Wanting to head to Central Asia soon? This region is growing in popularity as their respective governments relax tourist restrictions and word is spreading among travelers. Even buzzfeed is in on it, here. Already big among long term travelers such as Silk Road cyclists, gap-yearers, and travel-lifers. Tourism in this area is only projected to grow especially among those with limited time and less limited budgets e.i. travel-prone millennials. Is that you? This guide is to help you with a two-week trip to all/one of the Central Asian countries. It’ll help you pick and help you plan:
What is a quick overview of the countries? Here is a quick word association:
- Adventure – Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan
- History – Uzbekistan
- Off the grid – Tajikistan
- Sightseeing – Uzbekistan
- Food – None of the above
- Party – Kazakhstan
- Motorcycle – Tajikistan
- Photography – All? Though Uzbekistan is probably the most fun.
- Bicycle – Tajikistan
- Horse – Kyrgyzstan
- Camel – Uzbekistan
- Iran visa problems – Uzbekistan (Meaning if you are a US citizen and like Persian history)
Uzbekistan has the biggest most impressive history and structures to gawk at, however once you have seen them there isn’t much lasting flavor. Kyrgyzstan is easy to get in and out of and easy to trek/camp/horseback ride in while surrounded by some cool landscapes. Tajikistan has more dramatic jaw-dropping scenery but….in a two week trip you will be hustling as it isn’t as well built for the shorter holiday experience. Kazakhstan is similar to Kyrgyzstan where it has some great landscapes but it’s also got a rich capital where all western comforts can be found. Want to read more, go here for Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan (Afghanistan as well). Kazakhstan – didn’t spend enough time to give it a sufficient review, sorry.
Which country is best? Survey says Tajikistan. If you think about what sets Central Asia apart form the rest of the world, you’d probably land on the mountainous cultures involved in the silk road. So there is Uzbekistan, loads of history and sightseeing but once you have seen the mosques, minarets, madrassas, and mausoleums there isn’t a lot to hold your attention. They are big and colorful and great when you first set eyes on them but after a few hours, there isn’t much to hold your attention. The museums aren’t great either so a self guided learning expedition is more difficult. Then you look around at the flat land next to you and everything is just a bit one dimensional thus eliminating Uzbek from the Central Asian travel crown. Inversely, Kyrgyzstan isn’t flat and has a lot of land worth looking at – lakes, valleys, and mountains. It also has a cool nomadic culture to experience. However, the nomadic culture isn’t altogether overwhelming. By nature, being nomadic, means the cities in Kyrgyzstan are more or less new (Societ-era) and the lifestyle, though interesting, isn’t conducive to stumbling around towns and cities admiring time honored traditions (as it is in Uzbekistan)…it just isn’t there. Finally, Tajikistan has a bit more cultural appeal and some-how its geography gets bigger and better than Kyrgyzstan. If Kyrgyzstan was built with a shovel, Tajikistan was chiseled from stone. Everything seems to reach higher or dive deeper, and faster. Valley’s more suffocating, mountains more daunting, and the terrain more harsh. It is just more exciting. And culturally, it may not compare to Uzbeks but it has enough to sink your teeth into. It has nomadic traditions as the Kyrgyz nomads occupy much of eastern Tajikistan (as they do parts of Kazakhstan, Afghanistan, and China), while also being home to the Wahki in the Pamirs and the largest population of Ishmaili muslims. The absolutely stunning landscape combined with some culturally noteworthy points make Tajikistan the Central Asian winner.
Okay, so how to do Tajikistan in two weeks? Here!
Want something a little easier than Tajik but similar experience? Have no fear, Kyrgyzstan is here!
Now what about Uzbekistan? Here too.
Okay so what about Kazakhstan? It is big, has mountains and deserts. The population is more wealthy than its neighbors so it has more comforts westerners are use to but the bigger draws are elsewhere… Not to say it isn’t worth visiting.
Culture Capital 