Where to go in Central Asia
Where to go in Central Asia
Central Asia is one of the world’s most intriguing yet underexplored regions, where ancient history, dramatic landscapes and rich cultural traditions come together in remarkable ways.
Stretching from vast deserts to soaring mountain ranges, and shaped by centuries of Silk Road exchange, this region offers a unique diversity of experiences, but that variety can make planning where to go feel overwhelming.
From the remnants of lost civilisations to vibrant modern cities, and from remote nomadic traditions to intricate artistic heritage, each country reveals a completely different side of Central Asia. Distances can be vast and contrasts striking, meaning the “right” destination depends entirely on what kind of journey you’re seeking.
That’s where our Travel Specialist Susanne comes in. Drawing on expert knowledge and first-hand experience, she breaks down the highlights of Central Asia to help you find the destinations that best match your interests, whether that’s history, adventure, culture or something a little off the beaten track.
Plan your Central Asia holiday
1. Best for Ancient Civilisations
Nissa, Turkmenistan
"Visit Turkmenistan to see Ancient Merv, a vast area where five different cities have grown up and been destroyed from the times of Alexander through to the Mongol Empire.
Head out into the desert to Gonor Depe, an archaeological site home to a huge collection of Bronze Age pottery and near Ashgabat, take in Old Nyssa, a Parthian city where the mud brick walls still stand. If this isn’t enough ancient culture for you, head for Nadir Shah, where there are the remains of a medieval garrison and Konye Urgench, which has an impressive collection of mausoleums and minarets dating from the 11th century."
2. Best for wild swimming
Issyk Kul Lake, Tian Shan, Kyrgyzstan
"With over 2000 lakes and 40,000 rivers Kyrgyzstan is a lush paradise with clear, inviting waters everywhere you look. Lake Issyk Kul is the second largest mountain lake in the world and despite its altitude of 1600m it never freezes.
The north shore is home to holiday resorts but the south shore is blissfully undeveloped with empty beaches, perfect for picnicking and swimming. Toktogul Reservoir is another stunning option. In the summer, the water is wonderfully warm – a complete contrast to the snowy mountains surrounding it."
- Want to see something truly extraordinary this year? The Kyrgyzstan Tour & the World Nomad Games 2026 combines spectacular mountain scenery with the spectacle of traditional nomadic sports, from eagle hunting to horse games, all set around Issyk-Kul and Kyrgyzstan’s alpine landscapes.
3. Best for Islamic Architecture
Registan palace in Samarkand Uzbekistan
"Uzbekistan has the iconic buildings we often associate with the Silk Road. The fabled Samarkand has the wow factor with the enormous blue-domed madrassahs of the Registan Square, each with an intricately decorated interior.
Bukhara can keep the enthusiast busy for days wandering through the old city from mosque to minaret to madrassah and historic trading domes, just as the Silk Road traders would have done. The small city of Khiva may be out of the way, hidden in the desert, but you are treated to palaces, mosques and the opportunity to climb minarets for a view over the city."
4. Best for road trips
The Pamir Highway
"The Pamir Highway in Tajikistan offers one of the ultimate off-the-beaten-track road trips. The M41, as it is known officially, takes travellers through the heart of the Pamirs from Dushanbe to the remote mountain town of Murghab. Most travellers opt for a detour along the Panj River which forms the border with Afghanistan’s Wakhan Corridor.
The unsealed road can be challenging but skilled local drivers mean travellers can just enjoy the views out over the Hindu Kush, stop at forts used in the Great Game and look out for Marco Polo sheep in the rocky valleys. Overnights are spent in basic homestays in Tajik villages."
5. Best for Modern Cities
Astana, Kazakhstan
"Nur Sultan, Kazakhstan’s capital, was originally named Astana. Construction began in 1998, and in 2019 the name was changed to Nur Sultan in honour of the late president. The city was master planned, with a central street leading from the presidential palace, which sits on the banks of the river, and many futuristic buildings and skyscrapers.
Norman Foster had a hand in a number of the buildings, and you can look out over the city from the top of the Bayterek Tower – the symbol of Nur Sultan."
6. Best for living like a local
Traditional yurt in Kyrgyzstan
"Staying in one of Kyrgyzstan’s yurt camps feels like stepping back in time but there are still thousands of Kyrgyz who live the nomadic lifestyle heading up to the jailoo (mountain pastures) for the summer with their herds. Yurt camps vary from basic to luxury - some with flushing toilets and showers - but all guarantee the traveller the opportunity to take in some stunning vistas of the mountains and a clear night sky devoid of any light pollution.
The yurts are cosy little rooms with comfy beds, plenty of blankets and a roaring fire to keep you warm at altitude. Days can be spent hiking or horse riding with local guides or perhaps learning to make traditional noodles and bread."
7. Best for Arts & Crafts
Arts and crafts, Uzbekistan
"The Fergana Valley in Uzbekistan is home to the town of Margilan, which is known for its traditional silk factories. Here, the silk is made using ancient methods, with the strands spun from the chrysalis in boiling water, then dyed with natural dyes.
The silk is then woven on wooden looms into fine fabrics or by hand into fine silk carpets. The Valley also produces fine ceramics in the village of Rishtan, where techniques and designs have been handed down over the centuries. Continuing east, the town of Urgut holds a Sunday market known for its beautiful suzani – embroidered wall hangings."
Got your wanderlust flowing?
Browse our collection of Central Asia holidays.
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