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 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.
August 2013 Alakol Lake, Terskey Alatau Alakol Lake is located in altitude ca. 3.550 meters in Terskey Alatau range of Tian Shan mountains. You can get there in some 5 hours from Karakol valley. It is freezing in the night, but the sun dawn gives you a warm feeling for sure. If you are trekking there it is a must-see spot!

Where to stay in Central Asia

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
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
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
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
Panorama view of Teleshayakh Mosque - Tashkent Uzbekistan

Yunusobod District

While you're in Yunusobod District, take in top sights like Tashkent Tower or Aqua Park, and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Yunusobod Metro Station or Turkistan Metro Station.

Yunusobod District
Hotel Kazakhstan

Hotel Kazakhstan

4 out of 5
Dostyk ave 52/2 Almaty
The price is RM278 per night from 26 Mar to 27 Mar
RM278
RM322 total
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! (311 reviews)
Very friendly staff

Reviewed on 14 Mar 2026

Hotel Kazakhstan
Sheraton Astana Hotel

Sheraton Astana Hotel

5 out of 5
Syganak Street 60/1 Astana
The price is RM493 per night from 29 Mar to 30 Mar
RM493
RM572 total
29 Mar - 30 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in Astana. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Keruen and Bayterek Tower are located ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (85 reviews)
Room was nice. However, pool and spa were shut for at least a week without being informed

Reviewed on 15 Jan 2026

Sheraton Astana Hotel
StayInn City Center

StayInn City Center

27 Rakat Street Tashkent Tashkent
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Tashkent. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Popular attractions Seattle Peace Park and Ice City are ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (51 reviews)
The walls between the rooms are thin, you can hear everything that everyone says and does 😀

Reviewed on 14 Feb 2026

Get rates
StayInn City Center
See all 2,741 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! (206 reviews)
Все понравилось: и чистота номера, удобства, все необходимое имеется. Внимательное и вежливое отношение персонала. Атмосфера очень дружелюбная, как и в городе в целом. Все замечательно!

Reviewed on 1 Mar 2026

Elite Apart-Hotel
Istaravshan

Istaravshan

4 out of 5
Ukchi Street 3 Tashkent
Stay at this aparthotel in Tashkent. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Tashkent City Mall and Wedding Palace are ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (70 reviews)
Great location and equipment in the hotel.

Reviewed on 21 Oct 2025

Istaravshan
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
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
Tashkent market

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

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
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
Friendship Peoples Palace, Bunyodkor square, Tashkent

Alisher Navoiy Theater

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
fairytale castle and lake in National Park of Uzbekistan named after Alisher Navoi in Tashkent

Magic City Park

Bring the family to Magic City Park and have a fun-filled day at this theme park in Tashkent.

Magic City Park