Connected to the rest of the world by the ancient caravan trails that weaved their way through the towns and oases, Central Asia was the original site of the legendary Silk Road – the main trading route between the East and West from the second century B.C. to the sixteenth century A.D. The first item to be transported was silk, from which the route got its name, and later jewellery, glass, and iron were to make the fabled journey.
The mountains of Central Asia have been dubbed ‘The Roof of the World’, containing some of the highest and most beautiful peaks on Earth. Since the routes are so remote, with varying difficulties, you will often find themselves with the captivating landscape all to yourself. Local guides can advise and head treks; either arrange with a tour before you go or ask around in the local villages for an escort. Other popular activities include hiking, climbing, rafting, mountain biking, and kayaking. Winter sports are excellent in Bishkek (Kyrgyzstan) and Almaty (Kazakhstan).
Central Asia has a large collection of rare and endemic flora and fauna amid its varying altitudes in the mountains, steppes, and valleys. Among the rarest species of animals to be found are wild ram, aurochs, lynx, bears, and snow leopards.
The Amu-Darya is Central Asia’s greatest river, rising from the great mountains in the East and emptying into what remains of the Aral Sea. The broad, flat, fertile land of the Ferghana Valley is in the heartland of Uzbekistan, surrounded by the Tien Shan and Pamir mountain ranges. Here the majority of settlements are found and the focus of the region’s silk production. The unfortunate Russian industrialisation has turned much the natural beauty of the area into ugly production zones for the vast cotton industry but nevertheless you will find the locals friendly and hospitable and the nearby mountains convenient for activities and treks.
The varied topography of Kazakhstan creates a contrasting landscape, from the vast plains and deserts, filled with interminable steppes, through to the inaccessible snow-capped peaks, there are many sights and activities to keep most travellers in awe of this beautiful country. Combined with its long, difficult history of occupation and the legacy of war, Kazakhstan has many lingering monuments and mausoleums that will entice and intrigue.
When to go
Central Asia enjoys a continental climate in the lowlands of the Ferghana Valley in the south-west with a stark, winter-like contrast in the high altitude Tien Shan Mountains.
Temperatures range from 30C in summer to a chilling -45C in winter. Invariably, if you intend to see much of this fascinating area, spring and autumn are the best times to visit as the country breaks into a harmony of colour and vitality around harvest time. You may also find transport restricted and many flights cancelled in winter and trekking in the mountains in spring can be treacherous with melting snow and increased risk of avalanche. Always check with local guides or tourist agencies for current safety advice.
Being a majority Muslim population, traditional Islamic festivals are astutely observed. Probably the biggest of these is Navrus, the spring festival of renewal which takes place on the vernal equinox, approximately mid- to late March when, for two days, traditional games, music and drama are practised. Good places to experience Navrus are Samarkand (Uzbekistan) and Hissar Fort near Dushanbe (Tajikistan).
Ramadan is also observed, however not with so much gusto as other Islamic states, as the people of Central Asia remain closer to their nomadic roots. Travellers should still find food with relative ease at this time. Independence Day is celebrated in each country, dates vary from late August to late September for each country, marking the end of the oppressive Soviet regime. Each country has its own national holiday on this day and it is celebrated with great reverence as a symbol of hope.
The Nukus’ Pakhta-Bairam harvest festival is held in Karakol (Kazakhstan) in December, where you can catch a rare game of ylaq oyyny – Central Asia’s answer to polo. Players hit a goat carcass around the field and other ‘animal loving’ activities take place like wrestling and ram and cock fighting.
Dress
Women should be aware of dressing appropriately in Central Asia as skimpy clothes or shorts may attract attention from the local men and you will need to cover your head and remove shoes when entering a mosque. Avoid displaying symbols of wealth, such as jewellery, as you may become a target for crime.
Travel
Bus and train travel is somewhat behind the western standards you may be used to; services are infrequent and overcrowded. Be early and re-confirm the timetable in advance of your journey.
Language
There are many languages being spoken in these countries of Central Asia, some of the main official ones are Kyrgyz, Tajik, Turkmen, and Uzbek. Russian is also widely spoken as the business language and to bridge the linguistic gap between different nationalities.
People
Central Asia has a cosmopolitan mix of ethnic groups including Kyrgyz, Uzbek, Tajik, Kazakh, Turkmen, and Russian. The main religion here is Islam, although practitioners tend not to be as strict as those in the Middle Eastern.
Native Kazakhs are a mix of Turkic and Mongol nomadic tribes who migrated to the region around the thirteenth century. Russia then conquered Central Asia in the eighteenth century and the area was split up into Soviet Republics in the 1930s.
Cash
You’ll find the countries of Central Asia cheap by Western standards, however, as a foreigner you will unavoidably pay more for goods and services than the locals. Expect to spend between US$20 to 40 per day on a budget, more if you wish to stay in moderate hotels and eat in decent restaurants. Tipping is contrary to Islamic principals, so you may offend by offering money for services. In some restaurants a service charge is added to the bill.
Credit cards have yet to emerge in any way in Central Asia: you will only find a few top-end restaurants and hotels accepting the major cards. Instead, rely on cash in small denominations for purchases – US Dollars are easiest to change and larger towns have exchange bureaus.
Central Asia is the perfect place to haggle for traditional Asian carpets and crafts. The bazaars and markets are bustling and lively, with plenty of opportunity to peruse some of the most beautiful wears in the region. The traditional Oriental bazaars offer the best bargains, and silk is still a local speciality, decently priced if you look around. As with anywhere, you need to be on your guard for pick-pockets and bag-slashers, and don’t expect to get any use from your credit cards – payment is accepted in cash only.
Generally, Kazakhstan is the most expensive country, although travelling with a friend and shopping for your food in bazaars will keep costs down. Imported luxuries like chocolate bars and beer will blow your budget, as will car hire and taxis. The currency of Kazakhstan is the Tenge, equal to 100 Tyins. The banking system is more advanced here, and you’ll find it increasingly easy to find places accepting credit cards and places to change currency and travellers cheques.
For up to date currency information, check the Currency Converter.
Food and drink
The diet of Central Asia makes the most of local produce. Filling, nourishing ingredients are used to prepare food that provides the eater with energy and strength in an unforgiving landscape.
Their diet depends on their livestock, and consists mainly of meat and dairy products. Any of their domestic animals can be milked including sheep, goats, yaks, and camels. The milk is then used to make butter, yoghurt (ayran) and dried round sour curds called qurut. These are stored and eaten when fresh milk isn’t available during winter, droughts, and severe weather. Qurut is also a popular ‘trail food’, prepared in advance and taken by shepherds and soldiers on trips away from their home camp.
Koumiss is another fermented mare’s milk product. This wholesome sour drink is very popular amongst Central Asians. It is not considered alcoholic, and is given to babies as young as one year’s old. Koumiss is also used in medicinal and ritual purposes; soldiers and their horses are blessed with it before going to battle to bid them a safe return.
The most common meats in Central Asia are mutton or horsemeat, which is often boiled in a big cauldron. Only large, well-fed cattle are slaughtered, as the nomad’s lifestyle requires high-fat, high-energy food. There is a special technique to slaughtering the animals, as the meat needs to be divided according to muscle structure. It is then served in ritual order, a tradition still regarded highly, especially among the elder generation.
A staple drink throughout Central Asia is milky, spiced chai or tea, served in many teahouses or chai-khanas. A sight that will certainly become familiar is the many robed men, passing time and drinking tea during the long afternoons. It is customary to remove your shoes when sitting down in the chai-khana.
Visas
You will need visas to visit all countries in Central Asia, available from the relevant country’s embassy or consulate. Some countries require a letter of invitation, or itinerary to gain entry. These are mandatory, so check before travelling if you want to see more than their exciting airports on you trip.
Health
Health risks include hepatitis, diphtheria, cholera, typhoid and a slight risk of malaria in some areas. Check with your doctor before you travel for necessary vaccinations. Altitude sickness is also possible if you are trekking in some of the higher peaks so take adequate precautions and suitable clothing.
In Kyrgyzstan, be aware of water-borne diseases and make the effort to boil your water before drinking, cleaning your teeth, and making ice. Faulty irrigation practices and contaminated streams mean water can be dangerous so care should be taken.
