Arslanbob

The World’s Walnut Forest

Arstanbap or Arslanbob is a unique creation of nature, a flourishing oasis located at an altitude of 1600 m above sea level. Arslanbab is one of the most beautiful resorts located in the south of Kyrgyzstan.

Arslanbab district is located on the western and southern sides of the Fergana and Chatkal mountains, in the foothills of the Babash-Ata mountain range. Its fame is primarily its productive walnut forests, which occupy a total of 608.5 thousand hectares.

But fruitful walnut forests are not the only pride of Arslanbab. At an altitude of 2,200 m above sea level, the blue-brown waters of the mountain flow through the rocks, splashing from stone to stone. In some places, they fall from the sky and become fabulous waterfalls. The local population is well aware of this legend related to this nut. It is said that once upon a time, Alexander the Great himself took the walnuts he liked from this place to his distant homeland. These nuts were the basis for the establishment of walnut groves in Greece (that’s why this type of nut was called «Greek walnut»).

Visiting Arslanbob offers an incredible mix of nature, culture, and adventure. Here’s a guide to help you make the most of your trip: Location in Google map: Arslanbob

Top things to do in Arslanbob

Explore the Walnut Forests
- Why: Arslanbob is home to some of the largest and oldest walnut forests in the world, covering over 11,000 hectares.
- Activities: Hiking, foraging (if visiting during walnut season in September-October), or just enjoying the serene environment.
Visit Arslanbob Waterfalls
- Small Waterfall (30meters): Easy to access, just a 20-30 minute walk from the village center.
- Big Waterfall (80meters): A more challenging hike (2-3 hours), but the views and experience are worth it. From the center many Russian UAZ cars in traditional design of local’s drivers will take up to the begging of trekking path to the big waterfall.
Go Trekking and Hiking
- Trails lead to picturesque mountain lakes, alpine meadows, and panoramic views of the Babash Ata Mountains.
- Popular routes:
  - Sacred Rock Trail: A short trek with spiritual and historical significance.
  - Köl-Mazar Lakes: For an adventurous multi-day trek with a guide.
Experience Local Culture
- Stay in a homestay with a local family to experience traditional Kyrgyz hospitality.
- Try local dishes like plov, samsa, or lagman, and enjoy fresh dairy products.
Ride Horses or Donkeys
- Rent a horse or donkey to explore the surrounding mountains, especially if you want a less strenuous way to enjoy the area.

Practical Tips

Best Time to Visit:
- Spring (April-June): Beautiful blossoms and mild weather.
- Summer (July-August): Ideal for trekking.
- Autumn (September-October): Harvest season for walnuts and other fruits, with stunning fall foliage.
Where to Stay:
- Many CBT (Community-Based Tourism) homestays are available, offering comfortable accommodation and authentic experiences.
- There are other comfort cottages and yurt camps also opened

Weather: The average temperature in summer is +20-25 degrees, and in winter -1-5 degrees, the continental mountain climate is attractive, only in mid-April-May there is a rainy period.

What to Pack:
- Comfortable hiking shoes, layered clothing, sunscreen, and a hat.
- Rain coat with warmer clothes
- Bring cash, as ATMs may not always work in remote areas.
- Local CBT offices and some guesthouse owners can help arrange tours, transportation, and guides.

Getting to Arslanbob

1. From Osh

Arslanbob is about 200 km north of Osh, making it a popular starting point.

Private Taxi:

A direct private taxi from Osh to Arslanbob is faster (3-4 hours) and hassle-free.
Cost: ~6000 KGS (around 70 USD)

Shared Taxi/Marshrutka:

Direct Marshrutka:
- A marshrutka directly to Arslanbob departs from Osh’s New Bus Station.
- Duration: 3-4 hours
- Cost: 450-500 KGS (4-5 USD)
Via Jalal-Abad and Bazar-Korgon:
- Take a shared taxi from near Kelechek Market to Jalal-Abad (~2 hours, 400-500 KGS or 5-6 USD).
- From Jalal-Abad, transfer to a shared taxi to Bazar-Korgon (~1 hour, 250-300 KGS or 3-4 USD).
- Finally, take another shared taxi from Bazar-Korgon to Arslanbob (~1.5 hours, 300-350 KGS or 4-5 USD).
- Note: This route takes more time as shared taxis leave only when full, and there’s no fixed schedule.

2. From Bishkek

Arslanbob is about 600 km southwest of Bishkek. If you prefer to reach by car the following tips help you

· By Private Car:

For a comfortable journey, consider splitting the trip over two days with an overnight stop in Toktogul. Private transport can be arranged by tour agencies in Bishkek, Osh, Jalal-Abad, or Arslanbob.

· Shared Taxi/Marshrutka:

From Bishkek’s Western Bus Station, take a marshrutka or shared taxi to Jalal-Abad or Osh (~10-12 hours).
Upon arrival in Bazar-Korgon town, you need transfer to a shared taxi or hire a car to Arslanbob.

3. From Jalal-Abad City

Arslanbob is around 80 km from Jalal-Abad.

· Shared Taxi/Marshrutka:

Take a shared taxi from Jalal-Abad to Bazar-Korgon (~1 hour).
Transfer to another shared taxi or marshrutka to Arslanbob (~1-1.5 hours).

· Direct Transport:

Occasionally, you may find direct marshrutkas or taxis from Jalal-Abad to Arslanbob.

Cultural Etiquette

Dress modestly, especially if visiting religious sites.
Always ask for permission before taking photos of people.
Respect local customs, as Arslanbob is a conservative and religiously significant area.