Winter in Central Asia is a time of snowy landscapes, mountain adventures, and cozy cities. We’ve gathered several destinations worth visiting for their atmosphere and new experiences.
Kazakhstan
Borovoe
Borovoe is one of the most picturesque places in Kazakhstan, which in winter turns into a true snowy resort. The lakes freeze over, pine trees are wrapped in snow, and the air becomes refreshingly crisp. Here you can go ice skating, skiing, and sledding, as well as visit the unique complex “Kazakh Lapland,” where both children and adults will have fun and find it interesting.
Chundzha
The Chundzha hot springs are the perfect destination for winter relaxation. The water in the natural pools stays around +40°C year-round, surrounded by mountains and snowy landscapes. This place is loved by those seeking peace and recovery after the hustle and bustle of city life.
Turgen Gorge
In winter, Turgen Gorge turns into a fairytale landscape of frozen waterfalls and snow-covered pines. The scenic views impress and create the perfect location for beautiful winter photos. This destination is a great choice for a short trip from Almaty.
Uzbekistan
Baysun
The mountain region of Baysun is one of the most authentic places in Uzbekistan. In winter, people come here for the clean air, the atmosphere of ancient traditions, and the peacefulness of the mountains. During the snowy season, Baysun is especially beautiful.
Zaamin
Zaamin National Park is known as the “Uzbek Switzerland.” In winter, you can see coniferous forests, snow-covered trails, and mountain rivers. It’s an ideal place for walking, photo sessions, and a peaceful rest away from big cities.
Chimgan
The Chimgan mountain resort, located just an hour’s drive from Tashkent, is considered Uzbekistan’s main winter destination. Modern ski lifts operate here, and the slopes are equipped for skiing and snowboarding, surrounded by stunning scenery. Even if you’re not into winter sports, you can still enjoy a cozy weekend here.
Nurata Mountains
Although the Nurata Mountains are a favorite spot for climbers during the summer, they also offer great opportunities for winter recreation. The mesmerizing views of snow-covered peaks, cozy guesthouses, silence, and clean air make this an excellent choice for a calm winter getaway or holiday.
Kyrgyzstan
Orlovka
One of the most popular winter destinations in Kyrgyzstan, Orlovka is located just an hour’s drive from Bishkek. Guests can enjoy well-maintained slopes of varying difficulty, a modern ski lift, equipment rentals, and cozy cafés with hot drinks. The resort is perfect for both beginners and experienced riders.
Suusamyr Valley
In winter, the Suusamyr Valley becomes a true kingdom of snow and open space. It’s one of the most scenic and remote areas in the country — a destination for heli-ski enthusiasts, mountaineers, and those seeking silence and wild nature. Local yurts offer overnight stays in a traditional style.
Ala-Archa National Park
This unique natural park with its unforgettable views becomes especially beautiful in winter. Popular hiking routes lead to waterfalls and glaciers. Ala-Archa is famous for its stunning views of gorges and mountain waterfalls.
Jeti-Ögüz
Jeti-Ögüz is known for its red cliffs of unusual shape and its breathtaking mountain scenery. In winter, the area is especially picturesque: snowy peaks, cozy guesthouses, pine forests, and frozen rivers create an atmosphere of solitude and peace.
Karakol
Karakol is one of the main winter tourist centers in Central Asia, located on the eastern shore of Lake Issyk-Kul. The city is famous for its ski resort, Karakol Ski Base, which offers more than 20 kilometers of slopes of varying difficulty and a modern infrastructure for skiing.
In addition to skiing and snowboarding, tourists can visit the Altyn Arashan hot springs, go snowshoe hiking, or explore the nearby gorges.
Tajikistan
Safed-Dara
The Safed-Dara ski resort, located near Dushanbe, is considered the main winter destination of Tajikistan. The resort offers slopes of different difficulty levels, ski lifts, equipment rentals, and hotels with panoramic mountain views. Even if you don’t ski, it’s worth coming here for the stunning scenery and fresh mountain air.