Go Backpacking

  • About
  • Travel Tips
    • Accommodations
    • Budgeting & Money
    • Adventure Travel
    • Food & Drink
    • Gear & Gadgets
    • Packing Tips
    • Travel Blogging
    • Travel Insurance
    • Trip Planning
    • UNESCO Sites
  • Destinations
    • Africa
      • Botswana
      • Egypt
      • Ethiopia
      • Morocco
      • Rwanda
      • South Africa
      • Tanzania
    • Asia
      • Cambodia
      • China
      • Hong Kong
      • India
      • Indonesia
      • Japan
      • Laos
      • Malaysia
      • Nepal
      • Philippines
      • Thailand
      • Vietnam
    • Europe
      • England
      • France
      • Germany
      • Greece
      • Iceland
      • Ireland
      • Italy
      • Portugal
      • Spain
      • Switzerland
      • Turkey
    • North America
      • Canada
      • Costa Rica
      • Cuba
      • Guatemala
      • Mexico
      • Nicaragua
      • Panama
      • United States
    • Oceania
      • Australia
      • French Polynesia
      • New Zealand
    • South America
      • Argentina
      • Bolivia
      • Brazil
      • Chile
      • Colombia
      • Ecuador
      • Peru
  • Advertise
menu icon
go to homepage
  • About
  • Travel Tips
    • Accommodations
    • Budgeting & Money
    • Adventure Travel
    • Food & Drink
    • Gear & Gadgets
    • Packing Tips
    • Travel Blogging
    • Travel Insurance
    • Trip Planning
    • UNESCO Sites
  • Destinations
    • Africa
      • Botswana
      • Egypt
      • Ethiopia
      • Morocco
      • Rwanda
      • South Africa
      • Tanzania
    • Asia
      • Cambodia
      • China
      • Hong Kong
      • India
      • Indonesia
      • Japan
      • Laos
      • Malaysia
      • Nepal
      • Philippines
      • Thailand
      • Vietnam
    • Europe
      • England
      • France
      • Germany
      • Greece
      • Iceland
      • Ireland
      • Italy
      • Portugal
      • Spain
      • Switzerland
      • Turkey
    • North America
      • Canada
      • Costa Rica
      • Cuba
      • Guatemala
      • Mexico
      • Nicaragua
      • Panama
      • United States
    • Oceania
      • Australia
      • French Polynesia
      • New Zealand
    • South America
      • Argentina
      • Bolivia
      • Brazil
      • Chile
      • Colombia
      • Ecuador
      • Peru
  • Advertise
search icon
Homepage link
  • About
  • Travel Tips
    • Accommodations
    • Budgeting & Money
    • Adventure Travel
    • Food & Drink
    • Gear & Gadgets
    • Packing Tips
    • Travel Blogging
    • Travel Insurance
    • Trip Planning
    • UNESCO Sites
  • Destinations
    • Africa
      • Botswana
      • Egypt
      • Ethiopia
      • Morocco
      • Rwanda
      • South Africa
      • Tanzania
    • Asia
      • Cambodia
      • China
      • Hong Kong
      • India
      • Indonesia
      • Japan
      • Laos
      • Malaysia
      • Nepal
      • Philippines
      • Thailand
      • Vietnam
    • Europe
      • England
      • France
      • Germany
      • Greece
      • Iceland
      • Ireland
      • Italy
      • Portugal
      • Spain
      • Switzerland
      • Turkey
    • North America
      • Canada
      • Costa Rica
      • Cuba
      • Guatemala
      • Mexico
      • Nicaragua
      • Panama
      • United States
    • Oceania
      • Australia
      • French Polynesia
      • New Zealand
    • South America
      • Argentina
      • Bolivia
      • Brazil
      • Chile
      • Colombia
      • Ecuador
      • Peru
  • Advertise
×
Home » Destinations » Asia

Backpacking Off the Beaten Track in Central Asia

Modified: Jan 27, 2022 · Published: Dec 4, 2015 by Guest Blogger |

The worldwide travel and tourism industry has thrived over the last decade, which means it is becoming challenging to find off-the-beaten-track places to explore.

If you're here with us on Go Backpacking, then chances are you like going where the crowds aren't. Here are three such places in central Asia to consider.

Museum in Uzbekistan (photo: Jean-Pierre Dalbéra)
Museum in Uzbekistan (photo: Jean-Pierre Dalbéra)

Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan is not a well-known travel destination, nor for any specific reason in general.

That's why most people would be hard-pressed to find it on a map.

While this central Asian country is a mystery to mass travelers, it is pretty appealing to backpackers precisely because of its obscurity.

But, don't make the mistake of thinking an Uzbekistan holiday has nothing to offer its travelers.

Its people are traditionally very friendly to foreign tourists. It has a unique culture and rich history.

You will be amazed at seeing its towering minarets and sparkling turquoise domes adorned with intricate mosaics.

The more you explore, the more you will learn about the Islamic architecture of the country in its ancient cities.

The country boasts some natural wonders as well.

Darvaza gas crater, Karakum Desert, Turkmenistan
Darvaza gas crater, Karakum Desert, Turkmenistan (photo: Stefan Krasowski)

Turkmenistan

Turkmenistan is perhaps the most unexplored country in Central Asia and a great mystery to most travelers.

This little-known country boasts majestic monuments, a totalitarian theme park, a unique culture, and the Karakum Desert.

Its ancient cities of Merv and Konye-Urgench are full of unexpected adventures. The people of this country are known for their hospitality.

The biggest draw that attracts most travelers is that much of this central Asian country has been touched by modern development.

When planning out your budget to travel to Turkmenistan and other places, you can find great resources on the Price of Travel.

Tian Shan Mountains
Tian Shan Mountains (photo: Thomas Depenbusch)

Kyrgyzstan

Often termed the "Switzerland of Central Asia," Kyrgyzstan is a country with vertiginous pine forests, glistening glaciers, and soaring mountain ranges.

Despite its considerable size and having infinite natural beauty, most people find it difficult to spot this country on a map and the others.

That alone can be enough to conclude that very few people visit this landlocked country.

It's safe to say mass tourism does not exist in Kyrgyzstan. As a result, you can expect to find everything relatively cheap.

The landscapes of Kyrgyzstan are surprisingly varied; it looks like Switzerland in some places, and in other areas, the country can conjure up the images of Kashmir, Scotland, and many Middle East countries.

Its mountains alone are enough of a reason to visit.

In conclusion, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, and Kyrgyzstan are not crowded yet have plenty to offer visitors.

So, if you are looking to see and experience something new and unique, you're going to love your backpacking experience in these countries.

_______

This story was brought to you in partnership with Silk Road Tours.

Related Stories

  • Rice fields in Tegallalang (photo: Sofianna P).
    The Best Way To Stay Connected in Bali
  • Motorbikes in Thailand.
    Thailand on Two Wheels: Essential Tips for Renting a Motorbike
  • Woman at Khari Baoli in New Delhi, home of Asia's largest wholesale spice market (photo: Rachita Saxena).
    How To Plan For an Incredible Stay in New Delhi
  • Fushimi-yagura
    Tour the Imperial Palace in Tokyo for Free
4 shares
  • Share
  • Email

About Guest Blogger

This post was written by a guest contributor. Please reference the author's byline in the post above for more information. If you would like to guest post on Go Backpacking, please read our submission guidelines. For information on advertising opportunities, go here.

Dave at Ahu Ko Te Riku on Rapa Nui (Easter Island), Chile.

Hi, I'm Dave

Editor in Chief

I've been writing about adventure travel on Go Backpacking since 2007. I've visited 68 countries.

Read more about Dave.

Footer

back to top

About

  • About
  • Archive
  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookie Policy

Follow Us

Contact

  • Contact
  • Work With Us
  • Submissions

Copyright © 2025 Go Backpacking

4 shares
  • 2