New author to our website — Clara Legallais-Moha, shares her tips for first-time travelers to Central Asia. With tips on when to go, how to get around, and what to see, you'll be ready for an unforgettable journey through this fascinating region.
Clara Legallais-Moha, city — Newbury, Travel Content Creator, French Language Coach, Actress, @clara_legallais, LinkedIn
Central Asian people are among the most hospitable in the world, making Central Asia a uniquely rewarding place to travel. As an adventurous backpacker who loves spontaneity, I recommend you avoid overplanning your journey to leave room for unexpected encounters with locals. It’s quite likely you’ll be invited to stay over, and it would be a shame to have to turn down such an offer.
Countries in Central Asia are often reduced to either their cultural heritage, like Uzbekistan, or their natural wonders, like Kyrgyzstan. However, this overlooks the diverse landscapes of Uzbekistan or the nomadic culture in “the Switzerland of Central Asia”. Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, and Tajikistan are also more than just desert lands, endless steps, or turquoise lakes — they each have unique peoples and cultures.
Don’t forget that Central Asia is a mosaic of peoples, religions, cultures, and natural habitats. Whatever your interests — culture, nature, adventure, spiritualty —, you’ll find them all in Central Asia.
Before you leave
When to go
Generally, spring — April-June, and autumn — September-November, are the best times for hiking in the mountains and visiting. In Uzbekistan, for example, autumn is still warm, and bazars are abundant with fresh fruits and vegetables, while spring is ideal for birdwatching and for enjoying refreshing drizzles. However, these are also the busiest periods, so remember to book your accommodations and excursions in advance.
If you want to avoid tourists, summer is your best bet if high temperatures — averaging 40°C, except in the mountains, don’t deter you. If you’re interested in skiing and winter sports — it is possible in all countries except Turkmenistan, then winter is the time to go.
Navruz celebrations take place in March, and many festivals are organised throughout the summer across Central Asia.
Where to go and how long to stay
It depends on the type of traveller you are. Each country is unique and has much to offer. Tourists generally prefer Uzbekistan for cultural heritage, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan for mountain hiking. I recommend spending at least one week in each country, except Turkmenistan, where you can see the essentials in five days, though two to three weeks in each country, particularly Uzbekistan, is ideal. Try to include both the must-sees and the lesser-known places in your itinerary to gain a comprehensive view of the peoples and cultures within the countries.
Example for Uzbekistan:
1 week. Visit the must-sees: Tashkent, Samarkand, Khiva, and Bukhara.
2 weeks. Add a trip to the Fergana Valley and visit Nukus and Moynak to see what remains of the Aral Sea.
3 weeks. From Samarkand, take day trips to Shakhrisabz — the birthplace of Amir Timur and Termez — for its Buddhist heritage. Spend a few days in the Kyzylkum desert near Aydar Lake, visit the Nuratau-Kyzylkum Biosphere Reserve, and hike in the Ugam-Chatkal National Park north of Tashkent.
How to get there
The easiest and quickest way to reach Central Asia is by flying. You can fly directly from London Gatwick to Tashkent with Uzbekistan Airways twice a week. Air Astana and Lufthansa operate direct flights from London Heathrow to Almaty and Astana. If you are traveling from the U.S., there is a direct flight from New York to Tashkent, Uzbekistan. For other destinations in Central Asia, such as Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, or Turkmenistan, you'll need to take a connecting flight from Europe or Asia. You’ll likely have to stop at Istanbul, Baku, or Dubai.
If you have plenty of time or are concerned about your environmental impact, there are two overland routes from Europe to Central Asia:
Option 1. Travel by train to Baku in Azerbaijan, then cross the Caspian Sea by ferry to reach Turkmenbashi in Turkmenistan. Be prepared to wait in Baku for a few days, as the ferry schedule can be unreliable.
Option 2. From Azerbaijan, enter Russia and head North until you reach the border with Kazakhstan.
Accommodation
Mixing hotels, hostels, guesthouses, and yurt camps is advised if you want to have varied experiences. Don’t forget to book in advance if you’re travelling in spring or autumn. It’s also worth leaving a few days unplanned, as it’s likely you’ll be invited to stay with locals.
If you’re travelling to Uzbekistan, you must be registered every three days, which means you can stay with locals for up to three consecutive nights. The registration is handled by your hotel/hostel/guesthouse, and you should ask for a registration receipt when you check out, as you might be asked to show it at your next stop or at checkpoints.
Transport
Transport in Central Asia has improved in recent years, especially in Uzbekistan.
Car and taxi. Roads are usually in poor condition compared to Europe and America, but driving is often the only way to go from one place to another. You can rent a car, hitchhike, or take a private or collective taxi — both within cities and for long-distance travel. If you’re in Uzbekistan, download the Yandex Taxi app.
Train. In Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, you can rely on trains between major cities. Uzbekistan’s rail infrastructure is constantly improving, with high-speed trains connecting Tashkent to cities including Samarkand, Bukhara, Navoi, Shakhrisabz, and Karshi. By the end of 2026, the train service is expected to reach Khiva and Nukus, too. Download the Uzrailways app to check schedules and book tickets.
Bike. Many people have cycled the Silk Roads. Follow them on social media for more information on their routes.
Plane. Internal flights are available, and you can fly between countries. However, if you’re up for an adventure and want to meet locals, crossing borders overland is a great option.
Visa
Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan: British and American nationals do not need a visa for stays of up to 30 days, up to 60 days in Kyrgyzstan. If you wish to stay longer, you can cross the border into a neighbouring country and re-enter.
Tajikistan. A visa is required and can be obtained online, allowing stays of up to 45 days.
Turkmenistan. A visa and a letter of invitation from a travel agency approved by the Turkmen government are required and must be obtained in advance. You’ll need to travel with a guide and/or as part of a package tour.
Health and insurance
You might want to ask your GP whether you need any vaccinations before travelling to Central Asia. Avoid drinking tap water or consuming anything rinsed in it. While locals are used to the water, foreign travellers might experience the well-known travellers' diarrhoea.
It’s highly recommended to get travel insurance that covers health complications, repatriation, public liability, lost or stolen luggage, and online medical consultations. Chapka is one of the best, most affordable, and inclusive travel insurance options available.
Safety and women travellers
Central Asia is a safe place to travel for both men and women. Before you go, check for any areas that are not recommended for travel, but stay open-minded and seek advice from locals, who often have a more objective understanding of the situation. If you feel uneasy about travelling to a certain place on your own, consider hiring a local guide who will know if there are places to avoid. Above security and guidance, they will share their knowledge with you.
If you are a woman, dress modestly, covering your legs and chest. You don’t need to cover your hair except in certain holy places. Most of the time nobody will ask you to, but doing so is a sign of respect and will be greatly appreciated.
Budget
Central Asia is affordable compared to Europe or America. Your budget will depend on your travel style — budget, mid-range, or luxury.
Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan. The average daily budget for a mid-range traveller is US $50-$80, including accommodations, meals, transportation, and entry fees. This doesn’t include the cost of trekking and horse-riding tours in Kyrgyzstan.
Kazakhstan. A bit more expensive, with an estimated daily budget of US $60-$100 for mid-range travellers.
Turkmenistan. The most expensive country in Central Asia, due to limited budget accommodations and the requirement for guided tours. The average daily budget for a mid-range traveller is US $80-$120.
Useful resources
Travel Guides
Bradt Guides. Written by recognised travel experts. Destinations include Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and even Karakalpakstan, an autonomous republic within Uzbekistan that’s worth the visit.
Lonely Planet. If you’re visiting multiple countries, the Lonely Planet Central Asia travel guide is a must-have.
Travel agencies and online resources
Wild Frontiers, Untamed Borders and Travel The Unknown. Boutique travel agencies in the UK offering tailor-made and small group tours to Central Asia and beyond.
Orexca. Offers tailor-made private tours and small group packages in Central Asia, Caucasus, and Russia. Caravanistan is another great resource for finding information, inspiration, and booking travel.
Indy Guide. A platform that connects you with local guides and allows you to book tours and activities in Central Asia and beyond. Even if plan your trip independently, it’s worth browsing for inspiration.
Country-specific resources
Kyrgyzstan. GoKG, Trip to Kyrgyzstan, Lonely Planet.
Uzbekistan. Karakalpakstan, Lonely Planet, British-Uzbek Society — a great resource for anyone interested in cultural and educational links between the UK and Uzbekistan.
Kazakhstan. Lonely Planet.
Turkmenistan. Official website, Lonely Planet.
Tajikistan. Pamirs, PECTA, Tajik Tourism, Lonely Planet.
Community Based Tourism. A network offering to stay with locals, allowing you to experience their daily lives. Chek out Hospitality Uzbekistan and Hospitality Kyrgyzstan.
What to pack and final tips
Your packing list will depend on your travel style, but consider including the following:
— Sturdy hiking boots
— Heel support bandage/plasters
— Flip-flops for visiting mosques and relaxing in your hosts’ homes
— For women: modest, light clothing — linen is ideal, scarf, and nude underwear
— Summer essentials: sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, and bathing costume
— Rain gear and warm clothes for mountain hikes
— Family photos to engage with your hosts
— Key rings or small gifts from your home country to give to your best encounters.
— Water treatment kit. If you prefer not to buy bottled water, consider investing in a Steripen — one of the most reliable devices to eliminate both bacteria and viruses thanks to an ultraviolet lamp only in a few seconds, a LifeStraw® filter straw — for treating fresh, clear water, or MICROPUR® tablets — reliable but the process takes longer than the Steripen and gives a bad taste to the water.
Finally, here are my last pieces of advice before setting off to Central Asia:
1. Contact local people before your trip.
2. Learn a few words of Russian and the national languages.
3. Don’t over plan your journey.
4. Be flexible.
5. Stay open-minded.
I hope you will enjoy Central Asia as much as I do!
