Central Asia Holidays offer you a chance to discover one of the world’s most fascinating crossroads. There are several places where ancient history, breathtaking landscapes, and vibrant cultures come together. Stretching across Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, this region offers an adventure and timeless traditions that captivate every traveller.
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8 Nights
25% Savings
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08 Nights
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28% Savings
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10 Nights Accommodation
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Comfortable Stays Included
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6 Nights
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Peak season
Warm summers; accessible mountain routes; Central Asia's main travel season
Off-season
Cold winters; snow in mountains; quieter conditions for general touring
4° / -7°
32-87 mm
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6° / -5°
42-115 mm
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1-56 mm
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3-55 mm
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12-66 mm
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26-69 mm
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24-76 mm
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Central Asia is built for journeys: Silk Road cities, high mountain roads, nomadic traditions, alpine lakes and some of the most dramatic landscapes in Asia.
From the tiled domes of Samarkand and the yurt camps of Kyrgyzstan to the high passes of the Pamirs, these are the experiences that define the region.
Persian, Turkic, Mongol, Russian and Islamic influences have shaped Central Asia's music, crafts, festivals, food and nomadic traditions.
Silk Road monuments, ancient cities, mountain lakes and modern capitals feature among the region's highlights.
Central Asian food is hearty and generous, built around bread, rice, noodles, lamb and fresh produce, and shaped by nomadic and Silk Road traditions.
Rice cooked with meat, carrots, onions and spices in a large cauldron called a kazan. It is Uzbekistan's national dish, and its preparation traditions are recognised by UNESCO.
Boiled meat, usually lamb or horse, served on flat noodles with an onion broth. Its name means "five fingers", as it was traditionally eaten by hand.
Hand-pulled noodles served with meat and vegetables, either in a broth or stir-fried.
Large steamed dumplings filled with minced meat and onion, often served with sour cream or yoghurt.
Flaky pastries filled with meat, onion or pumpkin, traditionally baked in a clay tandir oven.
Skewers of marinated lamb, beef or chicken grilled over charcoal, usually served with raw onion and bread.
Round flatbread baked in a tandir oven and stamped with a decorative pattern. Bread is treated with great respect across the region.
Tajikistan's national dish, made with pieces of flatbread soaked in a sauce of dried yoghurt, topped with onions, tomatoes and herbs.
A hearty soup of lamb or beef with potatoes, carrots and other vegetables.
Fermented mare's milk, a traditional drink of the nomadic peoples, especially popular in summer.
Check the latest FCDO advice for each country before you travel, as some border areas carry specific warnings. Check TravelHealthPro for vaccination and health guidance, use reputable operators for mountain travel and take altitude seriously in the Pamirs and Tian Shan.
Distances are large, so plan routes carefully and use trains or internal flights where possible.
Check entry rules for each country separately. British citizens need a visa to visit Turkmenistan, and tourist visa applications require a letter of invitation.
Check whether you need a permit for areas such as Tajikistan's Gorno-Badakhshan region.
Carry some local cash, as card acceptance varies outside major cities.
Dress modestly, particularly at religious sites and in rural areas.
Acclimatise gradually before travelling to high-altitude areas such as the Pamirs.
Learn a few basic Russian phrases, as Russian is widely understood across the region.
Avoid photographing military sites, border posts and government buildings.
Treat bread with respect: never place it upside down or throw it away in front of your hosts.
Allow extra time for mountain roads, border crossings and weather.
Central Asia is usually taken to mean five countries: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.
Kazakhstan is the largest landlocked country in the world.
Uzbekistan is one of only two doubly landlocked countries in the world, along with Liechtenstein.
Ismoil Somoni Peak in Tajikistan, at 7,495 metres, was the highest mountain in the former Soviet Union.
More than 90% of Tajikistan is covered by mountains.
Yuri Gagarin, the first person in space, launched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan in 1961.
The Aral Sea, once one of the largest lakes in the world, has shrunk dramatically since the 1960s due to irrigation.
Malus sieversii, the main wild ancestor of the domesticated apple, is native to Central Asia, including parts of the Tian Shan.
Central Asia is an important centre of diversity for wild tulips, with many species native to the region.
Samarkand is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Central Asia.
When is the best time to visit Central Asia?
It depends on where you go. April to June and September to October suit the Silk Road cities, while July and August are best for the mountains of Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan.
How long should I spend in Central Asia?
Ten days to two weeks works well for Uzbekistan. Combining several countries usually needs three weeks or more.
Do UK travellers need a visa for Central Asia?
Visa requirements vary by country. British citizens can currently visit Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan for up to 30 days without a visa, while Kyrgyzstan allows visa-free stays of up to 30 calendar days in each 60-day period. A visa is required for Tajikistan and Turkmenistan. Always check the latest FCDO entry requirements before travelling.
Is Central Asia suitable for first-time travellers?
Yes. Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan are generally easier to navigate on established tourist routes, while remote mountain areas in Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan require more planning and may be easier to explore with an experienced local guide.
Is it easy to travel between countries in Central Asia?
Major cities are linked by flights, and many neighbouring countries are connected by land border crossings. Mountain routes can be slow, and some crossings close in winter.
What currency is used in Central Asia?
Each country has its own currency: the Kazakhstani tenge, Kyrgyz som, Tajik somoni, Turkmen manat and Uzbek so'm. Card acceptance varies, so carry some cash.
Is English widely spoken in Central Asia?
Each country has its own national language: Kazakh, Kyrgyz, Tajik, Turkmen or Uzbek. Russian is widely understood, especially in cities. English is spoken in many hotels and tourist areas but is less common elsewhere.
Is Central Asia good for family holidays?
Yes. The Silk Road cities, yurt stays and lakes such as Issyk-Kul are great for families, though long drives, heat and altitude need planning.
Can I combine several Central Asian countries in one trip?
Yes. Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan, and Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, work well as multi-country combinations. Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan can also be combined overland, subject to current border access, permits and travel advice.
Many Central Asia trips cover desert heat and cold mountain air in a single journey, so packing for sun, altitude and changing temperatures is usually necessary.
Our dedicated travel consultants will help create a holiday that feels completely your own.
From flights and handpicked hotels to private transfers and memorable experiences, we’ll take care of every detail.
