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
The stone fountins on Amir Timur Square of Tashkent, Uzbekistan

Yakkasaroy District

While you're in Yakkasaroy District, take in top sights like Seattle Peace Park and jump on the metro at Kosmonavtlar Station to see more of the city.

Yakkasaroy District
Usbekistan: Der Chorsu Basar in Taschkent

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
Kukeldash Madrasah, in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

Shayhontohur District

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

Shayhontohur District
Allphotokz Kok Tobe 20191016 0954 D810 PS

Bostandyk District

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

Bostandyk District
Hotel Kazakhstan

Hotel Kazakhstan

4 out of 5
Dostyk ave 52/2 Almaty
The price is €107 per night from 26 Mar to 27 Mar
€107
26 Mar - 27 Mar
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! (308 reviews)
Rooms were very good and clean Staff were very attentive and helpfull

Reviewed on 18 Feb 2026

Hotel Kazakhstan
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 ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (204 reviews)
Hello, I had a great stay at Elite Apart-Hotel. The service was outstanding, and everyone—from the front desk to the transfer team—was friendly, helpful, and professional. The location is also excellent: it’s very close to the U.S. Embassy (less than a 5-minute walk). Highly recommend this ...

Reviewed on 22 Feb 2026

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Elite Apart-Hotel
Jumbaktas Hotel

Jumbaktas Hotel

4 out of 5
ul. Karasakal Erimbetov, 65 Astana
The price is €91 per night from 11 Mar to 12 Mar
€91
11 Mar - 12 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Astana. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Popular attractions Transport & Communications Ministry and ...
Jumbaktas Hotel
See all 2,691 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 ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (204 reviews)
Hello, I had a great stay at Elite Apart-Hotel. The service was outstanding, and everyone—from the front desk to the transfer team—was friendly, helpful, and professional. The location is also excellent: it’s very close to the U.S. Embassy (less than a 5-minute walk). Highly recommend this ...

Reviewed on 22 Feb 2026

Elite Apart-Hotel
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
Qibla Tozabog

Qibla Tozabog

3 out of 5
Farovonlik St 1 Khiva Xorazm Region
Stay at this hotel in Khiva. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Popular attractions Citadel Kunya-ark and Mohammed Amin Madrassah are located ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (15 reviews)
It's ok but in the middle of nowhere..not bad breakfast

Reviewed on 18 Sept 2025

Qibla Tozabog
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

5/5(5 reviews)

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
Tashkent market

Chorsu Bazaar

4.5/5(7 reviews)

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
Statue of Tamerlane and Palace of Forums in center of Tashkent at sunset, Uzbekistan

Amir Timur Monument

3.5/5(10 reviews)

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
Friendship Peoples Palace, Bunyodkor square, Tashkent

Alisher Navoiy Theater

4.5/5(2 reviews)

Enjoy a performance at Alisher Navoiy Theater, a theatre with a story to tell in Tashkent. Discover the area's museums and monuments.

Alisher Navoiy Theater
Tashkent TV tower scenic view from Japanese garden

Tashkentland

Enjoy the thrill rides with your children at Tashkentland during your trip to Tashkent. Wander the lakeside or discover the area's mountain views.

Tashkentland
The Bayterek dressed in green and pink

Bayterek Tower

4.5/5(4 reviews)

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

Bayterek Tower