Best countries to visit in Central Asia
Hi guys! I'm planning my trip to Central Asia. I need your advice on where to go, which country and cities to visit. Time is limited - about 2 weeks. I'm interested in national traditions and would like to take part. Thank you!
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Its adventure travel so do your research. The 'stans vary greatly with each having plus and minus but all lack infrastructure and don't make it easy for tourists to visit. Uzbekistan would be my choice as it has the oldest civilization (the neighbouring 'stans were nomadic while Tashkent and Samarkand were cities on the silk road going back thousands of years).
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Hello! I see, you consider tourism from a historic point of view. Have you been to Uzbekistan? What can you say about traditional cuisine (my favorite aspect)) and modern architecture?
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Uzbekistan definitely has the most to "see" - but most of the "old" stuff from the Silk Road was rebuilt in the 90s. Will definitely be the most touristy of the lot
If you are into nature, Kyrgyzstan is the place to go - mountains, and beaches around the lake. Turkmenistan is very sterile but definitely worth a few days detour. |
Hello! Have you been to Uzbekistan? What about any unusual activities within reasons? How did you pass your time there? I decided to travel to Uzbekistan.
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Unusual activities in Tashkent
Hello! Finally, I decided to visit Uzbekistan. My plane is to Tashkent, so can you recommend any extraordinary activities there? of course, within reason. Pls, share your experience. Thanks!
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As others have mentioned Uzbekistan is a great start. The Pamir highway from down near the Afghan border in Tajikistan to Osh in Kyrgyzstan is amazing too. |
Heading to 3 of the Stans in a month, surprised no one mentions Khujand in Tajikistan. Seems one of the few highlights to hit in that country, and it's a day trip from Tashkent.
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Here’s a slow moving two week itinerary as a starter. Feel free to adjust accordingly. Spent a couple months doing Kyrgyzstan, Tajik, Afghan, Uzbek, and Kazak. If you have less time cut out Andijan. Check out my Instagram for photos @ CraigShubin
Day 1: Fly into Tashkent, overnight here Day 2: Morning in Tashkent then train to Samarkand late Day 3 - 4: Samarkand sightseeing. One day is enough but two days doesn't hurt either Day 5: Travel to Bukhara. 2 hour train so maybe early is best to spend evening in Buhkara. Day 6 - 7: Bukhara Sightseeing. Similarly everything can be seen in one day. Day 8: Train to Khiva, 5 hours Day 9 - 10: Sightseeing Khiva Day 11: Train back to Bukhara, Then Train to Samarkand sane day. Overnight in Samarkand. Day 12: Train back to Tashkent, overnight there Day 13: Visit Andijan region Day 14: Fly out of Tashkent Feel free to ask more questions |
Also here’s a city breakdown from my blog CultureCapital.travel.blog
Tashkent: Capital City, big and modern. A good place to find clubs if you want that as elsewhere it is difficult. It’s pretty western. Very little to see historically. Samarkand: this is the first official stop for sightseeing though it’s still a modern city. It’s sights are the biggest while also being the most spread out. It can be seen in one day, two recommended but many do three days. If you love history and want a leisurely pace - three should do it. For fast walkers and fast sight seers you could see the major sights in half a day and not miss much. Again the sights are spread out so plan to spend 3 to 4 miles walking, maybe more to/from lodging. As said before it’s a fairly modern city where all normal comforts can be found plus good public transportation. There is an “old town” but don’t be fooled, it’s close to the big sights but not a typical old city where it feels like you are stepping back in time. That’s Bukhara... Bukhara - The major sightseeing city. It’s got the most sights, biggest old city, and people typically spend the most time here. The sights are more tightly packed so you can see it in half a day if you choose, one full day recommended but more okay if you like. Bukhara knows it’s popular. It’s old city is refurbished and there are hawkers, venders, and tour buses a plenty. It’s great but you’ll feel the tourism. Credit cards are somewhat accepted and prices less cheap than elsewhere as tourism more concentrated in one area. Khiva - Khiva is like Bukhara’s chill younger sibling. It’s got a smaller old city which is in the process of being refurbished but it’s more relaxed and sees less tourism as it’s a bit out of the way. That’s not to say you won’t see tour buses but it’s got a bit more grit and authentic feel to it than Bukhara. The train schedule makes it difficult to plan. The day train from Bukhara goes one way on even days and the other on odds so unless you are doing an overnight to Tashkent (altogether not a bad idea for those doing a shorter trip and catching a flight home in a hurry) it’s a bit tricky. Though the old town is small enough to catch, quickily so those doing an evening then morning viewing to catch a train back to Bukhara, you got it. Walk fast and check out the walls. Recommend sleeping in the old city as well otherwise not needed. |
Must Visit Places
Hey, I am mentioning some must-visit places in Central Asia:
1. Song Kul 2. Pamir Highway 3. Darvaza 4. Issyk Kul 5. Astana |
Originally Posted by npruthi922
(Post 31706903)
Hey, I am mentioning some must-visit places in Central Asia:
1. Song Kul 2. Pamir Highway 3. Darvaza 4. Issyk Kul 5. Astana You liked Astana (now new name)? I didn't find much of anything interesting there, albeit only there for a day or so. In the 24 hours I was in Almaty, it was much more interesting than Astana, but overall wouldn't be back to visit either again. |
In term of culture, the Persian-influenced countries should be the best choices; they are Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan.
In term of nature tourism, Tajikistan may be the best because of its mountains |
Originally Posted by bambardir
(Post 31708630)
What are the prices of travel agencies in central asia? I think it is better to book tours from local agencies because it is cheapest way I think. Can I have central Asian tour operator with high recomendatiin in each country thanks.
I went with them in 2010 in Uzbekistan after travelling through the other 'stans and Iran on my own. |
Tajik better with nature than Kyrgyzstan? I'll only visit Khujand so guess I won't see much.
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