Trip to Kojo-Kelen, Abshir-Sai and Uzgen

Osh city – Tuya-Muyun Plateau and Dangi Canyon (50 km / 1h). Today, we are going to have a flight to the city of Osh - the southern capital of Kyrgyzstan. Osh is known for its ancient mosque and Mount Suleiman-Too (the throne of Solomon), which was a pilgrimage site for Central Asian Muslims.
After arrival, the car will take us to the Tuya-Muyun plateau. After an uncomplicated traverse along the plateau we will visit the cave of Azhyadar-Unkur (Dragon's Mouth). The cave is known for its bat colonies. Its length is about 80 m. Archaeological excavations of the site of an ancient man were also carried out here. The cave is covered with legends and has its own history. One of the legends tells about the dragon Azhyadar who lives here and guards the jewels hidden in the cave.
We will also visit the famous Big Barite Cave (length - 120 m) located next to the previous cave. It was discovered by academician E. Fersman. The cave gained fame due to the large barite deposit discovered in it, the crystals almost completely covered its walls.
After lunch we will have an excursion around the picturesque canyon Dangi (gorge). Overnight in tents.

Uluu-Too cave – Kojo-Kelen valley (200 km / 4h). In the morning, we will drive to the Uluu-Too mountain range, to the Uluu-Too cave. Visit to the cult cave of Uluu-Too. Once the cave was a unique geological sculptural gallery of cave formations which in the 90s was barbarously plundered. But in our time the cave is of interest to photographers and bat researchers. There are various forms of calcite formations in the cave. The cave is represented by a variety of different stone forms and formations of aragonites, stalactites, stalagmites and stalagnates. Walls and ceiling have red-gray stains, concentric patterns and onyx influx lines. The length of the cave is 145 m.
After that we will go to the village of Kojo-Kelen. Dinner and night at the house of local residents.

Kojo-Kelen valley – Osh city (100 km / 2h). The village of Kojo-Kelen is located in the valley of the Djiptyk River - the left tributary of the Ak-Buura River. Fantastic orange cliffs crown the left bank of the river near the upper border of the village. At the foot of the rocks there is a cave or more precisely a sacred grotto with a lunar entrance. Two-thirds of the underground temple is flooded with a blue pool with absolutely clean water where instead of stalactites thin water layers flow down from a smooth roof. After breakfast we will visit the Holy Grotto.
This place is recognized as "holy." Pilgrims come here to pay tribute to their gods and take a bath. We will take a walk in the village of Kojo-Kelen and get acquainted with the life of local residents. In the village you will plunge into the life of the 18th century. Watermills and subsistence farming are still preserved there. Red clay houses fit into the landscape as if they are an integral part of nature.
We will also walk up the gorge and enjoy the views of the red rock sculptures. Closer to the evening we will head back to Osh. Accommodation in a guest house.

Abshir-Sai waterfall - Osh city (70 km). This morning we will go to an amazing mountain gorge called Abshir-Sai. We will pass through a peculiar gate formed from limestone rocks and leading to a unique creation of nature - Abshir-Sai Waterfall. Since ancient times this place has been a place of pilgrimage for thousands of believers. Here people ask for the fulfillment of their most cherished desires throwing pebbles over the river aiming to get into a small hole in the rock located 10 meters from them. They take water from a crystal clear spring believing that it will heal from ailments and just pray and the sound of a waterfall drowns out the words of people trusting the most sacred only to Allah. We will organize with you a small picnic in nature.
After an amazing excursion to this sacred place we will return to Osh to get from the bosom of nature immediately to the crowded Osh bazaar. You can find everything here! Wonderfully smelling cakes and samsa cooked in a tandoor, and national jewelry, and colorful carpets. Eyes run over a variety of goods, voices, bidding, people hurrying somewhere and sellers saying from different sides: "Dear, come, choose, try!". Well, how can you not buy a small souvenir or a crispy cake here?
After that we will take a walk to Suleiman-Too which is located in the heart of the city and is one of the most important historical monuments of Kyrgyzstan. A wonderful view and stunning panorama of the city opens from the slopes of the mountain.
Today you can finally relax because tomorrow you will have a flight back to Bishkek. Dinner and overnight at the guest house.

Uzgen city (90 km) and flight to Bishkek. Today we will go to the city of Uzgen which was founded in the 8-9 centuries on the steep terrace of the Kara-Daria River. It was once a major shopping center with a powerful fortress. Only the architectural complex built in the 11-12th centuries has been preserved to this day. It consists of three mausoleums which were originally the tombs of the Karakhanid rulers and the Uzgen minaret itself which reaches a height of 27 meters.
After an excursion to the amazing buildings of the early Middle Ages we will have lunch at a local cafe and then look at the famous Uzgen rice market where you can find more than 20 varieties of rice!
Closer to the evening we will return to Osh. The car will take you to the airport where the Osh-Bishkek flight will be waiting for you. Meeting at the Manas airport and transfer to the capital. The end of the program.