There is no doubt that Central Asia is now a trending international destination for Filipinos which made me want to explore, and I finally made it happen! In fact, I didn’t know much about Central Asia until I decided to see it for myself! From the beautiful mountains and lakes of Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan to the historic Silk Road cities of Uzbekistan and the stunning landscapes of Tajikistan, this part of the world has so much to offer!
For this 18-day Central Asia itinerary, we explored four countries in Central Asia: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan. It was a combination of city exploration, nature trips, mountain adventures, historical landmarks, and even crossing international borders! It was definitely exhausting but so much fun and another lifetime experience that I will never forget!
If you’re planning to visit Central Asia for the first time, you might find it a little challenging to organize your itinerary, especially when visiting multiple countries in one trip. This is especially if you also plan to travel for about 3 weeks, just like what we did in Central Asia! You’ll need to consider flights, train schedules, accommodation, transportation, and visa requirements.
In our experience, we spent 6 days exploring Kazakhstan, 4 days in Kyrgyzstan, 5 days in Uzbekistan, and 1 day visiting Tajikistan, including travel days and transfers with a total of 18 days! That’s almost three weeks exploring four countries in Central Asia! If you’re planning a similar trip, here’s a comprehensive Central Asia itinerary covering the places to visit, how to get around, where to stay, and some essential travel tips to help you plan your own adventure.
Table of Contents
Essential Travel Guides & Tips
Here are some important things to know before visiting Central Asia:
- Best Time to Visit: Spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November) are good periods to explore Central Asia. This itinerary is planned for late October to November, so make sure to prepare for colder temperatures, especially in mountainous areas.
- Currency: Each country has its own currency. Kazakhstan uses Kazakhstani Tenge (KZT), Kyrgyzstan uses Kyrgyzstani Som (KGS), Uzbekistan uses Uzbekistani Som (UZS), and Tajikistan uses Tajikistani Somoni (TJS).
- Language: Russian is widely used in several Central Asian countries, while each country also has its own local language. English may not be widely spoken in some areas, so having a translation app is helpful.
- Transportation: You can travel around Central Asia using flights, trains, buses, taxis, and organized tours. For this itinerary, I combined flights, trains, local transportation, and guided day tours.
- Transportation App: Download Yandex Go for convenient transportation in cities where the service is available.
- SIM Card / Internet: You can purchase a local SIM card or use an eSIM to stay connected while traveling between countries. PanamaSEA eSIM covers all four destinations (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan) and provides a seamless mobile experience! This is definitely one of my favorite eSIMs I’ve used while traveling!
- Cash: Make sure to have some local currency with you, especially when visiting smaller towns, local markets, and attractions outside the main cities.
- Clothing: Bring comfortable walking shoes, jackets, and layers. The weather can get pretty cold in October and November, particularly in mountain destinations.
- Travel Insurance: Make sure to get travel insurance before your trip, especially if you’re planning to join outdoor activities or mountain excursions.
Visa Requirements for Filipino Travelers Visiting Central Asia
One of the things to consider when planning a multi-country trip is the visa requirement for each destination. As a Philippine passport holder, here’s the visa arrangement for the four countries included in this itinerary:
| Country | Visa Requirement |
| Kazakhstan | Visa-free |
| Kyrgyzstan | Visa on arrival; e-visa |
| Uzbekistan | E-visa required |
| Tajikistan | Visa-free |
1. Kazakhstan
Good news for Filipino travelers! Kazakhstan is visa-free for Philippine passport holders, so you don’t need to apply for a tourist visa before your trip.
2. Kyrgyzstan
For Kyrgyzstan, Filipino travelers can obtain a visa on arrival at the airport. In this itinerary, the planned arrival is at Manas International Airport in Bishkek. Make sure to prepare your passport and check the applicable visa fee and requirements before departure.
3. Uzbekistan
Unlike Kazakhstan and Tajikistan, Filipino passport holders need to apply for an electronic visa (e-visa) before traveling to Uzbekistan. You can apply through the official Uzbekistan e-visa website. Make sure to check all your passport details carefully before submitting your application.
In our case, we applied for a double-entry visa since we were visiting Tajikistan for a day and going back to Samarkand, Uzbekistan afterwards! We paid around $35 for the double-entry visa!
4. Tajikistan
Filipino passport holders can visit Tajikistan visa-free, so there’s no need to apply for a tourist visa in advance for this itinerary.
How to Get to Central Asia from the Philippines?
If you’re traveling from the Philippines, one possible route is to fly from Manila to Almaty, Kazakhstan, with a connecting flight in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Additionally, if you have a long layover in Kuala Lumpur, you can also consider exploring some of the city’s popular attractions, depending on your immigration eligibility and available time.
Travel Tip:Always consider your airport transfer time, immigration, baggage collection, and check-in requirements when planning a layover outside the airport.
How to Travel Around Central Asia?
Traveling between Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan requires a little planning since you’ll be crossing international borders and using different modes of transportation.
For this itinerary, I combined flights, trains, local transportation, and guided tours. Here’s the main transportation route:
| Route | Transportation |
| Manila to Kuala Lumpur | Flight |
| Kuala Lumpur to Almaty | Flight |
| Almaty to Bishkek | Flight |
| Bishkek to Tashkent | Flight |
| Tashkent to Bukhara | Afrosiyob train |
| Bukhara to Samarkand | Train |
| Samarkand to Tashkent | Train |
| Samarkand to Seven Lakes, Tajikistan | Guided day tour |
| Tashkent to Almaty | Flight |
| Almaty to Kuala Lumpur | Flight |
| Kuala Lumpur to Manila | Flight |
How to Get Around the Cities in Central Asia?
For transportation within the cities, Yandex Go is one of the apps included in my travel plan. It’s useful for arranging rides between airports, train stations, hotels, and tourist attractions where the service is available.
For attractions outside the cities, I included organized tours to make traveling more convenient, particularly for destinations such as Kolsai Lake, Kaindy Lake, Charyn Canyon (a 2-day tour via GetYourGuide), Ala-Archa National Park, and the Seven Lakes in Tajikistan.
18-Day Central Asia Itinerary for 3 weeks
Here’s the breakdown of my Central Asia travel itinerary, covering four countries, such as Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan, including a 7-hour layover in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Day 1: Manila to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Depart for Kuala Lumpur
For additional information, we booked our flight from Manila to Almaty via Kuala Lumpur through AirAsia MOVE.
Day 2: Kuala Lumpur Layover & Arrival in Almaty, Kazakhstan
- Kuala Lumpur Layover
Day 3: Almaty City Tour, Kazakhstan
- Ascension Cathedral
- Panfilov Park
- Almaty TV Tower (exterior/photo stop)
- Green Bazaar
- Blukatik Souvenir Shop
- Kok Tobe Park
You can explore the city attractions through a combination of walking and local transportation.
Day 4: Black Canyon and Kolsai Lake, Kazakhstan
It’s time to explore the natural attractions outside Almaty!
For this day, I included a guided tour to Black Canyon and Kolsai Lake. These destinations are among the places you can add to your Kazakhstan itinerary if you’re interested in exploring more of the country’s natural landscapes.
- Black Canyon (Chernyy Kan’on)
- Traditional village
- Kolsai Lake
- Campsite
The planned tour starts early in the morning, with a bus or coach transfer from Almaty. After a short café stop, the itinerary continues to Black Canyon before heading to a traditional village for lunch. In the afternoon, you’ll visit Kolsai Lake and spend some time exploring the area. The tour also includes an overnight stay at a campsite, with dinner and free time before resting for the next day.
Day 5: Kaindy Lake and Charyn Canyon, Kazakhstan
For the second day of the lakes and canyon tour, the itinerary includes a visit to Kaindy Lake and Charyn Canyon National Park.
- Kaindy Lake
- Traditional village
- Charyn Canyon National Park
Kaindy Lake is known for its submerged forest, where tree trunks can be seen rising from the water. It’s one of the unique natural attractions to include when visiting the Almaty region. After exploring the lake, the tour continues to Charyn Canyon National Park before returning to Almaty in the afternoon.
Day 6: Big Almaty Lake and Flight to Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
- Big Almaty Lake
- Fly to Kyrgyzstan
Day 7: Bishkek City Tour, Kyrgyzstan
- Ala-Too Square
- State History Museum
- Manas Statue
- Panfilov Park
- Victory Square
Day 8: Ala-Archa National Park, Kyrgyzstan
- Ala-Archa National Park
Located outside the city, a day trip to Ala-Archa National Park is possible, and it is a popular destination for nature lovers and travelers who want to experience the mountain scenery of Kyrgyzstan.
Day 9: Burana Tower, Boom Gorge, Kok Moinok Canyon, and Balykchy, Kyrgyzstan
- Burana Tower
- Boom Gorge
- Kok Moinok Canyon
- Balykchy
Day 10: Bishkek to Tashkent and Train to Bukhara, Uzbekistan
- Fly to Uzbekistan
- Train to Bukhara
- Check-in at the hotel
Travel Tip: Make sure to allow enough time between your flight arrival and train departure. You’ll need time for immigration, baggage collection, and transportation from the airport to the train station. This is a tight connection, so check the schedules carefully.
Day 11: Bukhara City Tour, Uzbekistan
- Po-i-Kalyan Complex
- Chor Minor
- Ark Fortress
- Kukeldash Madrasah
- Samanid Museum (optional)
Day 12: Bukhara Sightseeing and Train to Samarkand, Uzbekistan
- Magoki Attori Mosque
- Bolo Hauz Mosque
- Depart for Samarkand
Day 13: Samarkand City Tour, Uzbekistan
- Registan Square
- Bibi Khanym Mosque
- Shah-i-Zinda
- Hazrat Khizr Mosque
- Ulugh Beg Observatory
- Amir Temur Monument (photo/exterior stop)
Day 14: A Day Trip to Tajikistan
One of the highlights of this Central Asia itinerary is visiting another country: a day trip to Tajikistan!
- Seven Lakes (Haft Kul)
- Panjakent
- Back to Samarkand, Uzbekistan
Travel Tip: Since this is an international day trip, make sure to check your entry requirements and prepare your passport. Confirm your border crossing arrangements, required documents, and tour inclusions with your operator before booking. For Filipino passport holders, we are visa-free to Tajikistan!
Day 15: Samarkand to Tashkent, Uzbekistan
- Amir Temur Square
- Minor Mosque
- Mustaqillik Maydoni
- Chorsu Bazaar
Day 16: Tashkent City Tour and Flight to Almaty, Kazakhstan
- Amir Temur Square
- Holy Assumption Cathedral Church
- Fly back to Kazakhstan
Day 17: Shymbulak Mountain Resort and Departure from Kazakhstan
- Shymbulak Mountain Resort
- Fly back to Manila
Day 18: Back in Manila
- Layover in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Arrival at Ninoy Aquino International Airport
Where to Stay in Central Asia?
If you’re planning to follow this itinerary, here are the accommodations we stayed at while exploring around Central Asia!
| Destination | Accommodation |
| Almaty, Kazakhstan | AQ miniSUITES RAIYMBEK BATYR |
| Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan | Apple Hotel Bishkek |
| Bukhara, Uzbekistan | AURA Backpackers Bukhara |
| Samarkand, Uzbekistan | Muhayyo Guest House |
| Tashkent, Uzbekistan | Stella Hotel Tashkent |
I recommend choosing accommodations that are accessible to public transportation, tourist attractions, or train stations, especially if you’re traveling between cities frequently.
How much is the ideal budget for Central Asia for 3 weeks or 18 days?
One of the most important things to consider when planning a trip to Central Asia is your budget. While Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan can be affordable destinations, expenses can add up, especially when you factor in flights between countries, organized tours, and transportation.
For our 18-day trip, here’s a breakdown of our expenses and how much you should ideally prepare.
Actual Expenses Per Person
| Expense | Cost per person |
| Flight tickets | PHP 34,966.38 |
| Travel tax | PHP 1,640.00 |
| Accommodation (shared by 3) | PHP 15,638.62 |
| Train tickets (shared by 3) | PHP 6,364.67 |
| Tours and organized trips | PHP 35,445.93 |
| Known expenses subtotal | PHP 94,055.60 |
The accommodation and train expenses are divided among three travelers. The Almaty tour is also shared by three, while the other tours are calculated per person.
Additional Expenses and Estimated Daily Budget
Some expenses will depend on your travel style, where you eat, and how often you use local transportation. In our case, we splurged on food during our entire Central Asia backpacking trip! For planning purposes, here’s a reasonable allowance:
| Expense | Estimated cost per person |
| Food (PHP 800 to PHP 1,000 per day for 18 days) | PHP 14,400 to PHP 18,000 |
| Local transportation | PHP 3,000 to PHP 5,000 |
| Kyrgyzstan visa on arrival Fee | $50 |
| Uzbekistan double entry e-visa | $35 |
| Shymbulak Cable Car | 12,000 KZT (PHP 1723.60) |
| Horseback riding in Kaindy Lakes | 8,000 KZT (PHP 1149.07) |
| Miscellaneous expenses and extra fees | PHP 3,000 to PHP 5,000 |
Note: Visa and activity costs are approximate peso conversions. Actual charges may vary depending on exchange rates and payment methods.
Ideal Budget for 18 Days in Central Asia
Based on our recorded expenses and estimated daily costs, I recommend preparing around PHP 125,000 to PHP 130,000 per person for this Central Asia trip for 3 weeks, covering Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan.
This is a planning estimate, not a fixed amount. Your actual expenses may be lower or higher depending on your food choices, shopping, optional activities, and transportation. If you want a little more flexibility, especially for unexpected expenses, preparing an additional buffer would be a good idea.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Central Asia worth visiting?
Absolutely! Central Asia is a great destination if you’re looking for a combination of nature, culture, history, and adventure. Each country offers something different, from the mountains and lakes of Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan to the historic Silk Road cities of Uzbekistan and the beautiful landscapes of Tajikistan.
How many days do you need to explore Central Asia?
It depends on how many countries you want to visit. If you’re planning to explore Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan in one trip, I recommend allowing at least two to three weeks, so you have enough time for sightseeing and transfers between destinations.
Do Filipinos need a visa to visit Central Asia?
Visa requirements differ depending on the country. For Philippine passport holders, Kazakhstan and Tajikistan are visa-free, Kyrgyzstan offers visa on arrival, while Uzbekistan requires an e-visa before travel.
Is it possible to visit four Central Asian countries in one trip?
Yes! You can combine Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan in one itinerary. However, you’ll need to plan your transportation carefully, especially when traveling between countries and crossing international borders.
Is Central Asia suitable for solo travelers?
Central Asia can be explored independently, but your experience will depend on the destinations you visit, transportation arrangements, and activities you plan to do. For remote attractions and mountain destinations, joining organized day tours can make your trip more convenient.
What is the best time to visit Central Asia?
Spring and autumn are good periods for visiting Central Asia. If you’re planning to visit during October and November, prepare for colder weather, especially in mountainous destinations.
Traveling around Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan is definitely an adventure worth adding to your bucket list! From exploring the beautiful lakes and mountains to discovering the historic cities along the Silk Road, Central Asia offers a different kind of travel experience.
If you’re planning to visit this part of the world, I hope this Central Asia itinerary for 3 weeks will help you organize your trip and make the most of your time exploring these beautiful countries. You don’t need to visit every destination in one trip, either. You can always adjust the itinerary depending on your available time, budget, and travel preferences!
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Hey, my name is Ara Patria—a solo female traveler who is in her quest of traveling the world. I write and learn about life through the lenses of my camera, personal experiences, and adventures. Join me as I unravel the mystery of life through exploring the wanders of the world.
