AhPek Biker - Riding Adventures
Central Asia 2026
16-Days Central Asia 2026 Tour: 15th to 30th May 2026
Medium-size Group (Non-cycling) Tour of Central Asia (Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan & Kazakhstan):
Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia)>KLIA2>fly Air Asia>Tashkent (Uzbekistan)>Sharq Express Train>Bukhara>van>Samarkhand>Sharq Express Train>Tashkent>van>Fergana>Osh (Kyrgyzstan)>fly Tez Jet>Bishkek>van>Chon-Kemin>Bokonbaevo>Issyk-Kul>Jeti-Ögüz>Karakol>Saty (Kazakhstan)>Almaty>fly Air Asia>KLIA2>Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia).
(See day-to-day blogs for more detailed routes)
Central Asia, as its name implies, it IS CENTRAL! Spanning from China westwards to the Caspian Sea, just across from the Caucasus countries of Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan. Its central location conjures images of empires fighting over its territories, from Alexander the Great to the Mongols. Great armies have fought over its wide, fertile plains and beautiful strategic mountains throughout its history.
Back in September 2024, we visited Georgia & Armenia. And now we are on the other side of the Caspian Sea for a tour of Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan & Kazakhstan. What will it hold for us? How had the various conquerors affected its culture and people? Will we go charging across its vast plains surrounded by snow-capped mountains?
Central Asia, as its name implies, it IS CENTRAL! Spanning from China westwards to the Caspian Sea, just across from the Caucasus countries of Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan. Its central location conjures images of empires fighting over its territories, from Alexander the Great to the Mongols. Great armies have fought over its wide, fertile plains and beautiful strategic mountains throughout its history.
Back in September 2024, we visited Georgia & Armenia. And now we are on the other side of the Caspian Sea for a tour of Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan & Kazakhstan. What will it hold for us? How had the various conquerors affected its culture and people? Will we go charging across its vast plains surrounded by snow-capped mountains?
We shall try!
BLOGS
Below are the daily blogs of our tour. Click on the respective photos to read. Further below are some travel trips for this region. It was an interesting and awesome tour, so come and have a look:
DAILY BLOGS COMING!
STAY TUNED!!!
DAILY BLOGS COMING!
STAY TUNED!!!
(Next... back to Bali, Again)
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Central Asia 2026: Day 1 to Day 9 [KL-Bishkek] Travel Route Map:
Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia)>KLIA2>fly Air Asia>Tashkent (Uzbekistan)>Sharq Express Train>Bukhara>van>Samarkhand>Sharq Express Train>Tashkent>van>Fergana>Osh (Kyrgyzstan)>fly Tez Jet>Bishkek.
(See day-to-day blogs for more detailed routes)
Central Asia 2026: Day 9 to Day 16 [Bishkek-KL] Travel Route Map:
(See day-to-day blogs for more detailed routes)
(Click here for the Central Asia 2026 Day 9-16 [Bishkek-KL] Tour Route Map)
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TRAVEL TIPS FOR CENTRAL ASIA
Below are some general tips on travelling in Central Asia (Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan & Kazakhstan):
1. Traffic Directions!
Central Asian countries are left-hand drive and vehicles drive on the right side of the road. So do bear this in mind when crossing the road OR when sitting at the front passenger seat. I made this mistake several times and boarded the car at the driver's side with the driver giving me a surprised look 😂.
2. Getting to and from Central Asia.
Several airlines fly direct to Central Asia from their originating country. We were fortunate that AirAsia X flew direct from Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) to Almaty, Kazakhstan, and Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
We flew return via AirAsia X, starting from KLIA Terminal 2 to Tashkent International Airport, and returned from Almaty International Airport to KLIA Terminal 2, buying tickets earlier to get cheaper fares. We also packed light (20kg checked-in luggage for two people plus an additional 7kg of cabin luggage), totalling 41kg of luggage.
We flew return via AirAsia X, starting from KLIA Terminal 2 to Tashkent International Airport, and returned from Almaty International Airport to KLIA Terminal 2, buying tickets earlier to get cheaper fares. We also packed light (20kg checked-in luggage for two people plus an additional 7kg of cabin luggage), totalling 41kg of luggage.
3. Getting around Central Asia.
We were on a private guided tour, and had 16-seater vans, with local guides taking us between the cities/towns.
Within Uzbekistan we took the Sharq Train from Tashkent to Bukhara, and from Samarkhand to Tashkent.
In Kyrgyzstan, we took a short Tez Jet flight from Osh to Bishkek to avoid the testing mountainous roads; flight tickets were bought by our guides earlier. And for visiting some harder-to-reach places, we used a refurbished Russian 4x4 truck or 4x4 vans.
Note: Touch 'n Go e-Wallet can be used in Kazakhstan, just make sure the e-wallet is set to Kazakhstan.
4. Immigration & Customs Requirements
Malaysian passport holders do not need a visa to enter most Central Asian countries for short-term stays, except for Turkmenistan, which requires an approved visa before travel. There was no need to fill in immigration forms.
Specific visa requirements for Malaysians for each country are as follows:
Kazakhstan: Visa-free for up to 30 days.
Kyrgyzstan: Visa-free for up to 30 days or 90 days, depending on the type of travel.
Tajikistan: Visa-free for up to 30 days. However, if you plan to visit the GBAO region (Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region, which includes the entire Pamir Highway), a special permit is required.
Specific visa requirements for Malaysians for each country are as follows:
Kazakhstan: Visa-free for up to 30 days.
Kyrgyzstan: Visa-free for up to 30 days or 90 days, depending on the type of travel.
Tajikistan: Visa-free for up to 30 days. However, if you plan to visit the GBAO region (Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region, which includes the entire Pamir Highway), a special permit is required.
Uzbekistan: Visa-free for up to 30 days.
Turkmenistan: A visa is required before arrival. You must typically obtain a Letter of Invitation (LOI), often by booking through a registered tour agency, and then secure your visa at the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Kuala Lumpur or upon arrival.
Click here for other countries' visa requirements.
Turkmenistan: A visa is required before arrival. You must typically obtain a Letter of Invitation (LOI), often by booking through a registered tour agency, and then secure your visa at the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Kuala Lumpur or upon arrival.
Click here for other countries' visa requirements.
6. Places & Things of Interests
There were many scenic and interesting places of interest, but one should not miss the following (Note: click on the GPS coordinates below for a directional map to the respective places):
A. Uzbekistan Attractions:
- Po-i-Kalyan Complex (GPS: 39.77601, 64.41431) in Bukhara.
- Registan Square (GPS: 39.65464, 66.97576) in Samarkhand.
- Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum (Amir Temur maqbarasi) (GPS: 39.64854, 66.96924) in Samarkhand.
A. Uzbekistan Attractions:
- Po-i-Kalyan Complex (GPS: 39.77601, 64.41431) in Bukhara.
- Registan Square (GPS: 39.65464, 66.97576) in Samarkhand.
- Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum (Amir Temur maqbarasi) (GPS: 39.64854, 66.96924) in Samarkhand.
B. Kyrgyzstan Attractions:
- Ala-Archa Nature Park (GPS: 42.65579, 74.4951).
- Altyn-Arashan Valley (GPS: 42.38157, 78.60666).
- Chong-Kemin National Park (GPS: 42.74719, 76.00437).
- Issyk-Kul Lake (Иссык-Куль) (GPS: 42.38826, 77.28648).
- Eagle Hunting (GPS: 42.13419, 76.98111) at Bökönbaev.
- Osh Bazaar (Ош базар) (GPS: 42.87496, 74.57024) in Bishkek.
C. Kazakhstan Attractions:
- Charyn Canyon National Park (Шарын ұлттық паркі) (GPS: 43.35125, 79.07914) in Tamerlik.
- Green Bazar (Зелёный базар (Алма-Ата)) (GPS: 43.26423, 76.95475) Almaty.
- Ala-Archa Nature Park (GPS: 42.65579, 74.4951).
- Altyn-Arashan Valley (GPS: 42.38157, 78.60666).
- Chong-Kemin National Park (GPS: 42.74719, 76.00437).
- Issyk-Kul Lake (Иссык-Куль) (GPS: 42.38826, 77.28648).
- Eagle Hunting (GPS: 42.13419, 76.98111) at Bökönbaev.
- Osh Bazaar (Ош базар) (GPS: 42.87496, 74.57024) in Bishkek.
C. Kazakhstan Attractions:
- Charyn Canyon National Park (Шарын ұлттық паркі) (GPS: 43.35125, 79.07914) in Tamerlik.
- Green Bazar (Зелёный базар (Алма-Ата)) (GPS: 43.26423, 76.95475) Almaty.
- Ascension Cathedral (Вознесенск кафедралы шіркеуі (Алматы)) (GPS: 43.25873, 76.95286) in Almaty.
- Beautiful Architecture of the Almaty Metro Stations (Алматы метро станциялары).
- Beautiful Architecture of the Almaty Metro Stations (Алматы метро станциялары).
7. Food
We tried quite a range of food during our trip and recommend that the following should not be missed:
- Plov rice, a traditional rice dish made with meat (typically fatty lamb cuts), julienned carrots, onions, garlic, rice, cumin powder, and cooked together in oil or fat.
- Manti or Pelmeni dumplings.
- Salads (as the vegetables here are very fresh), including Shakarob (tomato-onion salad), Russian Olivier Salad, and Greek Salad.
- Lamb, either grilled or roasted.
- Beshbarmak and other Horse meat dishes, or Qazı (horse meat sausages).
- Shorabet Adas (lentil soup) and Borscht (Russian beet soup).
- Manti or Pelmeni dumplings.
- Salads (as the vegetables here are very fresh), including Shakarob (tomato-onion salad), Russian Olivier Salad, and Greek Salad.
- Lamb, either grilled or roasted.
- Beshbarmak and other Horse meat dishes, or Qazı (horse meat sausages).
- Shorabet Adas (lentil soup) and Borscht (Russian beet soup).
8. Accommodations and Tour Costs
This was a recce-guided tour that included all ground arrangements, food, entry tickets to parks, and accommodations, but excluded return airfare to and from Central Asia. This Air Asia return airfare was bought online through their website at a total fare ranging from around RM975 to RM? per pax, depending on time of booking. Our two pax airfare included 20kg of checked-in luggage and an extra 7kg of cabin luggage, giving us a total of 41kg of luggage.
The ground arrangements included 16-seater van transportation between and around cities; Sharq Express Train fare from Tashkent to Bukhara, and from Samarkhand to Tashkent, and domestic Tez Jet airfare from Osh to Bishkek. The 4x4 Russian truck ride to and from Karakol to the Altyn-Arashan Valley was optional and cost USD50 per pax. So was the 4x4 van ride from Saty to Kaindy Lake and Kolsay Lakes National Park, which cost USD40 per pax.
Accommodations were in three-star hotels, homestays, and a yurt camp. On average, the overall tour cost worked out to be around RM950 to RM1,000 per day, excluding airfare?. For those interested in this tour, contact Eddie at +6012-6122600 for more details and updated costs.
8. Communicating with Each Other
When travelling in a group, it's important to be able to communicate with each other, especially if one gets lost from the rest.
I pre-purchased the Maxis 15-day Multi-Country Roaming Pass at MYR99 and had it activated on the first day of our tour. This pass included a complimentary Maxis Travel Care insurance for the pass validity period - i.e. MYR50,000 hospitalisation, and MYR2,000 lost baggage, T&C applies.
Alternatively, an almost similar GOGO physical sim card for 15-day 20gB can be bought on Lazada at (excluding delivery) for MYR120.
I pre-purchased the Maxis 15-day Multi-Country Roaming Pass at MYR99 and had it activated on the first day of our tour. This pass included a complimentary Maxis Travel Care insurance for the pass validity period - i.e. MYR50,000 hospitalisation, and MYR2,000 lost baggage, T&C applies.
Alternatively, an almost similar GOGO physical sim card for 15-day 20gB can be bought on Lazada at (excluding delivery) for MYR120.
9. Communicating with Locals
Our local guides spoke excellent English, and those in the travel industry or bazaar traders speak passable English. Other locals speak their local language (Uzbek, Kyrgyz, or Kazakh) or Russian (as they were former Soviet states). Or one can use Google Translate on one's mobile.
10. Weather
June is the beginning of summer, and the weather in Uzbekistan is dry, sunny, and hot across the board. In Tashkent, daytime highs average around 32°C with nighttime lows near 19°C.
While in Kyrgyzstan, it is characterized by warm, pleasant weather in the cities and valleys, but drastically cooler, unpredictable conditions in the high-altitude mountain regions. It is widely considered the best time to visit for lush landscapes, peak blooming flowers, and accessible hiking trails. Cities and Lowlands (Bishkek, Osh): Days are hot and dry. Daytime highs range from 25°C to 30°C, while nights are a comfortable 14°C to 16°C. Mountainous Regions & Lakes (Song-Köl, Altyn-Arashan): High-altitude areas are significantly colder. Expect crisp, sunny afternoons around 17°C to 20°C, while nighttime temperatures can drop sharply to freezing or near-freezing (0°C to 5°C).
In Kazakhstan, it marks the arrival of warm days, lush green landscapes, and long daylight hours. Conditions vary significantly by region, with the southern cities experiencing warm weather perfect for exploring nature, while the central and northern steppes remain milder but can see sudden, brief rains. Almaty & Southern Regions: Daytime highs comfortably range between 25°C and 30°C, while nights drop to a crisp 15°C to 20°C. This makes it an ideal time for mountain hiking. Astana & Northern Steppes: Expect slightly cooler daytime highs of 22°C to 28°C and night lows around 12°C to 17°C. Mountainous Areas: High-altitude destinations like the Tien Shan range or Kolsai Lakes are much cooler, with daytime highs of 15°C to 25°C and nights dropping to 5°C to 10°C.
While in Kyrgyzstan, it is characterized by warm, pleasant weather in the cities and valleys, but drastically cooler, unpredictable conditions in the high-altitude mountain regions. It is widely considered the best time to visit for lush landscapes, peak blooming flowers, and accessible hiking trails. Cities and Lowlands (Bishkek, Osh): Days are hot and dry. Daytime highs range from 25°C to 30°C, while nights are a comfortable 14°C to 16°C. Mountainous Regions & Lakes (Song-Köl, Altyn-Arashan): High-altitude areas are significantly colder. Expect crisp, sunny afternoons around 17°C to 20°C, while nighttime temperatures can drop sharply to freezing or near-freezing (0°C to 5°C).
In Kazakhstan, it marks the arrival of warm days, lush green landscapes, and long daylight hours. Conditions vary significantly by region, with the southern cities experiencing warm weather perfect for exploring nature, while the central and northern steppes remain milder but can see sudden, brief rains. Almaty & Southern Regions: Daytime highs comfortably range between 25°C and 30°C, while nights drop to a crisp 15°C to 20°C. This makes it an ideal time for mountain hiking. Astana & Northern Steppes: Expect slightly cooler daytime highs of 22°C to 28°C and night lows around 12°C to 17°C. Mountainous Areas: High-altitude destinations like the Tien Shan range or Kolsai Lakes are much cooler, with daytime highs of 15°C to 25°C and nights dropping to 5°C to 10°C.
11. Navigation
Geo-tagging of places of interest was via FaceBook, Google Maps or Yandex Maps and Yandex Navigator.
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