A few of Kyrgyzstan's cultural treasures

goat petroglyph near Cholpon-Ata

Driving from Karakol to Bishkek takes you by a couple of interesting sites.  On the northern shore of Lake Issyk-kol, near the resort town of Cholpon-Ata, is a large field strewn with boulders.  Many of these are covered with petroglyphs depicting hunters and animals that are now extinct in the region. This makes a very interesting stop during a long drive.

herd of animals near Cholpon-Ata

Closer to Bishkek is the much better-known Burana Tower, one of the few monuments remaining from the caravan days.  The government has brought carved gravestones to this site as well since it it protected as a UNESCO World Heritage site.  Many of the gravestones are 2000 years old and need protection from the weather.

Burana Tower, A UNESCO World Heritage site

To cross the border into Uzbekistan, many tourists visit Osh, in the Kyrgyzstan portion of the Fergana Valley and a major Silk Road city.  Its busy and colorful market is worth a visit.

our guide, Sasha, making a wish at Suleiman's Mountain

Suleiman's Mountain is Osh's UNESCO World Heritage site and is an enjoyable walk, with a small and interesting museum inside the mountain and a well-polished rock where women wishing to get pregnant slide down 7 times to ensure their fertility.  Three slides will reportedly grant any wish you have.

ancient gravestone at Burana Tower site

At the foot of the mountain, we met a young Uzbek couple about to get married.  They were doing the now-traditional round of pre-wedding photos and videos, so were dressed in traditional clothes.  They told us their marriage was a "love story", meaning not an arranged marriage, but their choice instead.

engaged couple in Uzbek dress

One other interesting visit it the Russian Orthodox church in Osh (see photo below).

We've crossed the border at Osh twice now, once each way.

delicious bread in Osh's market

The border guards do not make it easy for tourists going either way, though this year's passage into Uzbekistan was easier than last year's departure at the Osh post. Plan on at least an hour and a thorough inspection of your bags, any pills or medications you have, and a perusal of your photos in your camera, cell phone or computer (looking for porn, my inspector told me).  You will need to list your money (be accurate) and any equipment or electronics you are bringing into or taking out of the country on a form in Russian (so go find the kiosk that displays an English translation).  This is not just the Osh border crossing--it is any entry into or exit from Uzbekistan.

spice stall in Osh market

Russian Orthodox Church in Osh