Central Asia is one of my favourite regions – in particular, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan… and Pakistan to the south. I have also travelled through both Kazakhstan and Afghanistan but not enough to have any favourite places.
It is easy to get lost in Central Asia and discover places where few modern-day foreigners have ventured
Among the places I have visited in Central Asia, I list NINE of the best off-the-beaten-path destinations that most thrilled me.
1. Shughnan, Afghanistan
Get a tourist visa at the Afghan consulate in Khorog, Tajikistan, and head for the nearby border-crossing to Afghanistan. The village of Shughnan is about a five kilometre walk north of the border-crossing along the Panj River.
You may have to ask locals of this small mountain village for a room to sleep as there don’t seem to be a guesthouse. The small travellers inn at the bazaar is best avoided. Don’t expect any foreign tourists here so you will be on your own. Best is to make friends with a local and offer a nice tip to take you around and act as a translator. Locals are very friendly but will continuously stare at you.
☛ Read more: Timeless Shughnan village of Afghanistan
2. Bulunkul, Tajikistan
The tiny settlement is located in the most beautiful setting close to the Bulunkul and Yashilkul freshwater lakes in the upper Gunt Valley of the Pamir Mountains.
While the village looks windswept and is apparently one of the coldest settlements in Tajikistan, the locals are hospitable and will offer food, vodka and accommodation.
On the shores of the Yashilkul Lake is a hot springs flowing into the lake. The water is hot and clean, only when there are no ladies washing their laundry.
The area offers great walks, lakes, hot springs, and wetlands great for bird spotting.
3. Boysun, Uzbekistan
Among the Hissar range in the southeast Surkhandarya region of Uzbekistan lies the remote village of Boysun.
Once located on the the Silk Road, it now lies on the rail line from Samarkand and Denau. The village is known for its lively bazaars with the aroma of spices, colourful fabrics and delicious cuisine.
Locals are known for their blue eyes which they describe as “coming from our blue skies – because we have 300 cloudless days a year.” Come and enjoy the festival of folk music and avant-garde fashion named “Boysun Bahori.” The spring festival takes place in an open-air theatre set against a spectacular backdrop of the Hissar mountain range.
☛ Read more: Posts about Uzbekistan
4. Garam Chashma & Bibi Fatima Hot Springs, Tajikistan
Some 46 km (28 mi) south of Khorog on the left side of the road, is the Garam Chashma Hot Springs (see photo). The naturally hot springs here are thousands of years old, and over the years it has deposited cascades of bright white, yellow and brown chalky-calcium and sulphur. The hot water comes out of the earth in the form of micro geysers meaning from 10 cm to 1.5 metres high. The flow rate is about 7-10 litres per second.
The spring is the warmest in the westward extension of the Himalayan Geothermal Belt with the water temperature at the exit point of about 62 °C (144 °F). The reservoir temperatures may be as high as 260 °C (500 °F). A small outside pool is used for soaking.
A stone’s throw away from Yamchun village, a steep hike up the mountain past the Yamchun Fort, is the hot springs of Bibi Fatima named after the Prophet Mohammed’s sister. The bathing area is in a fine stalactite cave from where the hot water emerges. The water contains no chalk, is crystal clear, and is believed to improve female fertility due to the womblike calcite formations. The cave gets enough sunlight with ample fresh air. This could be your most memorable hot spring experience ever.
5. Jeti-Ögüz, Kyrgyzstan
Not far from the southern shores of Issyk-Kul Lake lies another Kyrgyzstan gem.
A few kilometres past the red sandstone rock formations known as the “seven bulls of Jeti-Ögüz,” you will find a few jailoos, complete with horses, donkeys and several yurts.
Surrounded by mountains, this is a great base to explore the nearby mountains and rivers on foot or by horse. Rent a yurt and enjoy the local food.
6. Terskey Alatau, Kyrgyzstan
At the far east corner of Issyk-Kul Lake is the town of Karakol. Stock up on food and other provisions and head south for a multi-day hike into the Terskey Alatau mountains.
The route goes past alpine meadows with flowers and lush grass, waterfalls, very steep passes, the incredible Ala-Kul glacial lake and massive glacier. Relax in the hot springs of the Altyn-Arashan valley. Spend a few days and enjoy the fresh mountain air. Take along a guide and never hike alone!
7. Wakhan Valley, Tajikistan
Located in the south of the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Province (GBAO) of Tajikistan, the Wakhan Valley runs along the north side of the Panj River which forms the border with Afghanistan’s Wakhan Corridor.
The valley is dotted with small villages and farmers working the furtile soil along the river. Surrounded by mountains to the immediate north and south, the valley is hot in summer and snowed in during the winter. Enjoy a homestay and explore.
☛ Read more: Tajikistan’s Wakhan Valley Adventures
8. Arslanbob, Kyrgyzstan
The mountain village of Arslanbob is situated in the shadows of the snow-capped Chatkal mountains.
The village is partly surrounded by the world’s second largest walnut grove so come in late September and you will be showered in walnuts.
The local CBT arranges home stays so accommodation and food can be found. The area is great for hiking and sightseeing, and at the right time of the year you will find a variety of wild fruits and nuts to enjoy.
9. Medeu Valley, Kazakhstan
Located in a beautiful setting of the Zailiyskiy Alatau mountainous area of southern Kazakhstan, the Medeu Valley is known for the massive Medeu Ice-skating stadium, the impressive ski-lifts to the top of the mountain, and the Medeu mudflow control dam.
Hike up the valley and higher into the mountains for stunning views of the surrounding snow-capped mountains and valleys. Once you are on top of the mountain, look south over the large Lake Issyk-Kul in Kyrgyzstan.
☛ Read more: Posts of Central Asia
Blog post and photos by Peter who has been travelling almost full-time since 2005 and has been to over 122 countries. He visited several countries, such as Japan, more than 20 times. Peter is Editor-in-Chief and Publisher of GlobeRovers Magazine, an independent travel magazine focused on intrepid destinations.