Arslan Bob. The "Royal Woods" of Southern Kyrgyzstan

There is another account which tells of a moest and earnest, hardworking man charged by the prophet Muhammed with finding a beautiful and comfortable place - a paradise on earth. He traveled through many lands until he found a picturesque valley with a foaming mountain river, but which lackesd trees. Inspred by his reports, the prohet sent hima bag of seeds of many different types of fruit tree - including, of course, the walnut tree. The hero climbed to the top of a mountain and spread the seeds over the valley transforming it into a "garden" which he tended for many years.

In Russian, walnuts are known as "Gretski" - or "Greek" - nuts, because Alexander the Great - sent plants back to Greece from his campaign in Central Asia. It is not clear how the trees arrived here - they originated in Malaysia. Nuts from the area were exported along the Silk Road in its heyday.

Here the trees, with their dome shaped crowns atop two meter thick trunks, can reach a height of 30 meters and are found growing wild on mountain slopes and along river banks at an altitude of between 1000 and1800 meters above Sea Level. Arslan Bob itself lies at 1700 m. a. s. l.

The whole region is like an orchard and boasts many different variety of fruits. There is also the Arstanbap-Aty mausoleum (dating from the 15^th century) The village is a traditional, mainly Uzbek, community and conservative dress is a good idea.

There is a "tour basa" here and many walks are possible throughout the region. Nearby are two spectacular waterfalls with caves which used to be used by the devout for prayers. There is also a Community Based Tourism project based here which can provide accommodation and other services.