Kyrgyz-Ata National Park

Kyrgyz-Ata protects a valley in the northern foothills of the Alay range where archa, the Tien Shan juniper, grows on the slopes in old stands, some of the trees centuries old. The valley floor has a river, picnic areas and a campsite, and paths climb through the juniper to open pasture and rock faces used by climbers. It is the closest real mountain country to Osh, an hour's drive, which makes it a common weekend destination for the city and quiet during the week. Sacred sites and springs are scattered through the valley and visited by local pilgrims. Facilities are limited to a park gate, a few yurts and a basic camp, and the walking is unmarked, so routes are worked out on the ground.

What you actually see

• Old juniper stands - archa forest on the valley slopes.
• Rock faces - climbing walls above the treeline.
• Sacred springs - local pilgrimage spots along the valley.
• Summer pastures - open grazing above the forest.

When to go

May to October, with June for wildflowers and September for settled weather. Snow closes the upper valley in winter. Weekends bring picnic crowds from Osh; weekdays are empty.

Honest expectations

Infrastructure is minimal and trails are unmarked. Accommodation is camping or a few yurts. Litter at the picnic areas is a problem. The access road is rough beyond the village. There is no shop past the park gate.

Nearby

Abshir-Ata lies west; Osh is north.