Arslanbob Forest is one of the largest forest massifs situated along the rocky cliffs of Babash-Ata mountain. A natural barrier bordering the village of the same name, it is renowned as the oldest and largest wild walnut forest in the world and a pilgrimage destination in Central Asia.

A touch of history

This venerable woodland could be more than 50 million years old according to some scientists, with its origins likely tracing back to the Paleolithic era.

Legend has it that Alexander the Great once sought refuge here with his troops to rest. He subsequently brought some of these celebrated walnuts back to Macedonia and Greece, where they became known as Greek walnuts.

Exploring Arslanbob Forest

Starting from Arslanbob village, embark on a full-day hiking and discovery adventure. You'll pass by a beautiful waterfall, Kirghizistan's largest cascade, before reaching the forest at 1,600 meters altitude. Like a verdant sea, this majestic walnut forest stretches across more than 10 kilometers. Around the alpine meadows, nature displays an extraordinary palette of colors of rare beauty, and cascades invite you to cool off during warm summer days.

Nestled within the mountain, caves shelter a centuries-old treasure: a crystalline blue lake. Throughout your day, you'll be accompanied by thriving wildlife. From herds of wild horses and cattle to hundreds of butterflies and grasshoppers, life flourishes here like nowhere else. With some luck, you may even spot a raccoon or deer.

The walk promises to be peaceful, complemented by magnificent landscapes. Along the way, enjoy a picnic break by the waterfall. Locals have long cherished gathering by the streams, sheltered from the heat beneath centuries-old trees. The blue water flowing over pale stone, framed by forest and mountains, creates a particularly delightful backdrop for a pastoral lunch.

Towering at the heart of the region, Babash-Ata Peak (4,490 m), perpetually cloaked in snow, offers splendid views throughout your hike.

You'll also encounter countless species of trees and shrubs before finding shelter in the shade of towering walnuts. Some are several centuries old and reach nearly 100 feet tall. They command attention with their 6-foot-wide trunks and can yield 440 to 880 pounds of fruit annually each.

The dense forest is crisscrossed by several trails allowing you to wander at leisure while breathing in the fresh wood and natural vegetation aromas. Some cultivators have marked out plots where you can watch them preparing for the harvest in the coming months.

For those with a taste for nature's bounty, October may be the ideal time to visit Arslanbob and savor fresh walnuts. The landscape is then adorned with magnificent warm autumn hues and the forest reveals its full richness. Locals will gladly offer you their walnuts fresh from harvest. You can even participate in the fruit picking yourself by helping local farmers.

Arslanbob Forest is easily reached on foot via hiking trails from Arslanbob village.

Shared taxis depart from Bishkek to Arslanbob. The taxi leaves once full, with a journey time of approximately 8 to 9 hours.