central asia travel guide

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.

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

• Central Asia
• Central Asia Travel : A…

16 February 2018.

For intrepid travellers seeking a spectacularly under-the-radar corner of the world, Central Asia provides the perfect opportunity.

In a region where east and west collide, curious smiles abound, extraordinary Silk Road empires glisten amidst the desert and rugged mountain peaks lie in wait, it’s a place fit for any type of traveller – the history enthusiasts and the adventurers.

Though we had been lead to believe that independent travel in Central Asia would be somewhat of a challenge, with a mix of bureaucracy, bribes and pointless bag checks a frustrating part of the daily agenda, we thankfully found this to be the rare exception.

Things are slowly changing here.

Of course, there was still the odd ridiculous situation that sent our eyes rolling, but travel in Central Asia is far from the arduous experience it is sometimes made out to be.

If you’re considering a trip to this underrated region, this beginner’s guide covers the practical side of Central Asia travel, including how to get around, where to stay, which visas you’ll need, and when to go!

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

One of the most common forms of transport for silk road travel, marshrutka, are minivans that act either as transport within cities or for medium-distance travel (3 to 5 hours) between destinations. They’re often the cheapest form of transport to get around. In Kyrgyzstan, marshrutka will be your go-to mode of transport for both long and short distance trips, while in Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, you’ll generally only travel this way for shorter distances.

Shared Taxi

In many ways, we found this to be the local’s transport of choice. Taxis often gather around a central location, such as the marketplace or bus station, and leave when full for a single destination. In general, shared taxis cost slightly more than a marshrutka and are used for shorter distance trips, but in places like Kyrgyzstan, 12-hour taxi rides are not uncommon.

Considering most people in Central Asia drive like loons, we found train travel to be the most comfortable (and least stressful) of the transport options, as well as a great chance to interact with locals who will happily force feed you until you can eat no more. There are typically three classes – business or first class, kupe  (2nd class) and  platzkartny  (3rd class). We generally opted for kupe which is around half the price of first class and includes a sleeper in a compartment of four, whereas  platzkartny  tends to be seating room only. Trains run only in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan and are perfect for long-distance travel.

Though not all that common, large buses do travel along some routes and are generally comfortable. If trains are sold out, this is another good option for long-distance travel.

We’re certainly not hardcore enough to use bicycles as our go-to mode of transport but this is an exceedingly popular way to travel along the silk road. There was one week in Dushanbe where we were literally the only people at our hostel not cycling or motorbiking through the region.

Bad roads and often tricky logistics mean getting around in Central Asia can take a whole lot longer than it ought to. Silk road tours that visit many of the region’s highlights in a short space of time may be a decent option for those wanting to cover a lot of ground but without the time to linger too long or lose hours making convoluted travel plans.

Here are a few of the best Central Asia Tour options.

G Adventures   |  One of the best in the business with a strong focus on responsible travel and supporting community-based initiatives, G Adventures runs a number of tours through the region. Choose from a week long dash through the mountains to an epic month-long adventure that shows off the best of the silk road. Check tour options here.

Intrepid Travel |  With a similar focus on responsible travel experiences, Intrepid offers a wide range of tours across the region lasting anywhere from 9 days to 6 weeks. Check tour options here.

Dragoman Overland |  The experts in overland travel, join these guys for ant part of their silk road experience in their big orange adventure bus. Check tour options here.

Kalpak Travel |  Catering to a slightly older demographic, Kalpak combines the cultural highlights and natural beauty of the Stans into one grand adventure, along with shorter trips for those just after a taster. Check tour options here.

Indy Guides   |  Is a market place for local tour operators, guides and drivers from across the region. Find anything from cooking classes to multi-day trekking adventures that can be fully customised and directly support local communities and businesses.

Inspiration: Our Epic 10-Day Pamir Highway Itinerary

Stringent visa requirements are one of the reasons Central Asia has remained under the radar as a travel destination for quite so long. These days though, the relaxing of visa requirements is only making it easier to visit.

Most nations can visit Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan visa-free, while Tajikistan requires a no-fuss e-visa. The visa for Uzbekistan generally a Letter of Invitation and a visit to the embassy, though this is set to change later in 2018. Turkmenistan is the only country still maintaining strict conditions of entry with around a 50% refusal rate for visa applications.

For more details on applying for visas in the region, see our mini guide to visas for Central Asia .

Whether you’re seeking a cosy guesthouse in the mountains, a traditional yurt in the countryside, or a luxurious five-star base in the city, you’ll find accommodation options in Central Asia to suit every budget.

Outside of major cities, high-end luxuries and standard backpacker hostels quickly disappear, replaced by basic but comfortable guesthouses, homestays and in the more remote regions, yurts. Hosts are almost always incredibly warm and welcoming and traditional meals are often included.

In general, booking in advance is not necessary, though if you’re travelling in the high season, some popular destinations where accommodation is limited can fill up fast.

Already know your itinerary? Start searching for accommodation now !

Read Next: The Most Beautiful Hike In Kyrgyzstan

Food often plays a big part in our day-to-day travels. In fact, Freya will routinely plan entire days around finding places that offer up unique dishes to try. And, well, there’s a reason why Central Asian cuisine isn’t exactly sought-after elsewhere in the world.

While we found the big cities, such as Almaty and Dushanbe, to have a fantastic selection of restaurants and cafes (read more about them here ), weeks spent in the countryside eating the same meal repeatedly quickly got old. Uzbekistan was the wonderful exception, with fresh and creative salads and numerous veggie options making up the bulk of many menus.

These dishes were some of our favourites:

Shivit oshi.  A speciality of the Khiva region of Uzbekistan, this dish combines dill infused noodles with a tasty vegetable (or meat) stew.

Pumpkin samsa. A rare find compared to the ubiquitous meat variety, we could never say no to these pastries stuffed with spiced pumpkin.

Shashlyk. A firm local favourite across the region, shashlyk is marinated or spiced flame-grilled skewers with your choice of meat, vegetable and sometimes fish.

Ashlyanfu. This noodle salad served cold with a tomato vinaigrette is far more appealing than it may sound. Ubiquitous in the rambling lanes of Kyrgyzstan’s Karakol market, this dish descends from the Dungan community, a   Muslim minority ethnic group originating from China.  

The historically nomadic culture of the region means meat and grain are a staple of almost every meal. Firm vegetarians, vegans, or those with a gluten intolerance, may struggle somewhat travelling here long term, particularly in less developed areas. In some remote regions, our hosts were quick to ask whether we ate meat, which we do, though as the meat tends to be cooked within a communal dish, we got the distinct impression that for those that said no, they simply would have picked out the pieces.

Other staples of the region include:

Plov.  The universal dish of Central Asia, plov is a fried rice concoction most often containing lamb and full bulbs of garlic. More imaginative varieties include fragrant spices, raisins and chickpeas.

Beshbamark.  A popular dish in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan of hot tomato soup with noodles, vegetables and meat – traditionally horse is used, though it is also served with lamb and beef.

Manti.  Steamed meat dumplings served with a sour cream sauce. Some varieties also contain pumpkin.

Laghman. A tasty noodle dish with capsicum and meat. Served either fried or boiled.

Nan and Chai.  Bread and tea – The essential accompaniments to any Central Asian meal. Pots of tea, either green or black, are enjoyed slowly and profusely, sometimes with the addition of fruit jam for a touch of sweetness. A delicious wheel of fresh bread is always eaten alongside the main dish.

In this vast land of chiselled peaks and rolling steppe, it’s not always easy to determine the best time to visit Central Asia.

During the summer, the lowland cities swelter while the mountains remain wonderfully cool. In the winter, the spectacular high-altitude trails are smothered in snow, while in spring and autumn the urban hubs assume a pleasant temperature for exploration.

Our trip lasted from mid-July to late October where we moved from the scorching cities of Kazakhstan to the temperate Kyrgyz and Tajik mountains and caught the tail end of autumn in Uzbekistan’s Silk Road cities. All in all, we felt this was a perfect way to make the trip.

If you’re travelling long-term, bare in mind that the harsh winters make many mountain regions virtually impassable and downright dangerous to explore independently. If your perfect trip includes hiking in the magnificent Tien Shan or roadtripping the Pamir Highway , these experiences are best completed in the warmer months.

If the ancient Silk Road cities of Uzbekistan will instead be the focus of your trip, spring and autumn are prime times to visit when temperatures are bearable and crowds minimal.

Start Planning Your Silk Road Travels With Our Dedicated Country Guides

K Y R G Y Z S T A N

T A J I K I S T A N

K A Z A K H S T A N

U Z B E K I S T A N

From our research before the trip, we expected money to be far more problematic than it was.

ATMs are widespread in all major cities, some delivering both USD and the local currency. Low withdrawal limits in some areas are something to watch out for, especially if your bank charges a withdrawal fee.

ATMs accepting VISA cards were far more common and in more remote areas, you may struggle to find a machine that accepts Mastercard at all.

The currency inflation in Uzbekistan ($1 equals 8,000 som) means you’ll often wind up carrying several enormous wads of cash. Rather than using the ATM we found it much easier to simply exchange USD at the bank ($100 at a time) which are more likely to give you higher bills, though generally 5,000 and 1,000 som notes are the norm.

We’d definitely recommend travelling with a reserve of USD in hard cash, just in case.

In terms of budget, backpacking in Central Asia is very affordable with Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan generally being cheaper than Tajikistan and Kazakhstan.

Get Planning: The Best Things To Do In Khiva, Our Favourite Town In Uzbekistan

For the complete list of all the things you should pack for your Silk Road trip, whether you’re here for the mountains or the cities, check out our ultimate packing guide for Central Asia .

But, a few key essentials include:

A Steripen  |   We bought one specifically for this trip and it quickly became one of the most used things in our backpacks. Particularly if you’ll be spending a lot of time in the mountains, this compact, easy-to-use device is an excellent option for purifying your water, just don’t forget the  batteries .

Check the latest reviews and prices for the SteriPen here.

A Guide Book | Online information and wifi can be a little patchy so we’d recommend taking a hard copy guide as well. Though we had to make do with the woefully out-of-date Lonely Planet, we’re happy to announce that the new edition of their Central Asia Travel Guide  has just been released!

Check prices for the Central Asia Lonely Planet here.

Just travelling through one of the ‘Stans? Bradt Travel Guides  have in-depth, country-specific guides which came highly recommended to us by others we met in the region.

Check prices for the Bradt Travel Guides here.

A Decent Camera  |   Between the dazzling sights of the ancient silk road cities and the majestic mountain peaks, you’ll want to have a decent camera that can do this spectacular region justice as well as stand up against the sometimes temperamental weather.

Our favourite combination is this weather-sealed  Olympus body  with this versatile zoom lens .

Toilet paper  |   Seriously! Away from the cities, many guesthouses don’t supply their own, and if they do, it tends to resemble some kind of sandpaper rather than what you’re probably used to at home.

High-Quality Outdoor Gear  |   If you’ve come to Central Asia in search of adventure, proper outdoor gear is absolutely essential. Along with warm underlayers for high altitudes (merino wool is our favourite for this!), solid waterproof boots and a durable, weatherproof jacket are key.

Check the latest reviews and prices on our favourite hiking boots for him and her , here.

According to Google, when it comes to travel in Central Asia, safety is one of the biggest concerns. As a destination that has flown for so long under the radar and is so often associated with the other ‘Stans, this is entirely understandable. However, by taking the standard precautions, we actually felt much safer travelling in Central Asia than many other places we’ve set foot.

Our guidebook had us believing we’d be patted down and searched by every police officer we passed, but the reality is this only rarely happens these days. Don’t carry more money on you than you think you’ll need, keep an eye on your bags in busy marketplaces and on public transport and be aware of your surroundings when going out at night.

In Central Asia though, we didn’t feel we needed to be particularly vigilant about watching our personal possessions or wary of succumbing to the next scam, rather it was the drivers that had us worried.

We’ve mentioned it a number of times in our guides, but in case you missed it, people in Central Asia drive like maniacs. At first, we thought we were just being paranoid, but after seeing car wreckages strewn alongside the road in some parts and having a driver fall asleep behind the wheel, we knew we had every reason to be concerned. Excessive speeding and overtaking on blind corners are standard practice.

Ultimately though, if you want to travel here, there really isn’t a whole lot you can do about it.

We took the train at every possible opportunity, yelled at drivers to slow down when we felt it necessary and sat as far toward the back of the bus as we could. Other than that, we had to force ourselves to be distracted, looking anywhere but through the windshield.

We decided early on that we could either spend hours uselessly stressing with every erratic swerve and dangerous attempt to overtake, or we could save our nerves and simply look away. Ignorance is bliss and all that.

Kamikaze drivers aside, altitude and temperamental weather in the mountains are probably the next biggest risk. For any hiking expedition, plan an appropriate acclimatisation regime, even if you’re only setting out for a few days, always check the weather and bring appropriate gear for any eventuality. Our 3-day hike in the Tien Shan went from glorious sunshine to a snowstorm in a matter of hours. Don’t be caught out!

Essentials: A Complete Packing Guide To Central Asia

To be honest, we really struggled with the language barrier in Central Asia.

While in Latin America, a crash course in Spanish was enough to send us on our way with a decent understanding of the basics and a solid foundation to get by and build on, trying to decipher a new alphabet, the Russian language and the smorgasbords of local dialects left us completely bamboozled.

Bilingualism is the norm (Russian and their local tongue), though impressively, most locals are able to speak three or more languages and dialects. English is widely spoken in major cities, especially among young people, but in the countryside, don’t expect it at all.

Learning the Cyrillic alphabet is something that will help you greatly on your trip as it’s used everywhere from menus to street signs to bus destinations. It can seem a little overwhelming at first, but with some practice, you’ll quickly get the hang of it.

A solid foundation in Russian will be very useful as it is used through Central Asia, but it’s not strictly essential. Aside from a few key phrases and plenty of charades, we tended to fall back on using a  Russian translation app  as the level of discussion quickly went over our heads.

We also found this Russian for beginners audiobook on Audible, Get Talking Russian in 10 Days , a useful starting point.

New to Audible? Sign up for a free 30-day trial and receive two complimentary audiobooks of your choice.

If it’s any consolation, we found the locals in Central Asia to be so wonderfully friendly that even if we didn’t understand, they’d tend to continue chatting animatedly with us like we did anyway.

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

A Short Guide To Bukhara | Uzbekistan’s Holiest City

Our Complete Central Asia Itinerary

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

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

Border Crossing: Dushanbe to Samarkand via Denau

The Ultimate Packing Guide For Central Asia

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

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

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

10 comments.

Central Asia has been high on my “must visit” list ever since I first met someone from Uzbekistan and they told me all about their homeland. I’ve got a sabbatical coming up – my itinerary is already filling up but I would love to squeeze in a month in the region!

That sounds like a perfect way to fill up your break, Carly 🙂 In a month you can cover quite a lot of ground. Happy travels!

This is the most comprehensive guide for Central Asia which I’ve read in a while, Freya. It is definitely a great beginner’s guide for everyone planning to travel there for the first time. Staying in a traditional yurt when exploring Central Asia seems like an awesome idea!

Thanks so much Agness. Staying in a yurt in Central Asia is definitely a must!

Excellent!! I’ve been looking for the guide to the Stans. Thank you so much for all of the information you shared. I’m planning to visit Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan in September for about a month..

Thanks so much Julian, we’re glad the guides have been helpful. Sounds like it will be a fantastic trip!

Loved your site! Interesting and practical!

Thanks so much, Rosa!

Love the idea of taking the train for comfort and more quiet option. Would love to visit more of this side of the world hopefully by next year. Great read!

Thanks, Sharon! Fingers crossed you’ll be able to travel there soon 🙂

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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).

Need Travel Insurance and Evacuation Services for Central Asia?

Start shopping for travel insurance plans over at  IATI Insurance . Readers of the Adventures of Nicole get a 5% discount off your plan.

The Adventures of Nicole partners with Global Rescue to offer the world’s leading medical evacuation and security advisory services. To travel with peace of mind, shop evacuation coverage at Global Rescue .

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!

More Posts from Central Asia:

How To Get An Iranian Visa In 2024

The Karkara Border Crossing Between Kazakhstan & Kyrgyzstan

Uzbek Fergana Valley Travel Guide

Ishkashim Border Crossing Between Tajikistan & Afghanistan

Khiva Travel Guide + 13 Things To Do In Khiva

Khujand Travel Guide + 14 Things to Do In Khujand

The Best Restaurants In Dushanbe

Fann Mountains Trekking Expedition, Tajikistan June 12-23, 2024

The Ultimate Tajikistan Travel Guide

12 Day Pamir Highway Expedition June 25-July 6, 2024

25 Day Tajikistan Expedition June 12-July 6, 2024

10 Things To Do In Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan

How To Get To Big Almaty Lake

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Crossing The Qolma Pass Between Tajikistan & China

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Crossing the Azerbaijan-Iran Border at Astara

10 reasons to visit tajikistan.

7 Tips For Solo Female Travel In Central Asia

Why Foodies Should Flock To Karakol, Best Karakol Restaurants & Food

A 10 Day Pamir Highway Itinerary including the Wakhan Valley

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Darvaza Gas Crater: Camping At The Door To Hell, Turkmenistan

Crossing Dukdon Pass In Tajikistan’s Fann Mountains

South Aral Peak Hike, Tajikistan

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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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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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• 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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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

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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

featured trips

Historical Cities of Central Asia

Following in the footsteps of marco polo.

Uzbekistan in Depth

Explore samarkand, bukhara, khiva, termez and fergana valley.

Best of Central Asia

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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A first-timer's guide to Central Asia

Mar 23, 2012 • 3 min read

Four Towers, Almaty by Irene2005

Ever imagined yourself riding horseback across the Eurasian steppe or haggling for carpets in an Uzbek bazaar? Silk Road romantics with a penchant for kebabs should make a beeline to these unmissable Central Asian highlights.

Four Towers by Irene2005 . CC BY 2.0

Samarkand , Uzbekistan

Few cities encapsulate the allure of the Silk Road as completely as Samarkand. Tamerlane's showcase city is a study in ambition, ranking amongst the world’s greatest collections of Islamic architecture. Mesmerising tilework, soaring blue domes and a massive sense of scale are the rule here, including at Tamerlane’s own resting place, the Gur Amir.

Bukhara , Uzbekistan

With its skyline of mosques, madrasahs and minarets, Bukhara is the quintessential Central Asian trading town. The labyrinthine old town is the best place for a random wander, but don’t miss the fortress of the dastardly former Emir or the 47m-tall Kalon Minaret that so impressed Genghis Khan almost eight centuries ago.

Khiva , Uzbekistan

The third of Uzbekistan’s great caravan cities requires a long desert journey (preferably a flight or overnight train ride) but it’s worth the trip to wander the almost-perfect walled city of the slave-trading khanate. A great excursion into the surrounding desert takes in the enigmatic ruins of a dozen medieval fortresses.

Pamir Highway , Tajikistan

Overland connoisseurs generally agree that the Pamir Hwy is one of the world’s great mountain road trips. From remote mountain valleys bordering Afghanistan the paved road detours through the scenic Wakhan Valley, a major Silk Road thoroughfare, before climbing onto the treeless, high-altitude Pamir plateau. Retrace the routes of Marco Polo and 19th-century explorers by day, before overnighting in remote Kyrgyz yurt camps.

Tian Shan Mountains, Kyrgyzstan

A chunk of Switzerland magically transplanted into Central Asia, the Tian Shan are the de facto base camp for Central Asia’s impressive trekking scene. Agencies in Karakol can kit you out for multi-day trips up lush, forested valleys to your very own turquoise mountain lakes and Alpine meadows dotted with wildflowers.

Almaty , Kazakhstan

Central Asia’s most interesting city (and Kazakhstan’s former capital), Almaty is a leafy and cosmopolitan blend of Russian and Kazakh influences. Attend Orthodox mass at the Zenkov Cathedral, shop the bustling Zilyony Bazaar and pay a visit to the ‘Golden Man’, a priceless suit of Scythian armour created for the afterlife.

Merv, Turkmenistan

The ‘Queen of the World’ once ranked as one of the world’s largest cities. Today it’s a series of overlapping ruins, fading across the centuries, with the UNESCO-protected 12th-century Mausoleum of Sultan Sanjar as the star attraction. Fans of inner Asian history will love it. The bonus? A peak at the oddball hermit republic of Turkmenistan.

Tash Rabat, Kyrgyzstan

High in the Tian Shan Mountains near the border with China lies this lovely caravanserai, so perfect that you can almost hear the caravans unloading their bales of silk as they bed down their camels for the night. If you are headed to China, visit as part of the epic overland trip over the Torugart Pass to Kashgar.

Lake Song-Köl, Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyzstan is all about yurts, horses and summer pastures, which makes it the perfect place to realize your latent Genghis Khan fantasies (minus the murder and pillaging, of course). Local community-based tourism providers (see www.cbtkyrgyzstan.kg ) can arrange excellent guided horse trips to the beautiful lake, overnighting en route in authentic herders’ yurts.

Yasaui Mausoleum, Turkistan , Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan’s most impressive architectural legacy does double duty as a major centre for Central Asian Sufism. Follow your fellow pilgrims around the blue-domed mausoleum before diving hands-first in a celebratory feast of roast sheep or plov (pilau rice).

Make it happen

For flight connections to Central Asia, airBaltic, Lufthansa and Turkish Airlines fly to the major air hubs of Tashkent and Almaty. Visas for Central Asia can be tricky. Invitations are required for Turkmenistan but not for Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan or Kyrgyzstan, depending on your nationality and where you apply for the visa. Our best tips for ‘Stan travel: bring cash US dollar bills and a strong tolerance for mutton.

Steppe to it, there's plenty to explore with Lonely Planet's Central Asia travel guide .

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Caravanistan

The Silk Road Travel Guide

Caravanistan helps you get the most out of your Silk Road trip

Both for independent travelers and guided trips

Hi there! We’re Caravanistan and we help you make the most of your Silk Road trip in 4 ways:

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A hand-crafted travel guide for Central Asia and beyond

At Caravanistan, we spend our waking hours to guide everyone to a more meaningful travel experience on the Silk Road.

We believe in going slow. A change of pace is often more important than a change of place. See less, and experience more.

Go beyond the guidebooks and the must-sees. We aim to guide you there.

Tailormade trips, at group tour prices

Use our expertise to design your unique adventure, whether it’s a 5-star trip along Uzbekistan’s culture cities, or a demanding hike in the Tien Shan mountains.

We evaluate your request and match you with the tour operators that suit your travel ideas best.

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We only work with a few tour operators that we know well, who understand how you like to travel.

We know Central Asia

Not only have we been everywhere, we also know how things work around here.

Need a ride ?

Reliable wheels for your self-driving adventure, for rent across Central Asia

Invitation letters

We have got a decade of experience in getting visas for travelers of all passports.

Highly reliable, immensely helpful, and always inspiring. Kevin Kelly, founder Wired Magazine

Go further, go slower. Experience more.

Caravanistan is kept in the air since 2011 by Saule from Kazakhstan and Steven from Belgium. For travelers, by travelers.

Travel Guide

• Turkmenistan

Tours & Rental

• Custom tours
• Search all tours
• Pamir Highway tours
• Uzbekistan tours
• Kyrgyzstan tours
• Car & motorbike rental

Visa invitations

• Russia (tourist)
• Russia (business)

Get to know us

• What people say
• Letter from the Silk Road
• Terms & Conditions
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