The "Kek-Art" Zone encompasses the surroundings of the city of Jalal-Abad, as well as the valleys of the Kek-Art River and its tributaries from the foothills of the Fergana Range to its watershed. It is located 80 km northeast of Osh city along the highway leading to Jalal-Abad. The climate of the zone is characterized by dry and hot summers with slight temperature fluctuations.
On the mountain slopes surrounding the Kek-Art valley, distinct vertical landscape belts can be observed: steppe, forest with nut-bearing species, transitioning into subalpine and alpine meadows. In the upper reaches, there is a realm of inaccessible rocks and scree.
The right tributary of the Kek-Art River is the Kara-Alma River ("wild apple"), which flows in its lower part through a wide forested valley, spreading up to 200 m in width. In the upper reaches, it is a turbulent mountain stream rushing down a narrow rocky gorge, where the steppes at some points come as close as 20 m apart. The Kara-Alma valley is one of the most beautiful places along the southwestern slope of the Fergana Range. It harmoniously fits into the foothills of the Fergana Range, covered with pristine nut-bearing forests. Here, travelers are greeted with a remarkable, rarely beautiful picture of nature's tranquility. This is a true natural health resort for those with lung ailments, where the shaken nervous system quickly recovers.
In the vicinity of the city of Jalal-Abad, many mineral water springs have been discovered in the low mountainous desert zone, based on which a resort has been established. It is located at an altitude of 975 m on the summit and slope of Ayub-Tau Mountain, in a large shady park. Its famous springs stand alongside those of the most renowned resorts in the world. Currently, about 10 of the most powerful springs are used for therapeutic purposes, with mineral water temperatures ranging from 23 to 42 degrees. The "Kyz-Bulak" ("girl's spring"), shrouded in many interesting legends, is particularly popular among the springs. Mineral waters and therapeutic muds are used to treat skin, nerve, rheumatic, gastrointestinal, women's diseases, as well as liver and kidney ailments.
The healing properties of the local springs have been noted since ancient times and have been the reason for mass pilgrimages to these areas. Over time, a settlement named after its founder—the khan's governor Jalal-Itdin—emerged here.
In 1927, Jalal-Abad was granted city status. It is one of the warmest and sunniest cities in the republic. In its surroundings, heat-loving plants are cultivated—cotton, grapes, pomegranates, persimmons, walnuts, and pistachios. The industry is well-developed, with light and food industries playing a leading role. The products of the furniture factory, made from local walnut wood and timber sourced from various regions of the country, are widely known. The city has a Palace of Culture, cinemas, vocational schools, and a network of cultural and educational institutions.
