10 Reasons to Travel to Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan

These days, most of us are looking for unique travel destinations that haven’t been overrun by tourists. We're after a special experience, something experimental or authentic—something you won’t easily stumble upon in an online blog.

Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan ticked all the boxes for me. They offer a mix of breathtaking nature, authentic nomadic culture, and a true sense of freedom. The mountain passes, camping under the stars, and the hospitality of the locals were among the most beautiful things I’ve experienced in a long time. And on top of that—it’s also affordable.

Untouched Nature Without Mass Tourism

In recent years, I’ve come to deeply appreciate peace and quiet. Not that I no longer enjoy the city, but nature has its own charm. You have the landscape all to yourself, and you're often guided by local residents—some of whom now work as tour guides. Without a local guide, you’ll quickly notice that people might take advantage of the situation—you could be asked for bribes at the border, or run into frustrating language barriers.

Nomadic Culture

A horseman galloping across open mountain plains behind a row of yurts—it’s still part of daily life here. The nomadic culture is alive and well in Central Asia, and the best part is that locals often open their homes to tourists. I’ve slept in family homes where they gave up their bedrooms and private spaces. The beds weren’t exactly comfy (the mattresses were rock hard), but you learn to appreciate it. It’s a way of life, deeply rooted in their culture and traditions—a connection to nature and community.

When I first stepped inside one of those homes, it instantly reminded me of my grandparents’ house. The first thing I saw was the mother of the house in the kitchen, preparing homemade delicacies for us. The smell was amazing—warm, comforting, and incredibly familiar.

Adventure (On a Small Budget)

For adventurers, Central Asia is the ultimate destination. It’s ideal for backpackers—not only are you in "the middle of nowhere," but it’s also extremely budget-friendly. Accommodation, transport, and food are all very affordable, and at the same time, you’re supporting the local economy.

I personally prefer to go far off the beaten track, close to nature—especially the mountains. That’s how I ended up in the rugged mountains of Kyrgyzstan and the vast valleys and steppes of Kazakhstan.

The silence of Son-Kul Lake, surrounded by nothing but local yurt camps, mountains, and horses... At night, under a clear sky, you could enjoy the stars. In the morning, you’d wake up to the sunrise and a freshly prepared breakfast from the locals.

I still miss it every day. If there’s one trip that enriched me, challenged me, and taught me to let go—it was this one to Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan.

Sleeping Under the Stars

What I mean is: you can literally camp anywhere. There’s no better feeling than stepping out of your tent in the early morning, right into the fresh air, surrounded by nature. And if you're lucky, you can see the Milky Way with your naked eye at night.

A Surprising Cuisine

I’ll never forget the names: plov, laghman, manti, and shashlik. Hearty, flavorful dishes that perfectly suit a day spent outdoors. It’s a mix between the Turkic, Chinese and Russian cuisine—something I’ll never say no to.

A Road Trip Paradise

Let a local guide take you to the hidden gems you’d never find on your own. The locals know every inch of the region, along with the remote valleys, local communities, and nomads. On this trip, I only encountered other tourists at the yurt camps.

It’s incredible how many places are still untouched—and how many roads I’d never have dared to take alone. A local guide not only makes sure everything runs smoothly and according to plan, they also make you feel at home and truly becomes a friend for life.

Genuine Hospitality

You’re not just invited for tea or a meal—you’re welcomed like family, with no expectations in return. Everywhere we went, we were greeted with open arms and treated like honored guests.

A Photographer’s Paradise

Central Asia is pure beauty. A feast for the eyes—rolling valleys, bright blue lakes, mountain passes with grazing horses, colorful markets in the cities—your camera will never get a break (at least mine didn't). What more do you wish for?

Easy to Combine

The border between Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan is very manageable, making it perfect for a combined trip. Especially if you start in Almaty, Kazakhstan, you’ll get the ideal mix of culture and nature—“the best of both worlds” in no time.

Go Before It’s Too Late

Kyrgyzstan is currently on the rise. More and more tourists are discovering it, but for now, there are still plenty of places you can have all to yourself. Go now—while it’s still wild, raw, and undiscovered.

Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan might not be the first countries that come to mind when you think of an adventure, hiking, mountain landscapes, or backpacking—but that’s exactly what makes them so special. You’ll discover landscapes you won’t find anywhere else, meet warm and curious people and experience a journey that will stay with you forever.

I fell in love with this region of Central Asia—and it’s no coincidence. That’s exactly why I dedicate myself to help the local population by bringing in tourists and introducing them to the raw beauty of Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan.