| Airport of arrival: | Osh International Airport |
| Flight time from Istanbul to Osh: | 8 hours 15 minutes |
The second biggest, yet the oldest city in Kyrgyzstan, is waiting for you to explore it! Sometimes referred to as "the capital in the south," Osh will try to make you fall in love with the authenticity of its eastern experience through its beautiful landscapes and friendly locals. It’s an ancient, multicultural city that will make your journey unforgettable. The exquisite food will make your stay particularly pleasant and will make you think about visiting again sooner than you would think. If this is something that you are looking for, you should not hesitate but get affordable flight tickets straight away and make the experience of this mysterious city stay with you forever!
Transportation
You will reach Osh with our indirect flights from Istanbul through Bishkek.
About the Airport
Osh International Airport is the one that we fly to. Located 9 kilometers from the city center, it is very convenient to reach.
Osh International Airport
The airport started commissioning commercial flights in 1974. The most recent data indicates that the airport's yearly passenger traffic is around 1.2 million. There are some dining areas available for the passengers operating 24/7, mini bars with cold drinks and snacks, and there is free Wi-Fi available for all the passengers.
Transport from Osh Airport to City Center
There are multiple ways to reach the airport from Osh; two public lines are operating as shuttle buses between 6:00 and 21:00, and it is very cheap (KGS10). Taxi, also a very convenient option, is available but significantly more expensive than the bus (KGS250).
As for car rental, there are some opportunities available. It should not take more than 40 minutes to reach the city center using one of these methods of transportation.
Accommodation
The preferable areas to find a place to stay would be the northern part of the city which is located closer to the airport and also this is the part of the town where you will find all the touristic sites. An excellent place to start looking for accommodation would be Lenin Avenue.
It is recommended to take care of your hotel reservation in advance.
Food
- Beshbarmak: Based on horse meat, Beshbarmak is a Kyrgyz national dish, is cooked in its own broth, and served with homemade noodles; one of the most original meals that you will eat in the region.
- Paloo: Meaty dish fried in a large cauldron, mixed with carrots and rice; the rice used in the recipe is preferably the locally grown rice, but of course, all recipe varieties are possible to encounter.
- Samsa: Very similar to Indian samosa, samsa is a little pocket with any combination of cheese, vegetables, and meat; it is street food and is therefore very often used as a snack rather than a full meal.
- Lagman: The most famous noodle dish in the region is a very simple dish composed of thick noodles and vegetables, but it is the simplicity that makes this dish so tasty.
For more details on what to eat in Osh, have a look at Osh Food Guide.
Useful Information
In the following subsections, you will find the essential information for planning the details of your trip.
About Visa
Kyrgyzstan does not mandate an extended visa process for many countries and it is possible to get a tourism visa at Manas International Airport. You can click here to check if your country is on the visa-entry list.
Neighboring Cities
- Bishkek – 601km
- Tashkent – 420km
- Namagan – 142km
- Andijan – 72km
Weather
The climate in Osh is continental with hot summers and cold winters. We would recommend sticking to the two other seasons for visiting, Autumn and Spring, as the chances are that the weather will be more convenient for a journey in one of these two.
Essential Numbers
- Country Code: +996
- Ambulance: 103
- Rescue Service: 110
- Police: 102
- Airpot: +996 322 290 016
Places to see
Osh is popular with its bazaars, mosques and museums. The most famous places to visit in Osh are listed below:
Jayma Bazaar Osh
Wander around the streets of the bazaar that once was a part of the silk road trading route, feel the ancient spirit present here while you buy fresh fruits and vegetables from the local suppliers. Don't be bothered by the crowds; they are one of the aspects that give this place its unique character.
Osh New Mosque
Located on the foothill of the Sulayman Mountain, which is the only World Heritage site that lies entirely within the borders of Kyrgyzstan. The mosque’s architecture is stunning and will amaze you regardless of your aesthetical taste.
Mausoleum of Asaf ibn Burkhiy
The mausoleum, located in the same area as the Osh New Mosque, is a must-see when you are visiting the city. It is slightly hidden on a side road, so make sure to include it in your sightseeing list and learning the directions beforehand.
Fine arts museum
A very well curated museum, with a surprising variety in the exposition, mixing the heritage of Central Asia with the Soviet influence. The staff here is very friendly and willing to make your experience here stay in mind for longer. After leaving, don't forget to take a look at the Karakhanid Hamman, right next to the museum.
Petrovsky Park
Petrovsky Park, dedicated to the World War II soldiers, is a large, green area that you can use to relax and contemplate. Grab some snacks, take a bottle of water, and go there to spend a few moments in relative silence.
For the detailed information about Osh’s attractions, you can have a look at the Osh Travel Guide.
