Central Asia. The 5 -Stans. A region of wild mountains, hospitable nomads, and endless bumpy marthrutka rides. It’s one of the best hiking regions in Asia, or even the world for that matter, but don’t expect much in the way of infrastructure or signage – prepare to be self-reliant and sort out all the logistics yourself.
Pick up most recent Lonely Planet: Central Asia guidebook to start planning your trip.
Kyrgyzstan: Tiorgen Ak-Suu High Loop Easy going walking up a pretty mountain valley, with nice peak views and a beautiful angle back on Tashtambek-Tor Bashi Peak from the end. Total km: 9.5 km Elevation gain/loss: 641m+/641m- Start point: Tiorgen Ak-Suu Road End Endpoint: Tiorgen Ak-Suu Road End GPS Files A […]
Turkmenistan: Nokhur Panorama Hike This short walk to a viewpoint over the small Turkmen town of Nokhur makes an excellent start to a day or exploring the village and surrounding Kopetdag Mountain range, and you can be home in time for breakfast. Total km: 3km Elevation gain/loss: 134m+/ 134m- Start […]
Turkmenistan: Yangykala Canyon Loop Hike Yangkala Canyon, one of Turkmenistan’s most incredible landscapes, is the setting for this quick loop hike among the cliffs above the Kyzylkum desert. A remote and beautiful region of the country, this hike is a must-do for travelers on extended trips in Turkmenistan. Total km: […]
Kyrgyzstan: Kok Jaiyk Waterfall (Jeti Oguz) This quick and easy dayhike is a popular option among visitors to the Kok Jaiyk Jailoo, whether as a pleasant distraction on a daytrip to the mountains or for the evening before starting off on a longer hike out of Jeti Oguz. Total Km: […]
Kyrgyzstan: Issyk-Ata Waterfall The short Issyk-Ata Waterfall dayhike near Bishkek is one of the most popular options for tourists hiking in Kyrgyzstan‘s Chuy region. Total Km: 5km Total Days: 1 Elevation Gain/Loss: 344m+ / 344m- Start Point: Issyk-Ata Sanatoria End Point: Issyk-Ata Sanatoria GPS Files This walk couldn’t be more […]
Kyrgyzstan: Kol-Tor (Lower Jergez) This quick and easy hike not far from Karakol ends at a small mountain lake – while it’s pretty enough, the real draw is the massive panorama of Ak Suu region on the way up and down the hill. Total Km: 14km Total Days: 1 Elevation […]