Jalal-Abad and Uzgen from Andijon and on to Osh

[manulike]

I only had 5 days in Kyrgyzstan and was really looking forward to Osh.

Frankly, Osh was a major disappointment, and I was was extremely happy that I Chose to spend time in ... Andijon / Andijan, as well as Jalal-Abad and 3 hours in Uzgen!

I posted already about my 3 days in Andijon on the Uzbek thread.

Coming from Andijon to the border at Xonobod/Khanabad - Bek-Abad border 20,000 som (August 25). 70km/2h to border, then its only 30 minutes to Jalal-Abad with Marshrutka 313 (25 kyrgiz som). The centre of Jalal-abad actually looked very pleasant! Quite modern, with some beautiful buildings and plenty of leafy parks.

Be sure to go to the old Soviet Sanitarium! Not to be missed!
Jalal‑Abad Sanatorium, Kurort, a historic Soviet-era complex famous for mineral water treatments - beautiful park which is open 24/7 (or at least until midnight), with at least one of the 3 pools open 10am-midnight! 400 som (for the pool use, locker and showers etc) the park is free and stunningly beautiful! Go there after 5pm to get the local feel - and the sunset from the pool is really something special.
I booked a room at Good Night hotel directly on their website (€20 / 2000 som) but was unable to stay there (my mistake - I got my dates confused) - the reception staff were super friendly, spoke perfect English and the courtyard looked very relaxing! They helped me find a place at Guesthouse EtnoDom - also lovely place, but much less central!

Osh marshrutkas will normally stop at UZGEN - but you may wish to double check with the driver. If the Osh fare is 220 som, then they use the BY-PASS, so avoid that one! Jalal-abad to Uzgen takes about 80 minutes and costs 100 som. The lady at the gate to the UZGEN Archeological site (100 som) is super friendly and will keep your rucksack. Open until 5pm. It's a 5 minutes / 500m walk from the Uzgen avtovokzal. As the Osh old bazaar has now been knocked down... Uzgen bazaar is actually lovely. We had a scrumptious lunch there for about 300 som pp.

Although the Jalal-abad marshrutka arrives and departs from the avtovokzal, the marshrutka FROM uzgen to OSH leaves from 200m further beyond the avtovokzal. Coming from the Minaret site, , on the road out of town. Head back towards the avtovokzal, but carry on walking WEST. You will see a BLUE WALKING BRIDGE - the marshrutka is waiting on your (right) side of the road, about 40m past the bridge (don't cross...). Uzgen to Osh (new station) takes about 90 minutes and costs also 100 som.