Arslanbob
An Uzbek mountain village set in the world's largest natural walnut forest, with waterfall hikes, horse treks and community guesthouses: a hidden highland gem of the Fergana Valley.
Arslanbob (Arstanbap in Kyrgyz) is in Bazar-Korgon District of Jalal-Abad Region, Kyrgyzstan, in a valley at about 1,600 m on the southern slopes of the Fergana Range; most residents are ethnic Uzbeks. The village is surrounded by the world's largest natural walnut forest, backed by the limestone cliffs of the Babash-Ata ridge. Most activities are close to the village: the small waterfall, the holy cave and a panoramic viewpoint are all within walking distance and can be combined in half a day; the big waterfall is a classic day hike or horse ride; and to the east lies the wilder Dashman forest reserve. Fit travelers can join 2–3 day horse or hiking trips to the holy lake of Kol Mazar or Kutman Kol, camping or staying in shepherds' yurts. The best seasons are May–June for blossoms and September–October for the walnut harvest; July–August is hot in the lowlands but cool in the mountains; in winter there's snow, and you can join splitboard or snowshoe tours. Getting there: take a minibus from Osh or Jalal-Abad to Bazar-Korgon, then change for the village, about 3–4 hours in total; you can also hire a car. Accommodation is mainly in CBT community guesthouses, and guides and horses can be booked at the office in the village center. Local customs are conservative, so dress modestly. Allow 2–4 days.
Top sights
- Arslanbob Walnut Forest – One of the largest natural walnut forests in the world. Ancient trees tower over the forest, and in autumn the whole village climbs the hil…
- Arslanbob Big Waterfall – A tall waterfall that drops about 80 meters from the cliffs of Babash-Ata Mountain. It is reached on foot or on horseback through walnut gr…
- Arslanbob Small Waterfall – A waterfall about 25 metres high in the gorge northeast of the village, an easy walk away and a pilgrimage and picnic spot for locals.
- Holy Cave of Arslanbob – A small rock cave on the cliffs east of the village, regarded as sacred locally; pilgrims pray here, and the cave mouth overlooks the villa…
- Arslanbob Panorama Point – A viewpoint on the cliff top east of the village, overlooking the walnut-covered valley and the Babash Ata ridge behind it.
- Arslanbob Bazaar – The Uzbek bazaar in the village centre, best for walnuts, dried fruit, non bread and plov, with a livestock market on Wednesdays.
- Dashman Forest Reserve – A walnut and wild-fruit forest reserve east of Arslanbob, with pristine woodland and fewer visitors, suited to riding and hiking.
Itineraries
- Osh, Lenin Peak & Arslanbob Walnut Forest Southern – Using Osh as a hub, head up to the Alay Valley to view Lenin Peak, then descend to the mountain village of Arslanbob.
- Kyrgyzstan North-South Traverse – Travel from Issyk-Kul and Song-Kul over mountain passes to Arslanbob, Osh, and Lenin Peak, covering seven major regions.