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: Ak Sai Panorama Ak Sai Panorama offers perhaps the best payoff to effort ratio on the southern shore of Issyk Kol, the top of which is a massive 360 panorama of the lake and surrounding mountains of Ak Say Canyon. Total Km: 2 km Total Days: 1 Elevation Gain/Loss: […]
Kyrgyzstan: Boirok Grove Кыргызстан: Бишкек берозовая роща Boirok Grove is a very easy hike near Bishkek with incredible golden foliage in fall. Total Km: 6km Total Days: 1 Elevation Gain/Loss: 478m+ / 478m- Start Point: Kashka-Suu End Point: Kashka-Suu GPS Files Boirok grove (better known locally in Russian as berezovaya […]
Kyrgyzstan: Chok-Tal Valley An easy hike up a wide beautiful valley, proximity to the north shore of Issyk-Kul belies the rugged and remote feeling of Chok-Tal valley. To top it off, two pretty lakes (one atop a steep scree slope) cap the adventure. Total Km: 14km Total Days: 1 Elevation […]
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 […]