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 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.

Where to stay in Central Asia

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
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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.

Yakkasaroy District
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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
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
Big Almaty Lake is so close to the city that you can take a taxi to it! Enjoy beautiful views, hiking, and picnic spots #adventure #nature #greatoutdoors

Bostandyk District

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

Bostandyk District
The metro system in Tashkent isn't very well known, but it is beautiful.

Shayhontohur District

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

Shayhontohur District
Hotel Kazakhstan

Hotel Kazakhstan

4 out of 5
Dostyk ave 52/2 Almaty
The price is NZ$230 per night from 23 Jan to 24 Jan
NZ$230
23 Jan - 24 Jan
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! (301 reviews)
Do not go to BarFly restarant. It is terrible

Reviewed on 16 Jan 2026

Hotel Kazakhstan
Yes apartments by botanical garden

Yes apartments by botanical garden

4.5 out of 5
Turkestan street 16 Astana Astana
The price is NZ$88 per night from 24 Jan to 25 Jan
NZ$88
24 Jan - 25 Jan
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

Yes apartments by botanical garden
Courtyard by Marriott Tashkent

Courtyard by Marriott Tashkent

4 out of 5
KICHIK BESHYOGOCH ST. 126 KAKHAR DRIVE Tashkent
The price is NZ$174 per night from 1 Feb to 2 Feb
NZ$174
1 Feb - 2 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Tashkent. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 2 restaurants. Popular attractions Seattle Peace Park and Ice City are located ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (173 reviews)
Nice enough hotel. Pool was shut and it wasn’t communicated before.

Reviewed on 18 Jan 2026

Courtyard by Marriott Tashkent
See all 2,643 properties in Central Asia
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 ...
9/10 Wonderful! (203 reviews)
Awesome!!!

Reviewed on 19 Dec 2025

Elite Apart-Hotel
Yes apartments by botanical garden

Yes apartments by botanical garden

4.5 out of 5
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

Yes apartments by botanical garden
Istaravshan

Istaravshan

4 out of 5
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

Istaravshan
See all properties in Central Asia
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

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
The Bayterek dressed in green and pink

Bayterek Tower

Learn about the local history of Astana when you spend time at Bayterek Tower. Discover the area's theatre scene and monuments.

Bayterek Tower
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

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

Amir Timur Monument

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

Chorsu Bazaar

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

Embassy of the United States, Astana

Embassy of the United States, Astana is just one of the places to see in Astana, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Make time to visit the monuments and spas while you're in the area.

Embassy of the United States, Astana