central asia countries to visit

Travel to Central Asia – Which country should you visit?

By Joan Torres 8 Comments Last updated on April 24, 2024

I spent 5 months traveling through Central Asia and it was the trip of my lifetime.

It’s the most epic region I have ever been to, and not only because this used to be the heart of the Silk Road and has some truly legendary mountains but also because, despite being a barely visited region, it’s a very accessible, tourist-friendly destination which I would even recommend to my mom.

Central Asia, however, is pretty big, a region where you could spend months exploring and, for those who are short of time, choosing the right itinerary that fits their traveling needs can be a tough decision.

Therefore, it doesn’t surprise me at all when many readers email me asking:

I only have X weeks to travel in Central Asia, which countries would you recommend to me?

The truth is that the 5 Central Asian Republics are, on the one hand, very similar – probably because they are all former Soviet Republics, times in which Soviet leaders tried to implement homogeneity across their socialist state.

However, they are also very different, each country offering a truly unique experience.

In this blog, I wanted to give you a detailed overview of each one of the Central Asian Republics, as well as general travel tips for Central Asia.

In this Central Asia travel guide you will find:

Table of Contents

• What is Central Asia
• Best time to visit
• How to get in
• How to get around
• Is it safe?
• Travel Insurance
• Which country you should visit

Turkmenistan

• More resources

our recommended travel insurance for Central Asia

With its backpacker plan, IATI Insurance is the perfect one for countries filled with adventure.

What is Central Asia?

Note: Geographically, Central Asia is composed not only of Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan but also Afghanistan , northern Pakistan, and Xinjiang province in China.

However, when you think about visiting Central Asia, most travelers refer to the 5 former Soviet Republics (also known as the Stans), which is what this travel guide is referring to as well.

If you want to know more about Pakistan, read my Pakistan archives .

⛅ Best time to travel to Central Asia

Most of Central Asia has a continental climate, with utterly hot summers and extremely cold winters but, since each country has something different to offer, each one has a specific best season to come over.

How did I organize my trip across the Stans?

As I told you in the introduction, I spent 5 months traveling in the Stans and, from a timing point of view, this is how I organized my itinerary:

• June 15th to August 15th: Kyrgyzstan
• August 15th to September 15th: Tajikistan
• September 15th to October 15th: Uzbekistan
• October 15th to November 15th: Kazakhstan

It wasn’t a coincidence, but I planned it based on the following criteria:

Visiting Central Asia in summer

Summer is the ideal season for visiting the mountain regions which, in my opinion, should be the highlight of any trip to Central Asia.

However, bear in mind that anywhere outside those areas, the weather will be very hot.

Best time for

Kyrgyzstan – Plenty of nomads and the best season for trekking.

Tajikistan – Same as Kyrgyzstan. If you only have 3 weeks in August, I actually recommend you combine Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan.

Kazakhstan – The southeastern part of Kazakhstan is a mountainous region that belongs to the Tien Shan range. In the east, you also find Katon-Karagay, but that’s very remote.

Not a good time for

Uzbekistan – The highlight of Uzbekistan is visiting cities like Khiva or Bukhara but, in summer, temperatures may reach over 40ºC, so it’s not a good time to visit them. I haven’t been in Uzbekistan during the summer months but during my journey, I met many travelers who were complaining about this.

Turkmenistan – It’s a desert country and, as such, the weather can be extremely hot in summer.

Some parts of Kazakhstan – Kazakhstan is vast and the mountain regions are just a tiny part of it, most of the country comprises endless steppe that becomes overwhelmingly hot in summer.

Moreover, bear in mind that summer is high season, which means the most popular places will be busy.

Read: tips & packing list for trekking in Central Asia

Visiting Central Asia in spring and autumn

In my opinion, these are the best seasons to visit the Central Asian Republics: most crowds are gone, the weather is pleasant and, if you come in late spring or early autumn, the mountains are still very accessible.

Uzbekistan – The weather is pleasant and the Silk Road cities are less busy.

Turkmenistan – Turkmenistan is free of crowds all year long but, like in Uzbekistan, spring and autumn have the most pleasant weather.

Kazakhstan – Except for the mountain regions, these seasons are the best to enjoy the rest of Kazakhstan, especially the southern part, which includes the Aral Sea, Shimkyent, Turkestan, etc.

Kyrgyzstan & Tajikistan – Unless you want to go trekking in very high altitudes (we got snow in the month of June), this should be the best time, as the mountains are very accessible, most backpackers are gone and nomads will still be there. By the way, the Fann Mountains in Tajikistan are best explored during this season.

If you come too early in spring or too late in autumn, you might not be able to go trekking or even camping in Kyrgyzstan , Tajikistan and Kazakhstan .

For example, I visited the mountainous region of Kazakhstan in November and had to skip any sort of trekking because it was already too cold.

Visiting Central Asia in winter

Most of Central Asia is covered by snow but you can still enjoy it somehow.

Uzbekistan – If you don’t mind sightseeing with freezing temperatures and gray skies, it shouldn’t be a bad time to visit Uzbekistan.

Kazakhstan – Same as Uzbekistan, but you really need to wear proper clothes.

Turkmenistan – If you don’t mind the cold, it shouldn’t be that bad!

Kyrgyzstan – In Kyrgyzstan, there is a ski resort, plus you can do some winter nomad sports in the area around Issy-Kul.

From meeting nomads to trekking and wandering around the mountains, winter is not a good time for any adventurous activity which, in my opinion, is the main highlight in Kyrgyzstan , Tajikistan and also Kazakhstan .

🛫 Best way to travel to Central Asia

How to travel to the stans by air.

With the region’s increase in popularity, today, traveling to the Stans is becoming easier than ever, and you can find direct flights from many cities in Europe, the Middle East , and Asia.

From Europe, the cheapest cities to travel to Central Asia is by flying to Bishkek (Kyrgyzstan) and Almaty (Kazakhstan), cities where you can find daily flights with Pegasus.

Dushanbe (Tajikistan) is the second easiest city to travel to. You can find budget flights too, but they don’t have as many connections.

Tashkent , in Uzbekistan, has plenty of fights as well but flights to Uzbekistan are much more expensive due to airport taxes.

The capital of Turkmenistan, Ashgabat , is a pretty isolated city with expensive flights.

Do you know another of my favorite regions? The Horn of Africa , which includes countries like Ethiopia, Somalia or Eritrea CHECK ALL MY GUIDES HERE

How to travel to the Stans by land

You can travel to the Central Asian Republics from:

Entering Central Asia from Russia

From Russia, you can enter Kazakhstan from many different entry points, both by train, bus, or even in your own vehicle.

Entering Central Asia from China

From Xinjiang province, you can enter Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan. I entered Kyrgyzstan via Irkeshtam Pass and here you can read my full report .

Entering Central Asia from Afghanistan

Afghanistan shares borders with Uzbekistan (very straightforward and easy border to use), Turkmenistan (which apparently is closed), and Tajikistan (the one that leads to the Wakhan is very safe, the other one not so much).

The security situation is changing constantly. Check my guide on how to travel safely in Afghanistan

Entering Central Asia from Iran

Iran shares a border with Turkmenistan and, assuming you have a valid visa, you can cross that border, no problem. Read my Iran travel guide .

Entering Central Asia from Azerbaijan

There is no border with this country but you can take a ferry across the Caspian Sea from Baku to the Kazakh city of Aktau. Moreover, as long as you have a valid visa, you can also take it from Baku to Turkmenbashi, in Turkmenistan. Here you can learn more about the Caspian Sea ferry .

🛺 How to travel around Central Asia

Traveling between the stans, crossing borders.

Except for a few specific borders which can only be used by nationals, today you can travel from and to any of the Stans, assuming you have a valid visa.

Transportation between the Stans

It’s pretty easy and you can cross all borders by either train, marshrutka, or local shared taxi. The only challenging border crossings (from a transportation point of view) would be between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, for the simple reason that it is a mountainous region with very limited public transportation.

For more information, I strongly recommend you check Caravanistan border crossing reports .

Transportation in Central Asia

The coolest thing about the Stans is that traveling around on a budget, by public transportation is very easy, as you can get to pretty much anywhere around the region by:

Travel by Marshrutka in Central Asia

Marshrutka means mini-bus in Russian and it is the main way of transportation across all former Soviet Union, from Belarus to Tajikistan. They go pretty much anywhere and leave once they are full.

Travel by a local shared taxi in Central Asia

Sometimes, the locals travel in shared taxis because they are faster than marshrutkas, or to reach faraway places where marshrutkas don’t go.

Travel by train in Central Asia

The train is a beautiful way to travel around Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, but in Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan is not very convenient.

⚠️ Is it safe to travel to Central Asia?

Fact: The Central Asian Republics are one of the safest places I have ever been to, no kidding.

I know that this is a difficult thing to prove with just words but the fact is that during my 5-month trip, I never had a single issue and, other than a few drunk men bothering me, everybody was pretty cool.

Moreover, the Stans is a region where you see a lot of solo female travelers, most of them claiming had a great experience with very few incidents.

Nicole has written a guide about it .

The dangers in Central Asia, however, are more related to the adventurous stuff.

In fact, I had a pretty bad horse accident in Tash Rabat , in which I hurt my back pretty badly and had to stay in bed for 2 weeks. It’s the only serious incident I have ever had when traveling.

Therefore, you must travel in Central Asia with proper travel insurance . More on that below.

🚑 Travel insurance for Central Asia

For traveling around Central Asia, you should get travel insurance with at least the following features and benefits:

• Covers adventure activities, including trekking in high altitudes
• Covers multi-country trips for up to 3 months, good for overlanding across the Stans

And, for that, I recommend IATI Insurance . It has budget plans too and readers of this blog get a 5% discount

The best country to travel in Central Asia – Which one should you visit?

Here’s a quick, but complete, overview of all the Stans.

Central Asia travel tip Many of you have emailed me saying that you will only have 3 weeks for traveling in Central Asia, yet you plan to visit at least 3 countries in such a short period of time. While the idea of visiting many countries might sound appealing, the only thing you will achieve with this is seeing nothing. Central Asia is a region made not to rush: spending a few days with nomads or enjoying the mountains are activities one should take easy, besides that moving from one place to another takes a lot of time. If you only have 3 weeks, I recommend you visit a maximum of 2 countries, preferably 1.

Visa for Kyrgyzstan – Most nationalities can get a 2-month free visa on arrival.

In my experience, this was the best country to visit in Central Asia

Lush green meadows, 7,000m-high snow-capped peaks, remote nomadic camps, and the land of horses.

Kyrgyzstan is the ultimate destination for mountain lovers and adventurous travelers, a country composed of some of the most epic mountains I have ever seen, some of them being highly accessible, while others being only suitable for real experts.

Moreover, Kyrgyzstan is a surprisingly easy and cheap country to travel to, with great tourist infrastructure.

In my experience, this was my favorite country to visit in Central Asia.

Top 5 experiences in Kyrgyzstan

Trekking in the Tien Shan range – The main reason you come to Kyrgyzstan. Just real epicness.

Staying with real nomads in a yurt camp – Kyrgyzstan is home to the most accessible nomadic culture ever. They are everywhere and, for very little money, you can stay in their yurts.

Trekking on the back of a horse – This is the land of horses and going over a mountain pass on a horse is a must.

Hanging out in Bishkek – The capital of Kyrgyzstan is surprisingly Westernized and a great city to take a couple-of-days-break.

Going to the Alay Valley and Lenin Peak base camp – My most favorite natural site in the country, bordering Tajikistan, this is the most impressive mountain region.

Kyrgyzstan is good for:

Trekking (all types of trekking)

Getting immersed in the nomadic culture

All Central Asia is cheap, but Kyrgyzstan is definitely the cheapest

Further reading:

• Kyrgyzstan, 1-month itinerary
• Tips for traveling to Kyrgyzstan
• A beginner’s guide to trekking in Kyrgyzstan

Visa for Tajikistan – Most nationalities can get a free visa on arrival but you’ll need a special permit to visit the GBAO region. Read this visa section for more information.

Far less visited than its neighbor Kyrgyzstan but equally epic, perhaps even more, Tajikistan is another mountain destination, the heart of the Pamir range and home to the Pamir Highway, one of the most celebrated and exciting roads in the world to drive along.

The mountains of Tajikistan are less green and cute than Kyrgyzstan, but that’s because they are wilder, more remote, which means that the tourist infrastructure is also poorer, so, if you are seeking a real off the beaten track experience and can’t decide between Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan, I definitely recommend Tajikistan.

Prices are quite similar, just slightly more expensive but, since some areas are very remote and not suitable for independent backpackers, the total cost can be considerably higher, especially if you travel the Pamir Highway.

5 Top experiences in Tajikistan

Driving the Pamir Highway – One of the most stunning roads in the world, if not the most.

Trekking in the Pamirs – Some of the wildest and most stunning treks ever but keep in mind that those mountains are tough.

Wandering along the Afghan border in the Wakhan Valley – An ancient Silk Road route that goes along the Afghan border and filled with epic fortresses and landscapes.

Discovering remote mountain villages in the Fann Mountains – The more accessible Fann Mountains are also home to unspotted rural villages and settlements.

Explore the millennial city of Khujand – One of the oldest cities in Central Asia is Khujand, a traditional city in its purest Tajik form.

Tajikistan is good for:

Epic road trips

Super remote, offbeat landscapes

• Tajikistan travel tips
• Pamir Highway travel guide
• A guide to the Wakhan Valley in Tajikistan

Visa for Uzbekistan – Some nationalities get a visa on arrival, but others need to apply for an e-visa- Read this visa guide for more information.

Once one of the most hermetic countries in Asia, with very strict visa policies for foreigners, Uzbekistan is today, the most tourist-friendly country to visit in Central Asia, and the only one where you already see some mass tourism evidence, even though – and to be fair – the vast majority of it is concentrated in just 3 cities, the rest of the country remaining quite unexplored.

Uzbekistan has opened its borders to show the rest of the world the majesty of what used to be the heart of the ancient Silk Road, a country filled with absolutely jaw-dropping mosques, shrines and old cities.

However, if you thought the Silk Road cities of Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva are the only reason to travel to Uzbekistan you would be very wrong, because here you also find some off the beaten track gems, ranging from the dried-out Aral Sea to the less-visited Fergana Valley.

I loved Uzbekistan but, to be honest with you, it’s my least favorite country to travel in Central Asia but this is just my very subjective opinion, as when I travel, I prefer mountains and rural life over visiting cities.

Top 5 experiences in Uzbekistan

Checking out the mind-blowing mosques and madrassas – They are absolutely stunning, and the reason number one to come to Uzbekistan.

Traveling back to the Silk Road times – Bukhara, Samarkand and Khiva were some of the 3 most important cities on the Silk Road.

Visit the Aral Sea – The planet’s worst environmental disaster and you can visit a city with a harbor and no sea named Moynaq.

Visiting the Fergana Valley – A real off the beaten track region and the heart of Islam in Central Asia.

Walking among Soviet buildings in Tashkent – The capital of Uzbekistan is an old Soviet-planned city and a fun place to wander around for a few days.

Uzbekistan is good for:

Silk Road monuments & architecture

The best bazaars

A bit of off the beaten track stuff

• Travel tips for Uzbekistan
• Uzbekistan backpacking itinerary
• A guide to visit the Aral Sea in Uzbekistan

Visa for Kazakhstan – Most nationalities can get a visa on arrival valid for 30 days.

If you like visiting weird things and, at the same time, visiting the most Westernized city in Asia or checking out some drop-dead mountains, you are going to love Kazakhstan.

On the one hand, Kazakhstan is a huge country, the 9th largest country in the world and, in order to feel this vastness, I strongly recommend you cross the whole country on a Soviet train, from west to east.

On the other hand, this is home to some of the most off the beaten track attractions in Central Asia, ranging from the forbidden city of Baikonur to a former testing place for atomic bombs, the main city in the dried-out Aral Sea and Nur-Sultan (former Astana), the capital and a city that has quite a few peculiar and extravagant buildings to check out.

Moreover, the old capital Almaty is the most European-like city in all Asia and the mountains in the southeastern part of the country are just gorgeous, even though I couldn’t really enjoy them because I was there in November, but I did enjoy a lot traveling by train, the traditional Kazakh life in Shymkient, the Aral Sea and Baikonur.

Top experiences in Kazakhstan

Travel in a Soviet train through the steppe – Epic multi-day journeys through endless Kazakh steppe.

Discover the gorgeous mountains of southeastern Kazakhstan – Unbelievable scenery filled with alpine lakes and canyons.

Hang out in Almaty – The most European city in Asia, a city where I would not mind living for a while.

Visit the Aral Sea – The worst environmental disaster caused by humans and in Kazakhstan, you find the largest city, today mainly composed of a harbor without a sea.

Kazakhstan is good for:

Trekking (all types)

Train travel

Best city (Almaty)

Weird, offbeat stuff

• Kazakhstan travel tips
• Kazakhstan, 1-month itinerary
• Train travel in Kazakhstan

Visa – There are two types of visa: 1 ) Transit visa , which is a 5-day visa that you can only apply for if you enter overland and exit overland through two different countries. For example, Uzbekistan -> Turkmenistan -> Iran – 2) Tourist visa : You can get a longer, normal visa if you book a full tour with a valid tour operator.

Welcome to one of the most secretive countries in the world .

Along with Eritrea and North Korea, Turkmenistan is, sadly, one of the most repressive countries on Earth, the reason why this is also the most difficult destination to travel to in Central Asia (in fact, the only difficult one).

Actually, this is the only country in Central Asia I haven’t visited, basically because they denied me a visa when I applied from Tashkent . It is very high on my list and I am sure I will travel there soon.

Infamous for being ruled by an egocentric leader who spends billions in building nonsensical, and absolutely strange buildings to worship himself, Turkmenistan is the offbeat capital of Central Asia, but these weird things are not the only reason for visiting the country, but this is also home to some Silk Road wonders such as the city of Merv, and wonderful desert landscapes.

5 Top experiences in Turkmenistan

Exploring Ashgabat – A city made of marble and ridiculous monuments built with the sole purpose of satisfying the leader’s needless caprices.

Visiting Konye-Urgench – Minarets and turquoise-tiled mosques, like in Uzbekistan, but without souvenir shops.

Camping next to Darvaza crater – A living gas crater that has been burning for ages in the middle of the desert.

Checking out Merv – Probably, the most famous archeological site in Central Asia.

Wandering around Yangykala Canyon – Unique shapes, patterns, and colors, this desert is definitely worth to pay a visit.

Turkmenistan is good for:

Silk Road archaeological sites, cities and monuments

Desert landscapes

• Turkmenistan, 1 week itinerary
• Turkmenistan travel tips

📚 Best books about Central Asia and the Silk Road

These are just my top 5 books.

For more options, read: Best books on the Silk Road

Sovietistan, by Erika Fatland

A solo female traveler who travels across the 5 Stans, unveiling and discovering the darkest and most offbeat secrets in Central Asia.

Dictators without borders, by Alexander A. Cooley Ph.D. and John Heathershaw

International politics and the influence of Central Asia in the Western world, and how Western Governments have been involved in plenty of dirty businesses with Central Asian dictators.

Turkestan solo, by Ella Maillart

A solo female traveler who traveled in Central Asia in the 30s, so this travelogue will help you understand what was it like to travel in Central Asia during the Soviet Union times.

The Silent steppe, by Mukhamet Shayakhmetov

The story about the forced displacement that millions of Kazakh nomads suffered during Stalin’s regime, and the author is a survivor who tells the struggles that he and his family had to go through.

Murder in Samarkand, by Craig Murray

The human rights abuse in Uzbekistan during the regime from the previous president Islam Karimov, who ruled the country from its independence until 2016.

❗ More resources for traveling in the Stans

📢 In my Travel Resources Page you can find the list of all the sites and services I use to book hotels, tours, travel insurance and more.

For everything related to visas, updated information on border crossings, etc., your best source is going to be Caravanistan .

Guidebooks for backpacking in Central Asia

Central asia travel guide by lonely planet.

If you are traveling to several countries in the region, you may want to get the LP, the most complete travel guide to Central Asia. Since they talk about 5 countries in one single book, however, the information is a bit limited.

Central Asia travel guides by Bradt

If you want to get deeper in each one of the countries, I strongly recommend you get Bradt guides, as they have one separate book for each country.

Bradt is my favorite brand when it comes to guidebooks because their information is always so insightful and they put a focus on off-the-beaten-track places.

• Kyrgyzstan Bradt Guide
• Tajikistan Bradt Guide
• Kazakhstan Bradt Guide
• Uzbekistan Bradt Guide
• Turkmenistan Bradt Guide

You may also want to get a Kindle, so you don’t carry so many books with you.

Hi Joan i read your interview on superblogging.com. It was very insightful. I am looking at starting a blog in 2 languages, I am just a bit confused, so you create the same post in 2 languages, but how do you add the flag feature that changes the language. Thanks Devyani

Hi Devyani, The ”flag” feature is just an option available in WPML, and it’s optional. The reason I have it is that it can be good for SEO purposes, since you are directly telling Google that there’s a translation available for that specific post.

I was disappointed to read your article. If you didn’t want to travel to Uzbekistan, why did you come? What you write is your right. but it is necessary to treat that country and its people with a little respect

what are you talking about dude

Hi Joan I am thinking on travelling to Central Asia this summer, in August or September, for 3 weeks. At the beginning I was thinking on visiting Uzbekistan but then, because maybe it will be hot, and also because I have read many articles here, I am thinking on Kyrgyzstan (and possibly Tajikistan too, or probably not). My doubt is, if I do it as a solo traveller, I think that maybe all the hiking alone could be boring and even dangerous. I am learning a bit of Russian and I think I will be able to communicate with locals, but not too much. So probably Uzbekistan being more a city travel will be better for a solo trip. I would like to know your opinion, thank you so much in advance.

Hello Antonio! I like traveling to countries during the right season and basically, August is not a good season for Uzbekistan, with temperatures in cities being over 40ºC. On the other hand, August is the best season for hiking in Kyrgyzstan. Go to Karakol and do stay in a hostel. Many people go there just for trekking, and you’re likely to meet other travelers you could share the hike with, not to mention that some trails might be busy with other travelers too.

Thank you so much for your answer Joan!!

Central Asia is a captivating region to explore, and this comprehensive guide provides valuable insights for travelers. The author’s personal experience and recommendations make it even more enticing. The information on visas, best times to visit, transportation options, and safety is particularly helpful. The description of Kyrgyzstan as a paradise for mountain lovers and adventurous travelers adds to the allure. Overall, this guide is a fantastic resource for anyone planning a trip to Central Asia.

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Our Complete Central Asia Itinerary

25 April 2018.

Wedged between China, Russia, Iran and Afghanistan, Central Asia or ‘the ‘stans’ are slowly gaining momentum as the next big travel destination.

Striking mountains and the boundless desert set the scene for epic hikes and bucket list worthy road trips, while harsh Soviet cities and dazzling silk road masterpieces weave together fragments of this region’s fascinating and often brutal past.

There are so many ways to travel through Central Asia and at a first glance it can all feel a little overwhelming, and that’s before things like transport logistics and visas get thrown into the mix. But things are changing slowly with the relaxing of entry requirements and constantly improving tourist infrastructure meaning it’s never been a better time to visit.

We spent almost four months in Central Asia guided by the changing seasons and chopping and changing plans on a whim as new and exciting destinations popped up on our radar. We were forced to skip over a number of places that sat high on our list for the simple reason that there was no reasonable or affordable way to get there. We lost far too much time in the cities merely because they provided the comforts of home we had so desperately been craving. In short, our trip didn’t always unfold in the most logical of ways, but it was pretty amazing nonetheless.

Need some help in planning your own adventure? This was our complete Central Asia itinerary, where we went, where we loved, what we wished we’d done differently and where is earmarked for next time around.

* This post includes affiliate links and any purchases made through these links will earn me a small commission at no extra cost to you. *

Entry + Exit Point  |   Almaty, Kazakhstan

Duration  |  This route took us 3.5 months or 110 days – 25 in Kazakhstan, 47 in Kyrgyzstan, 22 in Tajikistan, 14 in Uzbekistan and a final 2 days in Kazakhstan before flying out. In the capital cities, we made use of the decent wifi to catch up on work and so generally spent far more time there than was strictly necessary. For those with less time, this route could absolutely be condensed into a shorter period or chopped to leave out one country or another altogether.

Time of Year  |  We arrived in Almaty in mid-July at the height of summer and left in early November when the leaves had fallen from the trees and snow covered the mountains. The seasons heavily dictated our route and ultimately, this was probably the best time frame for this length of trip and itinerary. Yes, the cities were excruciatingly hot but the mountains were lush green and comfortable for hiking while the Uzbek desert offered up cool autumn days.

Countries Covered  |  Of the 5 Stans, Turkmenistan was the one we didn’t make it to. For this trip, the difficulty in obtaining a visa just didn’t seem worth the hassle for the very limited number of travel days allowed if approved. Plus, there was so much we were excited to see in the remaining countries that it didn’t feel like we were missing out.

25 days   |   July + August

Our journey through Central Asia began in Kazakhstan, between the leafy boulevards and bustling markets of its former capital,  Almaty , incidentally a perfect place to begin your own trip through the region.

After getting lost in the Green Bazaar, touring the city’s churches and parks, gorging on the fantastic international cuisine on offer and enjoying a sunset from Kok Tobe, we took a day trip to the mountains to enjoy the hiking near Medeu and Shymbulak. There are a variety of trails leading to waterfalls and spectacular viewpoints, though our favourite was the fairly challenging Four Peaks Trail .

Once you’ve had your fill of the city, head east toward the desert where you’ll find the burnt orange Charyn Canyon  and the brilliant blue oasis of  Kolsai Lakes and Lake Kaindy . Though transport in these parts is a little tricky, it’s well worth staying overnight to give you a little more time to explore.

If bright city lights are your thing, don’t miss the sparkling metropolis of Nur-Sultan (formerly Astana) in the country’s north along with a day or weekend trip to the lakes at nearby Borovoe National Park . In truth, our main reason for heading north was to attend the Astana Expo but otherwise we’d probably have skipped this area in favour of exploring the beautiful landscapes of the south instead.

Kazakhstan Itinerary  |  Almaty  – Charyn Canyon – Kolsai Lakes – Saty + Lake Kaindy – Almaty – Astana – Borovoe National Park – Astana – Almaty

Border Crossings  |  Flew in direct with Air Astana from Beijing and left via the Kordai crossing on the marshrutka between Almaty and Bishkek.

Highlights  |  Almaty, Kolsai Lakes, Lake Kaindy and Charyn Canyon

Next Time  |  Kazakhstan is enormous and there were a number of places that fell off our itinerary purely based on price and logistics. Multi-days tours were often wildly expensive and with few other tourists to share the costs with, we often struggled to justify the high prices and instead chose to splurge on the bucket-list items later in the trip like the Pamir Highway and Peak Lenin. With a bigger budget or simply more time to spend in the south, places on the list for next time would include Altyn Emel National Park, Altay Mountains, Mangistau, Turkestan and Aksu-Zhabagly Nature Reserve. The Baikonur Cosmodrome could also be an interesting addition if your trip coincides with a rocket launch.

Things We’d Change  |  In hindsight, we’d probably skip over Astana as it didn’t quite win us over and the long travel time to and from Almaty left us needing a few days to recover. Instead, we’d have used the time to visit some of the places mentioned above or take the Karkara Valley border crossing between Charyn Canyon and Karakol, Kyrgyzstan instead of backtracking to Almaty.

Things To Do In Nur-Sultan: Kazakhstan’s City of Lights

A Complete Guide To Charyn Canyon | Kazakhstan’s Mini Grand Canyon

The Best Things To Do In Almaty | Kazakhstan

Kolsai Lakes and Lake Kaindy: Everything You Need To Know To Plan Your Trip

Things To Do In Burabay | Kazakhstan

47 days   |   august + september.

After more than a week of catching up on work in Bishkek, enjoying the cafe scene and eating our body weight in Korean fried chicken, it was time to hit the trails.

In a country that’s more than 90 per cent mountains, prepare to be doing a lot of hiking. From Karakol, the popular 3-day trek to turquoise Alakol Lake and the rejuvenating hot springs at Altyn Arashan is a good place to start. For something truly off the beaten path, explore the trails around Jyrgalan before setting off for the ochre rockface of Jeti-Oguz and its lush Valley of Flowers.

Mountain antics aside, be sure to allocate some time for relaxation along the southern shores of Issyk Kul. The tiny villages dotted around the lake provide a tranquil setting to slip into a slower pace. Choose one and stay a while or hop your way along the shoreline. I chose to spend my time in tiny Tosor in the hopes of visiting Fairy Tale Canyon and the Barskoon Valley, but Tamga and Kaji Say also sound like decent options.

From Bishkek make your way toward Osh by taxi, flight or overnight cargo bus and either head to Arslanbob to enjoy the shade of the world’s largest walnut grove or make a beeline for the Pamir Highway .

Our final night in Kyrgyzstan spent at Tulparkul Lake in the shadow of Peak Lenin and amidst a sea of rolling hills and shimmering lakes was one of the highlights of our time in Central Asia.

Kyrgyzstan Itinerary   |  Bishkek – Karakol – Jyrgalan – Alakol and Altyn Arashan Trek – Karakol – Jeti Oguz – Tosor – Bishkek – Osh – Arslanbob – Osh – Tulpar Kul Lake

Border Crossings  |  Arrived by marshrutka through the Kordai crossing between Almaty and Bishkek and left via the Kyzylart Pass between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan

Highlights  |  hiking in the mountains around Karakol, southern shore of Issyk Kul Lake, Tulpar Kul Lake

Next Time  |  Kyrgyzstan is experiencing something of a tourism revolution with spectacular new destinations being added to the map every few months along with better tourist infrastructure. A few I’d love to check out are Kol Suu, Son Kul, Ala Archa National Park and Karavshin Gorge. There were also a number of places I’d love to have spent more time, such as the many villages along the southern shore of Issyk Kul and the stunning mountains at Sary Moghul and Tulpar KuI.

Things We’d Change  |  Despite being in the midst of the walnut harvest season, a bad spring meant the forests around Arslanbob were somewhat disappointing. If you’re planning to visit, definitely check up on the situation before arriving.

Climbing Lenin Peak: The Mountain, The Mystique and The Very Misleading

Hiking to Alakol and Altyn Arashan Without A Guide

Walnuts and Waterfalls: The Best Things To Do In Arslanbob | Kyrgyzstan

A Short Guide To Jeti-Oguz | Kyrgyzstan

Hiking in Jyrgalan, Getting Off The Beaten Path in Kyrgyzstan

22 days   |   september.

The Pamir Highway is the road trip of a lifetime and should absolutely be on your Central Asia itinerary.

From Osh, Tulparkul Lake on the Kyrgyzstan side is an ideal starting point and one of the most spectacular places we’ve ever seen. From there, trace the lonely road through the Pamir Mountains past mirrorlike lakes, jagged peaks and the verdant knot of the Wakhan Valley. Throw in a few high altitude hikes and a collection of remote mountain villages and you’re in for one hell of an adventure.

We opted to head away from the classic route, travelling instead to Rangkul and Jarty Gumbez before weaving through the Wakhan Valley and onwards to Khorog and Dushanbe . We spent about 10 days in Dushanbe relaxing, working and organising our Uzbek visas but ordinarily one or two days in the city is enough, especially as Uzbek visas can now be done online.

Truth be told, we found Tajikistan much harder to get around than the other countries in Central Asia and by this point in the trip the travel fatigue was definitely starting to creep in. Almost every destination required a 4WD taxi that may or may not be going on a certain day, was generally rather expensive and came with the extra hassle of negotiating fares. The Pamir Highway was absolutely incredible, but these other factors certainly limited our willingness to explore much further afield.

Tajikistan Itinerary  |  Pamir Highway via Wakhan Valley – Khorog – Dushanbe (see exact itinerary here )

Border Crossings  |  Arrived via the Kyzylart Pass between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan and left into Uzbekistan at the Turnisoda/Denau crossing. In 2018, the Penjikent border was finally reopened and is now the much better option for travelling between Dushanbe and Samarkand.

Highlights  |  Pamir Highway

Next Time  |  The Fann Mountains and Bartang Valley are definitely on the cards.

The Best Things To Do In Dushanbe | 24 Hours In Tajikistan’s Capital

16 Useful Things To Know Before Driving The Pamir Highway

An Epic 10-Day Itinerary For The Pamir Highway

14 days   |   october.

From the stark mountains to the riches of the ancient silk road. Immaculate blue mosaics, soaring minarets and rambling alleyways unite the main cities of Uzbekistan, though each reveals a unique character of its own.

Marvel at the enormous madrassas of Samarkand and the narrow corridors of Shah-i-Zinda before moving onto the bright chambers and leafy plazas of Bukhara . While these cities are the most famous, understated and often overlooked Khiva  was our favourite of the lot.

Uzbekistan Itinerary  |  Samarkand – Bukhara – Khiva – Tashkent

Border Crossings  |  Travelled to Samarkand via at the Turnisoda/Denau crossing from Dushanbe, though these days the Penjikent border is the much better option. Left on the overnight fast train between Tashkent and Almaty.

Highlights  |  Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva, as well as the refreshing change in cuisine.

Next Time  |  The environmental devastation of the Aral Sea and the remaining cargo ships in the desert.

Exploring Samarkand, The Magnificent Ancient Kingdom Of Uzbekistan’s Silk Road

A Short Guide To Bukhara | Uzbekistan’s Holiest City

If planning our itinerary through Central Asia left us scratching our heads, then trying to figure out the best way to actually get there took us to new realms of confusion.

An initial search on Skyscanner offered up the best flight routes as 40+ hour ordeals from Sydney with no less than three pointless layovers in random cities across China (that would require an extra visa) before finally touching down in the ‘Stans at a cost higher than a month’s rent each. No thanks! With no logic behind the options that were provided, I decided to ditch the search engines and instead set about mixing and matching every possible combination of flights between Sydney and destinations in Asia or the Middle East that offered direct connections to Central Asia.

Truth be told, depending on where you’re arriving from, there may be very little choice of flights. In general, Almaty is served by a wide range of airlines making it an excellent and economical arrival point, while Kyrgyzstan’s growing popularity makes Bishkek the next best option. Tashkent, Dushanbe and Ashgabat still have very limited international flights and are served by few airlines.

From Australia, it worked out much cheaper to book our flights separately. This also allowed much better connections than those offered on any of the search engines and with more reputable airlines. From Sydney, we flew to Beijing with Qantas for a 5-hour layover before changing to Air Astana direct to Almaty. Air Astana’s widening network across Asia makes it a good choice from most major hubs in the region.

From the Americas, virtually everyone I met had arrived via Istanbul with Turkish Airlines or via Moscow with Aeroflot, both of which offer easy connections at competitive prices.

Getting to Central Asia from Europe is easy with direct flights from a number of capital cities, particularly during summer. Low-cost airline Pegasus is generally the cheapest option with regular flights to Europe via Istanbul year round.

Start looking at flight options on Skyscanner here.

Overlanding your way from Asia or Europe? It’s possible to cross into Central Asia from all neighbouring countries, though China, Iran and Russia are the most common entry/exit points and all require special visas. For up-to-date info on all relevant border crossings in the region, see here .

If you’re travelling the Trans-Siberian, it’s also possible to travel across the border into Kazakhstan, but you’ll need a double entry visa if you intend on returning to Russia.

At Central Asia’s far eastern point, where the sprawling desert runs into the Caspian Sea, it’s possible to leave by ferry. Running on an unpredictable and highly changeable schedule, ferries depart from Aktau in Kazakhstan and Turkmenbashi in Turkmenistan for Azerbaijan and Russia. See this guide for more info.

Central Asia Travel : A Complete Beginner’s Guide To Travelling The Silk Road

The Ultimate Packing Guide For Central Asia

A Quick Guide To The Visas You’ll Need For Central Asia

Hi, this is incredible. It’s so helpful, I can’t thank you enough. I wanted to know if you got around okay with just English, or if there’s a language barrier, and what you did to overcome it.

So glad it was helpful for you! I did manage to get by, but there is definitely a language barrier and outside of the major cities and touristy towns you’ll find very few people who speak English. I would definitely recommend learning the Cyrillic alphabet and downloading Google Translate with the Russian dictionary as it’s very widely spoken in all countries. Of course, this isn’t foolproof and I had many locals in small rural villages type things in their local dialect or the national language which wouldn’t translate, but generally, people were so friendly and keen to help that you just muddle your way through. A good attitude, a smile and some charades are always a good place to start. Learning at least a few key phrases will also be a big help!

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The Five 'Stans: The Best Places To Visit In Central Asia

Where to go and what to do in central asia.

Steven Hermans

• In this guide

The Karakum Desert

Bukhara and khiva.

• Need to know
• Where to go

The Pamir Highway

The Five ‘Stans… just a handful of countries, but covering a vast swathe of Central Asia.

Where do you start an introduction to a region that stretches from China in the east, to the Caspian Sea in the west, when just one of the countries, Kazakhstan, is almost the same size as Europe?

Some definitions to get us going: the Five 'Stans consist of Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, and the largest, Kazakhstan. Although these five countries have much in common, they also have quite different cultures and traditions.

Their histories are endlessly fascinating: violence and conquest, mixed with the most breathtaking scientific and cultural breakthroughs, the evidence of which is with us today. Yes, Genghis Khan swept through the region with an unimaginable ruthlessness, creating an empire which has never been equalled in size. And yes, Timur (Tamburlaine) was an equally brutal warlord whose influence extended even into India thanks to his descendants.

But the architecture! The scientific advances! The enlightened education! All while Europe was a wallowing backwater. Much of this impressive legacy remains for the visitor to gaze at and admire in awe. This civilisation created buildings which are still among the most stunning to be seen anywhere in the world. Here was where Ulugh Beg built an observatory (you can still see the ruins) at which he mapped the stars and calculated the length of the year; here was the first paper factory which eventually allowed us in the west to write and to read. The (restored) cities of Samarkand and Khiva are like nowhere else on earth. It's all here, and it's criminally underrated by the world's tourism industry.

Ready to go? Here's our summary of the best places to visit in Central Asia, what to do, and how to get there.

Statues around the Monument of Independence in Ashgabat

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Experience the people, history and nature of the 'five stans, best places to visit in the five stans, the highlights of central asia.

The Five 'Stans are the countries at the heart of the Silk Road, along which goods travelled between China and the West. They have vast mountains, vast deserts, vast valleys, vast plains – you get the idea: everything out here is on an epic scale.

They have Soviet-style cities, true, sometimes with immense monuments to past strongmen rulers, but they also have remote villages and nomadic communities where the old traditions endure.

What's in a name?

The “stan” in the names means “land of”. So Kyrgyzstan is the land of the Kyrgyz, Uzbekistan is the land of the Uzbeks, and so on. It follows that although these five countries have much in common, they also have quite different cultures and traditions.

Shah-i-Zinda in Samarkand

Samarkand, one of the major stops along the ancient Silk Road, is a bustling city with, at its heart, one of the world’s unmissable sights - the Registan.

Built as madrassas, or schools, they are covered in ceramic tiles that sparkle in the sun. Dating from the 15th century and restored in the 20th, they are among the finest examples of Islamic architecture anywhere.

The Registan is just one of the highlights. The Shah-i-Zinda necropolis, dating from the 11th century, is an extraordinary collection of mausoleums and shrines – more than 20 buildings of stunning beauty, packed together in a relatively small space. Legend has it that the cousin of the Prophet Muhammad is buried there.

And don’t miss the remains of the 15th century observatory on the edge of the city, built by Ulugh Beg. Here is where he mapped the stars and worked out the length of the year, among other things, with astonishing accuracy.

Visiting Samarkand

No place on the long and winding Silk Road captures the imagination quite like Uzbekistan's Samarkand, the beautifully-preserved 14th-century city and centre of the mighty Timurid Empire…

Aksu Zhabagly Nature Reserve near Shymkent

This busy town in the south of Kazakhstan, is one of the country’s ancient settlements. Destroyed by Genghis Khan, it recovered to become a major centre along the Silk Road, and in the 20th century developed as one of the country’s main trade and industrial hubs. It has a number of historic sights, but the main attractions are outside the city. The region is famous for its rare tulips that in spring blanket the meadows of the mountains that form a stunning backdrop to the town.

The beautiful national parks that protect the tulips and are sanctuaries for bears and snow leopards, are wonderful to explore on horseback or on a hike: The sight of wild horses roaming through the tulip fields will stay with you forever.

The nearby old oasis towns will give you an unbeatable insight into what life must have been like for the Silk Road traders, and for accommodation try a homestay to sample a genuine Kazakh welcome and the local cuisine which developed out of the traditional nomadic lifestyle.

Visiting Shymkent

If Almaty is the queen of Kazakhstan, Shymkent is the eager lady-in-waiting…

Park of the First President of Kazakhstan in Almaty

The biggest, Kazakh city, Almaty very pleasant and green, surrounded by mountains, with tree-lined streets and many parks – Panfilov Park in particular is well worth strolling through with colourful wooden Zenkov Cathedral and the Musical Instruments Museum.

The city is known for its cultural life. With its theatres, opera house, and museums, and outdoor cafés, restaurants and international cuisine, it has become the favoured home of Central Asia’s literati. The Arasan baths are a great place to relax. You really need to try the luxury spa experience at what is said to be one of the country’s most striking modernist buildings.

There also much to see beyond the city. The nearby mountains are great for hiking and there’s skiing and open-air ice skating on offer too. And don’t miss the spectacular Charyn Canyon - its red sedimentary rock make it a smaller version of the Grand Canyon and it’s home to a wonderful collection of flora and fauna.

Visiting Almaty: How To Get There & Things To Do

The biggest, most vibrant Kazakh city was the capital until 1997…

Yurt camp at Song Kul Lake

Want to get a taste of nomadic life in remote Kyrgyzstan? This is the place to head for, although it’s not an easy journey.

The lake is over 3,000m up in the Tian Shan Mountains, an area covered with snow for up to 200 days a year, and the water freezes in winter, thawing in April-May. The winters are harsh, but in spring the landscape bursts into life. Nowhere is greener than the slopes around this beautiful lake and dozens of nomadic shepherd families come here to set up camp with their flocks.

You can join them, accept their wonderful hospitality, and have the experience of a lifetime thanks to community-based tourism: Sleep in a yurt, eat and drink as the locals do, soak up the amazing beauty of the landscape, hike or ride to explore it.

It’s remote and difficult to get to, and cold even in summer. But the warmth of the welcome you’ll get will be worth it.

How To Get To Song Kul Lake

Central Asia’s archetypal semi-nomadic culture is alive and well in Kyrgyzstan, and nowhere is this more evident than at Lake Song Kul…

Arslanbob mountain range

Arslanbob is a village, a valley, a mountain range and even a large walnut forest, all in Kyrgyzstan.

The village is tucked away on the edge of a fairytale forest, and it is perfect if you want to spend some time away from cities and the heat of the summer, and hike in glorious surroundings.

Waterfalls and sacred lakes make this a place pilgrims are drawn to, and any visitor will find it irresistible. The walnut forest is vast and ancient. According to legend Alexander the Great took walnuts from here which led to them spreading through Europe and the rest of the world.

That may or may not be true. What is certain is that time spent here, perhaps in a delightful homestay getting to know the locals, will be unforgettable.

Visiting Arslanbob: Highlights & How To Get There

The fairytale walnut forest of Arslanbob in southern Kyrgyzstan is a year-round destination for visitors…

The Darwaza Crater in Turkmenistan

The black sands of the Karakum spread over a vast swathe of Turkmenistan – about 70 per cent of the country. Rainfall is scarce and there are few people, but the desert is home to wildlife - lizards, snakes and turtles, foxes and gazelles.

The area was ravaged by Mongol conquests and major cities were destroyed, but there are monuments still standing to give you an idea of what was lost, and in the desert is the eerie Yangikala Canyon which was carved out 5 million years ago by the retreating sea which once covered the whole area.

And then there’s possibly the desert’s weirdest sight of all – the Darwaza Crater, popularly known as the Door to Hell. It’s large, about 70m in diameter and 20m deep, and it is on fire, constantly. It has captured the public imagination and you’ll understand why when you camp nearby and see it glowing ominously in the dark.

Visiting The Karakum Desert

The black sands of the Karakum Desert were once the domain of roving bands of Turkmen slave raiders that terrorised the Caspian basin…

Alem Cultural and Entertainment Centre in Ashgabat

The capital of Turkmenistan is weird and unsettling, but fascinating at the same time. It’s huge, richly decorated – and largely empty of people.

Think marble-clad tower blocks looming over wide, but empty, streets and extravagant monuments and gilded statues honouring various heroes of the country. It’s all bizarre, but still worth seeing.

But as befits a city that was founded in the 19th century, there is an old town, and some real life with the Russian bazaar where you can bargain for fruit with the locals.

There are also a number of museums, including the Turkmen Carpet Museum, Fine Arts, and the National Museum of History. There are also mosques and churches worth seeing, the highlights being Turkmenbashy Ruhy mosque and Ertugrul Gazi mosque.

How To Get To Ashgabat

Described as the city “where Las Vegas meets Pyongyang”, nothing can prepare you for the desert mirage that is Ashgabat…

Cyclists on the Pamir Highway

Now this is probably not for the faint-hearted. Properly known as the M41, the highway connects Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan via the towering Pamir Mountains. It’s the second highest highway in the world, and it’s an epic road trip – if you dare!

The highway attracts pedal and motorcyclists, and drivers, looking for a unique adventure. For much of its length the road is mostly a rough track, but there are also ruins of ancient forts that once guarded the Silk Road trading routes.

The area is unstable, prone to landslides, earthquakes and rock falls – and it goes very close to the Afghan border. The ride is extreme and it’s challenging, but you see the most spectacular mountains, raging rivers and breathtakingly beautiful lakes.

Visiting The Pamir Highway & Mountains

Known locally as “the roof of the world,” the Pamir Mountains dominate with their superlatives…

Poi Kalan in Bukhara

Don’t count on seeing either of these two striking cities in a day. The history that’s waiting for you in both the ancient centres will blow you away.

Bukhara was one of the major trading posts on the Silk Road and although it has been rebuilt and restored there are many unmissable key sites, too many to list here. It’s easier simply to quote UNESCO’s view: “…the centre is unquestionably of outstanding significance as an exceptional example of a largely medieval Muslim city.”

A big bonus is that it’s easy to get to – it’s on a high-speed train line from Samarkand and Tashkent.

Khiva can be overlooked because of its distance from Bukhara, but that would be such a mistake. It too has an abundance of cultural and historical sites to visit – the old town itself has more than 50 monuments. The city is more than a thousand years old, and its inner walled town was the first site in Uzbekistan to be placed on the UNESCO world heritage list.

Visiting Bukhara And Khiva

Bukhara, sited on the remains of a Buddhist monastery, was to become one of Islam’s most important places during the Middle Ages…

Historical Uzbekistan

Where and how to see uzbekistan's historical cities, about the author.

Steven is the creator and editor of Caravanistan , an online travel guide to the Silk Road that was described by the Lonely Planet as a "peerless online travel guide to the region". He has been travelling the region since 2010, and has dedicated himself to improving tourism on the Silk Road, both for travellers and locals.

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Central Asia Travel Guide and Backpacking Itinerary

Travelling in Central Asia is like a fairytale. From the white peaks of the Kyrgyz mountains to the wild horses on the steppes of Kazakhstan. From the pearls of architecture in Uzbekistan to one of the world’s most closed countries of Turkmenistan and intriguing landscapes of Tajikistan. Central Asia lies off the beaten path for most of the tourists, but it intrigues and fascinates those adventurous ones. Here, I share with you my Central Asia travel guide and full Central Asia itinerary to help you plan your next backpacking trip to one of the world’s underrated regions.

CENTRAL ASIA TRAVEL

When I talk about my recent trip when I was travelling in Central Asia, I often get the question “what countries are in Central Asia”, and “Where exactly is it”? There is still not much information among western travelers about this part of the world. Well, when others miss out on the gorgeousness of those countries, we can enjoy the unique places hidden from the crowds.

You can travel through Central Asia in many ways and visit all, or only part of the “stans”. The “Stan countries” include Uzbekistan , Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan , Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan. All Central Asian republics are different, and all are fascinating. The Central Asian itineraries vary from spending just a few weeks to a few months in the region. There is a lot to discover and the more time you have the better. Travelling the stans might not always be easy, and there are some things to know about Central Asia, that are helpful, but it is worth it.

CENTRAL ASIA ITINERARY

This Central Asia itinerary is very condensed and allows you to see the highlights of the region in a relatively short time. Obviously, more days would be recommended in each of the countries to be able to visit them properly, but unfortunately, this is not always possible. Some of us are trying hard to travel more with a 9-5 job and are limited with time. Hopefully, this itinerary will help you make the most of your time travelling Central Asia.

I took a trip to Central Asia this year and I covered a part of the silk road route. I managed to do some of the best things Central Asia has to offer, together with visiting quite remote places located entirely off the beaten path. But not any less fascinating.

Dive into the dazzling world of Central Asian countries.

This post may contain affiliate links, which means that I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. More details here .

Table of content

• Backpacking Central Asia

Safety in Central Asia

Central asia tours, what countries to visit in central asia, best time to visit central asia, length of travel in central asia, point of entry and exit to central asia, visas for central asia, transport in central asia, money and prices in central asia, language in central asia.

• Central Asia itinerary day per day, map of the route through Central Asia 
• Kazakhstan itinerary
• Uzbekistan itinerary
• Kyrgyzstan itinerary

Read more: 13 Unique & Interesting things to do in Kyrgyzstan 

CENTRAL ASIA TRAVEL TIPS AND TRIP DETAILS

Backpacking central asia .

I was backpacking Central Asia, mostly on my own, with my boyfriend joining at the end. My travels are usually focused on budget backpacking, looking for unusual places and being close to local people. I prefer independent travel and also tend to value new experiences and things to do more than a relaxing time, and I am very active. Stan countries are perfect for that. Backpacking Central Asia is easy, cheap and probably the best way of exploring the region.

If you are concerned about Central Asia safety, you shouldn’t be. As a solo female traveller I felt safe in most of the places. You can read the post with my answer to the question is Uzbekistan safe and my experience from there, which also translates to other countries of Central Asia.

However, as everywhere else, you need to be vigilant and cautious. Small pickpocket crime can happen anywhere and in touristy places, some of the locals might try to squeeze more money out of you than necessary. Those are just exceptions from the very nice rest.

Please, note that I haven’t been to Tajikistan or Turkmenistan yet, so cannot personally vouch for those countries. However, I’ve heard from other travellers that those countries are also generally safe.

If you don’t feel comfortable travelling in Central Asia on your own, you can look into some Central Asia tours, that are widely available. Viator offers some good looking tours, that you can check out:

• Kazakhstan 2 day tour to Charyn Canyon, Kolsai and Kaindy lakes – Check details here
• Son Kul Lake tour in Kyrgyzstan – Check details here
• Horse riding in Kyrgyzstan – Check details here
• 2 Days desert Yurt camp tour in Uzbekistan – Check details here
• 4 Days Pearls of Uzbekistan Tour – Check details here

I managed to visit Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan , and Kyrgyzstan . The region also covers Turkmenistan and Tajikistan. Due to time limitations, the weather in the mountains and problems with visas to Turkmenistan I needed to exclude them from my Asian itinerary at the time.

Turkmenistan is one of the hardest countries to get to, as you either need to go there with a guide (which costs money) or apply for a transit visa. A transit visa only gives you 4-5 days in the country and can easily be rejected.

Read more: Backpacking Uzbekistan itinerary

I visited the region in April/May 2019. While this is a perfect time to go to Uzbekistan with bearable temperatures, it’s not ideal for hiking conditions in Kyrgyzstan or mountainous regions of Kazakhstan. It is still possible to do some hikes in the lower parts of the mountains, or in the canyons, as well as visiting higher peaks with proper equipment. This is a quieter time in places, that can be popular with people otherwise.

If your main focus is Kyrgyzstan hiking, Tajikistan trekking, and otherwise high-altitude walking anywhere else, focus more on the summer months. In winter, early spring and late autumn many passes are still covered in snow and the roads might be impassable.

Read more: Is Uzbekistan safe? I traveled there solo and this is what I discovered

I spent a total of 20 days in the region. I needed to use three days for work in Nursultan (Astana) in Kazakhstan. The rest I used purely for traveling. Below you will find my 3 weeks Central Asia itinerary. With the region so vast and diverse, the more time you have to spare the better.

For me, it was Nursultan (Astana) in Kazakhstan. The point of entry was connected to my work trip. However, Nursultan is also a good starting point in Central Asia for people coming from Europe . It’s well connected with Europe through Poland and Russia. The only thing you need to keep in mind is that the city is located quite far away north from other points of interest in this itinerary.

If you want to focus mainly on the southern parts, you can try to enter the region through Almaty, Bishkek or Tashkent, which are located closer to the main places covered here and are also well connected to the west.

Another alternative if you come from Europe is to travel by land and a ferry through Azerbaijan.

As a European citizen, I had a 30-day visa-free entry to all three countries. Most nationalities have free visa entry to Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan (which has recently relaxed its visa rules). Tajikistan requires an easy-to-get e-visa. Turkmenistan is the only country in the region that still holds a strict visa regime and can reject the majority of applications.

Check the information about the visa requirements for Central Asia before departing. You can read the latest visa information for Central Asia on the official country website. For Central Asia visas for Uzbekistan , you can click on the blue link, for Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan, you can check in the embassy in your own country.

To move between the countries and inside them, I used planes, trains, local buses (marshrutkas), shared taxis and cars.

You can travel Central Asia by train, as it would be the fastest (apart from flying) on the long distances. Trains work well in Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, not so much in Kyrgyzstan or Tajikistan. Trains are quite fast and comfortable. There are three classes to choose from and all are fine.

Marshrutkas

Marshrutkas are the minibuses that travel either on short or long distances. They are usually small and cramped but it’s the cheapest option to travel around in Central Asia and a great one to meet locals.

Shared taxis

The very popular mean of transport in Central Asia. Shared taxis are the cars where you share places with other people. Their price is normally a bit higher than the marshrutkas, but they can get you to the destination faster, as they don’t need to wait to fill up a lot of empty spaces.

There are airports in most of the cities around Central Asia and it’s quite easy to fly in and out. However, the tickets often get fully booked and the prices of the flights are not so cheap. I flew with Uzbekistan airways and Air Astana, both were fine. The best place to looks for flights is through skyscanner.net  or on the carrier websites.

Central Asia is mostly a cash-driven society. Especially in Uzbekistan, don’t expect to be able to pay by a card or even find an ATM working with a foreign card. I’ve walked for hours in the heat with no food trying to find one that was working and just ended up changing the USD dollars with a local, as I had no other choice.

Take cash in USD dollars to exchange later. The best place to do it is in the bank, as the black market is now illegal in Uzbekistan.

In Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, ATMs are easier to find, especially in the big cities and some places also take cards.

VISA cards are more common to be accepted than Mastercards. I used my Revolut Mastercard in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan with no problems.

Prices in Central Asia are very affordable, with Uzbekistan being the cheapest of all the countries that I visited. Kyrgyzstan is slightly cheaper than Kazakhstan.

Read more: Unique and interesting things to do in Kyrgyzstan

Each of the countries has their own language, but many people are bilingual, with Russian being their second language. Not all of them though. I’ve had multiple situations of friendly Uzbek ladies chatting away to me in their local dialects and having the fun of me not understanding a word 😉

Russian is definitely helpful, and I recommend learning at least the basics. Especially reading the Cyrillic alphabet, it will help you a lot. Some people also speak English, but most are more comfortable with Russian. I used this Lonely Planet Russian phrasebook & dictionary and found it very handy!

What to pack for Central Asia

A few things that I recommend bringing when you travel to Central Asia:

• Revolut card for fee-free ATM withdrawals (some of the local ATMs will still charge a small fee, but it’s not the bank fee). Order your card here .
• US dollars in cash (especially for Uzbekistan)
• Water filter, especially if you plan on hiking. I recommend SteriPen , that also filters viruses or LifeStraw . You can buy SteriPen here , LifeStraw here .
• Russian phrasebook & dictionary – I used the one from Lonely Planet and found it very helpful. Buy it here.
• Sunscreen, always. I love this 50+La Roche Posay .
• Hiking shoes if you plan to hike
• Waterproof/windproof jacket, especially if you plan to be on the higher altitudes
• Good sunglasses for the harsh sun and higher altitudes
• First aid kit

CENTRAL ASIA ITINERARY DAY PER DAY

1-3 – Nursultan, Kazakhstan (can be reduced to 1 day or skipped) 3-4 – Tashkent, Uzbekistan 4-5 – Samarkand , Uzbekistan 5-6 – Bukhara , Uzbekistan 6-7 – Khiva, Uzbekistan 8 – Qalas, the desert castles, Uzbekistan 9 – Bishkek and transfer to Karakol, Kyrgyzstan 9-13 -Karakol and around, Kyrgyzstan 13-14- Bokonboaveo, Issyk Kul, Kyrgyzstan 15 – Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan 16-20 – Almaty, Charyn Canyon, Lake Kaindy, Kazakhstan

CENTRAL ASIA MAP – MY CENTRAL ASIA BACKPACKING ROUTE

CENTRAL ASIA ITINERARY PER COUNTRY

KAZAKHSTAN CENTRAL ASIA ITINERARY

I started my Central Asia trip in the capital of Kazakhstan, Nursultan (previously named Astana). It has just changed its name a few days before my arrival).

I spent several days working and visiting Nursultan at the same time. Since I was initially on a business visa, I needed to leave the country if I wanted to travel on my own. The only way of doing it in a timely manner was by flying out. I flew to Tashkent in Uzbekistan and started the trip from there.

Alternatively, to go south instead of flying to Uzbekistan, you can go by train to Almaty and make the itinerary in the reverse direction. Another option would be to get to Shymkent in the south of Kazakhstan, visit the Aksu-Zhabagly Nature Reserve and then go by public transport to Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

Since my return flight back to Europe was also from Nursultan, I needed to finish the trip there. Before flying out, I spent some time in south Kazakhstan.

Where to stay in Nursultan: 

Astana Marriott Hotel – I stayed there 4 nights for work and I can definitely recommend it. It’s located just next to Khan Shatyr (the shopping center that looks like a massive tent), and within a short walk to the city center and several restaurants. It also offers a spa, swimming pool, and a rooftop bar. Check prices and availability here.

For backpacker-friendly hotels in Nur-Sultan check out Hostelland Astana with a great vibe and dormitory rooms. Check prices and availability here.

The main city of south Kazakhstan is Almaty. It used to be the capital of the country and you can see it in its size and development. The city itself is very green and surrounded by the mountains. Full of good cafés (such a difference after drinking instant coffee in other parts of Central Asia), chic bars and restaurants, it’s a buzzing place perfect for chilling in for a few days.

In the proximity to Almaty lies Ile-Alatau National Park with glaciers and lakes. The place popular with locals and travelers alike is a Big Almaty Lake. If you have time, it’s also worth to go to Shymbulak ski resort and Medeo ice rink.

Where to stay in Almaty: 

Hotel Tahar – located in the typical post-Soviet block of flats, it doesn’t look like a hotel from the outside. We stayed there twice, as we thought it was a good value for the price for both of us. Nearby, you can find cheap local eatery for breakfast (and not only). Also, a Georgian restaurant on the street next door is great. Check prices and availability here.

For solo travelers looking for hostels and interaction with other backpackers, Almaty Backpackers is a place to go. Check prices and availability here.

South of Kazakhstan

You can take a few days to travel in the south of Kazakhstan. We rented a car (you can check rental prices through rental cars or message some local companies) and we drove around for 2 days. The main points that we visited were the Charyn Canyon, village Saty and Lake Kaindy. Not far from there also lie the beautiful Kolsai Lakes, but we didn’t have time for them.

Where to stay in Saty: 

Guest House Arcabay-Karligash – family-run guest house with home-made food that guests love. All the meals are included and the owners can also arrange transport to Kaindy Lake, Kolsai Lakes and back to Almaty. Check prices and availability here .

KAZAKHSTAN TRAVEL

Days spent in kazakhstan.

4 days + 3 days in Nursultan for work

Places visited in Kazakhstan

Nursultan, Almaty, Big Almaty Lake, Charyn Canyon, Kaindy Lake with sunken forest, Saty.

What to add with more time

Kolsai Lakes, Altyn Emel National park, Aksu-Zhabagly Reserve, Turkestan, Chundza hot springs

Border crossings

There are several border crossings between Kazakhstan and neighboring countries. The main border crossing between Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan is the one on the way between Almaty and Bishkek. In the summer months, there is also another crossing opened that connects the east part of the country through Karkara Valley. However, the road closed in winter, spring, and autumn, so make sure you check the opening times before you decide to travel there.

The main border crossing in the south of Kazakhstan with Uzbekistan is Zhibek Zholy. You would need to take it if you travel from Shymkent to Tashkent.

Total cost in Kazakhstan (excluding Nursultan and flights)

For 2 people for 4 days: 69906 tenge (185 USD). This equals to 35 000 tenge or 92 USD per person.

UZBEKISTAN CENTRAL ASIA ITINERARY

Silk road travel.

During my Uzbekistan itinerary , I decided to visit the main cities located on the ancient Silk Road route. This is the country that is famous for the places that must be put on the silk road itinerary.

I am not the biggest fan of the cities – I prefer outdoor adventure and off the beaten path travel. Luckily, the silk road cities in Uzbekistan, that I visited were really interesting. Even though they were sometimes crowded, it was mainly with local tourists from the region. This added to the fascinating and colorful vibe of those places. In Uzbekistan, I mainly used trains as transport and shared local taxis. I was travelling as a solo female in Uzbekistan.

I started my trip to Uzbekistan from Tashkent. I was quite tired, so I didn’t manage to see much of the city, but if you have time, spend at least half a day there and make sure to see some of the Soviet architecture, like the famous Uzbekistan hotel . A trip to the beautifully decorated Tashkent metro stations is also worth a go.

Where to stay in Tashkent:

Sunrise Caravan Hotel – I stayed there for one night after arrival. Location is central. The interior was really nice and wooden, with a clean bathroom and a comfortable bed with a curtain in a mixed dormitory room. Simple breakfast was included. They also offer private rooms. Check prices and availability here .

Tashkent Amir Khan Hostel – nice hostel, located close to the airport (I walked for my flight). I stayed in a female-only dormitory room and it was clean and comfortable. Plugs and curtains for each bed. Clean bathroom. Breakfast included. The staff were really nice and offered me a takeaway breakfast with no additional charge as I was leaving early for my morning flight. Check prices and availability here .

From Tashkent, I took a train to Samarkand, where I spent 1,5 day. The city has a busier vibe from other places in Uzbekistan. There are a lot of amazing things to do in Samarkand . The most famous landmark is the Registan .

I managed to see everything on the first day after arrival, so during the second day, I was mainly walking around, talking to people, eating, drinking tea and wandering the streets. I would say that one full day there would be enough, but do not miss sunrise and sunset in Registan!

Where to stay in Samarkand:

B&B Emir – nice hostel, located close to Gur Emir complex and a short walk away from Registan. Traditional wooden interior, rooftop (it wasn’t fully ready when I was there though) and clean rooms. Breakfast wasn’t included, but there are plenty of places in the city where you can get food. Check prices and availability here.

If you want something on the other side of town, check Tilyakori Hotel or Hotel Caravan Serail , both traditional and with beautiful interior.

After Samarkand, I visited Bukhara . Bukhara was much quieter than Samarkand, with the very distinctive old town. Again, I managed to see most of the places during the half a day in the old part of the city, so I wandered out of the city walls and explored other landmarks.

Where to stay in Bukhara:

Bukhara Rumi hotel – I stayed there for two night in a mixed dormitory room. There were bunk beds with curtains, which was nice. The building is rather old and has a courtyard inside. The toilet was a basic one. We had a good and very big breakfast, unfortunately, the owner didn’t want to give me anything for takeaway as I was checking out before breakfast was served. The wifi was working mainly in the common area. The location was good enough, but further from the tourist attractions. It was ok for a few nights. Check prices and availability here .

If you look for a hotel closer to the main tourist attractions check Old Bukhara with very good reviews – check prices and availability here .

For nice hotels with a bit higher price range, Hotel Malika Bukhara with their spa center is a good choice. I wanted to stay in a beautifully decorated Boutique Hotel Minzifa that has traditional Uzbek architecture, but it was fully booked. It gets quite popular, so make sure to book in advance. Check prices and availability here .  

My last city in Uzbekistan was Khiva. The old town there is still surrounded by the city wall and felt more touristy, as inside the walls you can mainly see the visitors. The mud walls of the buildings and walking off the main paths, as well as waking up for the sunrise on the city walls added more magic to my stay there.

Where to stay in Khiva:

Khiva Meros B&B – family-run hotel with rooftop terrace and wonderfully decorated ceilings. It’s located within the Old Khiva walls, perfect for peaceful strolls amongst the historical buildings and offering great sunset and sunrise views. It gets very popular and it’s hard to get a room, so be quick with booking. Check prices and availability here .

Desert  Qalas of Karakalpakstan

I finished my trip in Uzbekistan with a day trip to the desert castles – qalas. I was looking forward to this part of the trip, as it sounded very unusual to me. The ruined castles located in the middle of the desert were empty and we could visit the walls in peace. It was a very interesting experience, that I can definitely recommend. The landscape reminded me a little bit of intriguing rock formations of Wadi Rum in Jordan in the Middle East.

I returned to Tashkent by flight from Urgench (the bigger town near Khiva) and moved from there to Bishkek in Kyrgyzstan.

UZBEKISTAN TRAVEL

Days spent in uzbekistan, places visited in uzbekistan.

Tashkent, Samarkand , Bukhara , Khiva, Desert Qalas (castles)

What to add with more time in Uzbekistan

Nukus, Monyaq, Aral Sea

Border crossing with Kazakhstan on the east part of the country is through Zhibek Zholy.

To get to Kyrgyzstan from Tashkent, you can go through Kazakhstan border crossing Zhibek Zholy, through Shymkent and back to Bishkek. Or you can go through the Fergana Valley in direction to Osh. Both options require at least 2 additional days for travel.

Means of transport

Trains, shared taxis, planes

Total Uzbekistan cost

For 5 days per person travelling solo: 1,321,209 som (154 USD)

Other posts about Uzbekistan

Full Uzbekistan itinerary

10 Astonishing things to do in Samarkand

Is Uzbekistan safe?

KYRGYZSTAN CENTRAL ASIA ITINERARY

Northern kyrgyzstan.

During my time in Kyrgyzstan, I focused on the northern part of the country. There are many things to do in Kyrgyzstan , especially if you like hiking and outdoor adventure. This is the country with some of the most beautiful Central Asia mountains. You can explore the numerous trails on foot or horses for weeks and even months.

Located on the eastern part of the Issyk-Kul lake, around 150 km from the Chinese border, Karakol is a city surrounded by mountains. One of the best spots for trekking in Kyrgyzstan with interesting culture and variety of places around to choose from. I’ve stayed there for a few nights, taking trips around into the outdoors.

Where to stay in Karakol:

Green Yard Hotel – family-run hotel with delicious home-made food, immediately stole my heart. The tranquility of the area, mountain views and the everywhere greenery made for a wonderful stay. Rooms are clean and sleek, colorful pictures of the region decorate the walls. Green Yard Hotel is famous for its breakfasts, and there is no surprise why – I could easily eat them several times a day, every day. And the tea (chai) with a selection of homemade jams and cakes! You got to try it. Check prices and availability here.

Sary-Jaz Valley

I also wanted to discover places located more off the beaten path in Kyrgyzstan. One of them was a hidden Sary-Jaz valley with the half-abandoned soviet city surrounded by the 7000+ meters high mountains of Tian Shan. This was a highlight of my trip to Kyrgyzstan.

Some of the other hidden places in Kyrgyzstan, that I could visit were canyons on the south shore of Issyk Kul lake. I had a chance to explore the region around Karakol and discover those unknown areas, thanks to Visit Karakol company, who invited me on a trip and my great travel guide, Ibraim. This local outdoor adventure company specializes in tours to off the beaten path places and takes people to the most beautiful parts of Kyrgyzstan.

Issyk-Kul Lake

After visiting the east part of Kyrgyzstan, with Karakol and Jyrgalan Valley, I was joined by Alex and we spent some time in the south shore of Issyk-Kul lake in Bokonbaevo. We stayed in a traditional yurt camp by the lake, from where we also organized a horse riding in the mountains. Amazing experience and very strongly connected to the local culture.

Where to stay in Issyk-Kul Lake:

Jurten Camp Almaluu – we stayed near Bokonboaveo, but still out of the city, by the lake in the traditional yurt camp. We had our own yurt with a fireplace and cozy mattresses. The food was served in the big common yurt and was delicious. The yurt camp also organizes the activities and we went horse trekking in the nearby area with them. The bathrooms were located outside, as well as showers, but there was hot water and everything was clean. Check prices and availability here .

After that, we were hosted in Bishkek by the local family of one of Alex’s friends, who treated us like the kings. The hospitality of the local Kyrgyz people is outstanding.

Bishkek is the capital city of Kyrgyzstan. Contrary to what you can see on the internet, I actually like Bishkek and I think there is a lot to do there. The city is surrounded by mountains and it’s very easy to get to the national park straight from the city center.

Where to stay in Bishkek:

In Bishkek, we stayed with a local family, but some of the recommended hotels in Bishkek are:

Friends guest house & Hostel – nice hostel in a good location, preferred by backpackers for its good prices and friendly atmosphere. Check prices and availability here.  

Capsule Hotel – modern and clean hostel with capsule dormitory beds. Sleek and private. Check prices and availability here. 

Garden hotel & SPA – 4-star hotel with a perfect location and great amenities. Check prices and availability here. 

KYRGYZSTAN TRAVEL

Days spent in kyrgyzstan.

 7 days

Places visited in Kyrgyzstan

Bishkek, Karakol, Sary-Jaz valley, Jyrgylan valley, Issyk-Kul lake, Bokonboaveo, Canyons – Skazka canyon, Canyon of Forgotten rivers, Mars canyon

Spend more time in the mountainous areas, visit Song Kul lake and lakes in the region, go on a road trip to the south via Pamir highway, visit more known places like Alakol, Altyn Arashan, Jeti Oguz, Burana tower

The easiest way to get from Kyrgyzstan to Kazakhstan is by marshrutka (local bus) from Bishkek to Almaty. It takes 5 hours and goes through the main border crossing.

In the summer the Karkara Valley crossing is also open, that makes for a shortcut when coming from Karakol area into Kazakhstan.

The main crossing with Uzbekistan is through the Fergana Valley.

Total cost in Kyrgyzstan

The total cost of my trip to Kyrgyzstan is hard to estimate since part of my tour was in collaboration with Visit Karakol , and during other days we were hosted by the local family. I will try to write a post about the general prices for items in Kyrgyzstan to help you with estimates (spoiler alert – it’s not expensive! A little bit more expensive than Uzbekistan, but cheaper than Kazakhstan).

Other posts about Kyrgyzstan

22 Unique and interesting things to do in Kyrgyzstan

Read more about Central Asia:

  13 Unique & Interesting things to do in Kyrgyzstan 

Is Uzbekistan safe? I traveled solo to Uzbekistan and this is what I discovered

Backpacking Uzbekistan itinerary

21 Impressive Things to do in Bukhara

Would you use this plan for Central Asia trip? Would you like to add any places? What is your Central Asia itinerary? Let me know in the comments!

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Related posts:

• Full Backpacking Uzbekistan Itinerary in One Week (Or More) + Tips
• How to plan a perfect trip to Asia – tips for your first Asia vacation & how to choose the best travel itinerary
• 22 Unique & Interesting Things To Do In Kyrgyzstan
• Is Uzbekistan Safe? 5 Things I Discovered Traveling Solo

3 thoughts on “ Central Asia Travel Guide and Backpacking Itinerary ”

Wow, Bukhara city walls are so impressive, I used to live in Almaty (11 years ago) and visit some of the countries but never visted Bukhara

Bukhara has really a lot of places worth to see!

Wow amazing loved each and every place gorgeous images too. The one I liked the most is Kul Lake such a beautiful lake. Thanks for sharing these awesome destination with us!

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Horses roam in front of Kyrgyzstan's Tash Rabat, an ancient monastery converted into a Silk Road inn.

5 Underrated Destinations in Central Asia

On the crossroads of East and West, the Silk Road region holds hidden gems.

Despite their rich cultures and diverse landscapes, the countries of Central Asia are often stereotypically grouped together as the “stans,” or overlooked and ignored altogether.

But the region is home to countless sites justly famous for their natural beauty, unique histories, and long-held traditions. Here are five spots that deserve a place on your Central Asian itinerary.

Almaty, Kazakhstan

Built in 1972, the high-altitude Medeu Ice Rink has trained many champion skaters—though visitors of all skill levels can rent skates and enter for the equivalent of a few American dollars.

On any trip to Central Asia, you’ll likely find yourself in Almaty , Kazakhstan , a major hub for regional flights. Visitors can take advantage of the city’s museums—or strap on a pair of ice skates for a visit to Medeu , a high-altitude, outdoor ice rink outside Almaty. The rink is reminiscent of a winter wonderland: frosted evergreens, snow-covered mountains, blue skies, and Russian pop music complete the scene as people glide on the glistening ice.

Getting there: Kazakh visas usually aren’t required for visits of fewer than 30 days (check visa requirements here ). Visitors can reach Medeu by bus or taxi from Almaty; tickets to the rink vary in price, but adults (24 and up) can enter for 1,800 Tenge ($4.73 USD) and rent skates for 1,000 Tenge ($2.63 USD).

Tash Rabat, Kyrgyzstan

Tucked in the mountains of Naryn Province, the 600-year-old stone buildings of Tash Rabat remain well-preserved despite the region’s harsh winters. Said to have once been a monastery, Tash Rabat was later converted to a caravanserai, or inn, on the Silk Road. The official caretakers, who live nearby, will unlock the gate to allow visitors to roam through the corridors and rooms.

After exploring, consider staying overnight at one of the nearby yurt camps. Before bed, be sure to look up: high elevation makes the starry night extra spectacular.

Related: Pictures of Central Asia

Getting there: Tourist visas are usually free for trips less than 60 days. Reach Tash Rabat from Bishkek by hiring a private driver through a tour company for $300-400 USD or, for more adventurous travelers, by catching a bus or shared taxi from Bishkek’s bus station to Naryn. Expect to pay about $2 USD to enter Tash Rabat, plus around $12 for a night at a yurt camp. It’s best to know some Russian or Kyrgyz to negotiate prices in Som, the Kyrgyz currency.

Pamir Highway, Tajikistan

Long, busy roads have crossed the Pamir Plateau for centuries, from the Silk Road to modern highways. The Pamir Highway is a must-do road trip through Tajikistan.

The Pamir Highway (M14) is the long stretch of road that runs between Osh, Kyrgyzstan , and Dushanbe, Tajikistan . Set aside about a week for the journey to make time for scenic stops and spontaneous detours by striking moonscapes, glistening lakes, wandering yaks, and the imposingly large, snow-capped Hindu Kush mountains. Pack a bag and grab a few friends to see the diversity of Tajikistan on the road trip of a lifetime.

Getting there: Tourist visa fees to Tajikistan vary (check here for requirements). While some people choose to bike the Pamir Highway, most choose to hire a driver , which costs about $1,000 - $2,000 USD. Regardless of vehicle, consider traveling from Dushanbe towards Osh: The reverse increases chances of experiencing altitude sickness.

Gonur Tepe, Turkmenistan

The ancient fortress town of Gonur Tepe, about 30 miles outside the city of Mary in western Turkmenistan, is still being excavated and restored.

Visitors who can handle the notoriously strict visa rules will find Turkmenistan is worth the effort. Typical itineraries include the Darwaza Gas Crater , Ashgabat , Merv , and Mary , but visitors should also consider adding Gonur Tepe , an ancient desert city and current archaeological site. Though partially reconstructed, most of it remains a maze of crumbling, clay walls and old rooms travelers are free to explore. Shards of broken pottery litter the pathways, and some believe that remnants of ancient Zoroastrian fire pits, used for fire worship, dot the outskirts of the ruins.

Getting there: Visas to Turkmenistan aren’t easy (or cheap) to obtain. Tourist visas require being accompanied by a guide on a purchased package (though it’s possible to adjust your itinerary with the guide). Transit visas—more frequently denied—must prove the necessity of traveling through the country to another destination.

Bukhara, Uzbekistan

The entrance to Kalon Mosque overlooks a plaza in Bukhara, one of Central Asia's holiest cities, also popular with visitors for its covered bazaars.

Considered one of Central Asia’s holiest cities, Bukhara’s urban landscape juxtaposes past and present.

Its well-preserved ancient minarets, mausoleums, and madrasas provide a spectacular display of mosaics and architecture for visitors eager to learn more about the region’s pre- Russian culture. Restoration efforts have not included embellishments, preserving the buildings' authentic beauty.

Finish off with a walk through Bukhara’s covered bazaars: the city’s famous for its hand-painted puppets and unique bird scissors , which are hand-forged and shaped like storks.

Getting there: Depending on your citizenship and type of visa, fees vary ; but once in Uzbekistan , traveling is easy. To get to Bukhara, take a train from Samarkand or Tashkent.

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Must-see attractions in Central Asia

This ensemble of majestic, tilting medressas – a near-overload of majolica, azure mosaics and vast, well-proportioned spaces – is the centrepiece of the…

Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum

The beautiful portal and trademark fluted azure dome of the Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum marks the final resting place of Timur (Tamerlane), along with two sons…

Shah-i-Zinda

Samarkand’s most moving and beloved site is this stunning avenue of mausoleums, which contains some of the richest tilework in the Muslim world. The name,…

Remote even by Kyrgyzstan standards, magnificent Köl-Suu lake stretches over 10km through a sheer mountain gorge that reaches nearly to the Chinese border…

Some 285km east of Aktau, Beket-Ata is an important and extremely popular place of pilgrimage for those wishing to visit the underground mosque and final…

The spectacular-looking Ark, a royal town-within-a-town, is Bukhara’s oldest structure, occupied from the 5th century right up until 1920, when it was…

Savitsky Museum

The Savitsky Museum houses one of the most remarkable art collections in the former Soviet Union. About half of the paintings were brought here in Soviet…

National Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan

Nur-Sultan (Astana)

This huge blue-glass-and-white-marble museum covers the history and culture of Kazakhstan from ancient to modern times. Themed halls comprise interactive…

Charyn Canyon

Over millions of years, the swift Charyn (Sharyn) River has carved a truly spectacular 150m- to 300m-deep canyon into the otherwise flat steppe some 200km…

Yasaui Mausoleum

This astoundingly beautiful, tiled mausoleum with a turquoise dome is home to Kozha Akhmed Yasaui. The main chamber is capped with an 18m-wide dome, above…

KarLag Museum

Housed in the old KarLag headquarters building, this poignant museum walks you through KarLag's role in the Soviet Gulag Archipelago. The repression of…

Khan Shatyr

Nur-Sultan's most extraordinary building (so far), the Khan Shatyr is a 150m-high, translucent, tentlike structure made of ethylene tetrafluoroethylene …

Kalon Minaret

When it was built by the Karakhanid ruler Arslan Khan in 1127, the Kalon Minaret was probably the tallest building in Central Asia – kalon means…

Tosh-Hovli Palace

This palace, which means ‘Stone House’, contains Khiva’s most sumptuous interior decoration, dense with blue ceramic tiles, carved wooden pillars and…

Kolsai Lakes National Park

Located around 12km by paved (from 2018) road from Saty village, these three spruce-and-mountain-hemmed lakes are Alpine-esque beauty at its best and a…

The city’s top sight is the citadel, the reconstructed corner of which is open to visitors. From the top of the 10th-century ramparts, the disintegrating…

Issyk-Köl Oblast

The two-day trek to stunning Ala-Köl is for many visitors a highlight of the entire Kyrgyzstan experience. Though less than 1.5 km², the range of massive…

Palace of Peace & Reconciliation

This beautiful glass-and-steel pyramid was opened in 2006 as the home for the triennial Congress of World and Traditional Religions, hosted by Kazakhstan…

Kumtepa Bazaar

Fergana Valley

The fantastic Kumtepa Bazaar, 5km west of Margilon centre, is a time capsule full of weathered Uzbek men in traditional clothing exchanging solemn…

Shakpak-Ata

Perhaps the most intriguing of all Mangistau’s underground mosques, 10th-century Shakpak-Ata is a cross-shaped affair with three entrances and four…

Pahlavon Mahmud Mausoleum

This revered mausoleum, with its sublime courtyard and stately tilework, is one of the town’s most beautiful spots. Pahlavon Mahmud was a poet,…

Panchshanbe Bazaar

The core of this great bazaar, reputedly the largest in Central Asia, is an unusually elegant, purpose-built hall (1964) with arched entrance portals and…

History Museum of the People of Uzbekistan

The History Museum is a must-visit for anyone looking for a primer on the history of Turkestan from its earliest settlements 5000 years ago to the present…

A trip to the slowly replenishing Aral Sea is the main – the only! – reason to come to Aral. Near its northern shore rise the sculpted rock formations of…

Kaiyndy Lake

Created by a major earthquake in 1912, this deep, cerulean lake is fed by a glacial river and is notable for its forest of drowned spruces, the branches…

Photogenic little Char Minar, in a maze of alleys between Pushkin and Hoja Nurabad, bears more relation to Indian styles than to anything Bukharan. This…

Yodgorlik Silk Factory

Margilon's main attraction is this fascinating factory, a block west of the central Dekon Bazaar. English-language guides can walk you through traditional…

Kalta Minor Minaret

This fat, turquoise-tiled minaret was begun in 1851 by Mohammed Amin Khan, who according to legend wanted to build a minaret so high he could see all the…

Chorsu Bazaar

Tashkent’s most famous farmers market, topped by a giant green dome, is a delightful slice of city life spilling into the streets off the Old Town’s…

Museum of Applied Arts

The Museum of Applied Arts occupies an exquisite house full of bright ghanch (carved and painted plaster) and carved wood. It was built in the 1930s, at…

Rudaki Park

Extensive Rudaki Park, with its beautiful canopy of mature trees, offers a series of pathways through flower gardens and alongside lakes and fountains…

Bibi-Khanym Mosque

The enormous congregational Bibi-Khanym Mosque, northeast of the Registan, was financed from the spoils of Timur's invasion of India and must have been…

ALZhIR Museum-Memorial Complex

During the Stalin years, Akmol, 35km west of Nur-Sultan, housed ALZhIR, a notorious camp for wives and children of men who were interned elsewhere as …

Kalon Mosque

At the foot of the minaret, on the site of an earlier mosque destroyed by Chinggis Khan, is the 16th-century congregational Kalon Mosque, big enough for…

Right on the border between Kazakhstan and Russia, the myth-rich, snow-tipped peak of Mt Belukha (4506m) – Altay's highest – attracts true mountaineers…

Statue of Ismoil Somoni

One of Dushanbe’s most impressive modern monuments, this statue celebrates the 10th-century founder of the Samanid dynasty. With an art-deco quality to…

Ethnography Museum

Sharing the same complex as the National Museum of Antiquities, this small museum houses an exquisite collection of traditional Tajikistan clothing …

Semipalatinsk Polygon

Between 1949 and 1989, 456 nuclear tests were conducted on the territory of the Polygon, the Soviet Union's primary nuclear test site, both above and…

Ak Örgö Yurt Workshop

This workshop became famous after one of its products won the 'most beautiful yurt' competition at the 1997 'Manas 1000' festival and had its work…

Winding 10km up a dirt road off the Kazarman–Chaek highway, brilliant Ak-Köl lake reflecting the surrounding peaks and the village beyond are a real…

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10 Extraordinary Places to Visit in Central Asia

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Often referred to collectively as Central Asia, the countries Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan contain a diverse array of cultures and landscapes worth experiencing in person. Cultural landmarks along the Silk Road, like the 11th century Burana Tower, showcase the ancient architectural ingenuity found within the region, while majestic wonders like Charyn Canyon and Iskanderkul Lake reveal its stunning natural beauty.

Here are 10 extraordinary places in Central Asia worth exploring.

Pamir Highway

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Formally known by its Soviet road number M-41, the colloquially known Pamir Highway follows part of the ancient Silk Road trade route through the rugged Pamir Mountains. The famous road was paved mostly by the Soviets in the 1930s and has little in the way of signage or formal routing. The Pamir Highway passes through Dushanbe, the capital city of Tajikistan, along scenic mountain terrain, across rivers, and through parts of Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan as well—making it one of the best ways to see the region up close.

Kaindy Lake

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Situated within Kolsay Lakes National Park in southern Kazakhstan, Kaindy Lake was formed in 1911 when a limestone landslide dammed up a gorge and it was filled with water from a mountain river. The beautiful lake, which reaches 1,300 feet long and 98 feet deep, has a blueish-green hue due to the deposit of limestone in the water. Kaindy Lake is also notable for the Asian spruce trunks rising above its surface, giving it the nickname “sunken forest.”

Mo'ynoq

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In the sands of western Uzbekistan lies the former fishing town of Mo'ynoq. The once populous community has dwindled by the thousands since its heyday in the 1980s, when the Aral Sea still lapped up against the shores there. Over time, destructive irrigation practices of nearby cotton farms depleted the water to such an extent that it eventually evaporated altogether. Today, the fishing, the sea, and most of the people who once lived there are gone, leaving only the rusting remnants of the former beachfront stuck alone in the sand. Visitors to Mo'ynoq can take Jeep tours of what's left of the former seaside village and see the city museum, which details what life was once like there.

Burana Tower

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In the Chuy Valley of northern Kyrgyzstan, the 82-foot-tall Burana Tower stands as the last remaining vestige of the ancient city of Balasagun. Built by the Karakhanids in the 11th century, the structure is what’s known as a minaret—a tower built near mosques often used in the Muslim call to prayer. Burana Tower is made of brick and features an external staircase to the top, as well as a staircase on the inside. Although the tower is one of the oldest standing structures in Central Asia, it is not in its original state, having been reduced over the years from the height of 148 feet by earthquakes.

Door to Hell

Dunk / Flickr / CC BY 2.0

A collapsed natural gas reservoir in a Turkmenistan cavern known as the Darvaza gas crater has been burning for decades and is often referred to as the Door to Hell. Although the specific dates are disputed, the story goes that Soviet engineers discovered the gas field sometime in the 1970s, and when they tried to assess the viability of the site and set up a rig, the reservoir collapsed. In an attempt to keep poisonous gases from the nearby village of Darvaza, the engineers set fire to the site and it has been burning ever since. Today, the Door to Hell has become a popular tourist attraction, with visitors pitching tents to camp in the desert sand close by.

Charyn Canyon

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Part of Charyn National Park in Kazakhstan, Charyn Canyon is a mesmerizing natural wonder that runs 56 miles along the Charyn River. Beautiful rock sculptures formed by water and wind erosion can be found along the stunning two-mile-long Valley of Castles. The colorful and intricate red sandstone patterns adorning the walls throughout the canyon can be observed from a variety of hiking trails or from a white water raft or canoe in the river below.

Registan Square

Carol Adam / Getty Images

Registan, or “sandy place” in Persian, was the center of the ancient city of Samarkand in modern day Uzbekistan, and stands today as an impressive remnant of the Timurid Empire. The highlight of Registan Square are the three "madrassas," Arabic for “schools,” that border the square. The first one built, Ulugh Beg Madrasa, was constructed from 1417 to 1420 by the grandson of the first Timurid ruler, Timur, and features a large, vaulted hall called an iwan, with two towering minarets on either side. The other two madrassas, Sher-Dor Madrasa and Tilya-Kori Madrasa, were built centuries later in the early and mid-17th century.

Iskanderkul Lake

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Roughly 7,000 feet up in the Fann Mountains of the Sughd Province of Tajikistan lies the greenish-blue waters of Iskanderkul. The glacial lake was formed by a landslide that blocked the Saratogh River and is named after Alexander the Great, who passed through Tajikistan during his conquests. Along with the forests, rivers, and meadows surrounding it, the lake has been designated as a nature reserve and is popular tourist attraction due to its close proximity to the country’s capital, Dushanbe. Iskanderkul and the nature reserve that it’s a part of are home to a wide variety of birds—from sulphur-bellied warblers and white-winged snow finches to Himalayan rubythroats and fire-fronted serins.

Tomb of Ahmad Sanjar

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Located within the medieval city of Merv in modern-day Turkmenistan, the Tomb of Ahmad Sanjar stands as a stunning example of 12th century architecture in the region. The structure is built from stucco, brick, terra cotta, and plaster, and features 46-foot-high walls in the shape of a cube with a large dome on top if it. Originally built in 1157, the mausoleum was made in honor of the recently deceased Seljuk ruler Ahmad Sanjar and was destroyed by the Mongols in 1221. The tomb was rebuilt several times over the centuries by a variety of groups, however, and today it's a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site along with the rest of the ancient city of Merv.

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The alpine lake of Song Kul sits 9,895 feet high in the mountainous northern region of the Naryn Province in Kyrgyzstan. The 167-square-mile lake is the largest freshwater lake in Kyrgyzstan and is nestled between the Moldo Too mountains to the south and the Songkul Too ridge to the north. Song Kul and the grassy fields surrounding it are especially popular among travelers in the summertime. Visitors to the beautiful mountain lake enjoy swimming, hiking, camping, and horseback riding at the scenic alpine getaway.

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Central Asia Travel Guide

Discover Historical and Cultural Heritage of Countries in Central Asia

Central Asia today consist of five independent republics, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan and Tajikistan. From its beginning in 1917, the Soviet state never included Kazakhstan in Muslim Central Asia, preferring to give it a non-Asian identity by linking it closely to Russia and Siberia. Today, however, the Kazakhs themselves and the world at large believe they are very much part of the region. Central Asia covers an area of 3,994,300 square kilometers which includes some of the most sparsely populated regions in the world. Its population of only 51 million people includes more than 100 different ethnic groups, from Germans and Austrians to Tibetans and Koreans. The largest ethnic group is the Uzbeks. Uzbekistan has a population of more than 30 million, and Uzbeks from substantial minorities in all other four republics.  

Tashkent and Ashgabat, the capitals of Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan, have long urban histories but the other three capital cities, Dushanbe in Tajikistan, Almaty in Kazakhstan and Bishkek in Kyrgyzstan, were created by the Bolsheviks to give a sense of ethnic identity to those nationalities. Uzbekistan contains all the most famous historical cities of Central Asia: Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva and Kokand. There were the seats of nomadic empires and settled kingdoms in the past, as well as being centers in the development of Islam throughout the region. For centuries the hundreds of madrasahs, or Islamic colleges in Bukhara and Samarkand attracted students from as far away as Marocco and Indonesia. Bukhara is seen by many Muslims as a place of pilgrimage and the most important city in Islam after Mecca, Medina and Jerusalem. Central Asia was also the birthplace of Sufism, the mystical trend in Islam which spread rapidly to Africa and Asia.

Discover this diverse and rich region for yourself on one of our tours. Book your Central Asia travel experience to explore one country in depth, or visit all five Stans to get a fuller understanding of each country. No matter your choice, travel in Central Asia will leave you with unforgettable memories of an under-explored region!

Central Asia Travel Destinations

Main part of Central Asia travel is through Uzbekistan, which is located in the very heart of Central Asia: once crossed by caravan routes, including the famous Great Silk Road. Uzbekistan is, first of all, the country of historical and cultural tourism. It is the place of concentration of the precious Eastern Gems such as Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva,Tashkent and Shakhrisabz that contain most beautiful masterpieces of Central Asia. More on Uzbekistan

Kazakhstan is the largest and economically developed country in Central Asia. National traditions and culture of the Kazaks can be attributed to the nomadic past of their ancestors, who were roaming by whole tribes from one place to another in horizonless Kazak steppes. An interesting image of modern Kazakhstan is the result of interaction of Russian and Islamic influence, oriental mentality and modern trends of globalization. More on Kazakhstan

Perhaps none of the Central Asian travel destinations can boast with such abundance of picturesque natural places as Kyrgyzstan. Over three-quarter of its territory is occupied by majestic mountains of Tien-Shan and Pamir Alay. Eye-pleasing succulent green plains, which, for centuries, have been serving as live-stock pastures to local nomads, and offering a tired traveler rest, lakes and crystal clear torrents, charming mysterious gorges and caves, quaintly cut by time and foul weather. Kyrgyzstan is still strong with its national traditions and nomadic customs, which have been formed for centuries. More on Kyrgyzstan

Tajikistan is the only Iranian-speaking state in Central Asia with its unique culture and traditions. This beautiful country with severe climate, situated in picturesque foothills of Pamir is located far from Eurasian transport routes. Modern Tajikistan has been formed under the influence of ancient customs of the Iranians, Persians, Islam, neighboring Uzbekistan and Soviet Russia. The major part of the population occupies the northern even lands of Tajikistan. It is the place where two largest and most developed cities - Dushanbe and Khujand are located. More on Tajikistan

Turkmenistan

Turkmenistan is the country, which had famous settlements of great dynasties of the past that unfortunately were mainly destroyed by conquerors or by severe nature. A special pride of the Turkmen is the country’s capital – Ashgabat, which is unique from architectural point of view, blazing and sparkling day and night in the middle of desert as a symbol of Modern Turkmenistan. Central Asia travel can be marked as completed when you visit Turkmenistan. More on Turkmenistan

A Beginner’s Guide to Central Asia Travel: Discover the Silk Road

Updated March 2024 ,   A Beginner’s Guide to Central Asia Travel was originally written in February 2019

For travelers looking for something different, this mostly unspoiled region will surely deliver. Personally, if I was only allowed to travel one region of the world for the rest of my life  Central Asia  would be my choice.

Central Asia is a region where east meets west, snow-capped mountains beg to be explored, where Silk Road empires conquered, claimed, razed, and repeated, ancient architectural gems dot barren desert landscapes, nomadic families still move their yurt camps from jailoo to valley and back again, and evidence in historical human movement is present from ancient languages still spoken, cuisine and cultural traditions.

Before I arrived in Central Asia I thought it’d be a one-and-done trip. My trip of a lifetime, a place that would prove difficult to travel. I left knowing I’d be back, what I didn’t realize then was that it would be every year.

I thought bureaucracy would test my patience (although it killed it in  Xinjiang ), visa debacles would ruin my plans (it sorta did in  Turkmenistan ), bribes would break the bank (not as often as you’d think), that I’d just like  Tajikistan  (not fall head over heels for it) and food poisoning would plague my ambitions (it’s only slowed me down a couple of times at best). These concerns have proven to be more the minority than the norm.

Things are quickly changing in Central Asia. Tourism is opening up (except maybe in Turkmenistan and Xinjiang), visa acquisition is becoming easier and easier with relaxed schemes (except Turkmenistan and  Afghanistan ), more foreigners are visiting and community-based tourism is exploding.

If you’re considering making your first venture to travel Central Asia this first-timer’s guide will help to share practical information and to answer common questions about Central Asia travel. This guide includes information on  Kazakhstan ,  Kyrgyzstan , Tajikistan, Turkmenistan,  Uzbekistan , and additionally, information on Afghanistan,  Northern Pakistan , and Xinjiang (Western China).

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The bane of most Central Asian travel plans existence. For many years the rigorous visa policies, a carryover from (most of) Central Asia’s Soviet years, kept all but the most intrepid travelers away. But things are changing— visa policies are loosening, visa on arrival and e-visas are becoming more common.

A couple of countries still remain a pain-in-the-arse with stringent visa policies, but overall the region is opening its doors.

Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Pakistan are offering e-visas now to many nationalities, and Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan are offering visa-free travel to more nationalities than ever before. Meanwhile, most nationalities will still need to obtain full-blown visas prior to travel in Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, and Xinjiang (China).

Learn more about visas in my  Quick Guide to Central Asia Visas

The sheer number of languages and dialects spoken in this region is mind-boggling. The good news is: In Post-Soviet Central Asia Russian is still widely spoken and understood.

If you are headed to Post-Soviet (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, or Uzbekistan) I recommend learning some basic Russian phrases. It also doesn’t hurt to learn a few basics in each local language as well.

A great pocket-sized book to pick up before you travel Central Asia is the  Central Asia Phrasebook  by Lonely Planet .

Kazakhstan : Kazakh and Russian are the official languages. Kazakh is a Turkic language.

Kyrgyzstan : Official languages are Kyrgyz and Russian. Kyrgyz is a Turkic language with similarities to Kazakh, however, Kyrgyz is typically written in the Cyrillic Alphabet.

Tajikistan : Tajik is the official language in Tajikistan, but Russian is still used and understood. Tajik is a dialect of the Farsi spoken in Iran and the Dari spoken in Afghanistan, but the main difference is that Tajik is written in the Cyrillic alphabet. Tajikistan has a plethora of languages and dialects spoken within it, including Wakhi, Shughni, Yagnobi (ancient Sogdian), Kyrgyz, Uzbek, Yazgulyam, Ishkashimi, Parya, and more.

Turkmenistan : Turkmen is the official language but Russian is still widely used. Turkmen is a Turkic language, officially written in a Latin script but Cyrillic is still commonly used.

Uzbekistan : Uzbek is yet another Turkic language and is closely related to the Uyghur language.

Since 1992 it has been written in the Latin script. Russian is still widely used and understood. In the desolate region of Karakalpakstan, Karakalpak is spoken as well which has ties with Uzbek and Kazakh.

Xinjiang :  Uyghur and Mandarin Chinese are official languages in the Xinjiang Province of China. Uyghur is the language spoken by the Uyghur people historically, though the Chinese government has launched a campaign recently banning the use of Uyghur in schools and even detaining and sending those using the language publicly or showing interest in it into labor camps. Uyghur is a Turkic language and is written in an Arabic script.

Afghanistan : The two official languages of Afghanistan are Dari and Pashto. Dari, which is a dialect of the Farsi spoken in Iran is the most widely spoken of the two in the country. Dari is written in modified Persian-Arabic, while Pashto is written in Arabic script.

Pakistan : Urdu and English are the official languages of Pakistan, however, there are over 60 languages spoken in the country. I’ve included Northern Pakistan (Gilgit-Baltistan and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa in this guide). Languages spoken in northern Pakistan include Shina, Burushaski, Khowar, Wakhi, Balti. Pashto, Hindko, Saraiki, and Kohistani.

Best Time To Visit

The best time to travel Central Asia is largely dependent on what areas you want to visit and what activities you’d like to take part in.

If planning to trek in the high mountains of  Tajikistan , Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan,  Afghanistan’s Wakhan Corridor , or Northern Pakistan then July-September are going to be the best months.

For desert and lower-lying areas such as Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, the Ferghana Valley, mainland  Afghanistan  and much of  Xinjiang  spring and fall months (April, May, September, October) will be the most comfortable months to visit in.

Winter sports enthusiasts wanting to get in a little downhill action on their trip should visit in January and February to the ski resorts and lifts in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan or trek in and ski down in Tajikistan and  Bamyan  Province in Afghanistan.

Transportation

Marshrutka & Shared Taxi

Marshrutka and shared taxi are the most common and usually easiest way to get between places traveling Central Asia. They usually do not have schedules and depart when full from a designated place in the town or city (many times near a bazaar). The best way to find out where the marshrutka or shared taxi you need to be on is leaving from is to ask locals or staff at your accommodation.

Trains can be a comfortable way to travel in Central Asia, and the least nerve-wracking (driving in Central Asia is a bit crazy).  Uzbekistan  and Kazakhstan have the best network of railways in the Central Asian countries.

Not a very common form of transportation in Central Asia, but it can be a comfortable alternative to shared taxis where available.

Often you will cross paths with cyclists on a giant Silk Road adventure, especially on Tajikistan’s  Pamir Highway — a huge bucket list route for many cycling enthusiasts.

Hitchhiking

Hitchhiking is fairly common in Central Asia, with the exception of Afghanistan and extremely remote areas. Do note that drivers will typically expect a little money from hitchers as pretty much anyone with a car in Central Asia seconds as a taxi driver.

Organized Tour

For those with time constraints, organized tours can be a great way to optimize your Central Asia trip. Those not wanting to deal with logistics and language barriers will likely get more enjoyment out of group or private tours.

Big overlanding companies like  Intrepid ,  G Adventures , and Dragoman offer several Central Asian itineraries.

I have traveled and written extensively on Tajikistan, and have crossed paths with several of the owners of Tajik travel companies. You can find a list of Tajik tour operators  here .

If you’re planning a trip to this breathtaking country, it’s always a good idea to seek guidance from experienced tour operators who know the ins and outs of Tajikistan’s diverse landscapes and rich culture. You can find a list of reputable Tajik tour operators here on a resource called  Top Essay Writing . Whether you’re interested in trekking through the Pamir Mountains or exploring the historical sites in Dushanbe, connecting with knowledgeable tour operators can greatly enhance your travel experience.

Accommodation

Accommodation options in Central Asia vary widely. In big cities like Tashkent ,  Almaty ,  Dushanbe , and more you can find luxurious hotels at one end and homestays at the other end of the spectrum.

Once you start heading off to smaller towns options dwindle and offerings are extremely basic. If headed to the mountains you can expect to find homestays at very most, otherwise yurt camps or plan to bring your own tent.

My preferred platform for making accommodation bookings is of course, Booking.com , but you will find that many smaller out of the way locations you will either need to call ahead or take your chances and show up and see if there’s space.

Start shopping  Central Asia accommodation

If you’re scratching your head wondering what Central Asia cuisine is, you’re not alone. Central Asia (not including Afghanistan, Pakistan, or Xinjiang) is not a region known for its gastronomy, and there’s ample reason for this– it’s not exactly the most exciting the world has to offer- though there are some great dishes to try.

In general food in Central Asia is a tad bland, meat-centric, and fairly unimaginative. Food is more of a means of survival and not exactly the healthiest of all. With that said there are some good dishes out there and chefs hither and thither that can work a typically bland Central Asian dish into something delicious.

Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Xinjiang are total exceptions to the blandness of Central Asia, food in these three areas is a food lover’s dream come true. There are dishes that are typically only found in certain countries or regions of countries that you can read more about in my country-specific guides.

Vegetarians will have difficulties at times and vegans will really struggle with Central Asian cuisine. It’s not impossible either (I have traveled with both a vegan and a vegetarian at times in my Central Asia travels and they both survived).

Just try to plan ahead and learn how to communicate your dietary needs in the local language and/or Russian. I also recommend getting a copy of the  Vegan Passport , a multilingual vegan phrasebook (it includes several Central Asian languages) to help you communicate your needs.

People throughout Central Asia are learning about vegetarian and vegan diets and many times will be happy to try to help accommodate your needs.

Here are some commonly found foods throughout the region:

Plov : A rice dish fried in mutton fat and often includes mutton, onion, carrots, chickpeas, and sometimes raisins

Laghman : A personal favorite, a somewhat soupy dish served with meat and noodles and vegetables. Laghman can vary greatly from one cook to another.

Manti : Little noodle dumplings stuffed most often with minced meat and onions. My favorite? Potato manti and pumpkin manti.

Shashlyk : Meat skewers, that we would call shish-kabobs in the west.

Samsa : Similar to an Indian samosa, these deep-fried packets are usually filled with minced meat and onions.

Non : No meal is complete in this part of the world without bread, bread  is  life after all.

Chai : A hot glass of chai will accompany nearly every meal in Central Asia. Many times hosts will excitedly refill your cup over and over even if you plead no more.  Tip : If you are finished with chai simply swill down the remainder in your glass and flip your cup upside down– this is the universal no more chai sign.

Where To Go In Central Asia

TURKMENISTAN

XINJIANG (CHINA)

AFGHANISTAN

NORTHERN PAKISTAN

Money In Central Asia

ATMs and money exchangers can be found in major cities throughout Central Asia, though smaller towns may be a challenge. Do check exchange rates prior to your Central Asia travel as currencies are known to fluctuate dramatically over here.

If planning to carry in cash, the US dollar seems to be the preferred currency for exchanging. In some countries, like Tajikistan and Afghanistan, it’s sometimes the preferred currency for payments (especially large for larger purchases).

It’s worth noting that the black market is no more in Central Asia, Uzbekistan being the last country to abolish its currency black market.

Central Asia Packing List

General gear.

• Water Purifier – I personally use the  Katadyn water filter . Tap water is not safe to drink in much of Central Asia.
• External battery pack – Perfect for keeping things charged on long journeys.
• Headlamp – Perfect for camping, dark streets, and the occasional power outage.
• Camera — Don’t miss out on bringing your memories back home with you.
• Sunscreen – Sometimes difficult to find in the region. Sun is very powerful, especially at high altitudes.
• Toilet Paper
• Prescription & Over the counter medications

Recommend Gear For Trekking

• Inreach Explorer+ – GPS & SOS beacon, great for remote hiking in Tajikistan, Pakistan, and Afghanistan.
• Solar charger – Keep those electronics charged in remote areas.
• Backpack – I recommend the  Osprey Ariel 65L backpack  for women.
• Daypack – My personal favorite is the Osprey Daylite Plus.
• Hydration Pack — Have water available without having to reach for a water bottle.
• 3 Season tent – I use the  MSR NX Hubba-Hubba 1 man tent  and love it! I also use a Mountainsmith Morrison Evo 2 tent when I’m traveling with others.
• Sleeping bag – Useful for trekkers & cyclists. I use a  Nemo sleeping bag  cold rated to 20ºF/-7ºC.
• Hiking Boots – My personal favorite is the  La Sportiva Nucleo High GTX  hiking boot.
• Lightweight cooking camp set – Prepare your own meals on the go.
• Trekking Poles – Great for steep slopes.
• Mosquito Repellant – Recommended in the summertime.

Guide Books

• I recommend Bradt’s Guidebooks to help you plan an in-depth visit to Central Asia. They have updated editions for Kazakhstan , Kyrgyzstan , Tajikistan , and Uzbekistan .
• Central Asia  by Lonely Planet . Great to have on hand or phone on the road, though don’t treat it as a Bible.  Central Asia Phrasebook  by Lonely Planet  is a great pocket-sized book with basic phrases and translations for the plethora of languages spoken in the region.

Safety In Central Asia

Central Asia safety is one of the most commonly searched topics about the region on google. I’m going to break this into two sections: Post-Soviet Central Asia (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan) and the remainder of Central Asia, for simplicity’s sake.

Post-Soviet Central Asia

In general, the core of Central Asia (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan) is a safe destination to visit. After spending several months in these countries I can honestly say I’ve never felt in danger or concerned for my safety in any of them. With that said, things do on rare occasions happen here.

The most recent: in June 2018 there was a  terrorist attack  in Tajikistan that left 4 dead and 2 injured foreign cyclists.

Tensions do at times build up with fighting in the Fergana Valley (last notable was in 2012). These events are not the norm. The standard precautions are typically enough to ensure safety in these countries.

The biggest risks and dangers you will face are chaotic driving, altitude illness, and food poisoning.

Check out these popular itineraries: 2 weeks in Kazakhstan & Kyrgyzstan or 2 weeks in Uzbekistan & Tajikistan

Northern Pakistan

Northern Pakistan, especially Gilgit-Baltistan is reasonably safe to visit. Occasional things have happened (such as the 2013 Tahreek e Taliban  attack on climbers at Nanga Prabat  base camp that left 9 dead). At times sectarian violence against Shia Muslims does break out in Gilgit-Baltistan.

Afghanistan

As of August 2021, Afghanistan has fallen under control of the Taliban. Visiting is not recommended right now for obvious reasons, and you probably can’t even find an embassy to issue you a tourist visa at the moment anyway.

Not all of Afghanistan is at war as you would be lead to believe by western media. The  Wakhan Corridor  for instance has remained untouched by war and terrorism and is realistically the only safe place to visit in the country.

Travel in mainland Afghanistan is a much dicier prospect with some areas being *safer* (in terms of Afghanistan) to visit and others essentially off-limits. For visits to mainland Afghanistan, I highly recommend an experienced and knowledgeable guide such and Noor, Sakhi, and the team at  Let’s Be Friends Afghanistan .

Travel in Afghanistan does come with big risks, however, there are measures that can be taken to reduce them.

Read: Tips for Solo Female Travel in Central Asia

In general, Xinjiang is a safe place for travelers, however, there is turmoil there at the moment and many places are closed to foreigners. In the past, there have been a handful of terrorist attacks carried out in Xinjiang by radicalized people, but this is not a regular occurrence.

Since early 2017 the Chinese government has been effectively kidnapping Uyghur and other Muslim ethnic minorities in Xinjiang (after sending in mass numbers of Han Chinese to take the Uyghur down from being the majority population in the area) that show interest in Uyghur culture, practice their religion or use their language out in the open and placing them in “re-education” camps.

There are speculations that these camps are forcing people held in them to hard labor, and some that they are first taking to camps and then transferring them to full-on Chinese prisons. Many are never seen or heard from again.

Read more about the Cultural Genocide as it’s been coined  here . Learn more in an interesting interview about the Han Chinese being sent to occupy Uyghur homes  here .

Need More Central Asia Travel Info?

Check out my country guides and itineraries below, or ask your Central Asia travel questions in the comments!

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8 thoughts on “a beginner’s guide to central asia travel: discover the silk road”.

Your post has reminded me of the importance of sustainable and responsible travel.

This is an incredible source of info. I salute you.

Do they offer e-visas for Australians? Would love to travel the Stans soon so just want to know. Thanks!

Hi Sharon, Here is the current visa policy for the ‘stans for Australian passport holders

Tajikistan- evisa Uzbekistan- visa free Kazakhstan- visa free (KZ’s visa free program is suspended through Dec 2021 as of now) Kyrgyzstan- visa free Turkmenistan- visa (Turkmenistan still is not open to tourism and it’s unclear when it will again)

Many thanks for this very useful list of attractions and destinations. It helped us a lot, as we are planning a trip to Central Asia.

Hi Maria, I hope you enjoy Central Asia! I have lots more posts on each destination too if you need more help planning 🙂

Wow, so much good information here. Thank you for sharing all your expertise on the region, I’m excitedly awaiting visiting Central Asia

Happy to hear it’s helping you plan!

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22 Top Tourist Places to Visit in Central Asia

Central Asia consists of 5 stans mainly. These 5 countries are Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan and Tajikistan. These are land locked countries. Central Asia a beautiful land of mountains, rivers, lakes and deserts. At the same time modern cities like Almaty, Tashkent, Astana, Bishkek and Samarkand are a tourist place with absolute modern infrastructure and amenities. In recent times tourists flow in Central Asian countries have increased substantially. There are many wonderful Tourist Places in Central Asia which you can visit on your trip to these countries and cities. For you we are bringing Top 22 Tourist Places to Visit in Central Asia. B est Tourist Places & Attractions in Central Asia:

Issyk-Kul Lake in the north-eastern Tian Shan is the largest lake in Kyrgyzstan and the second largest mountain lake in the world after Titicaca. Issyk Kul is one of the prime tourist spots in Kyrgyzstan. This lake never freezes. This is a beautiful lake and you must be here to have a wonderful experience of seeing the water of the lake and experience simply sitting on the shore of it. Issyk Kul Lake is quite close to the capital city Bishkek and this is also a reason why it simply gets in the itineraries of visitors. A beach holiday is quite popular at Issyk Kul Lake. For the visitors there are resorts, boarding houses and vacation homes. Cholpon Ata on the northern side of Issyk Kuk Lake is the best known town to the lake. You can enjoy a good time in the town. Issyk Kul Lake is surrounded by such beauty that once you see the entire panoramic view you surely will never forget it.

Read More: Issyk Kul Lake and Its Nearby Tourist Spots in Kyrgyzstan

Chimgan Mountain ski resort is a wonderful place to be at especially in the summers when it is hot in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. You should be here when you are on a Tashkent trip with an Uzbekistan Tour Package or a Tashkent Tour Package. You can reach Chimgan in 2 hours ride from Tashkent. This is also one of the best places to be during winters. Chimgan is at the height of 1600 meters in the western Tien Shan Mountain surrounding Tashkent from the east. There is a snow blanket covering Tien Shan Mountain at the top and snow slips down to the downside of mountain in winters which makes entire space a heavenly one. Chimgan is also popularly known as ‘Uzbek Switzerland’. Slopes here are covered with relict-fir tree woods and Mountain River sails through mountain and hills. Chimgan has been developed as a recreational zone and tourist place. You get the best of amenities here as there are many rise buildings, hotels, cottages, cable rail roads, shops, bars, restaurants and cafes. You also have recreation zones, sana tourism and summer camps here.

Read More: Chimgan Mountain, Tashkent

Must Read: 5 Tashkent Facts

Registan Square is located in Samarkand , Uzbekistan. Registan represents Timurid period in Uzbekistan. In those days it was the heart of ancient Samarkand of Timurid dynasty. Meaning of word Registan in Persian language is a desert or sandy place. Registan square happened when craftsmen and builders from across the empire of Timurid period came along in the late 14th century and build this beautiful Registan Square. Samarkand city is said to be a place where people from different lands came and lived. It had wonderful Islamic Architectures and it was a great learning center. All of this you can feel together in Registan Square which represents all three aspects of Samarkand.

Attractions in Samarkand: Gur e Amir & Shah-I-Zinda

Must Read: Classical Islamic Architectures in Central Asia

Big Almaty Lake as the name suggests is in Almaty, Kazakhstan or 25 KM drive from Almaty to be precise. This is located at an altitude of 2511 m, Lake is 1.6 km long, little under 1 km wide, and up to 40 m deep and located at the altitude of 2511 m. Big Almaty Lake is surrounded by three majestic mountain peaks, Soviet (4317m), Ozerniy (4110m) and Turist(3954m). Unique thing about the lake is that it changes its colour in different times of the day, month and year. Water of the lake reflects the magnum opus of nature that surrounds the lake on its surface.

Big Almaty Lake is considered to be one of the most beautiful lakes in the world . This is definitely the second most popular lake in entire Central Asia after Issyk Kul Lake in Kyrgyzstan. The lake is surrounded by mountains and giant Tien Shan firs and among these you would find Big Almaty Lake a scenic beauty. You can visit the lake during May-June which is considered the best time to visit the lake for tourists.

Read More: Big Almaty Lake - Kazakhstan

Attractions: Tourist Attractions in Kazakhstan

Charvak Reservoir or lake is a water reservoir. This is located in Bostanliq district in northern part of Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Today Charvak Reservoir is one of the best recreational areas in Tashkent for those coming here on Tashket Tour . It is quite easy to get there because it is located only 60 KM away from Tashkent. The coastline of the reservoir goes up to 100 KM and the reservoir is surrounded by green slopes of mountains, and snows topped. Charvak Reservoir was built in 1970. There are lot of recreational zones, boarding houses and summer camps within this area. Lake Charvak Resort here attracts huge number of visitors and tourists from and outside Uzbekistan.

You can indulge in some interesting activities here like swimming, hiking along nearby hills and mountains. Adventure lovers can also go for paragliding or ride on water. Others can simply enjoy the peaceful environment, views of pure blue colored water and fresh air. Not just the reservoir but surroundings sites are also quite beautiful to watch. If possible don’t forget to witness sunrise and sunsets here which are unforgettable once they set into your eyes.

Read More: Charvak Reservoir - Tashkent

Places to Visit: Tashkent Tourist Places

Medeu is a world Known ice skating rink. It is located at the altitude of 1,691.2 meters above sea level in a mountain valley on the south-eastern outskirts of Almaty. As of now the rink is artificially converted rink. In this ice surfaced rink many sports contests are conducted which include skating, hockey and figure skating. High mountain skating has gained lot of popularity in the world in last few years and this makes Medeu quite a popular place. Medeu has witnessed many world records in all the speed skating distances. Medeu continues to be one of the best-known tourist locations in Kazakhstan .

Read More: Medeu in Almaty

Shymbulak or Chimbulak is a ski resort in the beautiful mountains near Almaty in Kazakhstan. You have to be at Chimbulak Ski Resort when you are in Almaty. The skiing journey up the road is quite amazing as one see snowy slopes and Tien Shan firs all over your left, right and ahead. And on the slopes is Chimbulak Ski resort welcoming the visitors. Chimbulak area offers you the snowy alps, gardens, forests, Tien Shan spruces and crystal clear water of the mountain Malaya Almatinka river to admire.

Read More: Chimbulak Ski Resort in Almaty

Must Read: Places You Must See in Kazakhstan

Kok Tobe is the highest point in Almaty . So visitors go up there and experience amazing view from the top. It is truly a hilarious experience. On a Almaty trip with Almaty Package , Kok Tobe is one of the main landmark points of Almaty. On top of Kok Tobe there is recreational area with many amusement parks type attractions and on the foot of is another attraction, TV tower. Food lovers can enjoy cuisine of lot of restaurants located here offering variety of food. The TV tower is one of the highest towers in the world and is unique in a way that the entire tower is built of steel. One can have panoramic view from the top of the Kok Tobe Mountain and see Almaty in all directions. One can get to Kok Tobe top through cable car and this little journey is also quite interesting. You go through some of the oldest part of Almaty city. Evening is the best time for those who would love to see city bathing in lights.

Read More: Kok Tobe Mountain, Almaty

Karakul Lake is located at the height of 3914 m adorning the highest part of Pamir Highways . This is in a village with the same name Karakul. Karakul means Black so Karakul Lake is translated as Black Lake. Pamir Highway is just few hundreds meters away from the Karakul Lake and you can enjoy the view of this beautiful lake for 40 KM. The lake is quite beautiful and the bright blue colored water makes it even more charming.  You should be here with the Best Kyrgyzstan Travel Packages .

Picturesque landscape of snow-capped peaks of Pamir gets reflected in waters of the Karakul Lake and this is absolutely great view for the visitors. When you reach the lake you can feel much closer and is deep in color. Night is special time because you can enjoy bright light of Milky Way.

Know More: Kyrgyzstan Travel Guide

Falconry is a sport of hunting with birds of prey like eagle. This sport has a long history. Hunting with golden eagles has been a tradition dating back thousands of years on the Eurasian steppe. Currently it is still practiced in U.S., U.K., Mongolia, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan and in China.

Hunting with birds has been an art practiced in Kazakhstan for long. Hunters take a lethal bird of prey from its mother, nurse it until it has a wingspan larger than most humans, and then train it to attack fast-moving prey from the air and hand it over to them, their masters. Now tradition of Kazak people hunting with eagles for centuries is being revived as competitive sport in the country. This tradition of falconry is getting lot of attention lately. There is an eagle hunting museum in the small town of Nura, two hours east of Almaty. You can see the falcon show in Almaty and admire the most beautiful birds of prey, learn about their biological characteristics. In the falcon show you can see the trained birds demonstrating how to hunt with a bird, how the birds gather food from the water, and more. You can truly experience the tradition and history of falconry during the spectacular performance with the free-flying birds of prey.  

Read More: Falconry in Kazakhstan

Must Read: Tourism in Kazakhstan

Karakol Ski Resort is the best ski resort in not just in Karakol town, Kyrgyzstan but entire Central Asia region. The Karakol Ski resort is the best place for skiing. It is surrounded by pine forest and is an absolute delight for both beginners and experienced skiers. Those not interested in skiing can enjoy the the view around which is so spectacular over Issyk Kul Lake and the wider Tien Shan Range . Snow blanket above 1 m over the mountain is quite normal to be seen. On your skill base you can choose to go for easy, intermediate and difficult skiing. The weather changes frequently, so the opening times are provided by the Ski resort of Karakol and it may vary which is dependent on external conditions, day and time, school holidays and other public holidays.

Equipment for skiing are available on rent on the site itself. Accommodation and food is available here however they are not in plenty. The pine forests and a mild climate combined together make this skiing place highly attractive for winter holidays. Temperature rarely foes below -5 degree here in winter season and snow cover goes up to 2.5 meters. In the summers also one can enjoy horse riding, hiking or take off road routes for adventure activities.

Read More: Karakol Ski Base

Tashkent-Samarkand Bullet Train covers 344 KM connecting two largest cities of Uzbekistan. The train passes through Tashkent, Sirdaryo, Jizzakh and Samarkand. The Bullet train runs for all 7 days of a week under the brand name Afrosiyob. So one looking to travel from Tashkent to Samarkand or from Samarkand to Tashkent can buy tickets and board the bullet train for a 2.30 hours journey. Yes, the train runs at maximum speed of 250 KM/H and takes 2.30 hours to complete one way journey. You should also enjoy this high speed bullet train travel experience when you are in Uzbekistan on your Uzbekistan Trip .

Read More: Train Journey in Uzbekistan

Charyn Canyon is Kazakhstan’s supreme rift. This canyon is cracked open and enlarged by a river with the same name. When you have visited the plains of Almaty in plenty then you will find Charyn Canyon as a grand surprise. The canyon has happened over millions of years and today you can find a fantastic shapes and shadows here. You can take a day trip to Charyn Canyon from Almaty and enjoy walking, rafting off-road jeep touring and simply immerse in beautiful nature. Simple 4 hours drive from Almaty Charyn Canyon is a must see place in Kazakhstan.

Today the Canyon stretches up to approximately 150 km, and, in places up to 300 meters deep. The canyon features a dramatic landscape with beautiful red sand and formidable rock formations. This is a great place for rafting, hiking, climbing or nature appreciation.

Read More: The Charyn Canyon in Kazakhstan

Historical Sites: World Heritage Sites of Kazakhstan

Turkmenistan has plenty of gas fields. Gates of hell is also part of one of those. This is in karakum desert in Turkmenistan. This is basically a natural gas field which is known as Door to hell or Gates to hell. This is a natural gas field in Derweze, Turkmenistan. This had collapsed into an underground cavern in 1971, which became a natural gas crater. At present this is not just a crater but also quite an attraction for tourists. In the past five years more than 50,000 tourists have visited this Gate of hell.  The gas crater has a total area of 5,350 m square, which is equal to the size of an American football field. The surrounding area is also popular for wild desert camping.

Book this Package Now! : Turkmenistan Tour Packages

Places to Visit: Turkmenistan Attractions

Know more about the " Turkmenistan Tourism "!

Pamir Highway is second highest highway in the world located in Tajikistan. This is also one of the most dangerous and adventurous route in the world. This highway is paved and unpaved both. Travelling on unpaved parts is more dangerous. In the past this highway has been used as one of the old silk routes for trades. Pamir highway runs from Khorog in Tajikistan to Osh in Kyrgyzstan. Landslides and rock fall incidents happen quite regularly here. Unpredictable weather on top makes it even more adventurous.

Historically it was called Pamir Highway and now it is officially called M41. Most of the Pamir Highway is located in Tajikistan, but the highway also goes through Afghanistan, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan in Central Asia. Most part of the highway is still unpaved and the road is heavily damaged in many places caused by erosion, earthquakes, landslides and avalanches. The Pamir highway leads from the city of Osh, Kyrgyzstan, through Tajikistan (Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Province, Khorug, Dushanbe), via the eastern part of Uzbekistan, to Mazar-e Sharif in northern Afghanistan. All the adventure lovers challenge themselves to walk the Pamir highway.

Read More: Pamir Highway - An Epic Adventure

Know More: About Tajikistan

Located just 30 min drive from Almaty, 8 Lakes Resort is a unique complex. You get largest pool complex, fine dining choices and many outdoor activities here. You love to have great time at resorts and 8 lakes resort offers you variety of recreational facilities. This simply means that the 8 lake resort is a perfect place to be for families on a holiday or people on a business trip. When you go to a trip you look for home away from home. 8 lakes resort is such a place where you get the comfort of home. You can enjoy your stay here when in Almaty with Almaty Tour Package for that perfect rejuvenation and relaxation that you are looking for.

Must Read: Reasons Why You Should Visit Almaty & 5 Natural Attractions in Almaty

Just 15 minute drive from Almaty Tau Spa Resort is located at the foothills of Zailisky Alatau in natural boundaries of the magnificent gorge of Almarasan. In Tau Spa resort you get everything you expected. There are several pools in the fresh air with hills. There are indoor pools as well. Both children and adults can enjoy the swimming in pools of the resort. You also have choices of entertainment and restaurants which offer Kazakh, Russian, European and Georgian meals. In the resort there is Tau Spa center along with many restaurants and clubs. You will for sure have a great time here. The prices of rooms are economical and features are excellent.

Attractions in Almaty: Central Mosque & Sunkar International Ski Jumping Complex

Bath houses of medieval time are called Hammams in Central Asia . This form of architecture shows the town planning and development of the region. There were numbers of Hammams in Uzbekistan . Bukhara had 16, Tashkent had 11 by the middle of 19 th century and Samarkand had 8 at the beginning of 20 th century. Depending on the locations baths were divided into 2 types. One was located in the bazaar and another one was located in blocks. For better conveniences, many hammams were built at a crossroads of streets, closer to other public buildings. Such Hammams in Bukhara and Samarkand were called “ Hammom Kundjak ”, which means a “ corner bath ”. One of such baths is still functional near Kalyan Minaret in Bukhara .

These Hammams represented civil architecture of Central Asia and many of these still functions successfully. In Bukhara particularly two Hammams Bozori Kord and Kundjak Hammam are still active and you can go there to experience the atmosphere of the medieval east.

Know more " About Uzbekistan At a Glance "!

Kizikulam Desert is the 16 th largest desert in the world. The desert is located in doab region in Central Asia between Amu Darya and Syr Darya. The desert is divided between Uzbekistan, Kazakhtan and Turkmenistan. In the desert camel riding is a great tourist activity. Camel riding is a wonderful experience anyway. And in the Kizilkum desert in Uzbekistan, camel ride is an exotic outdoor activity. You will get to see bactrian camels (two-humped) in the Kyzyl-Kum Desert. You can ride these camels which are very interesting and informative. There are camel camps in the Kizilkum desert among the dunes. For rest, stay and sleep there are tents. You can opt for camel riding for a single day or for days.

Places to Visit: Uzbekistan Tourist Attractions

Historical Sites: World Heritage Sites of Uzbekistan

Iskanderkul is a Mountain Lake in Tajikistan . The lake is 2.5 KM long and 1 KM wide with depth of 72 m at the deepest part of it. Iskanderkul is located at the height of 2,255 m above sea level. Not just locals of Tajikistan but people from all over the world now come to see Iskanderkul and you should also visit this beautiful lake with best Tajikistan Tour Package .

Turquoise, calm and surrounded by giant ranges of Fann mountains Iskander is a popular tourist place far beyond Tajikistan borders. Fann Mountain around the lake creates the most spectacular and picturesque places. However because of high concentration of minerals there is almost no aquatic life in the lake and only small loach can be found in the waters of the lake.

Read More: Iskanderkul Lake – Tajikistan

Attractions: Top Tajikistan Tourist Attractions

Chorsu Bazaar is in Tashkent, capital city of Uzbekistan. It is located in in the old town of Tashkent. Chorsu Bazaar is a traditional Bazaar which is hundreds years old. Chorsu Bazaar is quite colorful. This bazaar is the biggest and one of the oldest in Uzbekistan and in Central Asia. Located across the street from Chorsu Station of the Tashkent metro near Kukeldosh Madrasah , you will get all daily necessities available. Tashkent has been a trade center where from good came into and went out of Tashkent. So a fair was set up where goods came into and went out eastward, westward, southward and northward caravan routes. This was called as Chorsu which means crossroad. Since then this oriental bazar has lived through in Tashkent city. Market has always been alive and a place where people gathered, talked, shared their lives. So chorus bazaar is not just a market place to buy goods when you are in Tashkent with Tashkent Tour Package but it enjoys great flavor of the orient as well.

Must Read: Famous Tashkent Bazaars & Markets

Are you an old school type who loved to go to markets for shopping and not the newly built malls. If yes then in Almaty you can head towards Zelyony Bazaar located near Paniflov Park. This is also known as Green Market. This is a market where you can buy everything like clothes, furniture, spices, meats and fruits. And on top of that you can bargain hard here.

On your Almaty tour package you can visit the market. You will be delighted to see the atmosphere and variety of goods available in the market. For different items there are different sections and at each section you will be amazed to see variety of items being sold in the Zelyony Bazaar .

Osh Bazaar is oldest Bazaar of Kyrgyzstan and one of the oldest in entire Central Asia. It is one of the largest Bazaars in Bishkek as well. You get everything in Osh Bazaar like food products, any household items, clothes, souvenirs, musical instruments or any other item. Osh Bazaar is one of the main attractions of Bishkek and must visit place while on a Bishkek trip with Bishkek Tour Package . In this chaotic Bazaar you can buy souvenirs, clothes and everything else under the sun. You can witness the local life and culture through this Bazaar where on top of it you can buy anything you wish to.

Osh Bazaar , the shopping center of Bishkek was a key stop on the ancient Silk Road through Central Asia. The smell of spices, the crowd leaving little space to move, haggling of smiling vendors and much more gives you a vibe of multicultural intensity of the Bazaar.

Top Bishkek Markets: Dordoy Bazaar in Bishkek

Things To Do: Kyrgyzstan Tourist Attractions

Central Asia Travel Guide & Highlights:

So all above are the Major Central Asia Attractions which you can visit on your tour to Central Asia countries and cities. You can ask to your tour operator to add-on some of the above places in tour itinerary on your trip to Central Asia.

Dook Dossier: Hera is a complete CIS and Central Asia Tour & Travel Guide for Travellers, Travel Agents and Tour Operators. Dook International covered everything in their dossier about CIS countries such as Tourism overview, Cheat sheet, Penny wise of travel items, Itinerary highlights, Interesting facts, Visa information, Flight route, Major attractions, Optional activities, Fashion, Food, Restaurants, etc. Check out now! Dook Dossier 2017-18

Here are some more articles published by Dook International which help you to know more about Central Asia like Tourist Destinations & Things to Do in Central Asia, Facts about Central Asia Tours, Central Asia Travel Information.

• 8 Lakes Resort
• Zelyony Bazaar
• Big Almaty Lake
• Camel Ride in the Kizilkum Desert
• Central Asia Attractions
• Central Asia Tourist Places
• Charvak Reservoir
• Charyn Canyon
• Chimgan Mountains
• Chorsu Bazaar
• Falcon Show
• Iskanderkul
• Issyk Kul Lake
• Kok Tobe Mountain Almaty
• Registan Square
• Tashkent - Samarkand Bullet Train
• The Gates of Hell
• The Pamir Highway
• Tourist sites in Central Asia

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Your Guide To The Countries Of Central Asia & Which To Visit

Central Asia is a complex region full of natural beauty and history and a region few ever explore.

Quick Links

Kazakhstan - the largest central asian country, kyrgyzstan - the mountainous country, uzbekistan - the country with rich ancient architecture, tajikistan - home of the pamir highway, turkmenistan - the hermit country.

Central Asia is a fascinating part of the world that few people ever get to visit. This article will define Central Asia as the five former Soviet countries of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan - it will not include Afghanistan or Mongolia (which are sometimes included in "Central Asia").

These countries are some of the least explored in the world and are gems full of history and some of the world's most spectacular scenery and exceptionally friendly people. But these countries often experience unrest, and it is important to check for up-to-date information before going there.

Kazakhstan is by far the largest of the Central Asian countries and the most developed. The vast bulk of the country is flat Asian steppe - like the Mongolians; the historic Kazakhs once roamed these vast steppes on horseback.

• Capital: Nur-Sultan (Formerly Astana)
• Largest City: Almaty

The capital is the new city of Nur-Sultan (formerly Astana) in the northern steppes. But the historic capital and largest city is Almaty in the south. Almaty lays at the foot of some of the mightiest mountain ranges in the world and is a stunning place to visit.

• Visa Requirements: Visa-Free One Month

Kazakhstan is visa-free for a month for most nationalities. There has been recent political unrest in Kazakhstan - while it is typically a safe country to visit, one should check for updates from the U.S. Department of State .

Related: This Is Why Kyrgyzstan Is A Gem Waiting To Be Discovered By Intrepid Travelers

The Kyrgyz people are similar in many ways to the Kazakhs, but whereas Kazakhstan is mostly flat, Kyrgyzstan is incredibly mountainous. The capital and largest city is Bishkek, and the country is famous for the massive and pristine alpine lake of Issyl Kul.

• Capital and Largest City: Bishkek

Kyrgyzstan is generally less developed than Kazakhstan but is very tourist-friendly. A must in the country is to take multi-day horseback riding trips through the mountains and sleep in traditional yurts.

• Visa Requirements: Visa-Free 60 Days

The two main attractions in Uzbekistan are its stunning architecture and the ghost fleet at the now largely disappeared Aral Sea. Uzbekistan is the most popular country in Central Asia and lies on the Silk Road . There are numerous group tours that go to Uzbekistan, where one can see the incredible architecture at Bukhara, Samarkand, and Tashkent. If one has time, visit the ghost fleet on the vanished Aral Sea Too.

• Capital and Largest City: Tashkent

For most Western passport holders, Uzbekistan is visa-free for 30 days - but for Americans, they need to apply for an e-Visa online (this is very easy and straightforward).

• Most Western Passports: Visa-Free 30 Days (Canada, UK, EU, Australia, NZ)
• American Passports: e-Visa Required

As of the time of writing, parts of Uzbekistan are experiencing significant unrest - check for updates on the situation before going.

Related: Kazakhstan Very Nice! A Stunning Destination With Incredible Petroglyphs

Tajikistan is a small alpine country nestled between Kyrgyzstan and Afghanistan. It is a poor country, but one that welcomes tourists. One of the greatest attractions in Tajikistan is the famous and remote Pamir Highway - it is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for those who get to do it.

• Capital and Largest City: Dushanbe

To visit the Pamir Highway, tourists need a permit to visit the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region (it costs $20.00)

• Visa Policy: Visa-Free For 30 Days (Except UK)

Until 2022, tourists needed to apply for an e-Visa to visit Tajikistan, but since 1 January 2022, visas have been waived for most Western countries (except the United Kingdom, which still requires an e-Visa).

Turkmenistan is very different from the other four Central Asian countries. The country is largely closed to tourism, and visas are very difficult to obtain. Tourists need organized tours that will likely be quite expensive and tour guides to take them around the country.

• Capital and Largest City: Ashgabat
• Visa Policy: Visa Required And Very Difficult To Obtain

One way to visit Turkmenistan is to just transit from Iran to Uzbekistan or Kazakhstan - the transit visa is for five days. However, this option is very difficult for Americans, Canadians, and the British as it is difficult for them to visit Iran.

It is not recommended to visit Turkmenistan unless one is an experienced traveler. Visitors need to be careful what they say, do, and what they take pictures of. It is common for the police to follow tourists. Never talk about politics while in Turkmenistan.

The best sights of Central Asia

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written by Owen Morton

updated 07.10.2020

Owen Morton is never happier than when exploring new places, with a particular fondness for wandering the former Soviet world and the Middle East. He is the author of the upcoming Rough Guide to Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan, and has written for Rough Guides' Make the Most of Your Time on Earth compilation, as well as regular contributions to the Rough Guides and Insight Guides blogs. When not exploring the world, he entertains himself by writing a blog about 1980s cartoons. His favourite animal is the wonderfully expressive and permanently furious manul. Follow him on Instagram at @owenmortonmanul .

It hasn’t been long since the fantastic sights of Central Asia were hidden behind a barricade of expensive and convoluted visa-application procedures, compounded by a general perception that these were difficult and even dangerous countries in which to travel. In recent years, however, the local authorities have sought to open up to tourists, visas have been simplified – or even abolished – and word is spreading of the rewards of travelling to this relatively unexplored region.

Best for architecture and history: Uzbekistan

Best for culture: kyrgyzstan, best for hiking: tajikistan, best for the bizarre: turkmenistan, best all-rounder: kazakhstan.

In this article, we’ll be looking at the top sights of each ’stan – that’s Kazakhstan , Uzbekistan , Kyrgyzstan , Tajikistan and Turkmenistan – and working out which of these fascinating ex-Soviet republics would suit your travel style best.

Tailor-made travel itineraries for Kazakhstan, created by local experts

10 days  / from 1450 USD

Highlights of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan

Discover the highlights of Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan on this compact trip. Explore part of the Uzbek Golden Triangle with Bukhara and Samarkand before heading to the cosmopolitan city of Almaty. The Kazakh capital awaits with plenty of adventures in the surroundings.

21 days  / from 3955 USD

Along The Great Silk Road

Explore all the highlights of Central Asia: Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan await you in this 3 weeks trip. Learn about the history, enjoy breathtaking nature and experience local traditions and culture. It's time to discover the Silk Road with an expert guide!

If there’s such a thing as a popular perception of Central Asia, it’s probably Uzbekistan – and more specifically, the Registan in the Silk Road city of Samarkand. Described in the 19th century by Lord Curzon as “the noblest public square in the world”, the beautiful ensemble of madrassahs in Samarkand – bedecked with intricate tilework, blue domes gleaming in the sunlight – takes the undisputed number one position in any list of Uzbekistan’s top sights.

Samarkand is an ancient city – it was already perhaps half a millennium old when it was conquered by Alexander the Great in 329 BC. Its golden age came in the 14th century, when it became the capital of the empire-builder Tamerlane, who awarded himself the immodest title Conqueror of the World. Tamerlane and his successors transformed the city, building the Registan and many other stunning landmarks, including the Bibi Khanum Mosque, the Shah-i-Zinda necropolis, and Tamerlane’s own mausoleum, the elegant Gur Amir.

Elsewhere in the country – particularly Bukhara and Khiva – you’ll find further examples of gorgeous Islamic buildings, largely restored to their former glories by the Soviets and well-maintained by the current government. With this wealth of world-beating mosques, madrassahs and mausoleums , Uzbekistan is a strong choice for Central Asian leader in architecture and history.

Gur-E Amir Mausoleum, the tomb of the Asian conqueror Tamerlane, Samarkand, Uzbekistan © NICOLA MESSANA PHOTOS/Shutterstock

The first of the ’stans to embrace tourism, Kyrgyzstan is a largely mountainous republic known for its welcoming people. The Kyrgyz have a strong nomadic tradition , and visitors to the country are advised to familiarize themselves with this remarkable culture by spending a night or two in a yurt camp . These iconic circular tents are surprisingly spacious, as well as being both sturdy and warm – essentials when high up in the Tian Shan or Pamir mountains .

Staying in a yurt camp, you’ll have the opportunity to experience a number of nomadic traditions: this will certainly include horse-riding, but may also extend to traditional music performances or witnessing a game of kokburu – essentially polo played with a goat carcass. In the evening, you can try delicious Kyrgyz dishes such as manty (mutton dumplings) or besh barmak (noodles and mutton in sauce) – all washed down with koumiss, a fizzy drink made from fermented mare’s milk. When in Rome…

Kyrgyzstan’s nomadic culture is an undoubted highlight of a trip to Central Asia, and makes for a unique and hugely memorable experience. If you’re looking for somewhere to immerse yourself in a whole new way of life, Kyrgyzstan is definitely the country for you.

Yurts in a nomad village in Tash-Rabat in Kyrgyzstan © Nomad1988/Shutterstock

Tajikistan’s transition from Soviet republic to independence was marred by a civil war, which rendered the country unsafe for much of the 1990s. Perhaps as a result, tourism remains in its infancy here – though much progress has been made in recent years, and Tajikistan is now regarded as an emerging destination. The country certainly has much to offer: visitors can explore the ruins of Penjikent , an ancient city destroyed by Arab invaders in the 8th century, or marvel at the magnificent Kok Gumbaz Madrassah in the town of Istaravshan .

But where Tajikistan truly dominates is in its trekking opportunities : being home to two mountain ranges – the Pamirs and the Fann – there are trails here for all abilities, amid stunning and unspoilt scenery. Those wanting a reasonably short (but still spectacular) hike should consider the Seven Lakes region in the gorgeous Fann Mountains, while trekkers in search of multi-day adventures need look no further than the starkly beautiful Pamirs.

Still largely undiscovered by tourists , yet stunningly scenic, Tajikistan’s mountain ranges offer by far the best trekking to be found in Central Asia. If you’re itching to get your hiking boots on, you’ll find few better destinations.

Fann mountains in Pamir, Tajikistan © Galyna Andrushko/Shutterstock

The dark horse of the ’stans – literally. Turkmenistan is famed for its horses , particularly the hardy Akhal-Tepe breed that has adapted to the country’s harsh desert conditions. These remarkable creatures take pride of place on Turkmenistan’s coat of arms; there’s a glitzy golden statue of a horse in the capital city, Ashgabat; and the country celebrates National Horse Day every April. The president, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, considers himself a master jockey and regularly competes in races. Quelle surprise, he usually wins, and if he doesn’t, it’s not unknown for him to make it illegal to watch footage of his defeat.

So far, so eccentric, but Turkmenistan doesn’t stop there. Its post-Soviet history has seen it follow an isolationist path, led by megalomaniacal dictators who have embarked on extravagant building projects which have converted Ashgabat into a gleaming city of white marble and gold, punctuated by elaborate sculptures and statues of historic Turkmen heroes. Meanwhile, outside the capital, the country is mostly covered by the Karakum Desert – in the middle of which sits the Darvaza Crater , a continually burning gas field which has been dubbed the Gateway to Hell.

If an enormous white city and the world’s biggest fire pit aren’t enough to entice you, other options to add to the mix include Kugitang Nature Reserve (where you’ll find the world’s longest trail of dinosaur footprints ) and the Kow Ata Cave (which is 200m underground and is home to both an enormous bat colony and a sulphurous lake regarded as a great place for swimming). With all this and more, Turkmenistan is without question the most offbeat destination in Central Asia – and perhaps the world.

Statues around monument of independence in Ashgabat, capital city of Turkmenistan © Michal Knitl/Shutterstock

Related articles from the blog

Kazakhstan may be the ninth-largest country in the world, but it keeps something of a low profile – it’s perhaps best known as the alleged home country of Sacha Baron Cohen’s Borat character. That’s a shame, as it has a great deal to offer the visitor, especially one who wishes to gain a taste of the all-round flavour of Central Asia.

Those interested in the magnificent Islamic architecture and culture popularized by Uzbekistan should pay a visit to the gorgeous Khoja Ahmad Yasawi Mausoleum in the town of Turkestan , while the futuristic architecture of the capital city of Nur-Sultan is a worthy companion to that of Turkmenistan’s Ashgabat. Ethnically, Kazakhs are closely related to Kyrgyz and they share a nomadic tradition, so it’s possible here to experience this fascinating culture; and for those who wish to get their hiking boots on, Kazakhstan is home to mountain scenery just as inspiring as that in Tajikistan – try routes around the Turquoise Lake in the Tien Shan mountains .

But don’t go thinking Kazakhstan has nothing of its own to offer: the former capital of Almaty is a great place to experience the region’s Russian legacy , as well as being temptingly close to the largest ski resort in Central Asia. Further afield, the Charyn Canyon is an impressive, if smaller-scale, take on the Grand Canyon; and if you venture far into Kazakhstan’s remote west, it’s possible to visit Baikonur Cosmodrome – the launch site of Yuri Gagarin’s historic space flight.

Encapsulating the best of Central Asia in one tidy if vast package, Kazakhstan is a great choice for travellers looking for a diverse introduction to this fascinating region.

Charyn Canyon in South East Kazakhstan © Lukas Bischoff Photograph/Shutterstock

So… have you decided which ‘stan is for you?

Top image: Ancient town of Itchan Kala. Khiva, Uzbekistan © Dudarev Mikhail/Shutterstock

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The Best Places To Visit In Central Asia

With its beautiful scenery, incredible architecture, fascinating history and epic journeys along ancient silk routes, Central Asia has something for everyone. The hardest thing can be choosing which of the diverse countries to visit. Below we help you decide the best places to visit in Central Asia, based on your preferences. Wild Frontiers have years of experience at arranging group tours and  tailor made holidays throughout the region.

Best for breathtaking scenery

Kyrgyzstan is hard to beat in terms of breathtaking scenery. The lush Mountains of Heaven stretch across its breadth, and the landscapes of grassy steppe, primal forests and turquoise lakes make it a favourite with our travellers. Lake Son Kul, in the centre of the country, is a classic blue glacial lake, where semi nomadic people camp along the banks in the summer. 

Kyrgyzstan has several mountains over 7000 metres, as well as glaciers, deserts, alpine forests, and a third of the country is permanently covered in snow. For our money this is the most beautiful of the Central Asian countries.

The warm and hospitable locals are a real highlight, and Wild Frontiers has built up strong relationships with local people in over ten years of running holidays to Kyrgyzstan. Stay in a mixture of homestays and traditional yurts, and meet with semi nomadic people and eagle hunters on our group tour or book a tailor made holiday.The natural beauty of Kyrgyzstan can also be combined with the cultural cities of Uzbekistan on our Wild Mountains, Fabled Towns tour.

Best for culture vultures

Uzbekistan is home to the region's finest Silk Road cities - Bukhara, Samarkand and Khiva offer stunning Islamic architecture and a rich history. Conquerors from Alexander the Great to Genghis Khan, from Huns to Turks and Arabs have held sway here over Uzbekistan's long and fascinating history and this is reflected in the wide range of influences in the region. The people here have always been more settled than nomadic, marking it out as different from its surrounding neighbours.

A key point on the ancient silk route connecting China with Western Europe, Uzbekistan's cities are home to some splendid architecture, featuring elaborately tiled mosques and minarets, fortresses and palaces. The country's golden age was under Tamerlane, who made Samarkand his capital in the 14th century and you can see his legacy in the city's impressive monuments, in particular in Registan Square. If you are a lover of culture, history and architecture, Uzbekistan is the Central Asian country for you.

Best for epic journeys: 

The Chinese were the first civilisation to master the production of silk and when it became one of the world’s most valuable commodities the first “silk routes” sprang up. 

From as early as 200 BC merchants from the west travelled on a hazardous journey from Kashgar across the Taklamakan Desert to Xian to trade their goods for silk, which they would bring back to the bustling markets of Kashgar, which can still be witnessed today every Sunday. Incidentally, the monopoly of China’s silk production was finally broken by monks smuggling silkworm eggs out of the country in the 6th century.

Over the years the silk road facilitated the exchange of not only goods, but also ideas, politics, religion and architecture. On our Chinese Silk Road tour explore the origins of the silk road, travelling from Xian, home to the Terracotta Warriors, to the Westernmost point of the Great Wall in Jiayaguan, where traitors were once pushed off the edge to fend for themselves in the badlands beyond the Chinese empire, through the Taklamakan Desert, visiting oasis towns, Tibetan monasteries and ancient ruins before finishing at the great trading point of Kashgar, where east meets west. This is an epic and romantic journey steeped in history and adventure.

Best for escaping the modern world 

For the adventurous traveller, the Persian-speaking country of Tajikistan offers a true chance to escape the modern world; landlocked in the heart of the ‘stans’, this remote country was pretty much closed to the West for 100 years after Francis Younghusband was expelled during the Great Game in 1891. 

With very little traditional tourist infrastructure, accommodation is largely with local families in guesthouses and homestays, and you can forget any thoughts of wifi or mobile phone coverage. Throw in the epic scenery of the Pamir Mountain range, the Wakhan Valley and verdant valleys and you have the perfect destination to escape the modern world.

Wild Frontiers’ Lucy travelled to Tajikistan recently: “ In one village I stayed they just had one telephone, which had been broken for a month, and in another of my homestays I had to unplug the light from a car battery when I went to bed. But homestays are a brilliant way to get to know the local culture and understand the people. The mountain scenery is harsh, but then you get the contrasting splashes of bright green of the farmers’ fields in the fertile valleys .” For a true adventure amongst stunning scenery and away from the stresses of the modern world, it’s hard to beat Tajikistan.

Turkmenistan

Best for lovers of the bizarre: 

Gas-rich Turkmenistan has one of the world's most bizarre capitals, Ashgabat being awash with marble-clad buildings and ostentatious monuments to its leader. Outside the capital there is a chance to see a more traditional semi-nomadic way of life in the smaller villages and close to the Iran border. The scenery ranges from desert to mountains, and there are some stunning canyons and unusual rock formations to the west.

The country is also home to the fascinating ancient silk road city of Merv, once one of the world's grandest cities until it was razed to the ground by Genghis Khan. Here you can see the remains of caravanserai and ruins dating back to the 11th century. The Darvaza Gas Crater is also one of the world's most unusual tourist destinations.

Afghanistan

Best for challenging perceptions

Afghanistan is arguably the most important country on the Silk Road, sitting at a pivotal geographical position through which all routes had to travel. As such Afghanistan was home to some of the most impressive and important silk road cities such as Herat, Mazar-i-Sharif and Kabul, and over time developed as a melting pot for a myriad of cultures and creeds. 

Modern Afghanistan has of course formed the basis of many a front page headline but behind those stories lies a fascinating country emerging slowly from three decades of war and instability, representing one of the most diverse and fascinating countries in the region.

Wild Frontiers offers tours to the far north east of the country, accessing through Tajikistan and into the Wakhan Corridor, as well as tours taking in the cultural side of the country, including Herat, Mazar, the Panchi Valley and Bamiyan. As the divide between the Hindu Kush and the Pamir Mountains the Wakhan Corridor is an exceptionally beautiful and peaceful region that has never been affected by the recent troubles. 

This place represents a blank page as far as adventure tourism is concerned. Typically our groups will stay in small guesthouses, interacting with friendly and welcoming locals, with whom you will sit and have tea, share in picnics and observe village life on a series of guided walks.

No visit to a place like this is without risk and anyone thinking of going there should discuss with us and others the particulars of the security situation surrounding their trip. However, for those with a true sense of adventure who want to get behind the headlines of one of the most important locations in geo politics today, Afghanistan is a must.

Harry Foskett

View harry foskett's latest blog posts, related tours.

Top 10 Places to See in Central Asia

Top ten places to see in central asia:.

#1 The cities of Uzbekistan’s ancient Silk Road – Samarkand , Bukhara , Khiva

#2 song kul – an alpine lake surrounded by lush summer pasture in kyrgyzstan, #3 the pamir highway traversing tajikistan, #4 darvaza – the gas crater also known as the “gate of hell”, turkmenistan, #5 issyk kul –  mountain lake located in kyrgyzstan, #6 astana- the modern capital of kazakhstan, #7 the turquoise lakes and world-class trekking in tajikistan’s fann mountains , #8 charyn canyon in kazakhstan, #9  ashgabat in turkmenistan – home to several guinness records for architectural achievements, #10 the tian shan mountains in kyrgyzstan.

To see the top 10 places in three weeks take a look at our Best of Central Asia Tour .

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Backpacking Central Asia – A Guide to the Stans for 2023

Why now is the best time for backpacking central asia.

In this comprehensive guide, we will tell you all you need to know about backpacking Central Asia and the Stans.

Central Asia has so much to offer every type of traveller and is rich in culture, history, cuisine and natural landscapes.

From the architecture of the ancient Silk Road to mountains and deserts, you are sure to find something to amaze in this vastly underrated part of the world. In this Central Asia Travel Guide, you can discover all you need to know about the “Stans”!

Boring stuff: I have visited each of the places I recommend and give you my honest opinion, warts and all. All photos are my own unless otherwise stated and may not be reproduced without permission. Affiliate links may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Quick Guide to Backpacking the Stans

Turkmenistan

The Pamir Highway

Visas for Central Asia

Useful Information

What Countries Make up Central Asia and the Stans?

There is no set definition of the geographical limits of Central Asia, however, most people agree that the core area encompasses the five former Soviet “Stans” of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.

Afghanistan and the Chinese province of Xinjiang (referred to by some as East Turkestan) are also geographically part of Central Asia. The extreme far west of Mongolia can also be considered Central Asian both geographically and culturally.

In this guide, we will stick to the five main Stans.

Traveling to Central Asia is equal parts challenging and rewarding. This destination isn’t for tourists looking for a relaxing vacation. Rather, it’s a destination for devoted travelers who want to see the world, experience unique cultures, and have an adventure.

Figure Out Your Visa Needs

Central Asia has five core countries and varying passport requirements for each. While people from the Western hemisphere typically don’t face challenges when getting visas, it’s important to understand the nuances of each place.

For example, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, and Tajikistan do not require visas for stays up to 30 days for most Western countries.

However, United States citizens require an electronic Visa to get into Uzbekistan, which should be applied for at least three days before the trip.

Turkmenistan has entirely different requirements. Travel visas are required to pass through Turkmenistan but are complicated to get and often rejected for no reason.

Several routes throughout the region require special permits to travel. Plan your trip down to each detail well in advance. Check your country’s government website for current travel restrictions.

For UK residents, the FCO website provides the latest travel information.

Visa Information for Backpacking Central Asia

Kazakhstan entry requirements.

As of February 2022 Kazakhstan is now open again and the visa-free policy that was in place before the pandemic has been resumed! The land borders remain closed to tourists but it is possible no to fly in and out of Kazakhstan.

Open for Tourism: Yes

Visa-free : Yes (citizens of the EU, UK, USA and more can visit visa-free for 30 days)

Visa on Arrival: Yes

E-visa: Yes

LOI Required: No

Negative PCR Required: Yes (72-hour validity)

Quarantine Required: No

More information: Kazakhstan eases travel restrictions

Kyrgyzstan Entry Requirements

Visa-free : Yes (citizens of 60 countries can enter Kyrgyzstan visa-free)

More information: Visa policy of Kyrgyzstan

Tajikistan Entry Requirements

Visa-free: No

Quarantine Required: Yes, 14-day quarantine is required at a state facility.

More information: Official Tajikistan E-visa portal

Turkmenistan Entry Requirements

Update April 2023: Turkmenistan has reopened for tourism and there are already reports of travelers succufully obtaining visas and touring the country.

Uzbekistan Entry Requirements

Visa-free : Yes (citizens of 130 countries can enter Uzbekistan visa-free)

Quarantine Required: Uzbekistan operates a traffic light system. Those travelling from countries on the green list are not required to quarantine. Those travelling from red or yellow list countries (which include the UK) must self-isolate for 14 days.

More information: Official Uzbekistan E-visa portal

Dangerous Border Areas

In recent years there has been sporadic fighting between some of the “Stans” and border points can be potential flashpoints. The Kyrgyz/Uzbek border saw violence as recently as May 2022. Check local media before crossing land borders.

It goes without saying that the border between Uzbekistan and Afghanistan should be avoided.

Generally speaking, the crossings between Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan are safe for travellers. I have made these crossings many times without incident.

Be Careful in Nature

Many people venture to Central Asia to hike the beautiful mountain ranges. Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Kazakhstan are common destinations for avid hikers who want to experience the natural beauty in this part of the world. However, it’s important to understand the risks involved and prepare.

Take some time to research the local wildlife, so you know what to do if you encounter something dangerous. For example, the leopard gecko is a relatively calm creature that many Westerners keep as pets.

The Caspian cobra, however, is one of the more dangerous species to inhabit the region. In the desert areas of Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan always shake your clothes out for spiders and scorpions.

It’s also important to understand the dangers of traveling in the mountains as the weather can be unpredictable, even in summer. The winter temperature in Kazakhstan can drop as low as -30c, especially near the Russian border and capital, Nur-Sultan.

When going trekking, try not to go alone, and if you do, tell your hotel/hostel of your proposed route and when you expect to return. Ensure you pack plenty of layers, have a detailed map, and lots of water or ways to purify it .

Take a Bathroom Kit

While you’ll find a few Western toilets in high-end establishments in the cities, prepare for squat toilets everywhere else.

These toilets are typically holes in the ground over which you squat to do your business. Toilet paper is a rarity in most bathrooms in Central Asia.

When backpacking Central Asia, consider packing a toilet kit for your adventures, including wipes, toilet paper, and hand sanitizer. You’ll be glad you did.

Learn Some Basic Russian

Central Asia is a diverse region with several different languages and subcultures. However, this former Soviet-ruled area still has a few cultural hangovers that make it unique.

One of which is that the unifying language across countries is Russian. Most people in Central Asia will speak Russian as well as their native language, however in parts of Uzbekistan you might struggle to find Russian speakers, and English is certainly no widely known in the region.

It’s also worth having the Google Translate app on your phone, as learning Russian is easier said than done.

Invest in a Data Plan

WiFi is unreliable at best in Central Asia and non-existent in some areas. Invest in a data plan for your phone or pick up a local SIM card when you arrive. You’ll need data for navigation and translation.

You’ll also want to use a VPN while travelling to ensure your connection is secure. ExpressVPN is one of the cheapest and best on the market with servers in over 160 locations around the globe.

As many parts of Central Asia are underdeveloped, carrying cash is a must. While many establishments accept Visa (but not Mastercard), they’re often declined without explanation or reasoning. Furthermore, each country has a different currency.

It’s also recommended that you carry some US currency or Euros to exchange, just in case. Look for a currency exchange in a well-populated, busy area to avoid getting scammed. Don’t use the money exchanges at border crossings as you will get ripped off!

Negotiate Transportation

While public transportation is a great option for getting around the cities, you’ll likely need a taxi to get to some prime hiking spots.

While Central Asia is relatively safe, there are many taxi scams, especially in Uzbekistan. Negotiate a price before getting in and write it down, showing the drive that you have it.

Keep your bags with you and consider using an app to stay safe. Yandex is a popular ride-sharing app in the region (Russian Uber).

Navigating through Central Asia takes patience and preparation. Keep these key considerations in mind as you plan your grand adventure.

Kazakhstan Travel Information

Quick Facts Capital: Nur-Sultan (nee Astana) Language(s): Kazakh, Russian Currency: ₸ Tenge ($1 USD = ₸428) Daily Budget: $40

Visa Info Visa-free: Yes Visa on arrival: Yes E-visa: Yes See visa section for current rules

Kazakhstan is the largest of the Central Asian countries and the ninth-largest in the world. Due to the size of the country, the landscape includes huge swathes of desert, steppe and mountains which makes it an excellent playground for adventurous travellers.

The ultra-modern city of Nur-Sultan (Astana) is the business hub and offers opportunities for shopping and fine dining, but the former capital Almaty is truly the beating heart of Kazakhstan. Here you can indulge in a range of outdoor activities from skiing, snowboarding, hiking, canyoning and more.

Almaty is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city with many fine restaurants, cafe’s and bars. See my full Kazakhstan Travel Guide or backpacking in Kazakhstan guide for more.

Aktau is a small resort town on the Caspian Sea and the departure point for boats to Baku in Azerbaijan. It is so remote, that unless you plan on taking the Caspian Sea Ferry, it’s probably not worth the long trip to get there.

Things to see and do in Aktau

• City Beaches
• Mangistau (day trip)

Almaty is the charming former capital sitting in the shadows of the Tian Shan Mountains. From wine bars to winter sports and architecture to opera, there is something for everyone here.

Things to see and do in Almaty

• Paniflov Park
• Ascension Cathedral
• Kok Tobe Mountain
• Medeu Ice Rink
• Shymbulak Ski Resort
• Big Almaty Lake
• Charyn Canyon (day trip)
• Kolsai Lakes (day trip)

Aralsk was once a thriving fishing port on the Aral Sea, but thanks to the rerouting of rivers for Soviet cotton farming, the inland sea is now miles from Aralsk (but thankfully slowly returning). Now all that is left are a few rusting ships and a town that has seen better days.

Home of the Russian space program, and technically considered part of Russia due to the lease, Baikonur is the fully operational launch site of manned and unmanned rockets. It’s even possible to witness a launch!

A small town not far from the capital, Karaganda is home of the Karlag gulag camp, the largest in Kazakhstan during soviet times. There is now an interesting museum at the site, and the town has a few things of interest such as some soviet murals.

Nur-Sultan (formerly Astana)

Kazakhstan’s shiny new capital lacks the soul and charm of Almaty, but is home to some interesting post-soviet architecture. Nur-Sultan is the place to find the most upmarket restaurants and the best shopping in the country and is a useful hub for travelling to and from Russia.

Shymkent is a small city close to the border with Uzbekistan. It is sometimes referred to as the “Texas of Kazakhstan” because of the large cattle farms and “cowboys”. The city is pleasant with some good bars and restaurants and makes a good base for hiking in the nearby mountains.

Turkistan is where you will find the best examples of Kazakhstan’s Silk Road past with its medieval Islamic architecture. It was here that Timur (Tamerlane) had a large mausoleum constructed for Islamic scholar Yasawi. The beautiful blue-tiled tomb is a must-see and is reminiscent of Samarkand.

Kyrgyzstan Travel Information

Quick Facts Capital: Bishkek Language(s): Kyrgyz, Russian Currency: Лв Som ($1 USD = Лв84.57) Daily Budget: $40

Visa Info Visa-free: Yes Visa on arrival: Yes E-visa: Yes

Wild Kyrgyzstan is Kazakhstan’s tiny and much poorer neighbour to the south, but although it lacks the vast oil wealth of its neighbour to the north, the country is rich in culture and boasts some of the most fantastic scenery in the world, such as Lake Issyk Kul.

Wander the world-famous Osh Bazaar which is full of the sights, smells and sounds of the Silk Road or take a trip trekking on horseback through the Fergana Valley or mountain passes of the High Pamir Mountains. The capital, Bishkek, makes a good base from which to explore this wild and enchanting land.

Kyrgyzstan’s bustling capital isn’t as modern as some of the others in Central Asia, but certainly retains its Silk Road charm! Here you will find bazaars and stalls shadowed by the ever-present Tian Shan Mountains.

Top thing to see and do in Bishkek

• Ala-Too Square
• The Burana Tower (Day trip)

Note: Unfortunately, and unlike Central Asia’s more developed cities, Bishkek has a reputation for petty crime. It is not advisable to go out alone after dark, don’t flash expensive items and keep your belongings safe, especially around Osh Bazaar and on public transport. A Kyrgyz friend of mine was robbed while she slept in a marshrutka, so it is not only foreigners that are targeted.

Lake Issyk Kul

The jewel of Kyrgyzstan, Lake Issyk Kul covers more than 6,000 square kilometres. The lake was a popular tourist destination during soviet times and retains a few small resort areas that have seen better days. The mountainous landscapes around the lake however are stunning! The small city of Karakol on the eastern tip of Issyk Kul makes a good starting point for further exploration!

Tajikistan Travel Information

Quick Facts Capital: Dushanbe Language(s): Tajiki, Russian Currency: SM ($1 USD = SM11.41) Daily Budget: $40

Visa Info Visa-free: No Visa on arrival: Yes E-visa: Yes

The Republic of Tajikistan is the wildest of all the countries in Central Asia and traditionally has been one of the more difficult to visit. Things are changing fast though and the government is keen to promote the country to adventure seekers and outdoors enthusiasts.

Tajikistan is a dream for hikers and mountain climbers with peaks rising to over 5,000 metres. Due to its proximity to next-door Afghanistan and a recent high-profile terrorist attack on cyclists, a degree of caution is required when travelling in some areas.

Although with a smaller population than Bishkek in Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan’s capital Dushanbe is a little more modern and tourist-friendly. The city is home to pleasant parks like Victory Park and has a good selection of bars and restaurants.

Top thing to see and do in Dushanbe

• Rudaki Park
• Somoni Statue
• Fort Hissar
• Victory Park
• Zilioni Bazaar

The Pamir Highway (officially known as Highway M41) runs across much of Central Asia from Afghanistan, through Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and into Kyrgyzstan. Driving (or even cycling ) the Pamir Highway is absolutely one of the best ways to see these wild and untamed lands up close.

A trip on the Pamir Highway takes some planning as it really is a wild place with long distances between settlements. Ensure you have enough food and water and have a clear plan of where you will stay. A lightweight tent is a useful addition even if you don’t plan on camping.

Turkmenistan Travel Information

Quick Facts Capital: Ashgabat Language(s): Turkmen, Russian Currency: Manat ($1 USD = 3.5 MNT) Daily Budget: $200

Visa Info Visa-free: No Visa on arrival: No E-visa: No Applications to: Nearest Embassy

The Republic of Turkmenistan is the most intriguing of all the “Stans” due to its secretive past (and present) as a “hermit “state similar to North Korea. Turkmenistan is truly a strange country and the marbled capital Ashgabat has been described as like Las Vegas on steroids, which is not far wrong on an aesthetic level at least.

If you can get hold of the notoriously difficult Turkmen visa, then the country is well worth exploring for its historic sites such as Konye Urgench. The highlight of any trip to Turkmenistan has to be the infamous “Door to Hell“, or Darvaza Gas Crater in the middle of the Karakum Desert.

It is very difficult to visit Turkmenistan as an independent tourist; the only way this can be done is with a transit visa, which means you must enter and exit the country at different points. Most people who visit take a guided tour, which isn’t cheap (around $1,000) for four days), but totally worth it for such a unique experience.

The capital of Turkmenistan really is a very strange city. If you mixed ancient Rome with Las Vegas you might get something of an idea of Ashgabat . The city was almost completely destroyed by an earthquake in 1948 and has since been reconstructed in white marble shipped from Italy.

Nevertheless, there is plenty of interest including the large soviet memorial park, Ruhy mosque, city cable car and spotless, empty streets! Be careful where you point your camera and make sure not to snap any government buildings, officials or police (if in doubt, ask your guide or a policeman)!

Top thing to see and do in Ashgabat

• Turkmenbashi Ruhy Mosque
• Kopet Dag Cableway
• Independence Park
• Giant (opening) Ruhnama
• National Museum
• Memorial Park

The reason many tourists make the difficult journey to Turkmenistan is to gaze into the fiery abyss of the Darvaza Gas Crater (also known as the Door to Hell). This large, burning pit in the middle of the Karakum Desert exists thanks to a drilling accident in 1971. When geologists set the natural gas ablaze, little did they realise that it would continue burning strong for forty years!

It is possible to camp next to the crater on many tours of Turkmenistan. Eating barbeque overlooking Darvaza as the sun sets has to be one of the most unique travel experiences there is!

Konye Urgench

Konye Urgench is a well-preserved ancient city of the Khorezm Empire and is located close to the Amu Darya (Oxus) River near the border with Uzbekistan. here you will find a selection of mosques, madrassas and mausoleums, plus the tall Kutlug Timur minaret leaning precariously over the site!

Yerbent Desert Village is a small settlement between Ashgabat and Darvaza on the edge of the Karakum Desert. If you are lucky, you will see camels wandering between the rusting soviet jeeps and nomadic yurts.

See the Turkmenistan page for more information.

Uzbekistan Travel Information

Quick Facts Capital: Tashkent Language(s): Uzbek, Russian Currency: Som ($1 USD = 10,600) Daily Budget: $50

The Republic of Uzbekistan offers some of the finest history and architecture in all of Central Asia. The cities of Bukhara, Khiva and of course Samarkand are home to some of the most magnificent medieval architecture in the world. The capital, Tashkent, is a pleasant city with leafy suburbs filled with colourful, wooden Izby houses that remind of the country’s ties to Russia.

For those seeking a little more adventure, a trip to Termiz in the far south of the country will be rewarded with some ancient Buddhist ruins, not to mention being as close as it’s possible to get to Afghanistan across the Amu Darya (Oxus) River.

The ancient city of Bukhara has a history dating back over 2,000 years and was an important trading hub within Central Asia. The city is home to some of the most stunning examples of medieval Islamic architecture with its yellow-bricked madrassas and shimmering blue domes.

Top thing to see and do in Bukhara

• Kalyan Minaret
• Ark Citadel
• Plaza Labi Havz
• Samani Mausoleum
• Kukeldash Madrassa

Another important Silk Road settlement alongside the better known Bukhara and Samarkand, Khiva is well worth a visit for its walled ancient city.

Top thing to see and do in Khiva

• Kalta Minor Minaret
• Tash Chauli Palace
• Medieval Baths
• Ichon-Qala (Khiva Old City)

Samarkand is the most famous of Uzbekistan’s ancient cities and was once the seat of the Timurid empire led by Timur, or Tamerlane as we know him in the West. The city is centred around Registan Square which houses three large madrassas, or Islamic schools.

Top thing to see and do in Samarkand

• Registan Square
• Tilla Kari Madrassa
• Sherdor Madrassa
• Ulugbek Madrassa
• Bibi Khanym Mausoleum
• Gur e Amir Mausoleum
• Amur Timur Statue

Uzbekistan’s capital Tashkent isn’t as flashy as say Nur-Sultan and has a much more provincial feel to it. Old Russian wooden houses line the sleepy suburbs, and the centre is home to a decent selection of parks, museums, restaurants and bars.

Top thing to see and do in Tashkent

• Tashkent Old Town
• Amur Timur Museum
• Assumption Orthodox Cathedral
• Climb the TV Tower
• See the massive soviet Hotel Uzbekistan

Termiz is a small town right on the border with Afghanistan, across the Amu Darya (Oxus) River. The place has a very wild west feel to it and is a haven for smugglers taking contraband in and out of the war-torn country. There are also a lot of troops stationed nearby. For those heading to Mazar-i-Sharif, this is where you will cross the border.

Top thing to see and do in Termiz

• Amu Darya River
• Friendship Bridge
• Hakan Al Termizi Mausoleum

See the Uzbekistan page for more information.

Central Asia Travel – Getting Around

One of the best things about backpacking Central Asia is that public transport is cheap and there is a good network making travelling to and from each of the countries very easy.

In the future, we can expect the land borders to open again making Central Asia travel a lot easier. There are train, bus and marshrutka routes crossing between all of the Stans.

Below are some of the main routes:

• 1. Almaty to Bishkek
• 2. Almaty to Tashkent
• 3. Almaty to Urumqi
• 4. Urumqi to Almaty

Money and Costs

With the exception of Turkmenistan, Central Asia travel is inexpensive by world standards. Travel, accommodation and food are all much cheaper than in Europe or the USA.

A budget of $40 per day is fine for backpacking Central Asia if you will be staying in hostels, travelling by slow trains/bus and eating at modest establishments.

A budget of $60 would allow for a cheap but comfortable hotel room, travelling by fast train (in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan) and eating at more upmarket places.

Money-Saving Tips for Backpacking Central Asia

Central Asia has plenty of hostels in the larger cities and prices start at around $12.00 per night. In the smaller towns it’s possible to get a hotel room for the same price as a hostel, though it may be very basic. See Trip.com for some great deals on accommodation.

In Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, the old slow trains can cost up to 60% less than a ticket on the new fast trains and are perfectly comfortable for an overnight journey outside of the summer (no air-con).

Long-distance buses make a good alternative to the trains and ply many of the same routes.

Food in Central Asia

Food in Central Asia is pretty heavy with lots of meat and lots of carbs. Plov (pilov) which is a dish made of rice, meat and carrots can be found across the region alongside staples such as shashlik (grilled skewers of lamb, chicken or horse) and assorted pastry dishes.

Horse meat is widely consumed in Kazakhstan and lamb is popular across Central Asia. Off the beaten track and in nomadic communities you will find goat meat in many dishes.

For vegetarians and vegans it’s not all bad news, as you can find fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts and pulses in the bazaars. There are also many different types of bread baked across the region (in Uzbekistan especially, bread is considered sacred so try not to drop it).

As well as traditional foods dating back to nomadic times, you will also find a lot of Russian dishes in Central Asia.

Some famous Central Asian dishes include:

• Plov – rice with meat (usually lamb and sometimes goat) and carrots
• Shashlik – grilled meat skewers, usually served with raw onion and dill
• Beshbarmak – boiled noodles and meat (lamb or horse)
• Manti – dumplings stuffed with meat and vegetables
• Lagman – a dish of noodles, meat and vegetables
• Samsa – meat pastry a little like a samosa
• Kovurma – finely chopped meat fried in its own fat

Central Asia Hostels

Sky Hostel, Almaty

Apple Hotel, Bishkek

When is the Best Time to Travel in Central Asia?

The skiing season runs from November until late March, but Shymbulak is a great destination all year round. Outside of winter the area is perfect for outdoor activities from hiking and picnics to horse riding.

Remember that the temperature will be a lot colder than in the city, even in summer.

Is Central Asia Safe?

Central Asia is a wild region with huge distances between cities. Although the roads are steadily improving and the old soviet era trains are being replaced with new rolling stock, the infrastructure remains behind that of most western countries.

Central Asia is overall a very safe place to travel, but the deserts and mountains can pose a hazard for unprepared tourists. Ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance cover before departing and if you will be heading into the mountains to ski or hike be sure that these activities are covered.

If hiking in spring and summer there is a danger from ticks carrying encephalitis and other diseases. These can be found across the region and particularly in the Almaty area.

Our partners at SafetyWing provide cover for travellers, backpackers and Digital Nomads. Get a quote here and ensure you have the proper cover for your trip.

Security Situation

Update February 2022: In January 2022 violent protests erupted across Kazakhstan, notably in the western city of Aktau and the former capital Almaty. Russian and other peacekeeping troops were sent in to help quell the violence. Thankfully as of February, things have calmed down and the peacekeeping forces have been withdrawn.

Avoid any and all political gatherings, protests and large crowds.

Update May 2021: In early May 2021 there was sporadic fighting around the Kyrgyz and Tajik border leaving 19 people dead, avoid the Batken area. Tensions at the Kyrgyz and Uzbek border mean this is also closed to foreigners. If you plan on travelling in Central Asia at the present time then flying between countries is the only safe option.

I’ve travelled Central Asia many times over the past four years and the only scam I ever fall foul of (repeatedly) is where taxi drivers demand double, triple, or in some cases 10x what was agreed. This seems to be worse the farther off the beaten track you are (such as Aktau & Aral in Kazakhstan and Termiz in Uzbekistan). It’s certainly less of a problem in the larger cities. You can read more in my guide to safety in Kazakhstan .

Try and avoid exchanging currencies at the borders unless you can check the rate online and make sure you count everything as those dear old babushkas aren’t as innocent as they look.

Packing List for Central Asia Travel

Sturdy backpack

Hiking boots

Lifestraw or filter bottle

Swiss Army Knife *

Lightweight tent

Warm layers

Waterproofs

Travel adapter

First aid kit

Personal medication**

*You won’t be able to take a Swiss Army Knife into China’s Xinjiang Province, but the rest of Central Asia should be fine.

**Uzbekistan has tight rules on what medicines can be brought into the country. Check this list before you pack!

Further Reading

Check out my list of the Best Travel Memoirs , many of which include journeys through Central Asia. Below are some particularly good choices.

Shadow of the Silk Road – Colin Thubron

In Xanadu – William Dalrymple

In Search of Kazakhstan – Christopher Robbins

The Travels of Marco Polo – Rustichello da Pisa

We hope you have found this guide to backpacking Central Asia and the Stans useful. Now really is the best time to discover this often-overlooked region!

Frequently Asked Questions

Central Asia usually refers to the five former Soviet “Stans” of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. Parts of Afghanistan, China and Mongolia can also be considered to fall within Central Asia.

Islam is the dominant religion across the region. Due to the sizable Russian population of Central Asia, Orthodox Christianity is also practiced as well as Buddhism and Shamanism.

Each of the Stans has its own Turkic language, with Russian widely used and understood (and in the cases of Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan is recognized as the official language alongside Kazakh and Kyrgyz).

Most of the countries within Central Asia are very safe with low levels of crime against foreigners. Obviously, Afghanistan is an exception and fighting can spill over the borders, so these areas should be avoided.

About the author: Steve Rohan is a writer from Essex, England. He has traveled to over 60 countries, lived in Armenia, China and Hong Kong, and is now living the digital nomad life on the road.

Steve prefers “slow travel” and has covered much of the world by train, bus and boat. He has been interviewed multiple times by the BBC and recently featured in the documentary Scariest Places in the World . See the About page for more info.

Where I am now: Yerevan, Armenia 🇦🇲

2 thoughts on “ Backpacking Central Asia – A Guide to the Stans for 2023 ”

Traveling to any of the Stans really offer a great sense of adventure. Thanks for the money saving tips. It would be more interesting though if you include some pics. But still a great post overall.

Thank you for your comment Sharon! Initially I included lots of photos but then the pages load slower so I’m trying to find the right balance. I’ll look to adding a few more though! Best wishes, Steve

Comments are closed.

Best Tips and complete Packing List for Traveling in Central Asia in 2024 – When to go and what to wear when visiting Central Asia

Here’s the complete packing list for trekking and traveling in Central Asia , including info on when to visit Central Asia, essential travel documents and visas for Central Asia, what to wear in Central Asia, what to pack for trekking and backpacking in Central Asia and much much more!

For the past 5 years, I’ve been traveling in Central Asia extensively. From crossing the Caspian Sea , driving in the steppes of Kazakhstan and visiting the Silk Road cities in Uzbekistan to hiking the rugged and wild mountains of Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan . The only country in Central Asia that I haven’t visited yet is Turkmenistan.

During that time, I’ve also done a lot of horse riding, (multi-day) trekkings and day hikes in the 4 countries and it’s been an absolutely incredible experience!

I often felt like I was the only person in the world while traveling and hiking through those remote and majestic landscapes. During my time there, I realized how important it is to prepare yourself well before traveling in Central Asia as the region is geologically very diverse – from vast deserts and grassy steppes to lush valleys and rugged mountaints, often at +3000 meters high elevations.

You need to know when to travel to which countries and regions in Central Asia as many places are hard to visit and even inaccessible due to the weather. It’s also important to know what to wear in each country out of respect for the local culture and religion, especially when visiting rural villages.

Central Asia is also a fantastic trekking destination! With the Tian Shan, Alay, Pamir and Urul Mountains, Central Asia is home to some of the highest mountain ranges and some of the most beautiful hiking trails in the world. If you like going off-the-beaten-track, then Central Asia won’t disappoint!

You’ll often find yourself completely isolated when hiking the majestic and wild mountains so it’s crucial that you have the right trekking gear with you and that you pack wisely.

To make sure you’re prepared for any type of travel in Central Asia – whether it’s visiting its stunning Silk Road cities, backpacking through its small villages, going on adventurous road or horseback riding trips to see countless alpine lakes or hiking its many mountain trails – I created a list of everything you need to pack and keep in mind when traveling in Central Asia! Note: the only Central Asian country that I’m not covering in this guide is Turkmenistan.

Would you like to go on an unforgettable adventure in Central Asia? Have a look at my Adventure Tours in Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan !

Disclaimer: This posts might contain affiliate links, meaning that if you make a purchase through these links, I may earn an affiliate commission. Thank you for helping to support this website!

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Important things to know for traveling in Central Asia

Below I’ve written some very useful information on when, how and what to visit when planning a trip to Central Asia. This is also important to know what to pack for your trip.

Note: I’m only covering Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan as I haven’t been to Turkmenistan yet (it’s a country where you can’t travel independently to, only by organized tour).

For detailed info about traveling in one of the 4 countries, I highly recommend you read my following comprehensive travel guides:

• The Ultimate Travel Guide to Kazakhstan: 18 things to know before you go
• The Ultimate Travel Guide to Kyrgyzstan: 20 things to know before you go
• The Ultimate Travel Guide to Uzbekistan: 18 things to know before you go
• The Ultimate Travel Guide to Tajikistan: 18 things to know before you go

1.1 What is the best country to visit in Central Asia

Travelers often ask me what is the best and most beautiful country to visit in Central Asia. It really depends on what you like to see and do as each Central Asian country has its own beauty and special features.

If you’re an outdoor lover who mainly wants to explore nature and/or go trekking in remote mountains, I’d suggest Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan . If you prefer city trips, stunning architecture, Silk Road heritage and easy travel, I’d recommend Uzbekistan . If you want to visit modern cities and unusual natural wonders, I’d propose Kazakhstan .

Here’s a brief overview of each Central Asian country with its most important features to make it easier for you to decide which destination will suit your travel needs and wishes most.

Kyrgyzystan travel is great for:

• nomadic culture and yurt stay
• wild nature: canyons, alpine lakes, lush valleys and snow-capped mountains
• hiking, trekking and horse riding in remote destinations, often at high-altitude (+3000 meters)
• 4×4 travel
• challenging to travel independently as most of its highlights can’t be reached by public transport
• guesthouses, homestays, tourist yurt camps and shepherd yurt stays

The 25 most beautiful places to visit in Kyrgyzstan

Uzbekistan travel is great for:

• Silk Road history, culture, and stunning architecture
• semi-wild nature: deserts, steppes and mountains mainly below 3000 meters
• train travel
• easy to travel independently between the Silk Road cities
• boutique hotels, guesthouses, homestays and tourist yurt camps

The 26 most beautiful and best places to visit in Uzbekistan

Tajikistan travel is great for:

• Pamir Highway road trip and remote village-life
• wild nature: alpine lakes and rugged snow-capped mountains
• hiking and trekking in remote destinations at high-altitude (+3000 meters)
• guesthouses and homestays

The Complete Tajikistan Travel Guide: 18 things you need to know before you go

Kazakhstan travel is great for:

• a mix of Silk Road Heritage, Soviet Architecture, modern cities and unusual natural sites
• city trips and day hikes
• semi-easy to travel independently
• hotels, guesthouses, homestays and tourist yurt camps

The 26 most beautiful and interesting places to visit in Kazakhstan

1.2 When is the best time to visit Central Asia

The best time to visit Central Asia depends on where you want to go and what you want to visit and do.

Generally, Central Asia has a continental climate with hot summers, cold winters and wet shoulder seasons. The mountainous regions are at high altitudes of above 3000 meters, with short and cool summers and freezing cold winters. Most cities and villages are located at altitudes below 1000 meters, with scorchingly hot summers and cool winters. The shoulder seasons are usually rainy and cool.

Each season has its own charm so below is a brief overview of each season and the best time for specific activities and places to visit in Central Asia.

Visiting Central Asia in summer (June – September)

Summer is the best time for visiting the mountain regions in Central Asia. Most of the snow has melted and all mountain passes, also the ones above 3000 meter altitude, are accessible.

Summer is the high season for all countries in Central Asia, with the exception of Uzbekistan. High-season doesn’t mean that the places of interest will be very crowed. You’ll meet more travelers than during the other seasons but in most places, you’ll still find yourself with only small groups of other people or even totally alone.

In the mountains, depending on the altitude, the average temperatures during the day vary between 10°C (50°f) and 25°C (77°f). At night, the temperatures vary between 5°C and – 5°C (41°f or 23°f).

However, the weather in the mountains can change in the blink of an eye. It might be hot and sunny in the morning but you could end up in a cloudburst or small snowstorm in the afternoon. It’s not unusual to experience the 4 seasons in one day in the Central Asian mountains!

Summer in the cities and low-elevated regions are very dry and hot, with average temperatures of 35°C (95°F). It’s not unusal that the temperature goes up to 45°C (113°F) in the steppes and desert.

Therefore, summer is the best time for trekking in the mountains and traveling to the following destinations in Central Asia:

☞ Kyrgyzstan : all hiking trails are open and all alpine lakes are accessible. Summer is also the season when the semi-nomads head into the valleys with their lifestock and set up their yurt camps. All places in Kyrgyzstan can be visited during summer, making it high-season in the country.

☞ Tajikistan : the Pamir Highway is fully accessible and all hiking trails are open. All places in Tajikistan can be visited during summer, making it high-season in the country.

☞ Kazakhstan: all mountainous regions in Kazakhstan are accessible. The cities, desert and steppes should be avoided if you don’t deal well with heat.

☞ Uzbekistan : with the exception of the Chimgan Mountains , all places of interest in Uzbekistan will be scorching hot.

Traveling in Central Asia in spring and autumn (March – May and October – November)

The shoulder seasons spring and autumn are also a great time to visit Central Asia. While the highest mountainous regions (above 3000 meters) might not be accessible due to snowfall, there are still a lot of places that can be visited.

With the exception of Uzbekistan, spring and autumn are less croweded (not that it gets very crowded in Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan and Tajikistan anyways…).

However, spring and autumn are not a good time for trekking in the mountains in Central Asia. Most hiking trails and mountain passes are closed and it will still/already be freezing cold at higher altitudes. Spring is also the season during which avalanches occur so you should not head out into the mountains by yourself!

Spring and autumn is a great time for traveling to the following destinations in Central Asia:

☞ Uzbekistan : the shoulder seasons are the best time to visit all the highlights in Uzbekistan : from the Silk Road cities to the Kyzyl Kum desert. It’s also the perfect weather to go hiking in the mountains in Uzbekistan . The temperatures are pleasant and you won’t encounter much rain. May and September are high-season in Uzbekistan so you’ll encounter lots of crowds in the cities.

☞ Kyrgyzstan : while a lot of hiking trails and alpine lakes won’t be accessible, there are still beautiful places to visit and great hikes to go on during the shoulder seasons in Kyrgyzstan . The semi-nomadic yurt camps won’t be around but you can still stay in one of the tourist yurt camps, especially the ones around Issyk Kul lake .

9 places to visit in Kyrgyzstan in spring and fall, including best hikes

☞ Tajikistan : similar as Kyrgyzstan. The Pamir Highway will be mainly inaccessible and the hiking trails in the Pamir Mountain Range will be closed. You can still go hiking in the Fann Mountains , although you’ll need to check beforehand which trails are open and where you need to watch out for avalanches.

☞ Kazakhstan : except for the mountainous regions, you can visit all places in Kazakhstan. You can still visit the southeastern region of Almay and go hiking in the mountains near Almaty (although, be careful there for avalanches in spring!).

Visiting Central Asia in winter (November – February)

Most of Central Asia will be covered in snow. If the cold doesn’t scare you and you love winter activities, then you’ll enjoy traveling in Central Asia in winter! Not only is the scenery a magical winter wonderland, there will be almost no other travelers and you can go skiing and snowboarding in truly off-the-beaten-path ski resorts!

Winter is a great time for traveling to the following destinations in Central Asia:

☞ Uzbekistan: if you dress warmly and you don’t mind grey skies, you’ll have a good time visiting the Silk Road cities in Uzbekistan. You can also go skiing in the Chimgan Mountains.

☞ Kyrgyzstan : the country has some of the best ski-resorts , offering possibilities for first-time skiers and free riders. There are also plenty of winter activities around Issyk Kul lake and in Karakol and Jyrgalan .

6 reasons why you should visit Kyrgyzstan in winter

☞ Kazakhstan : similar to Kyrgyzstan. It will be cold but the country has some great ski-resorts – and the highest ice-skating rink in the world!

☞ Tajikistan : not the best time to visit the country as you won’t be able to visit its highlights such as the Pamir Highway and the Fann Mountains. The main cities will be possible to visit but they are – in my opinion – not worth a winter trip to Tajikistan.

Are you looking for a  customized guided tour  in Kyrgyzstan and/or other countries  in Central Asia ? Do you need help  planning your itinerary ?

Have a look at my   C e n t r a l   A s i a  tour and itinerary planning services !

1.3 Is it safe to travel to Central Asia

I can honestly say it’s safe to travel to Central Asia. I dislike how most websites from the Departments of Foreign Affairs advise against traveling to the Central Asian countries as it’s supposedly dangerous and how there’s a chance for terrorist attacks and kidnapping…

Terrorist attacks can happen everywhere, even in Europe! Remember what happened in Paris and in Brussels a few years ago…And yes, the Central Asian people might kidnap you into their homes and force-feed you. But you’re free to leave whenever you’ve finished your plate (and shared some glasses of vodka…).

One of the main concerns in Central Asia is that political instability at the border regions between the countries is not uncommon, particularly in Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan. If you’re planning to travel to any of the rural border areas, you should check the situation in advance.

Additionally, you should watch out for petty crime, such as pickpocketing and theft in larger cities and tourist areas. I never experienced or heard any stories of stolen belongings but it’s good to be aware of it, especially at busy markets.

The biggest thieves, however, are taxi drivers who tend to higher their prices when they see you’re a tourist. Inform yourself about taxi rates beforehand and don’t be afraid to bargain or walk away if you have the feeling they’re ripping you off.

If you’re planning to go trekking in the mountains, you should be aware of the potential for natural disasters such as earthquakes and avalanches. Read my safety tips for trekking further below in What to pack for hiking in the mountains in Central Asia.

I suggest you read the following safety guides and tips:

• Uzbekistan Safety Guide: 14 useful tips
• Kazakhstan Safety Guide: 15 useful tips
• Kyrgyzstan Safety Guide: 15 useful tips

2. Central Asia Travel Essentials

No matter where and when you go and what you plan to visit and do in Central Asia, here’s what you definitely need to bring on your trip to Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Tajikstan.

Travel Documents

☑ P assport : your passport needs to be valid for at least 6 months when entering any of the 4 countries.

☑ Visa: The visa requirements for the 4 countries have become very easy in the last few years. A lot of nations are now eligible for visa-free travel or can apply for an e-visa without needing to go to an embassy. In case you need visa support, I recommend the services of iVisa . Always bring a printed version of the e-visa . Here are the resources to check if and what type of visa you need:

• Kyrgyzstan Visa Requirements
• Kazakhstan Visa Requirements
• Uzbekistan Visa Requirements
• Tajikistan Visa Requirements

☑ T ravel Insurance : this isn’t mandatory to visit any of the 4 countries but I strongly advise to get coverage. You just don’t never know when you may need it! You should get cover for theft, illness and activities when traveling at high altitudes. If you don’t have travel insurance yet, I highly recommend  HeyMondo  as it covers medical costs, theft and activities at high altitudes.

What are the 3 best budget-friendly travel insurance companies

It is generally a good idea to have paper and electronic copies of all important documents such as your passport, visas, tickets and insurance.

Need Travel Insurance for Central Asia? I use and highly recommend HeyMondo Travel Insurance . As a reader of Journal of Nomads, you get a 5% discount of your insurance plan!

It will be hard to exchange money in advance as most (western) countries won’t have the currencies of Central Asia available at the banks.

☑ USD Dollars: widely accepted in any of the countries and easy to exchange at any of the local banks or exchange offices (make sure your bills are crisp and clean or they might give you a lower rate!). It might also be cheaper to exchange USD (or EURO) instead of using an ATM, depending on your withdrawal fees.

☑ Visa or Mastercard: while cash is still king in Central Asia, you can nowadays pay by credit card at most restaurants and hotels in the major cities. However, withdraw local currency at the ATMs before going to rural areas as you won’t be able to find ATMs or pay by card there.

• How much does it cost to travel in Uzbekistan
• How much does it cost to travel in Kyrgyzstan

☑ Moneybelt : as western people, we’re nowadays so used to pay cashless and not carry around much money so you might feel more comfortable with having a moneybelt to travel safely with cash and important documents.

Suitcase or backpack?

If you’re only planning on doing city trips in Central Asia, then you can bring a suitcase or trolley on your trip. However, if you want to visit Central Asia’s stunning nature, go hiking and trekking – even with an organised tour – and/or you’re planning a yurt stay, you better bring a backpack.

There are often no solid roads when visiting a yurt camp, let alone if you’d go hiking. You might have a hard time carrying your suitcase around, even if it’s a trolley (the terrain will be rough on its little wheels).

If you’d go on an organised trekking tour, porters, horses or donkeys are usually included in this trek to carry your luggage in special bags. These bags are suitable for a large backpack but not for suitcases.

☑ Large backpack (50L – 70L): You need a light but strong backpack that is capable of carrying weight but still sits comfortably on your back. Ideally, the backpack is made out of waterproof material. The zippers need to be big and strong and the material very durable. If you want to have an example, here’s a large backpack I recommend for him and one I recommend for her .

☑ Small daypack (20L – 30L): Whether you go city touring, day hiking or horse riding, bring a small and comfortable daypack to carry snacks, water and other essentials you need during the day.

☑ Waterproof cover for your backpack(s ) : This is an essential when traveling in Central Asia during spring, autumn or winter. You should also have a rainproof cover when going on a (day) hike or horseback trip in the mountains in summer. The weather can be very unpredictable and you need to be prepared. Nothing sucks like having a wet backpack and all of your belongings soaking wet! If you backpack doesn’t have one, you should get an additional waterproof cover .

First aid travel kit

You should always bring a compact first aid kit with personal medication on any of your trips. Here’s what you definitely should bring along in your kit:

☑ Anti-diarrheal medicine : yes, I’m afraid that this is an essential… 80% of the travelers I’ve met struggle at some point with stomach issues in Central Asia, due to a certain bacteria in the food. I always have Furazolidone tablets (which you can buy over the counter at a local pharmacy) as it has proven its worth. These tablets tackle the bacteria causing bowel problems within a day.

☑ Paracetamol: always handy to have along for any aches or pains. It’s also useful to take it during your first days at high altitude, in case you experience some headache.

☑ Altitude sickness pills : Please seek medical advice first. If you’re planning on traveling to the mountains, especially when visiting Kyrgyzstan and/or Tajikistan, you’ll often find yourself at altitudes higher than 3000m. If you’re sensitive to high altitudes, Diamox could help you.

☑ Motion sickness pills: The mountain roads in Central Asia are extremely scenic but can be rough, windy and bumpy. If you’re prone to motion sickness, you should definitely bring them along.

☑ Here’s a great compact first aid kit specially made for traveling and outdoor adventures.

Aside from the usual toiletries such as toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo and soap, you should also bring the following, especially when traveling to rural villages or planning a yurt stay:

☑ Biodegradable toilet-paper : With the exception of the major cities and tourist hotels, most toilets you’ll encounter will be squatting toilets ( train those upper leg muscles, ladies! ). Some squat toilets have toilet paper but of the rough type, some don’t have toilet paper at all. So it’s a must to bring your own toilet paper, preferably the compostable one , to stay eco-friendly. Also a must if you go hiking (toilets are non-existent in the mountains…).

☑ H and sanitizer : I always carry a small bottle of hand sanitizer with me in case there’s no water source nearby when I want to clean my hands after going to the toilet or touching something suspicious.

☑ B iodegradable wet wipes : some homestays and most yurt camps don’t have hot showers (except for the fancy tourist yurt camps and even then it’s not always certain you’ll have hot water. That’s why I always carry biodegradable wet wipes to freshen myself up until I’m back at a hot water source.

☑ Travel towel:  a microfibre towel  the perfect travel towel as it’s small, light-weight and  dries quickly. 

☑ Biodegradable shampoo and body wash : I often spent multiple-days at a yurt camp in Kyrgyzstan, traveling through remote areas or hiking in the mountains without finding a hot shower. Whenever I came across a river or lake, I like to freshen myself up so I use biodegradable shampoo and bodywash to be kind to the environment.

☑ Sun block and lip balm: It’s important to bring good sunscreen with you, even if it’s not very hot. The sun is very strong in Central Asia, especially when you’re heading into the mountains as the impact of the sun is more intense as the air gets thinner. I recommend bringing SPF 30-50 , even if you’re only doing city trips. Don’t buy sunscreen in small local grocery or corner shops as it’s often not good quality or even can be fake. If you forgot to bring some, then buy it in a large supermarket in the city. When hiking at high altitdue, a lot of people struggle with sore lips so bring protective lip balm too.

☑ For women: it’s not much fun having your period when traveling but we have to deal with it. A lot of female travelers recommend a menstrual cup. Although I’ve used one in the past and I’ve been happy with it, it’s been messy when traveling in Central Asia, unless you have a menstrual cup with a travel cleaning system . Most squatting toilets don’t have a nearby water source (and you don’t want to waste your drinking water). I prefer to take tampons with me and I collect them in a small bag when hiking, which I dispose of once I’m back in civilization.

Water bottle and filter system

I strongly advise not to drink tap water in Central Asia! Buy bottled water in the local supermarkets or better, bring a reusable water bottle to reduce the use of plastic. A reusable water bottle will also come in very handy when hiking in the mountains as you can often refill your bottle with fresh spring water instead of carrying liters of water on your bag. However: use a steripen or filter – see my explanation below.

☑ water bottle with a filter system : these are reusable bottles that filter water using a microfiltration device. When you drink tap water or even mountain spring water using a water bottle with a filter, any dirt, bacteria or parasites will be trapped in the fibers of the filter, while the clean water passes through. It’s not only good for your belly and wallet, but it’s also great for the environment because you don’t have to buy any plastic bottles of water. I often used and highly recommend the  Lifestraw Water Filter Bottle . 

☑ filter or steripen : if you already have a reusable water bottle, you don’t need to buy a new one, of course. I nowadays use a steripen ,  a compact and lightweight device which uses ultraviolet light to sterilize water. I never encountered any stomach problems while using it (and I’ve been drinking a lot of spring water in the mountains!). You can also buy a seperate Lifestraw Filter .

Electronics & camera gear

☑ Travel adaptor : the power sockets in Central Asia are of type C and F (the same as in Europe). The standard voltage is 220 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz. In case you need an adaptor, I use and recommend this  all-in-one Universal Travel Adaptor  as you can use it worldwide.

☑ Portable charger : a portable charge is handy to have in case of a power outage (which sometimes happens, even in the major Central Asia cities), during long bus or train rides, or if you’re planning a yurt stay (no electricity there) or camping. I use and recommend the  Anker Powercore  as it has a 26,800mAh cell capacity providing at least 5 full charges for my phone. I can even charge my camera batteries with it!

☑ Camera gear : If you’re a professional and/or passionate photographer, you can’t visit Central Asia without capturing its beauty on camera! Below is an overview of the gear I use. You can also read my Photography essentials guide  for more information and a detailed overview:

• Camera: Panasonic LUMIX DC-90
• Main lens: Panasonic Lumix G Vario 14-140mm f/3.5-5.6
• Wide-angle lens for landscapes and architecture: Leica DG Vario-ELMARIT 8-18mm f/2.8-4.0
• Prime lens for portraits: Leica DG Summilux 15mm f/1.7
• Tripod: Manfrotto Compact Action Tripod (Hybrid Head)

What is in my camera bag – Photography essentials and travel cameras

☑ Drone: Drones are allowed in Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan and Tajikistan. You can fly them everywhere, except near airports, border areas, military, and governmental buildings, and urban centers. Drones are strictly prohibited in Uzbekistan. If you would try to bring one in, it will get confiscated and you might spend your holiday in prison instead of in its stunning cities…

What are the 6 best drones for travel photography and videography

Other travel essentials

☑ Swimsuit: this applies the most for Kyrgyzstan where you can swim in the alpine lakes (if you can handle temperatures of around 5°C) and hot water pools.

☑ Head light : handy during power outages in the city but definitely an essential when going on a camping trip in the mountains or staying at a yurt camp. The tourist yurt camps run on generators which don’t always function very well. A yurt camp run by local families often don’t have (much) electricity so a head light will come in handy to find your way to the outdoor toilets at night.

☑ Ear plugs : very useful if you’re sensitive to noise. I get quickly auditory overstimulation, especially when traveling by public transport in Central Asia where locals don’t use earplugs to watch YouTube videos or have loud phone conversations. They can also come in handy during a yurt stay: yurts are like tents so any outside noises are easily heard (snoring of other travelers, barking dogs, munching cows and horses,…). Ear plugs will help you get a quiet night of sleep.

☑ Travel Guides: The Lonely Planet for Central Asia and the Bradt Travel Guides for Central Asia are good but most were published before 2020 and lots has changed since then. The Lonely Planet Central Asia Phrasebook is also a handy book to have.

☑ Open mind and good attitude: you’re in a foreign country with a different culture and habits so things often don’t go the way you’re used to. The best way to deal with getting out of your comfort zone: have an open mind, be respectful towards different cultures and people, and embrace the new experiences!

Useful Travel Apps for Central Asia

☑ Maps.me : This is one of the most practical apps you could use to navigate in Central Asia. You download the map of the country so you can use it offline. It gives you very accurate directions (Google maps gets lost in Central Asia…) and shows you where you can find the nearest restaurants, bus stations, ATM, hotels, places with wi-fi, points of interest, etc. This is also a great app to use while hiking as it shows most of the trails.

☑ Wikiroutes : a handy app if you travel by public transportation. It shows you the bus and/or metro route and tells you where to hop on and off. 

☑ Google Translate :  Translates written and spoken Russian, Uzbek, Kazakh, Kyrgyz or Tajik. Only Russian is available to download for offline usage.

☑ Booking.com :  You’ll need internet to use this app but it’s a great tool to find (last-minute) accommodation throughout Central Asia.

☑ Y andex Go Taxi :  Yandex is the Central Asian version of Uber. I use this app to get around the major cities in Central Asia by taxi without having to bargain for the price and/or getting ripped off by a taxi driver.

☑ Xe currency :  very handy to check exchange rates, also works offline.

3. What to wear in Central Asia cities and villages

All of the capitals of Central Asia are located below 1000 meters, which means that the weather will be very hot in the summer (averagely 35°C/ 95°F), cool and rainy in spring and autumn (averagely 15°C/ 59°F) and cold and snowy in winter (averagely -10°C/ 14°F). Pack appropriate clothing for the season in which you’re traveling.

While you’ll see young girls and women walking around in short skirts, dresses, and shorts in the capitals of Central Asia during summer, most of Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan and especially its rural areas and villages are conservative.

You’ll see many women wearing beautiful colored scarves tied around their heads. This is a cultural thing so female travelers don’t need to worry about covering their hair.

It’s okay to wear shorts, dresses, skirts and tops or T-shirts with short sleeves in the capital cities or tourist places like the Silk Road cities in Uzbekistan but it’s disrespectful to parade around in revealing mini-skirts, dresses and crop tops. If you’re an influencer who wants a nice photo for Instagram, please remain respectful for the culture.

If you like to explore less-touristic places like small towns and villages, dress modestly. Wear a T-shirt or a tunic over long trousers or a long skirt. Knee-lenght shorts or skirts are also fine, just don’t walk around the village in a vest top and short shorts/skirts. If you visit mosques and religious sites, even in touristic cities, cover up your shoulders.

What to wear in Central Asia as male traveler

☑ T-shirts, long-sleeved shirts, button-up shirts , sweater

☑ Knee-length shorts, long trousers

☑ Comfortable sneakers, sandals

What to wear in Central Asia as female traveler

☑ Loose-fitting tops and T-shirts (don’t show cleavage or belly buttons), loose-fitting long-sleeved shirts , blouses or sweater

☑ Knee-length shorts, dresses and/or skirts, long loose-fitting trousers, maxi dresses or skirt

☑ Leggings but wear then a long shirt or tunic on top

☑ Scarf (to cover shoulders and/or head at religious sites)

4. What to pack for horse riding, camping and hiking in Central Asia

The weather in the mountains of Central Asia is very unpredictable. You can wake up and start walking with sunny and clear skies but a few hours later, it can rain heavily or even snow. It will also be cooler in the mountains in comparison with the cities. The higher you go, the colder it gets. The average temperatures in summer at altitudes between 2500 meter and 3000 meter is 15°C – 20°C/ 59°F – 68°F during the day and 2°C – 8°C/ 35°F – 46°F at night. You need to be prepared for all types of weather . Pack versatile, think in layers , and aim for functional, comfortable, and fast-drying clothing, suitable for hiking and/or horse riding.

Rain gear Essentials

☑ Rain jacket : bring a lighweight rain jacket that can endure wind and rain. Here’s a waterpoof hiking jacket I recommend for him and for her .

☑ Rain pants : this is also a necessity, especially when horse riding or hiking. If there’s a lot of wind and your hiking pants are wet, you’ll get cold easily. Here are rain pants I recommend for him and for her .

☑ Poncho: a poncho is lightweight and compact and it covers both you and your backpack. However, don’t wear a poncho while horse riding as it scares the horses.

☑ Waterproof gloves : I always bring waterproof gloves along, especially for horse riding. You can’t stuff your hands in your pockets to keep dry and warm while riding. I used to wear my normal gloves on horseback trips but one day they got soaking wet and my hands were hurting from the cold. Since I got waterproof ones , I never had this issue again. These also come in handy when hiking at high altitudes.

☑ Raincover for your backpack : you want to keep your daypack and/or backpack with your sleeping gear dry in the mountains!

☑ Dry bags : put all your electronics, clothes (and sleeping gear when camping) in seperate dry bags in your daypack/ backpack. I once got so soaked during a trek that even my raincover wasn’t sufficient to keep my belongings dry! Luckily I could spent that night at a guesthouse where I was able to dry all of my things but if I had to camp that night, it wouldn’t have been a pleasant experience!

Horse Riding essentials

Aside from a daypack (20L – 30L) with rain cover that fits your water bottle, snacks, sunscreen, lip balm, camera, phone, and rain gear (no poncho!), you’ll need to bring the following along if you plan to go horse riding in Central Asia:

☑ Ankle-high hiking boots : High boots will protect your ankles in the stirrups while horse riding and will give you more protection while hiking on the rough mountainous terrain in case certain parts would be too steep on horseback. Here are good hiking boots for him and for her .

☑ Pair of long pants or leggings (can be hiking pants) : don’t wear shorts or a jeans for horse riding as it will be very uncomfortable! Wear pants that are soft, comfortable and dry fast in case you get rain. Here are riding/hiking pants for him and for her .

☑ T-shirt or long-sleeve shirt

☑ Sweater with zipper: bring a sweater that you can easily take off or put on without losing control of the reins while riding. Also good to bring along in case it’s windy on the mountain passes.

☑ Downjacket: this is a lighweight, comfortable and warm jacket that keeps you warm while horse riding. Here’s a downjacket for him and for her .

☑ Hat and sunglasses : to protect your head and eyes from the sun and ones that don’t fall off easily

☑ Woolen hat, scarf and gloves : for riding on colder days

☑ Padded cycling pants : The saddles in Central Asia are very hard. Padded cycling pants or underwear (for him and for her ) will give you a soft layer to sit more comfortably in the hard saddle. Tip: wear comfortable underwear, no strings or thongs…

☑ Equestrian helmet (optional) . The horse riders in Central Asia don’t use helmets. Some tour companies offer helmets but not all. You can always bring your own to make you feel more safe.

Reading tips for horse riding in Central Asia:

• The best horse riding trips in Kyrgyzstan
• The best horse riding trips in Uzbekistan

Day Hike essentials

Aside from a comfortable day pack (20L – 30L) with rain cover that fits a water bottle, snacks, sunscreen, lip balm, camera, phone, and rain gear, you need to bring the following on a day hike in Central Asia:

☑ Waterproof hiking boots : You’ll need sturdy, ankle-high, waterproof hiking boots, suitable for rough, uneven and steep terrain in the Central Asian Mountains. Make sure your shoes are 1/2 size bigger than your usual size to give your toes and ankles some space while hike up and down steep hills. Coming across river crossings, rain or snow are is very common so make sure your boots are waterproof. Here are my hiking boots recommendations for him and for her .

☑ Hiking socks : I really recommend to get merino wool hiking socks ! They keep your feet dry, they’re not too warm on hot days and they’re just super comfortable! I have 2 pairs of these hiking socks and I’m really happy with them!

☑ Comfortable and fast-drying hiking clothes

☑ Downjacket: this is a lighweight, comfortable and warm jacket that keeps you warm while hiking or when you take a break. Here’s a downjacket for him and for her .

☑ Hat and sunglasses : to protect your head and eyes from the sun

☑ Woolen hat, scarf and gloves : for hiking at high altitude or on cold days

☑ Hiking GPS or offline GPS App : comes in very useful when the path isn’t clear. I recommend using the apps maps.me (download the maps for offline use), Wikiloc or All Trails (you need to pay for offline use). You can connect these apps to the Garmin Foretrex Waterproof Hiking GPS . Check out its features  here .

☑ Hiking poles : very useful when you go hiking in the Central Asian mountains! They don’t only make hiking more comfortable, they also help you maintain balance on slippery surfaces and rough terrain, add more grip when descending a steep hill and act as a probe to give more information about the depth of the snow, puddles and muddy paths. I recommend getting lightweight telescopic trekking poles  so you can easily attach them to your backpack when you don’t need them.

☑ Emergency survival whistle : This might seem like an unusual tool to take with you on a trek. How small it might be, this whistle could save your life when you end up in an emergency situation. Blowing a survival whistle is less tiring than shouting for help in case you got lost or fell, and the noise can be heard from miles away across the mountains. Any shepherds or other hikers who might be in the area will be able to hear you and locate your position by following the noise.

Reading tips for hiking in Central Asia:

• Hiking guide with best day hikes in Kyrgyzstan
• Hiking guide with best day hikes in Uzbekistan
• Hiking guide with best day hikes in Almaty (Kazakhstan)

The Complete Trekking Guide to Kyrgyzstan with the best day hikes and treks

Essential Packing list for Camping & trekking in Central Asia

When it comes to packing for a trek, keep it as light as possible . Remember that you have to carry everything yourself and if you have ever done a 20 km hike that included ascending steep hills, you’ll know that there’s a big difference between hiking with 10kg and 15kg on your back!

Aside from the travel essentials (see 2. Central Asia Travel Essentials above), rain gear and day hiking essentials (see the above lists), here is a list of everything you need when hiking and camping for a few days in the mountains.

Note: You can rent camping and cooking equipment in Kyrgyzstan (Bishkek, Karakol and Osh) and Tajikistan (Dushanbe).

☑ Sandals or light sport shoes: It’s good to carry an extra pair of shoes with you in case your boots get wet. It will also do your feet well to take your shoes off at night and put on some comfortable footwear. Carrying an extra pair of hiking boots takes too much space in your bag but I suggest you pack a pair of sandals or light sneakers. There won’t be any fashion police around to judge if you walk around with socks in your sandals (and it’s soooo comfy!). I recommend  Teva Sandals .

☑ Fleece jacket or sweater : It’s necessary to pack at least one warm sweater for the cold evenings. Unless you’re hiking outside the summer season, you won’t need a big winter jacket but it’s still essential that you’ve got something that will keep you warm in the mountains. A fleece jacket or sweater (for him and for her ) doesn’t take up as much space as a winter jacket but they’re thick enough to protect you from the cold and wind.

☑ Thermal underwear: The last time I went on a trek, I forgot to pack my thermal underwear . I didn’t think I would still need it since it was June. Ooh, how I regretted that!! This type of underwear (ideally made from merinowool ) is lightweight, doesn’t take much space and it really keeps you warm during the day or at night! It’s a must to pack when you’re in the mountains! I recommend thermal leggings for him and for her and long-sleeves for him and for her .

☑ Down socks : Buying down socks has been the best investment for me!! I easily get cold feet at night or while camping. Nothing is worse than trying to sleep and not getting warm feet. These down socks have made my camping life so much more comfortable, highly recommend them!!

☑ Lightweight tent : Having a good tent is very important! It has to shelter both you and your backpack from all the elements. Ideally, you have a lightweight one as some tents can be pretty heavy. Here’s a 2-person lightweight tent I recommend for trekking.

☑ Sleeping bag : You’ll need a lightweight sleeping bag that can keeps you warm at night. Keep in mind that when you’re camping at a higher altitude, the temperatures can go down to 0°C (32°f) or lower, even during summer! My 3-seasons sleeping bag is comfortable until -2°C/ 28°F and is pretty compact to travel with.

☑ Sleeping bag liner : I also have a fleece sleeping bag liner. These don’t take much space, they’re pretty light and they add an extra 10°C of warmth at night. Fleece liners are very affordable and can be a good addition if you want to be extra warm and comfortable at night.

☑ Inflatable sleeping pad : For a very long time, I used to travel with a cheap sleeping pad that you can roll up and easily attach to your backpack. However, those types of pads don’t insulate very well if you have to sleep on a cold surface and they don’t last very long. My back started suffering from the hard and cold surfaces I often slept on so last year, I invested in a Sea-to-Summit Lightweight Sleeping Pad . They’re lightweight to carry, comfortable to lay on and insulate your body well from the cold ground.

☑ Inflatable pillow : I usually put my head on my scarf wrapped around my backpack but it’s not as comfortable as having a lightweight inflatable pillow …

☑ Reusable emergency safety blanket : I’ve been traveling with a Reusable Emergency Safety Blanket ever since I started my overland journey from Ireland to Central Asia and it has proven to be super useful! Not only is it a good blanket to keep me warm in case of extreme weather, I’ve also been using it to insulate the tent from the cold ground. Before I put my sleeping pad in the tent, I always cover the bottom of the tent with this reusable blanket . It has made a big difference during cold nights and it doesn’t take much space!

☑ Swiss army knife: has all the tools you need when hiking and camping.

☑ Camping stove : A small and lightweight camping stove will allow you to cook a nice meal at night and boil some water for tea or coffee. I have a recommend the ultralight Jetboil camping stove , ideal for hiking and backpacking. Tip: bring matches instead of a lighter. Due to the changes in the atmosphere, some lighters won’t work at higher altitudes.

☑ Camping cookware, cutlery, and mug : You’ll need some good cookware to use on your camping stove. I recommend this lightweight cooking set , a spork-knife , collapsible camping bowls that you can use as a plate or a bowl and a lightweight thermal mug .

Reading tips for trekking in Central Asia:

• Hiking in Uzbekistan: 6 hiking best trails
• The 14 best hikes and treks in Kyrgyzstan
• Hiking in the Fann mountains in Tajikistan

What to pack for a Yurt Stay

And last but not least, what do you need to bring when planning a yurt stay in Central Asia?

The yurt camps in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan will be tourist ones as there are barely any nomadic shepherds in both countries. You might still come across nomadic yurt camps in the east of Tajikistan. If you really want to experience a yurt stay with a nomadic shepherd family, then you should head to Kyrgyzstan.

Most yurt camps are located at higher altitudes and while most of them have stoves inside, you should bring warm clothing for the evenings.

The tourist yurt camps have nowadays beds with blankets and pillows. The yurt camps from nomadic shepherds will offer thick floor carpets as mattress and they’ll have blankets and pillows. You don’t need to bring any camping or cooking gear but I’d bring a sleeping bag liner as it’s warm and more hygienic (the blankets don’t get washed on a daily basis).

There might be some sort of electricity at some camps but you should bring your portable charge and headtorch. Some tourist yurt camps have some sort of shower and outdoor sitting toilets, but most don’t. If you pack everything I mention in 2. Central Asia Travel Essentials, then you’re all set for a yurt stay as well.

I hope this guide will be useful for planning your trip to Central Asia. I you amazing adventures and feel free to c ontact me or comment below if you have questions or useful updates/ information to share!

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10 thoughts on “best tips and complete packing list for traveling in central asia in 2024 – when to go and what to wear when visiting central asia”.

Hi Lydia, Thank you for all the amazing tips on your website! I am travelling to Kyrgyzstan for one month (August) and was wondering if and where and which kind of stove fuel I can buy. I was also wondering if I need to bring a special adapter for my Electronic devises. Kind regards, Nora

Hi Nora, you can check with RedFox if they have stove fuel there (they sometimes do). The plugs are the same as in Europe so if you’re coming from Europe, no special adapter needed.

Thank you for such a comprehensive blog, Cynthia! I’m living in Armenia right now and planning a 2 week trip to Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan in early June.

I’m planning to go to Kyrgyzstan the first week of June and then Uzbekistan afterward (simply because I’d rather refresh myself with hiking first and explore cities later). But I wanted to ask you if you think there is a notable difference in how rainy it is and what yurt camps are available even between the first and second weeks of June. Just thought I’d ask in case you think it’s worth it to switch the order of things.

Hi Christina,

The yurt camp availability will really depend on the weather (which is unpredictable at this moment in time), but it won’t make much of a difference between the first and second week of June. The chances of rain in June in Kyrgyzstan are high. I hope this helps!

Hey! I loved reading your blog 🙂 My boyfriend and I are going to Kyrgyzstan in August this year and are really looking forward to it! We’re doing the Ak-suu traverse and were wondering where you left your food while camping? (since you don’t wanna leave it in your tent in remote areas)

Hi Jill, I’m happy to hear you’re going to Kyrgyzstan! You’ll fall in love with the country 🙂 We usually hang our food in a tree in a closed bag so animals can’t reach it. If we’re camping at high altitudes above the tree line, we keep our food in a closed bag in or near our tent (at these altitudes, we usually don’t encounter many wild animals that are after our food 🙂 ).

Have a great time hiking and camping in Kyrgyzstan!

These maps are still not available for sale online! Very frustrating in 2019! It shouldn’t be difficult to have them available for sale.

Any idea where I can buy them before I travel?

Hi Jake, sorry to hear that. I’ll check today with a local friend how come they’re still not available. But one thing I know is that things in Kyrgyzstan take time 😉 I don’t think you can get them anywhere else online before you travel. In Kyrgyzstan, you should be able to buy these maps at the DMO offices of each region. Wishing you a great trip to Kyrgyzstan!

I couldn’t have found a better and more useful guide for packing and trekking Kyrgyzstan, Cynthia! As trekking in Kyrgyzstan is on my bucket list for a while now, I found your post very inspiring. When’s the best time of the year for hiking in Kyrgyzstan?

Thank you Lydia, I’m so glad to hear this! You will love hiking in Kyrgyzstan! It’s one of the few countries with such untouched nature. I’d say that the best time for hiking would be between June and September. All the mountain passes are open, it won’t get too cold to camp and you’ll come across many nomadic camps, which is already a reason on its own to hike in Kyrgyzstan 🙂 I’m currently working on a trekking guide with an overview of the treks in Kyrgyzstan, which I hope will be online within the next 4 weeks 🙂 if you would have any questions, feel free to send me an email!

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Travelling in Central Asia: What to expect

Thinking of travelling to central asia join travel blogger nellie huang as she breaks down her top tips for preparing for the adventure..

Stretching across the harsh landscapes between Europe and the Far East is the remote and largely unknown region of Central Asia — also affectionately known as the ’Stans. Back in the heyday of the Silk Road trade route, this region attracted many famous explorers, including the world’s first professional traveller, Marco Polo. Today, the overland odyssey continues to draw in curious travellers from all over the world.

For those who want to go off the conventional trail, travelling in Central Asia can be fulfilling and daunting in so many ways. Travelling here often involves crossing vast distances and challenging terrain like deserts, mountain passes and seas. As if the distance is not intimidating enough, almost all the countries in Central Asia require you to have visas, so crossing this many borders means you’ll be facing a mountain of red tape.

Planning is indeed key, but it’s also important to get yourself mentally prepared for the journey ahead of you. Oh, and don’t forget to bring your sense of adventure!

Highlights of Central Asia

Using the word “epic” to describe this famous route is an understatement, as Central Asia covers a large number of magnificent sights across very distinctive cultures. It’s hard to pick the best, but here are some of the most popular in the region:

• Kyrgyzstan’s Song-kul Lake where you can horseback ride and stay with nomadic locals

• Tian Shan Mountains in Kazakhstan — great for hiking

• Livestock market in Taraz, Kazakhstan, where hundreds of cattle and sheep are on sale

• Darvaza gas craters in the middle of the Karakom Desert in Turkmenistan

• Ashgabat — the bizarre and quirky white marble capital city of Turkmenistan

• Ancient medressas (Islamic schools) of Bukhara, Samarkand and Khiva in Uzbekistan

• Pamir Mountains running from the border of Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan down to Afghanistan

Challenges in Central Asia

Central Asia is generally a safe part of the world to visit, but there are pockets of the region that may be unstable and unsafe to visit during certain times, so always keep an eye on the news and your country’s foreign advisory to keep abreast of the latest happenings. In general, I felt very safe throughout the region and didn’t once encounter any moment whereby my safety was threatened.

No specific vaccinations are officially required for travel in Central Asia but check with your doctor before travelling. Bring a proper first-aid kit with basic medication for headaches, diarrhea, stomach bugs and infections. Always be prepared as you might always encounter problems finding a pharmacy on the way.

Visas and red tape

Ever since the Soviet days, Central Asia has been tucked behind the Iron Curtain, hidden amidst layers of bureaucracy and red tape. Almost every country in this region requires visas for access and it can be a tedious and expensive process. The ever-changing rules for visa applications in Central Asian nations make it a bit daunting — but don’t let that deter you from travelling here.

In general, it’s recommended that you start applying for your visas at least two months before your trip (you can usually apply up to three months in advance), depending on the number of countries you intend to visit.

To save some time and pain, consider using the services of an external visa service provider to help you do all the legwork. They charge an administration fee for each visa they help you apply for, but considering all the time they can save for you, it’s worthwhile.

Most of Central Asia is covered with deserts and mountains, so expect extreme weather; scorching summers and deadly winters. Spring and autumn (May and September) are the best seasons to visit, as temperatures are milder and conditions not as harsh.

From October to March, some of the mountain passes, such as Torugart Pass, may be closed. Ramadan is a religious holiday largely celebrated in Central Asia by way of fasting, so be aware of that when visiting.

Where to stay

In general, Central Asia is great for budget travellers as it’s cheap and there are lots of hostels and eateries. Budget hotels usually range from USD $20.00 to $40.00 per night for a double room, while luxury hotels can go for as high as USD $200.00 to $300.00 a night.

Uzbekistan, in particular, has a more developed tourism infrastructure than the other countries in the region, and you can easily find good quality guesthouses as cheap as USD $15.00 a night with proper facilities and good location.

Community-based tourism is rather popular and easily accessible in Kyrgyzstan. It’s a great way to stay with locals, get to know their culture and travel on the cheap. You can arrange homestays with families, bike tours with a local guide, horse treks with nomads or yurt experiences. A great resource is CBT Kyrgyzstan where you can contact the CBT office in each region directly.

Campsites are not common along the Silk Road, although you can usually bush camp out in the fields, deserts and even vineyards.

Foods to try

The cuisine in Central Asia is limited to a few dishes that can be widely found throughout the region. They include plov , fragrant rice fried with chicken and topped with saffron and pine nuts; shish kebab or meat skewers; lakhman , or Chinese noodles. Expect lots of mutton and grilled meat. Note: vegetarians might find it difficult and should bring supplements.

Money to bring

The money situation is a bit trickier than you might expect. You can use your Visa card in most banks and ATMs, but few places in Central Asia accept Mastercard. The best country to get cash is Kyrgyzstan, where you can withdraw in both the Kyrgyzstani Som and U.S. dollars.

In Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan, there are black markets with competitive rates, which make exchanging currencies more worthwhile than withdrawing cash. I have a habit of withdrawing money at my destination, but this time round I brought a substantial amount of USD to exchange there.

People to meet

Central Asia is home to some of the friendliest people I’ve ever met in the world. I lost count of the number of times I was invited into someone’s house for tea. Locals here are extremely hospitable and tend always to go out of their way to welcome foreigners.

In Kazakhstan, a man we met at the livestock market invited our whole group of travellers to his house and introduced us to his family. His wife served us freshly baked buns and warm tea while he regaled us with stories using sign language. It was such a heartwarming and welcoming experience.

I also remember approaching a group of girls in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, to ask for directions, who were so friendly they actually stayed with me, showed me around their city and brought me to an awesome local restaurant for dinner. I gave them my contact number and today we still keep in touch.

Tips to consider

• Many countries in Central Asia will only issue visas for entry on specific dates (e.g., Turkmenistan) so it is best to confirm your travel dates before applying for the visa.

• The capital of Kyrgyzstan, Bishkek, is a good place to fly into if you’re travelling from Europe, as flights are reasonably cheap and no visa is required for most people.

• The majority of Central Asians are Muslims. All visitors to the region should dress modestly, and women should wear a headscarf when entering places of worship.

• Read up on local etiquette. For instance, in many Central Asian countries you will be expected to remove your shoes before entering a house.

Article originally published on April 14, 2016.

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Cameron: Russia using Central Asia to side-step sanctions

L ord David Cameron has acknowledged that Russia is using Central Asia to side-step sanctions and said Britain wants to work with countries in the region to end the circumvention.

The Foreign Secretary warned that items which could be used to build Russian President Vladimir Putin’s war machine should not be being exported from the UK to neighbouring states only to be sent on to Moscow.

It comes amid concerns about a spike in sales of drone equipment and heavy machinery from Britain to countries such as Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan.

Speaking on a visit to the Ata-Beyit memorial to victims of Soviet repression near Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan’s capital, Lord Cameron suggested Britain can talk to Central Asian countries about the so-called “common high-priority list” of western items critical to Russian weapons systems.

He told ITV: “Of course we aren’t against trade between Kyrgyzstan and Russia – it is natural – it shouldn’t be that these items are exported here and then simply re-exported, simply building Russia’s war machine, without there being much advantage to Kyrgyzstan – so working with the government to try to put a stop to that.”

The Foreign Secretary is travelling across Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan and Mongolia in a diplomatic bid to boost trade, security and environmental ties with the UK.

In talks with leaders from across the region, Lord Cameron will seek to “advance discussions on sanctions circumvention, human rights and reform”, the Foreign Office said.

British exports to Kyrgyzstan have risen by more than 1,100% since the Kremlin was hit by sanctions following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, according to Sky News.

It comes amid wider fears over the expanding influence of countries such as China and Russia, which have sought to deepen ties in the region.

Lord Cameron famously hailed a “golden era” in UK-China relations while prime minister, which have since deteriorated as Beijing grows increasingly assertive on the global stage.

His engagement with Central Asia signals a bid to limit the scope of powers in the east and encourage countries in the region to look west instead for partnerships.

This is a more dangerous, more difficult, more disputed, more competitive world

The Foreign Secretary said the world is “undoubtedly a more dangerous place” than when he was prime minister, with “the lights on the global dashboard flashing red”.

“This is a more dangerous, more difficult, more disputed, more competitive world,” he said.

“There are things we must do to strengthen our defences … our protections against interference, but also we strengthen our alliances – hold friends close and build new alliances as I’m doing here.”

In a meeting with Tajik President Emomali Rahmon at the Palace of the Nation in Dushanbe on Monday, Lord Cameron said there was “more we can do” to co-operate on key areas such as business, climate change and counter-terrorism.

“I’m delighted to be the first Foreign Secretary to visit your country. I’m only sorry that it’s taken so long for one to come,” he told President Rahmon.

“We want to signal a new era in relations between Britain and all of the Central Asia republics, starting here in Tajikistan.

“Overall, we’re here to say let’s make the partnership bigger, let’s do more things together.”

During the trip, Lord Cameron announced a doubling in the amount of funding for Chevening scholarships, which support people overseas studying in British universities, and £50 million of funding over the next three years in development spending across the region.

A new scheme designed to promote the English language will also be announced, including online teaching resources with tailored local content available to teachers throughout Central Asia, the Foreign Office said.

On Monday, the Foreign Secretary visited a number of key sites including the hydro-electric project at the Nurek Dam in Tajikistan, which is heavily reliant on Russia for fuel, and promised UK financial backing for green energy initiatives.

Speaking to local media at the plant, Lord Cameron said Tajikistan is a “big part of the solution” to reducing the region’s reliance on coal.

“(You are) at the sharp end of climate change with the melting of the glaciers and the problems that you face here. But you’re also a big part of the solution by providing that clean, green energy,” he said.

Following bilateral meetings with Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov and foreign minister Jeenbek Kulubayev, he said he believed the trip was “the start of something very serious”.

Lord Cameron was also asked by independent local journalists whether he raised the issue of press freedom and civics in his talks with the leader amid concerns of a crackdown on civil society groups and non-state media in the region.

He told Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty they discussed “all of the issues you’d expect us to” including “the importance of voluntary bodies, charities, non-governmental organisations, civil society organisations – they’re part of our countries, part of our democracies.”

“Of course we should always respect each others’ differences and each others’ approaches, but in my view civil society organisations, they play a role in helping democracies work better,” the Foreign Secretary added.

The Foreign Secretary said: “We live in a contested, competitive world. If you want to protect and promote British interests you need to get out there and compete.

“Central Asia is at the epicentre of some of the biggest challenges we face and it’s vital for the UK and the region that we drive forward its future prosperity.”

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Wave of exceptionally hot weather scorches south and south-east Asia

Warnings of dangerous temperatures across parts of Philippines, Thailand, Bangladesh and India as hottest months of the year are made worse by El Niño

Millions of people across South and Southeast Asia are facing sweltering temperatures, with unusually hot weather forcing schools to close and threatening public health.

Thousands of schools across the Philippines , including in the capital region Metro Manila, have suspended in-person classes. Half of the country’s 82 provinces are experiencing drought, and nearly 31 others are facing dry spells or dry conditions, according to the UN, which has called for greater support to help the country prepare for similar weather events in the future. The country’s upcoming harvest will probably be below average, the UN said.

April and May are usually the hottest months in the Philippines and other countries in south-east Asia, but temperatures this year have been worsened by the El Niño event, which brings hotter, drier conditions to the region.

Thai authorities said 30 people had been killed by heatstroke so far this year, and warned people to avoid outdoor activities. Demand for electricity soared to a new high on Monday night of 35,830 megawatts, as people turned to air conditioning for relief, local media reported.

In the capital Bangkok, temperatures reached 40.1C on Wednesday, while authorities warned of a possible “heat index” of past 52C on Thursday. This measure reflects what the temperature feels like, taking into account humidity levels – an important factor for human health because when the air is more humid, it is harder for the body to regulate its temperature by sweating.

On Friday, the Philippines weather agency warned Metro Manila and 31 other areas were predicted to experience dangerous temperatures. The heat index was expected to reach 42C in Quezon City, the most populous city in the country, it said.

The unusually high temperatures have caused disruption to education and agriculture across the Asian region. Bangladesh was also forced to close all schools this week after temperatures soared to between 40C and 42C in some areas.

About 33 million children in Bangladesh were affected, according to the charity Save the Children. “Leaders need to act now to urgently reduce warming temperatures, as well as factoring children – particularly those affected by poverty, inequality and discrimination – into decision making and climate finance,” said Shumon Sengupta, Country Director Bangladesh, Save the Children International.

Thousands of people in Bangladesh have gathered in mosques and rural fields, praying for relief from the heat.

In India , where a mammoth election lasting nearly six weeks, is now under way, the election commission met this week with officials from the weather agency to discuss how to mitigate the impact of the heat on voters. The country’s Roads Minister Nitin Gadkari fainted during a speech on Wednesday as he campaigned for the re-election of prime minister Narendra Modi’s government, saying later on social media that he had felt uncomfortable due to the heat during the rally.

The World Meteorological Organization warned in a report this week that Asia remained “the world’s most disaster-hit region from weather, climate and water-related hazards in 2023”. Floods and storms caused the highest number of reported casualties and economic losses, it said, while the impact of heatwaves became more severe.

Last year, severe heatwaves in India in April and June caused about 110 reported deaths due to heatstroke. “A major and prolonged heatwave affected much of South-east Asia in April and May, extending as far west as Bangladesh and Eastern India, and north to southern China, with record-breaking temperatures,” WMO said.

Human-caused climate breakdown is supercharging extreme weather across the world, driving more frequent and more deadly disasters from heatwaves to floods to wildfires. At least a dozen of the most serious events of the last decade would have been all but impossible without human-caused global heating.

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Acute food insecurity overview, 2023.

• 2022-2023 comparison

Source: FSIN, GRFC 2024.

Severity of acute food insecurity, 2023

• Catastrophe IPC/CH Phase 5
• Emergency IPC/CH Phase 4
• Crisis IPC/CH Phase 3

Households have an extreme lack of food and/or other basic needs. Starvation, death, destitution and extremely critical acute malnutrition levels are evident.

Households have large food consumption gaps resulting in very high acute malnutrition and excess mortality OR face extreme loss of livelihood assets OR resort to emergency coping strategies.

Households have food consumption gaps with high or above usual acute malnutrition OR accelerated depletion of livelihoods assets OR resort to crisis coping strategies.

Drivers of acute food insecurity

Nutrition overview, displacement overview.

• Regional overviews

Included countries:

• Central African Republic
• Congo (refugees and residents)
• Democratic Republic of the Congo
• United Republic of Tanzania

people or 21% of the analysed population faced high levels of acute food insecurity in 2023 in 13 countries.

forcibly displaced people in 13 food-crisis countries in 2023 - consisting of 8.9 million IDPs and 1.2 million refugees and asylum-seekers.

acutely malnourished children in five food-crisis countries with 1.2 million of them suffering the most severe form of wasting.

Drivers of malnutrition

• South Sudan

Additional countries of concern:

people or 24% of the analysed population faced high levels of acute food insecurity in 2023 in eight countries.

forcibly displaced people by 2023 - consisting of 15.9 million IDPs and 4.8 million refugees and asylum-seekers.

children were acutely malnourished with 3 million of them suffering the most severe form in eight countries.

West Africa

And the sahel.

• Burkina Faso
• Côte d'Ivoire
• Sierra Leone
• Ghana (refugees)

people or 11% of the analysed population faced high levels of acute food insecurity in 2023 in 14 countries.

forcibly displaced people in 13 food-crisis countries in 2023 - consisting of 7.5 million IDPs and 2.2 million refugees and asylum-seekers.

acutely malnourished children in 14 food-crisis countries with 3.9 million of them suffering the most severe form of wasting.

• Afghanistan
• Pakistan (Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Sindh)
• Democratic People's Republic of Korea
• Lao People's Democratic Republic

people or 30% of the analysed population faced high levels of acute food insecurity in 2023 in five countries.

forcibly displaced people in four countries by 2023 - consisting of 8.7 million IDPs and 3.2 million refugees and asylum-seekers.

acutely malnourished children in two countries with 1.5 million of them suffering the most severe form.

Latin America

And the caribbean.

• Colombia (Residents and migrants)
• Dominican Republic
• Ecuador (migrants and refugees)
• El Salvador
• Peru (migrants and refugees)
• Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of)

people or 17% of the analysed population faced high levels of acute food insecurity in 2023 in nine countries.

people forcibly displaced in five countries by 2023 - consisting of 7.3 million IDPs and 4.8 million migrants and refugees.

children were acutely malnourished in Haiti, 0.1 million of them suffering the most severe form of wasting.

Middle East

And north africa.

Included countries/territories:

• Algeria (refugees)
• Egypt (refugees)
• Iraq (refugees)
• Jordan (refugees)
• Palestine (Gaza Strip and West Bank)
• Syrian Arab Republic
• Türkiye (refugees)
• Iran, Islamic Rep.

people or 54% of the analysed population faced high levels of acute food insecurity in 2023 in nine countries/territories

people forcibly displaced in nine countries/territories by 2023 - consisting of 12.3 million IDPs and 9.9 million refugees and asylum-seekers

acutely malnourished children under 5 years with 0.2 million of them suffering the most severe form of acute malnutrition in two countries.

The Gaza Strip, Palestine

By late 2023, besiegement, mass displacement, destruction of infrastructure indispensable to survival and severely restricted humanitarian access drove the Gaza Strip to become the most severe food crisis in IPC and GRFC history. Its entire population of about 2.2 million people faced high levels of acute food insecurity.

Between early December 2023 and early February 2024, 26 percent of the population were estimated to be in Catastrophe (IPC Phase 5), rising to half by March 2024. Famine was considered imminent in the governorates of Gaza and North Gaza, with a risk of Famine across the rest of the Gaza Strip through July 2024.

Heavy fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces since April 2023 has had devastating consequences across the Sudan and in neighbouring countries including Central African Republic, Chad, Ethiopia and South Sudan. The humanitarian situation is dire. The country has become the largest food crisis in East Africa and the world’s biggest internal displacement situation. Millions of people among the displaced and host communities, especially women and children, are experiencing severe access constraints to basic goods and services, including food, water and shelter, with profound and prolonged impacts on their food security and nutrition.

New, escalating and protracted conflicts, extreme climatic events and economic shocks resulted in another year of increasing numbers of people forced to flee their homes in 2023. In 59 food-crisis countries/territories, the number of displaced people reached over 90 million, most of them displaced internally (64 million) and the rest as refugees, asylum-seekers and migrants.

Available data paint a dire picture of acute food insecurity and malnutrition among displaced populations as they face specific vulnerabilities such as protection risks, limited access to employment, livelihoods, food and shelter, and reliance on dwindling humanitarian assistance. Without concerted action among governments and the international community to meet funding requirements, the situation will likely continue to deteriorate in 2024.

Over 7 million people in Ukraine faced high levels of acute food insecurity in 2023, which represents an improvement since 2022. While the Ukrainian economy stabilized somewhat in 2023, with positive shifts in real GDP growth and inflation, unemployment levels were the highest in over a decade and lack of livelihood opportunities hindered financial access to food and other necessities.

Ukraine's agrifood sector has suffered massive damage and losses that have negatively impacted crop and livestock activities within the country, as well as global markets.

Full report

Grfc in brief:, or chose selected sections:.

• Country profiles
• Technical notes