Kyrgyz-Ata National Park is a small nature reserve to the south-west of Osh. Within the last two years, it turned into the bestselling location for single-day trips and weekend hikes. This place will perfectly suit travelers who are short of time for multi-day treks (or just not fun of them), but still eager to dive into the fascination of Kyrgyz nature

The national park is located on lower parts of the Alay Mountains just 40 km away from Osh. Depending on the type of vehicle, it takes on average one and a half hours to get to Kyrgyz-Ata. As you will be traveling further towards the mountains, you will immediately notice how the coolness of nature is overtaking the heat of urban civilization.  

Inside Kyrgyz-Ata’s compactly small area, there is a great diversity of natural sceneries. You will notice how lash green pastures transform into the shady juniper forests and how green hills overflow into the rocky mountains. You will also enjoy the refreshing breeze of the rivers bringing the coolness straight from glaciers.

This destination is not only about a charming nature. It is the place of your rendezvous with nomadic culture. While visiting the park you will encounter several yurts with semi-nomadic families. These pastures stand as their summer residence before going back to the valleys for winter. Do not be surprised if they warmly invite you inside the yurt to express their hospitality. You will have a chance to sample Kyrgyz national drinks like kymyz (fermented mare’s milk) and snacks like salty cheese balls. Same yurts may provide the night-stay if you decide to stay for one more day!

Finally, after your natural and cultural exploration of Kyrgyz-Ata, you can head back to Osh and spend more time visiting other day-trips or enjoying the city’s sights and culture.