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.
The Kutlug-Timur minaret raises its column high above a vast flat plain of this UNESCO world heritage area.
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.
The source of the Ala-Kul lake in Kyrgyzstan.
August 2013 Alakol Lake, Terskey Alatau Alakol Lake is located in altitude ca. 3.550 meters in Terskey Alatau range of Tian Shan mountains. You can get there in some 5 hours from Karakol valley. It is freezing in the night, but the sun dawn gives you a warm feeling for sure. If you are trekking there it is a must-see spot!

Where to stay in Central Asia

Usbekistan: Der Chorsu Basar in Taschkent

Mirobod District

While visiting Mirobod District, you might make a stop by sights like Fine Arts Museum of Uzbekistan and Alisher Navoiy Theater.

Mirobod District
The stone fountins on Amir Timur Square of Tashkent, Uzbekistan

Yakkasaroy District

While you're in Yakkasaroy District, take in top sights like Seattle Peace Park and jump on the metro at Kosmonavtlar Station to see more of the city.

Yakkasaroy District
Almaty

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.

Almaly District
Almaty is a frozen land in the winter. This cathedral is one of the main sites in the center of the city.

Medeu District

While visiting Medeu District, you might make a stop by sights like Shymbulak Ski Resort and Medeo.

Medeu District
Kukeldash Madrasah, in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

Shayhontohur District

While visiting Shayhontohur District, you might make a stop by sights like Chorsu Bazaar and Mausoleum of Sheikh Zaynudin Bobo.

Shayhontohur District
Allphotokz Kok Tobe 20191016 0954 D810 PS

Bostandyk District

If you're spending some time in Bostandyk District, Almaty Central Stadium and Republic Square are top sights worth seeing.

Bostandyk District
Hotel Kazakhstan

Hotel Kazakhstan

4 out of 5
Dostyk ave 52/2 Almaty
The price is £80 per night from 30 Mar to 31 Mar
£80
30 Mar - 31 Mar
includes taxes & fees
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! (310 reviews)
Very friendly staff

Reviewed on 14 Mar 2026

Hotel Kazakhstan
StayInn City Center

StayInn City Center

27 Rakat Street Tashkent Tashkent
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Tashkent. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Popular attractions Seattle Peace Park and Ice City are ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (51 reviews)
The walls between the rooms are thin, you can hear everything that everyone says and does 😀

Reviewed on 14 Feb 2026

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StayInn City Center
Jumbaktas Hotel

Jumbaktas Hotel

4 out of 5
ul. Karasakal Erimbetov, 65 Astana
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Astana. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Popular attractions Transport & Communications Ministry and ...
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Jumbaktas Hotel
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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

Elite Apart-Hotel

3.5 out of 5
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 ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (206 reviews)
Все понравилось: и чистота номера, удобства, все необходимое имеется. Внимательное и вежливое отношение персонала. Атмосфера очень дружелюбная, как и в городе в целом. Все замечательно!

Reviewed on 1 Mar 2026

Elite Apart-Hotel
Istaravshan

Istaravshan

4 out of 5
Ukchi Street 3 Tashkent
Stay at this aparthotel in Tashkent. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Tashkent City Mall and Wedding Palace are ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (70 reviews)
Great location and equipment in the hotel.

Reviewed on 21 Oct 2025

Istaravshan
STYLO Residences & Suites

STYLO Residences & Suites

5 out of 5
mirobod Tashkent mirabad
Stay at this luxury aparthotel in Tashkent. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a rooftop terrace. Popular attractions Seattle Peace Park and Fine Arts Museum ...
10/10 Exceptional! (33 reviews)
Everything about the property was outstanding. Staff very friendly and helpful. Apartment spotless and very comfortable. I made use of the restaurant for both lunch and/or coffee, which was very convenient. A very well stocked supermarket next door. I highly recommend, and wouldn't hesitate to ...

Reviewed on 17 Mar 2026

STYLO Residences & Suites
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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.

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.

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.

Registan Square
Tashkent market

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.

Chorsu Bazaar
Statue of Tamerlane and Palace of Forums in center of Tashkent at sunset, Uzbekistan

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.

Amir Timur Monument
Friendship Peoples Palace, Bunyodkor square, Tashkent

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.

Alisher Navoiy Theater
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

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.

Big Almaty Lake
Osh Bazar in Bishkek attracts a lot of locals for their daily shopping and tourists. Spices, breads, fruits, local foods, souvenirs - you can find it all. Like in a any public place in a developing country, watch out for pickpockets.

Osh Bazaar

3.5/5(2 reviews)

During your visit to Bishkek, you can enjoy retail therapy at Osh Bazaar. Wander the lakeside or discover the area's mountain views.

Osh Bazaar