Central Asia Travel – Meet “the Stans”

TOP SIGHTS IN CENTAL ASIA

Discover these highlights of Central Asia Travel!

Table of Contents

Why Now is the Best Time to visit Central Asia*

It is now easier than ever for Central Asia travel. With the relaxation of VISA requirements for many countries in the region, increased transport connections, tackling of corruption and people looking for alternatives to the well-trodden paths, Central Asia is the perfect destination for travelers with a sense of adventure.

Don’t believe me? Lonely Planet has just voted Central Asia as their top region for 2020!

Central Asia has so much to offer every type of traveler and is rich in culture, history, cuisine and natural landscapes. From the architecture of the ancient Silk Road to mountains and deserts, you are sure to find something to amaze in this vastly underrated part of the world.

* COVID-19 notwithstanding. Travel to Central Asia is not possible at this time (June 2020). This article will be updated as borders open again. 

What Countries Make up Central Asia?

Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan is the largest of the Central Asian countries and the ninth largest in the world. Due to the size of the country the landscape includes huge swathes of desert, steppe and mountains which makes it an excellent playground for adventurous travellers. The ultra modern city of Nur-Sultan (Astana) is the business hub and offers opportunities for shopping and fine dining, but the former capital Almaty is truly the beating heart of Kazakhstan. Here you can indulge in a range of outdoor activities from skiing, snowboarding, hiking, canyoning and more. Almaty is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city with many fine restaurants, cafe’s and bars. See my full Kazakhstan Travel Guide for more.

Kyrgyzstan

Wild Kyrgyzstan is Kazakhstan’s tiny and much poorer neighbour to the south, but although it lacks the vast oil wealth of it’s neighbour to the north, the country is rich in culture and boasts some of the most fantastic scenery in the world, such as Lake Issyk Kol. Wander the world famous Osh Bazaar which is full of the sights, smells and sounds of the Silk Road or take a trip trekking on horseback through the Fergana Valley or mountain passes of the High Pamir Mountains. The capital, Bishkek, makes a good base from which to explore this wild and enchanting land.

Tajikistan

The Republic of Tajikistan is the wildest of all the countries in Central Asia and traditionally has been one of the more difficult to visit. Things are changing fast though and the government is keen to promote the country to adventure seekers and outdoors enthusiasts. Tajikistan is a dream for hikers and mountain climbers with peaks rising to over 5,000 metres. Due to its proximity to next-door Afghanistan and  a recent high-profile terrorist attack on cyclists, a degree of caution is required when travelling in some areas.

Turkmenistan

The Republic of Turkmenistan is the most intruiging of all the “Stans” due to its secretive past (and present) as a “hermit “state similar to North Korea. Turkmenistan is truly a strange country and the marbled capital Ashgabat has been described as like Las Vegas on steriods, which is not far wrong on an aesthetic level at least. If you can get hold of the notoriously difficult Turkmen VISA (see below for VISA infomration for Central Asia) then the country is well worth exploring for its historic sights such as Konye Urgench. The highlight of any trip to Turkmenistan has to be the infamous “Door to Hell“, or Darvaza Gas Crater in the middle of the Karakum Desert.

Uzbekistan

The Republic of Uzbekistan offers some of the finest history and architecture in all of Central Asia. The cities of Bukhara, Khiva and of course Samarkand are home to some of the most magnificent medieval architecture in the world. The capital, Tashkent, is a pleasant city with leafy suburbs filled with colourful, wooden Izby houses that remind of the country’s ties to Russia. For those seaking a little more adventure, a trip to Termiz in the far south of the country will be rewarded with some ancient Buddhist ruins, not to mention being as close as it’s possible to get to Afghanistan across the Amu Darya (Oxus) River.

VISA Information for Central Asia Travel

Money and Costs in Central Asia

With the exception of Turkmenistan (are you seeing a theme here?), Central Asia is inexpensive by world standards. Travel, accomodation and food are all much cheaper than in Europe or the USA.

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

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

Money Saving Tips

Central Asia has plenty of hostels in the larger cities and prices start at around $12. In the smaller towns it’s possible to get a hotel room for the same price as a hostel, though it may be very basic. See Trip.com for some great deals on accomodation.

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

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

Scams

I’ve traveled Central Asia many times over the past 4 years and the only scam I ever fall foul of (repeatedly) is where taxi drivers demand double, triple, or in some cases 10x what was agreed. This seems to be worse the farther off the beaten track you are (such as Aktau & Aral in Kazakhstan and Termiz in Uzbekistan). It’s certainly less of a problem in the larger cities. You can read more in my guide to safety in Kazakhstan.

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

When is the Best Time to Travel in Central Asia?

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

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

Health, Safety & Insurance for Central Asia Travel

It’s easy to travel Central Asia independently, but if you want to take the hassle out of it and join a group of like minded souls, then Young Pionner Tours offer a great selection of Silk Road adventures. What’s more, quote code TRIPYPT20 when booking a tour and receive a free exclusive t-shirt!