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: 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 […]
Kyrgyzstan: Belagorka Waterfall The Belagorka Waterfall is the highest in the Kyrgyz ridge of the Alatoo Mountains, the range immediately surrounding Bishkek and the Chuy Valley. It’s a pleasant, easy daytrip from Bishkek and so remains popular as a dayhike from Bishkek – though more-so with local groups than foreign […]
Tajikistan: Mogiyon to Haft Kul Trek Таджикистан: Могион – Хафт-Куль Located in the far west of the Fann Mountains, the Mogiyon to Haft Kul Trek combines the off the beaten path village of Mogiyon with a classic Fanns destination in Haft Kul. The Mogiyon-Haft Kul trek is perfect for those […]
Kyrgyzstan: Song Kol Lake from Kyzart Pass Кыргызстан: Озеро Соң Көл с перевала Кызарт Ascending a mountain pass on foot or horseback and seeing Song Kol Lake for the first time spread out in all its glory is one of the most memorable experience that trekking in Kyrgyzstan has to […]
Kyrgyzstan: Alakol Lake Trek Кыргызстан: Озеро Алаколь Alakol Lake is quite likely the most popular overnight trek in Kyrgyzstan. An incredible mountain lake, backed by mesmerizing rugged peaks and a glacier that drops right down to the shore. It’s an unbelievably beautiful hike, made better by a handful of yurt […]