Title: Central Asia Travel Guide: Best of Central Asia, Asia Travel 2026 | Expedia.co.uk [Hotels in Central Asia](https://expedia.co.uk/Central-Asia-Hotels.d759189444819570688.Travel-Guide-Hotels)[Holiday Rentals in Central Asia](https://expedia.co.uk/Central-Asia-Holiday-Rentals.d759189444819570688.Travel-Guide-HolidayRentals)[Flights to Central Asia](https://expedia.co.uk/Cheap-Flights-To-Central-Asia.d759189444819570688.Travel-Guide-Flights)[Central Asia Car Hire](https://expedia.co.uk/Compare-Cheap-Car-Hire-In-Central-Asia.d759189444819570688.Car-Hire-Guide)[Central Asia Holidays](https://expedia.co.uk/Central-Asia.d759189444819570688.Holidays-City-Breaks) # Central Asia Travel Guide ## Tourist Guide ![The Nur Astana Mosque is one of my favourite buildings in my neighbourhood on the left bank of Astana. It blends right in with the futuristic architecture in its background as well as the lush trees on its property.](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/602528/6d7cfb1f-7969-421e-9e9f-1c2e5c78f3cb.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![The Nur Astana Mosque is one of my favourite buildings in my neighbourhood on the left bank of Astana. It blends right in with the futuristic architecture in its background as well as the lush trees on its property.](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/602528/6d7cfb1f-7969-421e-9e9f-1c2e5c78f3cb.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![The Kutlug-Timur minaret raises its column high above a vast flat plain of this UNESCO world heritage area.](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/682290346012737536/11de83d4-cc9f-49ee-8cc2-81db011c7582.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Alternatively called Derweze or the door to hell, this crater can be found in the Karakum desert of Turkmenistan, north of Ashgabat. While drilling in 1971, the Soviets tapped into this cavern filled with natural gas. They lit it thinking it would burn itself out in a matter of days. Not so, as you can see! It was mighty hot around the crater's edge, especially when there was a gust of wind. Can you see the people standing near the edge at the back in the middle? That will give you an idea of the size.](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6206689/c3439f9b-ee5c-443c-9ef3-4366c4a5bafc.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![The source of the Ala-Kul lake in Kyrgyzstan.](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248626387933786/535c8c44-3fa4-45a5-979a-f1499008bbac.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ## Visit Central Asia Where to stay Things to do ### Where to stay in Central Asia ![Almaty](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/764553615004053504/858664b4-2f43-47a7-b354-504073986fd6.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### Almaly District While you're in Almaly District, take in top sights like MEGA Park and jump on the metro at Almaly to see more of the city. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Almaty-Almaly-District.dx764553615004053504) ![The stone fountins on Amir Timur Square of Tashkent, Uzbekistan](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/763293182926880768/8a8352be-8220-4b3d-bbdc-9b87c754804f.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### Yakkasaroy District While you're in Yakkasaroy District, take in top sights like Museum of Applied Art and jump on the metro at Kosmonavtlar Station to see more of the city. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Tashkent-Yakkasaroy-District.dx763293182926880768) ![Usbekistan: Der Chorsu Basar in Taschkent](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/763293236186402816/1a6ac20a-3d07-4cc9-add2-44398967b33e.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### Mirobod District While visiting Mirobod District, you might make a stop by sights like Fine Arts Museum of Uzbekistan and Alisher Navoiy Theater. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Tashkent-Mirobod-District.dx763293236186402816) ![Almaty is a frozen land in the winter. This cathedral is one of the main sites in the center of the city.](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/354/3bbae281-474b-4761-8304-37274b571739.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### Medeu District While visiting Medeu District, you might make a stop by sights like Shymbulak Ski Resort and Medeo. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Medeu-District.dx553248635975855353) ![Allphotokz Kok Tobe 20191016 0954 D810 PS](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248635976390634/4afd7b25-45fb-4f5f-afcc-ed82fc43c128.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### Bostandyk District If you're spending some time in Bostandyk District, Almaty Central Stadium and Big Almaty Lake are top sights worth seeing. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Almaty-Bostandyk-District.dx553248635976390634) ![Kukeldash Madrasah, in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/763292998981038080/3014f2bd-47f9-42f6-897f-810da55c982f.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### Shayhontohur District While visiting Shayhontohur District, you might make a stop by sights like Chorsu Bazaar and Mausoleum of Sheikh Zaynudin Bobo. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Tashkent-Shayhontohur-District.dx763292998981038080) - Top hotels in Central Asia - Top Holiday Rentals in Central Asia ![Hotel Kazakhstan](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/3000000/2240000/2232600/2232593/e1db4d87_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Hotel Kazakhstan Dostyk ave 52/2 Almaty Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Almaty. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 3 restaurants. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their ... 8.2/10 Very Good! (301 reviews) Do not go to BarFly restarant. It is terrible Reviewed on 16 Jan 2026 [Get rates](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=13%2F02%2F2026&endDate=14%2F02%2F2026&selected=2232593&PinnedHotelID=2232593&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=759189444819570688) [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=13%2F02%2F2026&endDate=14%2F02%2F2026&selected=2232593&PinnedHotelID=2232593&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=759189444819570688) ![Yes apartments by botanical garden ](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/110000000/109550000/109546900/109546887/5aaa58a8_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Yes apartments by botanical garden Turkestan street 16 Astana Astana £61 23 Feb - 24 Feb includes taxes & fees Stay at this luxury aparthotel in Astana. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Saryarka Velodrome and Alau Ice Palace ... 8.8/10 Excellent! (5 reviews) Decent Trip for the Arena Good stay. Decent room all in app messages sent before (delayed) arrival answered in good time. Not too far from centre. Certainly a good spot if in Astana for the Arena Reviewed on 6 Sept 2025 [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=23%2F02%2F2026&endDate=24%2F02%2F2026&selected=109546887&PinnedHotelID=109546887&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=759189444819570688) ![Elite Apart-Hotel](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/20000000/19680000/19677900/19677819/1027e1bb_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Elite Apart-Hotel Koshkarbayeva 10/1 Astana £30 7 Feb - 8 Feb includes taxes & fees Stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Astana. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour front desk and an airport shuttle (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful ... 9/10 Wonderful! (203 reviews) Awesome!!! Reviewed on 19 Dec 2025 [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=07%2F02%2F2026&endDate=08%2F02%2F2026&selected=19677819&PinnedHotelID=19677819&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=759189444819570688) [See all 2,660 properties in Central Asia](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.Hotels.DestinationExperience&startDate=31%2F01%2F2026&endDate=01%2F02%2F2026®ionId=759189444819570688) Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply. ![Elite Apart-Hotel](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/20000000/19680000/19677900/19677819/1027e1bb_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Elite Apart-Hotel Koshkarbayeva 10/1 Astana Stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Astana. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour front desk and an airport shuttle (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful ... 9/10 Wonderful! (203 reviews) Awesome!!! Reviewed on 19 Dec 2025 [](https://expedia.co.uk/Astana-Hotels-Elite-Apart-Hotel.h19677819.Hotel-Information) ![Yes apartments by botanical garden ](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/110000000/109550000/109546900/109546887/5aaa58a8_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Yes apartments by botanical garden Turkestan street 16 Astana Astana Stay at this luxury aparthotel in Astana. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Saryarka Velodrome and Alau Ice Palace ... 8.8/10 Excellent! (5 reviews) Decent Trip for the Arena Good stay. Decent room all in app messages sent before (delayed) arrival answered in good time. Not too far from centre. Certainly a good spot if in Astana for the Arena Reviewed on 6 Sept 2025 [](https://expedia.co.uk/Astana-Hotels-Yes-Apartments-By-Botanical-Garden.h109546887.Hotel-Information) ![Istaravshan](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/96000000/95240000/95233800/95233703/5acde5b1_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Istaravshan Ukchi Street 3 Tashkent Stay at this aparthotel in Tashkent. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Popular attractions Tashkent City Mall and Wedding Palace are located ... 9.6/10 Exceptional! (69 reviews) Great location and equipment in the hotel. Reviewed on 21 Oct 2025 [](https://expedia.co.uk/Tashkent-Hotels-Istaravshan.h95233703.Hotel-Information) [See all properties in Central Asia](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.Hotels.DestinationExperience®ionId=759189444819570688&sort=VACATION_RENTAL) Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply. ## Check Central Asia hotel availability [Tonight ](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=759189444819570688&startDate=2026-01-30&endDate=2026-01-31)[30 Jan - 31 Jan](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=759189444819570688&startDate=2026-01-30&endDate=2026-01-31) [Tomorrow night ](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=759189444819570688&startDate=2026-01-31&endDate=2026-02-01)[31 Jan - 1 Feb](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=759189444819570688&startDate=2026-01-31&endDate=2026-02-01) [This weekend ](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=759189444819570688&startDate=30%2F01%2F2026&endDate=01%2F02%2F2026)[30 Jan - 1 Feb](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=759189444819570688&startDate=30%2F01%2F2026&endDate=01%2F02%2F2026) ### Popular places to visit ![The Registan has minarets that appear to be leaning outwards. This was old Samarkand's place of commerce. It still houses a bazaar within its walls. ](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/601573/2b296b66-8d5e-4c19-96e1-ef5fa6fb9c50.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Registan Square 5/5(5 reviews) You can find out about the history of Samarkand with a stop at Registan Square. Stroll along the riverfront or experience the area's art scene. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Registan-Square-Samarkand.d6114018.Attraction) ![Tashkent market](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6114042/2ea95756-c170-44e1-bcff-c8b1bb8db69c.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Chorsu Bazaar 4.5/5(7 reviews) You can do some window-shopping at Chorsu Bazaar during your trip to Tashkent. Amble around the area's lakeside or experience its museums. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Chorsu-Bazaar-Tashkent.d6114042.Attraction) ![Statue of Tamerlane and Palace of Forums in center of Tashkent at sunset, Uzbekistan](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6114036/3dee0dcc-d81b-4406-a302-5ae40791a64e.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Amir Timur Monument 3.5/5(10 reviews) You can find out about the history of Tashkent when you stop by Amir Timur Monument. Discover the area's mountain views and monuments. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Amir-Timur-Monument-Tashkent.d6114036.Attraction) ![Friendship Peoples Palace, Bunyodkor square, Tashkent](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6114058/8bf27b85-d3c8-4cc7-9a5a-e36997c4a803.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Alisher Navoiy Theater 4.5/5(2 reviews) Enjoy a performance at Alisher Navoiy Theater, a theatre with a story to tell in Tashkent. Discover the area's museums and monuments. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Alisher-Navoiy-Theater-Mirobod-District.d6114058.Attraction) ![Tashkent TV tower scenic view from Japanese garden](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6114068/06a62697-e2ba-4065-bf27-c96f28e3703c.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Tashkentland Enjoy the thrill rides with your children at Tashkentland during your trip to Tashkent. Wander the lakeside or discover the area's mountain views. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Tashkentland-Tashkent.d6114068.Attraction) ![A trip to Almaty, Kazakhstan isn't complete without a day trip to Big Almaty Lake. Wear layers as the lake is over 8000 ft above sea level](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/354/2e26c63a-dd2b-4ec8-a8ff-49c913d3caad.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Big Almaty Lake 4.5/5(2 reviews) Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Big Almaty Lake during your travels in Almaty. You can enjoy the restaurants while in the area. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Big-Almaty-Lake-Bostandyk-District.d6101830.Attraction) - Places of interest - [Caspian Sea ](https://expedia.co.uk/Caspian-Sea.d553248635976063171.Attraction) - [Tianshan Mountains ](https://expedia.co.uk/Tianshan-Mountains-Asia.d553248621532741166.Attraction) ![](https://a.travel-assets.com/mad-service/footer/bnaBanners/BEX_Footer.jpg) ## Go further with the Expedia app Save on select hotels when you book in the app. Our app deals help you to save on trips so you can travel more and manage it all on the go. Scan the QR code with your device camera and download our app