In 2023, Kazakhstan attracted around 500,000 Chinese tourists, while Uzbekistan welcomed 42,000, contributing to nearly 7 million visitors from all parts of the globe.
Oleg Ivanov, former PR Director at Air Samarkand says, “The tourism market in Uzbekistan and Central Asia is experiencing rapid growth.”
Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan also invested to improve their tourism infrastructure, promote their rich cultural heritage, and offer diverse natural attractions. As a result, Central Asia is fast becoming a must-visit destination for travelers worldwide.
Why It Should Be In Your Travel Plans in 2024:
Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan offer a comprehensive travel experience that combines rich history, stunning landscapes, cultural experiences, and culinary delights.
Whether exploring ancient Silk Road cities, enjoying outdoor adventures in picturesque national parks, or savoring traditional dishes, Central Asia provides diverse and memorable travel experiences in one region.
Visa
Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan’s new visa policies simplify travel for international tourists.
Kazakhstan now offers visa-free entry to citizens of 100 countries, including the U.K., U.S., and United Arab Emirates (UAE). Uzbekistan introduced affordable e-visas and visa-on-arrival for many countries, streamlining entry processes and boosting its attractiveness as a travel destination.
Budget
Both Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan offer more affordable travel options than many other destinations.
Food and transportation costs are generally lower than in Western Europe or North America. Travelers can have a comfortable trip with luxuries, like cabs and hotels, without exceeding budgets. For example, a Samarkand excursion runs visitors just $200 for 2-3 nights, and a weeklong Almaty trip costs approximately $500-800.
One U.S. dollar equals 12622.13 Uzbekistani som and 474 Kazakhstani tenge, making both countries affordable for the masses.
History
Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan are treasure troves of history and culture and serve as key sites along the ancient Silk Road. In Kazakhstan, visitors can explore historic sites such as the Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi and the cities of Turkestan and Otrar.
Uzbekistan boasts architectural marvels like Registan Square and Shah-i-Zinda in Samarkand, as well as the historic cities of Bukhara and Khiva.
Instagram Worthy
Central Asia offers countless Instagram-worthy moments, from Kazakhstan’s vast steppes to Uzbekistan’s stunning architecture.
Charyn Canyon, Kaindy Lake, and the Kolsai lakes’ dramatic landscapes provide perfect backdrops for social media photos. The vibrant blue tiles of the Shah-i-Zinda complex and Gur-E-Amir make any profile picture pop. Central Asia’s colorful markets, intricate tilework, and scenic vistas are a paradise for photographers and social media enthusiasts.
Food
Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan’s culinary scenes are diverse and delicious. Kazakhstan is known for its hearty dishes like beshbarmak (boiled meat with noodles) and kazy (horse meat sausage). Uzbekistan offers flavorful dishes such as plov (pilaf), lagman (noodle soup), and shashlik (grilled meat skewers).
Both countries’ cuisines reflect their rich histories and provide a delightful experience for food lovers.
Connectivity
An extensive network of roads, railways, and flights connects Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, facilitating easy travel. Visitors can easily take shared cabs from Shymkent to the Zibek-Zholly border.
The region’s robust railway network boasts regular train services connecting major cities like Almaty and Tashkent, providing a comfortable and scenic journey. Travelers can also access restaurants on trains, giving Central Asia’s transportation a unique touch.
Additionally, both countries’ well-developed air transport infrastructure offers regular flight connections from cities like Almaty, Nur-Sultan, Tashkent, and Samarkand to other global destinations, ensuring convenient access for travelers.
Suggested Itinerary To Visit Both Countries:
Days 1-2: Almaty, Kazakhstan
Arrive in AlmatyExplore highlights, including Panfilov Park, Zenkov Cathedral, and the Green BazaarVisit Shymbulak Ski Resort or Medeu Ice Skating RinkTake a day trip to Big Almaty Lake
Day 3: Saty, Kazakhstan
Tour Kolsai Lakes, Kaindy Lake, and Charyn CanyonVisit Issyk Lake before returning to Almaty
Days 4-5: Aksu-Zhagably Nature Reserve
Travel by train or bus from ShymkentVisit the nature reserve, trek, camp, etc.Stay over at Ruslan’s Guest House
Day 6: Shymkent, Kazakhstan
Travel by road or rail to Shymkent Visit Shymkent Zoo, Independence Park, and local marketsEnjoy traditional restaurants’ local cuisine
Day 7: Turkestan, Kazakhstan
Take a shared cab to TurkestanVisit the Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed YasawiExplore historical sites
Days 8-9: Tashkent, Uzbekistan
Fly or take train to Tashkent or take shared cab to the borderExplore Khast Imam Complex, Chorsu Bazaar, and Independence SquareVisit Tashkent Metro’s beautiful stations
Days 10-12: Samarkand, Uzbekistan
Travel by train to Samarkand Visit Registan Square, Shah-i-Zinda, and Bibi-Khanym MosqueExplore Ulugh Beg Observatory and Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum
Days 13-15: Bukhara, Uzbekistan
Travel by road or rail to BukharaExplore Ark Fortress, Bolo Haouz Mosque, and Lyab-i-HauzVisit Chor-Minor and Bukhara Bazaar
Days 15-16: Khiva, Uzbekistan
Travel by rail or road to KhivaExplore Itchan Kala, Kunya-Ark, and Kalta Minor MinaretVisit Juma Mosque and Tash Khauli Palace
Days 17-18: Return to Tashkent
Return to Tashkent and prepare for departureComplete last-minute shopping or sightseeing
What Next?
This itinerary mixes cultural, historical, and natural attractions, providing a comprehensive experience of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.
Reducing the number of places visited or the duration of your stay will shorten this itinerary. I went on a Kazakhstan-Uzbekistan trip last year, and I recommend reducing the number of places instead of shortening your stay at each.
As they continue to invest in tourism infrastructure and promote sustainable practices, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan will attract even more travelers, solidifying their positions on the global travel map. Whether you’re seeking adventure, cultural immersion, or culinary experiences, these Central Asian destinations promise memorable journeys.
