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: 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 […]
Kazakhstan: Aksai Canyon Monastery Казахстан: Монастырь Аксайский каньон The short and easy Aksai Canyon Monastery walk is every bit as much a cultural experience as a natural one. The small Russian Orthodox Serafimo-Feognostovskiy Monastery makes a great dayhike destination for families or casual hikers, combing some pretty and gentle landscapes […]
Kyrgyzstan: At Jailoo Lake A tiny alpine lake with big mountain views, At Jailoo Lake is an offbeat alternative to the already offbeat Enilchek Valley, but one with big payoffs for lovers of beautiful peaks and peaceful nature. This entire region of Issyk-Kol is hard to reach and travel, but […]
Tajikistan: Kulikalon Lakes to Chimtarga and Iskanderkul Таджикистан: Куликалон до чимтарга и Искандеркуль This long route over the Chimtarga Pass combines some of the most stunningly beautiful sections of the Fann Mountains with challenging passes and cultural highlights in rarely-touristed settlements. It is a physically, and outside of the warmest […]
Kyrgyzstan: Ak Tash (Naryn Region) Кыргызстан: Ак Таш (Нарынская область) Ak Tash (literally White Stone) is a small ridge just east of the city of Naryn – these forested hillsides with panoramic mountain views are an excellent dayhike out of the city, offering a fairly easy route with a lot […]