Alebastrova Street as it was earlier called is on your way, be sure to take out time for a knife-making workshop run by Zakir Jon
• Add to your fashion collection with ‘Ikat’ a distinct Uzbek design with multi-colored patterns and designs
• Go a one-day or a multi-day trek into the beautiful Alay Mountains. Pass through some beautiful turquoise lakes, glaciers and gorges
• Get a close-up view of the massive Lenin statue just across the city hall. It is the largest standing Lenin statue in Central Asia
Distance from Osh International Airport to Jayma Bazaar is 8 km
Taxi
Travel Time: 11 minutes
Fare: $ 3 to $ 4
Drive
Travel Time: 11 minutes
Fare: $ 0.5 to $ 1
The place is pretty safe for tourists with no major concerns with regards to safety or any other elements
• People who are prone to altitude sickness need to keep their medicines handy at all times. There may be some other health concerns such as diarrhoea, encephalitis so take precautions
• One might find the local food a bit unhealthy with very little variety. Meat, pasta and dairy products are their staples
• Paying for anything by card is still less acceptable. However, you can easily exchange money and ATMs are available in every corner
• You can try the modified version of our ‘samosas’ known as ‘Samsa’ in Osh. They are small dough pockets stuffed with meat, onion, and spices. There are cooking classes as well where you learn to make them
• Deepen your knowledge about the local tradition by learning how to make the Uzbek-style traditional bread ‘lepyoshka’. Poke your head into one of the many bakeries and see for yourself loaves of bread stacked together and rising in the tandoor
• Organize your treks through various community-based tourism networks. You are sure to be impressed with the quality of food, transportation, and the rented equipment
• It is best to explore Osh on foot to get the feel of the place. Soak in the uplifting energy of the people and the place
Sunday: 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Monday: 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Tuesday: 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Wednesday: 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Thursday: 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Friday: 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Saturday: 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
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