Central Asia

Travel 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

If you're spending some time in Mirobod District, Fine Arts Museum of Uzbekistan and Alisher Navoiy Theater are top sights worth seeing.

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

If you're spending some time in Shayhontohur District, Chorsu Bazaar and Mausoleum of Sheikh Zaynudin Bobo are top sights worth seeing.

Shayhontohur District
See our Where To Stay guide
Hotel Kazakhstan

Hotel Kazakhstan

4 out of 5
Dostyk ave 52/2 Almaty
$85 nightly
The price is $98 total per night from Jan 21 to Jan 22
$98 total
Jan 21 - Jan 22
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Almaty. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 restaurants. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (301 reviews)
Do not go to BarFly restarant. It is terrible

Reviewed on Jan 16, 2026

Hotel Kazakhstan
Jumbaktas Hotel

Jumbaktas Hotel

4 out of 5
ul. Karasakal Erimbetov, 65 Astana
$81 nightly
The price is $94 total per night from Jan 23 to Jan 24
$94 total
Jan 23 - Jan 24
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Astana. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Transport & Communications Ministry ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (57 reviews)
Airport shuttle worked as planned, ideal arriving in a city I didn't know in the middle of the night. £13. Nothing to dislike, it's a big and spread out city so it's long walks, or very cheap taxis

Reviewed on Sep 5, 2025

Jumbaktas Hotel
Courtyard by Marriott Tashkent

Courtyard by Marriott Tashkent

4 out of 5
KICHIK BESHYOGOCH ST. 126 KAKHAR DRIVE Tashkent
$81 nightly
The price is $101 total per night from Feb 1 to Feb 2
$101 total
Feb 1 - Feb 2
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Tashkent. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 restaurants. Popular attractions Seattle Peace Park and Ice City ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (171 reviews)
All good

Reviewed on Dec 7, 2025

Courtyard by Marriott Tashkent
See all 2,648 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
Book a stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Astana. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, and an airport shuttle (surcharge). Our guests praise the ...
9/10 Wonderful! (203 reviews)
Awesome!!!

Reviewed on Dec 19, 2025

Elite Apart-Hotel
Istaravshan

Istaravshan

4 out of 5
Ukchi Street 3 Tashkent
Stay at this aparthotel in Tashkent. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, 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 Oct 21, 2025

Istaravshan
STYLO Residences & Suites

STYLO Residences & Suites

4.5 out of 5
mirobod Tashkent mirabad
Book a stay at this luxury aparthotel in Tashkent. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a rooftop terrace. Popular attractions Seattle Peace Park and Fine Arts ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (31 reviews)
All was perfect. 👍

Reviewed on Nov 9, 2025

STYLO Residences & Suites
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
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
The Bayterek dressed in green and pink

Bayterek Tower

Learn about the local history of Astana with a stop at Bayterek Tower. Discover the area's theater scene and monuments.

Bayterek Tower

Chorsu Bazaar

You can browse for the perfect souvenirs at Chorsu Bazaar during your stay in Tashkent. Amble around the area's lakeside or experience its museums.

Chorsu Bazaar

Amir Timur Monument

You can find out about the history of Tashkent with a trip to Amir Timur Monument. Discover the area's mountain views and monuments.

Amir Timur Monument

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