Jalal-Abad

For other places with similar names, see Jalalabad (disambiguation).

Barpy Kyrgyz Theatre

Jalal-Abad (also spelled Dzhalal-Abad, Djalal-Abat, Jalalabat) is a city in the Ferghana Valley of Kyrgyzstan.

Understand

Jalal-Abad is a convenient transport hub between Bishkek and Osh. It is significantly safer and easier to get to than Osh or destinations further southwest.

Get in

• Bishkek – Any marshrutka or shared taxi running to Osh goes by Jalal-Abad. The price to Jalal-Abad might be as much as to Osh though.

• Osh – Shared taxis from Osh run from the New Bus Station (Novy Avtovokzal), somewhat out of town. A taxi from the bazaar in Osh to this station was 150 som as of June 2017). The price for the ride between Osh and Jalal-Abad was 250 som as of June 2017.

• Naryn – The entire journey could take 10 hr. First, by taxi to Kazarman (which even the CBT in Naryn quotes at an exorbitant 5,000 soms) which can be negotiated to 3,500 soms, which itself is a 4.5 hr ride. Then from Kazarman, hopefully there's a marshrutka to Jalal-Abad. If there's no marshrutka, a shared taxi might be possible. There's a man speaking English who organizes (?) shared taxis to Jalal-Abad in Kazarman, quoting an outrageous 1,000 soms a seat, even changing his mind to 2,000 soms. Ignore him and negotiate with the driver personally. From Kazarman to Jalal-Abad, the ride is roughly 4-4.5 hr.

Hitch-hiking from Naryn is a feasible and probably much cheaper option. But better to have a tent with you or know where you can make an intermediate stop. Hitch-hiking is very easy in Kyrgyzstan, see Kyrgyzstan#By autostop. Or alternatively, take the Kochkor - Kyzyl-Oy route towards Toktogul, and to Jalal-Abad from there, see Issyk Kul and the Tian Shan#Get in

See

• 1 Barpy Teatr (Барпы Театр), ☏ +996 372260080. Take a look at the Soviet theater. Adjacent is a shady park called Toktogul Satylganov Park (alt. Pushkina or Pkio Im. Satylganova Park) with statues and creaky old rides where you might be able to take a rest. (updated Aug 2020)

Do

• Enjoy and take a stroll through this authentic Ferghana Valley city
• Do not forget the mountain driving experience to Arslanbob with its walnut groves and waterfall (see separate town listing).
• 1 Royal Spa, ☏ +996 775300307. 11:00-00:00. Try a Kyrgyz spa. (updated Aug 2020)

Xalqlar Do'tligi University

Buy

• 1 Central Bazaar. 08:00-20:00 daily. Jalal-Abad's main open market. (updated Aug 2020)
• 2 Bereke Bazary (Береке Базары). 08:00-20:00 daily. Another bazaar. Clothing, fabric, food, coats, etc. (updated Aug 2020)

Eat

• 1 Kafe Bayrukha (Кафе Байруха), ☏ +996 553339305. 09:00-22:00 daily. Lots of good local eats. Something that looks like hot pot soup and meat dishes and pastries and ice cream. (updated Aug 2020)
• 2 Restoran "Bishkek" (Ресторан "Бишкек"), ☏ +996 776741383. open 24 hours?. Who doesn't like Kyrgyz karaoke with their hearty meal?. (updated Aug 2020)

Sleep

Hotel in Jalal-Abad

• 1 Kok-ART Hotel Jalal-Abad, 25 ул Фрунзе (near hospital on east side of town), ☏ +996 552384000. Clean hotel with terrace and garden, where you can have a big spread for breakfast in the morning. Also has wifi, in-room coffee-maker, TV w/ cable, even airport shuttle (in the odd chance you are taking a plane to Jalalabad). One of the nicer places in town. 3975 som. (updated Aug 2020)
• 2 Tyan' Shan' (Tian Shan), Lenin St, ☏ +996 772167128. This hotel looks like it is decked out with a Kyrgyz tierra on the outside, then like it's furnished with 1950s-era decor when you step inside. It has a pretty awesome outdoor pool though and restaurant/bar along with wifi and is not too bad. Beer and karaoke in the garden. Right next to Bereke Bazary market. 4911 som. (updated Aug 2020)
• 3 Guesthouse Etno Dom (Gostevoy Etno Dom), ☏ +996 777721224. a cozy guesthouse with sociable Kyrgyz hosts. Tasty breakfast with pancakes and cottage cheese. Might make some new friends. Has wifi. Economical choice. 1715 som. (updated Aug 2020)
• 4 Hotel Dostuk, village Kumush Aziz, 2 (little bit south of town on), ☏ +996 554103677. 4-story hotel along provincial road with gate in front, has restaruant/bar and wifi. Clean but kind of stodgy interiors. ~1500 som. (updated Aug 2020)

Go next

• Kara-Jygach Sandstone Cliffs and Toktogul Reservoir: If continuing on to Bishkek, these natural phenomena and the drive in general are quite eye-pleasing.
• Arslanbob – An Islamic village popular with local pilgrims and famous for its picturesque walnut tree forest.
• Sary-Chelek Nature Reserve – One of the highlights of Kyrgyzstan with a beautiful lake, excellent hiking, diverse flora and fauna, picturesque mountains and much more. On the way between Toktogul and Jalal-Abad.