Walnut Forest

Jalal-Abad Region, Kyrgyzstan

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The Walnut Forest in the Jalal-Abad Region of Kyrgyzstan, centered around the village of Arslanbob, is the largest natural walnut forest in the world, spanning approximately 11,000 hectares within a larger forested area of 60,000 hectares.

This ancient forest, believed to be over 50 million years old, contains thousands of walnut trees, some older than a thousand years, producing between 150 to 400 kilograms of walnuts annually. Alongside walnuts, the forest supports diverse flora, including pistachios, almonds, cherry plums, and pears, and is home to many plant and animal species.

The region also features scenic waterfalls, lakes, and hiking trails, making it a popular destination for nature lovers and hikers. The forest holds cultural significance for locals and hosts the Walnut Festival in October, celebrating the harvest with traditional events. Due to its ecological importance, the area is protected and considered a critical habitat for biodiversity in Central Asia.