The countries that make up Central Asia have colourful cultures that are as diverse as their landscapes. Offering visitors everything from fascinating historical architecture to wild mountain landscapes, the countries of Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan have much to offer visitors. If you’ve considered travelling to these fascinating lands but don’t know where to begin, we have laid out what we think are the Best Sites To Visit In Central Asia.
Click on the link to go directly to Tips For Travelling In Central Asia.
1. Samarkand, Uzbekistan
Prepare to be awed by the architecture in Samarkand, Uzbekistan where bright blue tiles and painted bricks decorate the mausoleums, madrasas and mosques. In ancient times the northern route of the Great Silk Road went through the Tian Shan mountains in Uzbekistan before stopping in trading centres in Samarkand, Bukhara, Shakhrisabz and Khiva.
The trade route contributed greatly to the development of all of those cities, but Samarkand remains its shining star. You will be amazed when you visit the stunning madrasas in Registan Square, the shining gold of Amir Temur’s Mausoleum and the vibrant blue tiles in Avenue of Mausoleums. The historic architecture in Samarkand will not disappoint.
In fact this city has so many beautiful sites, we divided it into three separate posts. Click on the link to read our stories from Samarkand – Registan Square, Amir Temur Mausoleum and Avenue of Mausoleums.
2. Khiva, Uzbekistan
The curvy buttresses of the old city wall that surrounds Old Khiva are just the first of many captivating sites you will see if you travel to Khiva. Once you step inside the gates you will be enchanted by the old world ambience held in its maze of narrow streets. Soak in the history from several generations as you discover the fabulous palaces, minarets, mosques and tombs that are contained within the city walls.
To read our story from Khiva read our post Visit The Walled City Of Khiva.
3. Seven Lakes, Tajikistan
High in the Fann Mountains is one of Tajikistan’s little-known treasures. A deep gorge made by the Shing River holds seven breathtaking mountain lakes providing many more than seven stunning views. The colour of the water and the spectacular mountain settings make Seven Lakes (Haft Kul) one of the most stunning places in Tajikistan. If you love mountains and lakes, then this is the place for you.
Accommodations are basic, but staying in a village in the Seven Lakes area is the best way to experience Tajik culture while exploring the amazing lakes.
To read our story from Seven Lakes read our post Seven Lakes Trek.
4.Song Kul, Kyrgyzstan
Staying in a yurt in a high alpine meadow, called jailoo, is the quintessential Kyrgyz experience and Song Kul provides the perfect setting. As they do in many high alpine meadows across Kyrgyzstan, nomads set up yurt camps each summer on the shores of Song Kul so their livestock can graze. The owners of the yurt camp we stayed at have a few yurts that they run as B&Bs for tourists.
While staying at their camp you can do another traditional activity by horseback riding around the lake and across the meadows. If horseback riding isn’t for you, hike to the top of one the nearby hills to get even more incredible views of this landscape. If you rather have a more relaxing stay, Song Kul is a great spot to just relax and soak in the beauty of the lake and the mountains.
To read our story from Song Kul read our post A Yurt Stay On Song Kul.
5. Bukhara, Uzbekistan
From the beautiful Kalon Minaret to the many Silk Road trading domes, Bukhara has a lot to offer its visitors. Wander around the streets of Old Town and you’ll feel as if you stepped back in time to the days of the Silk Road. Not far from the walled fortress is Kalon Minaret that is so beautiful it was even spared by the brutal warrior Genghis Kahn. As you continue to explore, you’ll be awed by the way the light plays with the multiple roofs on the many trading domes.
To read our story from Bukhara read our post Bukhara, A Silk Road City.
6. Pamir Mountains including Jizev and Wakhan Valleys, Tajikistan
Driving or cycling the Pamir Highway is considered one of the world’s greatest road trips. The idea of travelling between the gorgeous Pamir Mountains captivates the imagination of many. In addition to travelling the famous roadway don’t miss out on visiting the fabulous Jizev and Wakhan Valleys. Here you can stay with and learn about the ways of life of the people who live in traditional Tajik villages. It is an experience you will not soon forget.
Not only did we take a road trip on the Pamir Highway and stay in these villages, we travelled it independently, without a guide. We have created a guide to help others travel this region independently too.
To read our stories click on the links to Our Guide For Independent Travel in both Pamirs and Wakhan, and Trekking In Jizev Valley.
7. Iskanderkul, Tajikistan
This beautiful turquoise coloured lake is surrounded by the high peaks of the Hisser Range in the Fann Mountains. It is said to be one of the prettiest lakes in Tajikistan. Once we saw it for ourselves, we had to agree. Whether you want to relax by the water or hike in the hills, Iskanderkul is a gorgeous spot to spend a few peaceful days.
To read our story from Iskanderkul read our post A Weekend On Iskanderkul.
8. Jyrgalan, Kyrgyzstan
Long green valleys lead from the village of Jyrgalan to the picturesque, white-capped mountains of the Tian Shan Range. It is a beautiful part of Kyrgyzstan and there are a few days hikes that allow you to explore these mountains further.
We have created a guide to help you hike in Jyrgalan Valley. You can find information about these hikes in our post Best Day Hikes in Jyrgalan.
9. Karakol, Kyrgyzstan
Situated on the edge of Tian Shan mountains, the city of Karakol is perfectly placed to explore Kyrgyzstan’s beautiful countryside. With access to tall mountains, red canyons, a mountain lake and a few waterfalls there are enough things to do around Karakol to keep you busy for a few days.
You can read about the sites around the city in our post Best Day Trips From Karakol.
10. Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
The capital of Kyrgyzstan is the busy city of Bishkek. Its location on the edge of the Kyrgyz Ala-Too Mountains means that there are plenty of great places that can be visited as a day trip from the capital.
To see what we think are the best things to see both in the city and nearby, read our post Best Day Trips From Bishkek.
11. Almaty, Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan’s capital city Almaty, has something for both those who like a cosmopolitan city and those who prefer nature. The modern city surprised us with its high end stores and restaurants. After exploring the busy city we enjoyed a great escape to the Tian Shan mountains.
To read about Almaty’s sites visit our posts Discover Almaty and Sunkar Falconry Centre.
12. Tashkent, Uzbekistan
Stepping off the metro was like walking into a fantasy world. Unlike most drab and dreary metro stations around the world, the stations Tashkent, Uzbekistan’s capital are decorated in unexpected colours and styles.
To read more about the metros station and what else to do in the city visit our post Elaborate Metro Stations In Tashkent.
13. Dushanbe, Tajikistan
This modern capital city of Tajikistan has an eclectic mix of architecture. With a few days to explore the country’s capital we discovered a city with a unique and quirky character.
To read our story of this city see our post Discover Dushanbe.
Travel Tips For Central Asia
Here are general tips for travelling in Central Asia. To read specific travel tips for each country click on the links: Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan and Tajikistan.
Safety – In general, Central Asia is a very safe for tourists. We walked everywhere and never felt unsafe. The people are incredibly kind and friendly and will often ask if you need help if you look even the slightest bit lost. There are potentially dangerous areas near land borders so make sure to research the current situation before crossing.
Language – Each Central Asian country has their own language, but many older people still speak Russian. School aged children and youth may know a little English and in some tourist areas there may even more English spoke. Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan and Tajikistan all use the Russian Alphabet so it would be wise to learn if before arriving.
What to Wear – The Central Asian countries are generally quite conservative, especially when it comes to women’s attire. In most cities, local women wear long sleeve tops and long pants. Some younger women have short sleeves, but never sleeveless tops or shorts. Tourists should also wear conservative clothes. I wore short sleeves with long pants or skirts, but did see a few tourists wearing tank tops and shorts which is very inappropriate and culturally insensitive.
When to Travel – In the mountain countries of Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan and Tajikistan summer (June to September) is the best time to travel. It is much hotter in Uzbekistan so spring and fall will have more comfortable weather.
Coming Next – K2 Base Camp Trek – Baltoro Glacier
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