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: Chok-Tal Seven Lakes Chok-Tal Seven Lakes offers a pleasant stroll through wildflower-filled pastures up to a string of seven lakes atop a small plateau above the main Chok-Tal valley. Local shepherds and the occasional marmot are likely the only company you’ll come across in this little-known valley high above […]
Kyrgyzstan: Kol Tor Lake (At Bashi) The trek to Kol Tor is an easy dayhike to a beautiful mountain lake off the upper At Bashi Valley in the Naryn region of Kyrgyzstan. Short distances and minimal elevation gain make this suitable for trekkers of all levels, and the views stack […]
Tajikistan: Fann Mountains Trekking Guide Таджикистан: путеводитель по Фанский Горы Though most Western tourists center their Tajikistan travel on the Pamir Highway, the Fann Mountains in the northwest of the country is full of tempting trekking routes and high alpine lakes, most of it admist landscapes far more lush and […]
Uzbekistan: Nuratau Mountains Hiking Guide Узбекистан: Путеводитель по горам Нуратау An offbeat alternative to the typically more history-focused travel itineraries, the Nuratau Mountains are an excellent place to experience trekking in Uzbekistan firsthand and see historical and cultural sides of Uzbekistan that most visitors completely miss. The hiking is fairly […]
Kyrgyzstan: Merzbacher Lake and Enilchek Кыргызстан: Озеро Мерцбахера и Энилчек Merzbacher Lake is one of the strangest natural phenomena in the mountains of Kyrgyzstan, and the Enilchek Glacier one of the most spectacular and rugged landscapes. Taken together, this hike makes for one of the most memorable experiences of all […]
Tajikistan: Yagnob Valley Loop Trek Таджикистан: Поход в Ягнобскую Долину Trekking in the Yagnob Valley is special not just for the stark mountain sceneries, but for the ancient culture of the Yagnobi people you will experience long the way. Numerous routes exist in the Yagnob Valley, giving trekkers a plethora […]