Talas oblast

Talas occupies the north-western part of the Kyrgyz Republic on the border with Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. It also shares borders with the Kyrgyz oblasts of Chui and Djalal Abad. It is an area of Kyrgyzstan not often frequented by Western tourists – but has much to offer. Known as the motherland of the legendary Kyrgyz hero, Manas, there are many places associated with him. In the east of the oblast is the “road” said to have been traveled by Genghis Khan and where one of his wives is said to be buried.

Statistics: Area – 11,446 square kilometers - Population – 210,000

Climate – A long valley, protected by mountains, Talas enjoys a milder climate although temperatures can rise upto 40C in the summer months of June and July.

Landscapes – Talas oblast is centered on a long, pastoral, valley – but still, over 80% of the oblast is mountains.

Reserves  - The Besh Tash State Park lies13 km from the city of Talas, established in 1996 with 32411 hectares stretching some 30 km up the valley of the Besh Tash River. 

Main Towns – Talas, Sheker

Places to visit – Talas and the nearby Manas Gumbez and Museum, the Besh Tash State Park; There are several sites where petroglyphs can be found; Sheker is the birthplace of the author Chingiz Aitmatov; and Kuporo Bazaar in the east of the valley offers spectacular scenery and several trekking routes; The “Cup of Immortality” at the remote Taldy Bulak.