Travel to the ‘Stans of Central Asia – Episode 922

Hear about travel to Central Asia or the ‘Stans as the Amateur Traveler talks to Megan Cox from Meg the Rolling Egg about her trip to Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan.

Why should you go to Central Asia?

Meg says, “Whilst there was , ‘Oh my God, this place is amazing. I don’t know why people aren’t talking about it more. I don’t know why people aren’t coming here more often.’ It has something for everyone. It’s really just a beautiful place to go. So I felt like I wanted to promote a little bit.”

Day 1-3: Almaty, Kazakhstan

• Day 1: Arrive in Almaty. Explore the city:
  • Wander the streets and parks.
  • Visit Ascension Cathedral (a stunning yellow Orthodox church).
  • Attend a performance at the Abay Opera House.
  • Try Georgian food, available throughout the city.
• Day 2: Day trip to nearby nature:
  • Shymbulak Ski Resort (seasonal).
  • Medeu Skating Rink, surrounded by mountains and Soviet murals.
  • Kolsay Lakes National Park and Charyn Canyon (book a tour).
• Day 3: Relax and enjoy local culture:
  • Sample Central Asian cuisine.
  • Stroll through markets and enjoy the city’s Soviet-modern vibe.

Day 4-5: Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan

• Travel from Almaty to Bishkek (modern buses available).
• Day 4: Explore Bishkek:
  • Visit Victory Square with its eternal flame.
  • Tour the Kyrgyz State Historical Museum to understand Kyrgyz history.
  • Explore Osh Bazaar, a bustling market with vibrant stalls.
• Day 5: Optional day trip to Burana Tower, a historic minaret.

Day 6-9: Kyrgyzstan’s Natural Wonders

• Day 6-7: Travel to and explore Son Kul Lake:
  • Stay in yurts with nomadic families.
  • Experience horseback riding or hiking.
  • Immerse yourself in the nomadic lifestyle.
• Day 8-9: Head to Karakol via Issyk-Kul Lake:
  • Stay in Bokonbaevo for a night in a yurt on the lake.
  • Visit Fairytale Canyon and enjoy scenic views.
  • In Karakol, hike or explore hot springs, Dungan culture, and unique architecture.

Day 10-12: Fergana Valley, Uzbekistan

• Travel to Uzbekistan through the Fergana Valley.
• Day 10: Visit Arslanbob:
  • Marvel at walnut forests and waterfalls.
  • Experience rural Kyrgyz life in guesthouses.
• Day 11-12: Explore Margilan:
  • Tour the silk factory and learn about Silk Road history.
  • Wander markets and sample Uzbek food.

Day 13-16: Silk Road Cities, Uzbekistan

• Day 13: Travel to Bukhara:
  • Roam its historical markets and domes.
  • Visit Kalyan Minaret, Ark of Bukhara, and tea houses.
  • Shop for souvenirs, such as traditional clothing or pottery.
• Day 14-15: Spend time in Samarkand:
  • Visit Registan Square, a breathtaking architectural ensemble.
  • Explore Shah-i-Zinda, a vibrant alley of mosaic-covered tombs.
  • Soak in the history of this Silk Road gem.
• Day 16: Travel to Tashkent for departure or continue to Dushanbe, Tajikistan.

Optional: Day 17-18: Dushanbe, Tajikistan

• Visit the Dushanbe Flagpole and experience Tajik culture.
• Appreciate the Persian influence in language and architecture.
• Depart from Dushanbe for a more rounded experience of Central Asia.

Sponsors

Cut your wireless bill to 15 bucks a month at mintmobile.com/traveler.

Spark something uncommon this holiday with just the right gift from Uncommon Goods. Get 15% off your next gift at UNCOMMONGOODS.com/traveler. 

Sign up at butcherbox.com/traveler and get our special deal! Butcherbox is offering our listeners a Free for a Year offer plus an additional $20 off. Choose Chicken breast, salmon or ground beef FREE in every order for a year.

Quince brings luxury clothing products without the middleman. Go to Quince.com/traveler for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns!

subscribe: rss feed | Apple podcasts

Show Notes

Meg the Rolling Egg
Almaty
Ascension Cathedral, Almaty
Abay Opera House
Shymbulak
Medeu Skating Rink Almaty
Medeu
Kolsay Lakes National Park
Aksu-Zhabagly Nature Reserve
Bishkek
Victory Square, Bishkek
Kyrgyz State Historical Museum
Osh Bazaar
Burana Tower
Kyrgyzstan
Son Kul Lake
Community-Based Tourism Kyrgyzstan
Karakol
Issyk-Kul
Bokonbaevo
Fairytale canyon in Issyk-Kul region
Dungan people
Kok Boru
Arslanbob
Osh
Fergana Valley
Margilan
Uzbekistan
Khiva
Samarkand
Bukhara
Kalyan Minaret
Bukhara – Markets
Ark of Bukhara
Registan
Shah-i-Zinda
Tashkent
Dushanbe
Dushanbe Flagpole
Central Asia in Review | Meg the Rolling Egg

Community

Please take our listener survey

Amateur Traveler Trips