It is the gateway to southern Kyrgyzstan and the Pamirs, with Suleiman-Too, one of Central Asia's greatest bazaars, and deep Silk Road history.

When is the best time to visit?

Spring and autumn are most comfortable; midsummer is hot in the city, though it is usually just a staging stop before the cooler mountains.

Is it a base for expeditions?

Yes — Osh is the road-head for Peak Lenin and trips over the Pamir Highway into Tajikistan.

Things to do in Osh City

One of Central Asia's oldest cities, Osh has been a Silk Road hub for three millennia, set on low hills at the foot of the Pamir-Alay. It is the staging city for southern expeditions and a cultural destination in its own right, crowned by the sacred hill of Suleiman-Too and home to one of the region's great bazaars.

Sacred hill and Silk Road

Walks up the UNESCO-listed hill of Suleiman-Too, short canyon day hikes, and the great bazaar, before heading into the mountains of southern Kyrgyzstan and up to Peak Lenin. Open the Book here tab to see what is running.