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 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 […]
Tajikistan: Haft Kul to Alaudin Lake Таджикистан: Хафт-Куль – Алаудин The Haft Kul to Alovaddin trek combines some of the best the Fann Mountains have to offer, bringing you to camp on the shores of many of its most stunning lakes. Though not as popular as the shorter Kulikalon Lakes […]
Tajikistan: Jizeu Valley Trek Таджикистан: Долина Джизэу The Jizeu Valley feels like a lush oasis after leaving the barren, arid Bartang Valley behind. One of the lower altitude treks in the Tajik Pamirs, Jizeu makes for the perfect acclimatization warm-up to higher elevations or an easy cool-down hike when the […]
Kazakhstan: Charyn Canyon Казахстан: Чарынский каньон Charyn Canyon is a unique semi-desert valley cut against the bed of the Charyn River. One of the most popular tourist outings from Almaty, these lovely landscapes are often compared to the Grand Canyon in the US. It’s an essential destination for hiking in […]
Kyrgyzstan: Adygene Glacier Loop Кыргызстан: Ледник Адыгень The Adygene Glacier Loop is a beautiful alternative to the more popular trekking routes inside Ala Archa National Park – a small but picturesque glacial lake and variety of both trekking and climbing peaks make this under-explored side of the park great for […]
Kazakhstan: Kolsai Lakes National Park Казахстан: Кольсайские озера Kazakhstan’s Kolsai Lakes truly earn the nickname ‘Pearls of the Tien Shan’ – a fact you’ll understand immediately when Kolsai Lake I first comes into view. Easily the highlight of the Kolsai Lakes National Park in southeastern Kazakhstan, the trek between […]