Tourism - The Times Of Central Asia

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rail tourism

Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan Continue to Popularize Rail Tourism

Kazakhstan’s national railway company, Kazakhstan Temir Zholy (KTZ), and Oʻzbekiston temir yoʻllari, also known as Uzbekistan Railways, organized this year’s second Keruen Express train tour from May 1 to 6. More than 130 passengers traveled along the Almaty-Turkestan-Samarkand-Tashkent-Almaty route. Over five days, participants visited major architectural and historical sites in both countries, including the Khoja Ahmed Yasawi Mausoleum in Turkestan, the Gur-e-Amir mausoleum and the Registan in Samarkand, and the Hazrati Imam Complex in Tashkent. The Keruen Express promotes rail tourism and the region’s historical heritage while strengthening cultural ties between Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. Rail tourism is gaining traction in Central Asia. As previously reported by The Times of Central Asia, KTZ expanded its popular Jibek Joly (Silk Road) tourist train route to include Tajikistan. The updated route now reaches the Tajik capital, Dushanbe, extending the tour beyond Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. The train-tour projects are part of a regional push to promote Central Asia as a unified tourist destination. Regional leaders have advocated for a shared visa-free regime for foreign visitors, similar to Europe’s Schengen Area, to encourage cross-border travel and boost international tourism. Speaking at the 59th Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors of the Asian Development Bank in Samarkand on May 4, Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev proposed creating a Central Asia Tourism Ring as a unified tourism space connecting the countries of the region. Mirziyoyev called on neighboring countries, the ADB, and other partners to form a portfolio of tourism development projects and jointly finance them. Mirziyoyev also highlighted Central Asia’s tourism potential, noting that amid global instability, millions of tourists are seeking safe destinations, and the region has significant opportunities in pilgrimage, cultural, gastronomic, ethnographic, extreme, and medical tourism.

TCA Interviews

From Almaty to Bali: Two Cyclists from Kazakhstan on Their Bicycle Journey

Alina and Maksim Pak, a young married couple from Almaty, have spent several months cycling from Kazakhstan to the Indonesian island of Bali, a journey of more than 8,000 kilometers across multiple borders. Their daily updates on Instagram have drawn widespread attention, turning them into social media personalities. The Times of Central Asia spoke with them about how they embarked on the journey, the challenges they faced, and how the experience has changed them. TCA: Cycling from Almaty to Bali sounds bold. Do you remember the moment when the idea became a plan? Who initiated it? Maksim: It’s been my dream since childhood back when I used to ride a BMX bike. I thought about it a lot, but it always seemed impossible. Then one day I realized: if not now, then when? Alina initially thought it was a joke, but eventually I convinced her. We mapped out the route in just three or four days, and preparation took 45 days. We found sponsors, posted videos every day, learned blogging along the way, and gradually gained support from people. [caption id="attachment_48398" align="aligncenter" width="225"] @instagram.com/alina_pakk[/caption] TCA: Were you scared at all? Alina: Very much so. But not on the road, at the beginning, during preparation. We had almost nothing, no proper gear, no clear plan, no certainty that it would work. It felt like we physically wouldn’t even be able to start, too many “buts” and too few resources. But every day we sat down and visualized how we would travel, what we would eat, who we would meet. The fear was there, yes. That’s exactly why we went. If it’s not scary, then the goal isn’t big enough. TCA: What does a typical day on the road look like? Are all days different? Maksim: Our routine formed quite quickly. We wake up around 7 a.m., nature doesn’t let you sleep longer, especially when the tent is in the sun. We have breakfast, pack up, and by 9 a.m., we’re already cycling. The first stretch is about three hours, then we take a mandatory lunch break and rest for an hour or so, otherwise the body doesn’t recover. After that, we ride again until 5 or 6 p.m., depending on how we feel and the road conditions. When we find a place to stop, we set up the tent, and then the second shift begins: we work, editing videos and replying to messages. The day ends around 10 p.m. And yet every day is completely different, new cities, new people, new landscapes. It never gets boring. TCA: You’ve already cycled through China, Vietnam, Thailand, and are now in Malaysia. Which country surprised you the most? Are people the same everywhere? Maksim: Honestly, every country surprised us in its own way. It’s impossible to single one out. In some places it’s the nature, in others the food, in others the way people treat strangers. Overall, people are very similar everywhere, despite different languages and cultures. Everyone has the same concerns, work, family,...

Tourism

Tajikistan to Make Tourism Pitch at Rock Spire Site

Tajikistan, where tourism has long been hindered by security concerns and a lack of infrastructure, plans to host an international tourism conference this summer in one of the country’s most picturesque areas. People from more than 20 countries are expected to attend the event in the mountainous region of Childukhtaron on June 4-5, according to tourism officials in Khatlon, the southern province that encompasses the natural spires of rock. The name, Childukhtaron, derives from ancient lore about girls who turned into towering rock formations to thwart an invading force. Childukhtaron is dozens of kilometers away from Tajikistan’s border with Afghanistan, the scene of occasional incursions into Khatlon from the Afghan side by suspected drug smugglers as well as incidents of deadly attacks on Chinese workers. Tajikistan has stepped up security close to the border and says the area is under control, while tourism officials are confident that Childukhtaron is far enough away from the frontier to be secure. Still, some travelers might be deterred by long-running safety concerns about Tajikistan. A number of countries warn against travel to the immediate Tajik-Afghan border region and advise caution in other parts of the country because of concerns about terrorism. Canada, for example, says: “Avoid all travel to within 10 km of the border with Afghanistan due to the dangerous security situation and the threat of terrorism.” Earlier this year, China advised its nationals to leave the border area. The Tajik initiative in Childukhtaron is one of the latest efforts to attract visitors to parts of Central Asia that have much to offer tourists, but can be relatively difficult to visit because of long distances, basic infrastructure, and, in Tajikistan’s case, security concerns. Earlier this month, Turkmenistan hosted an international tourism conference, though it remains to be seen whether one of the world’s most closed countries will significantly ease regulations that deter some travelers. In contrast, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan have taken big strides in developing tourism infrastructure. In the case of Khatlon in Tajikistan, authorities say foreign tourism in the province is on the rise. Khatlon officials say 344,000 tourists entered the region in the first quarter of 2026, according to the state Khovar news agency. The agency’s report didn’t provide a breakdown of domestic and foreign tourists or a figure for the same period last year. Khovar indicated that tourism in Khatlon is a work in progress, referring to the “development potential” of cities and districts there. Childukhtaron is in the Muminabad district, about 250 kilometers south of Dushanbe, Tajikistan’s capital. That’s a drive of some hours, and some tour operators advise at least an overnight stay in the district. More adventurous travelers can consider renting a jeep or all-terrain vehicle to access remote areas. Childukhtaron “consists of pyramid-shaped rocks up to 60 meters high, which have been eroded by long-term winds,” Khovar reported. “There have been many legends and traditions about the Childukhtaron Mountains among the population and indigenous peoples since ancient times.”

TCA Interviews

Kyrgyz Minister Sydykov Courts Investment in Washington

On the occasion of the annual IMF/World Bank meetings in Washington this week, the Prime Minister of Kyrgyzstan, Adylbek Kasymaliev, led a delegation to Washington D.C. for World Bank and IMF meetings, the Department of State Annual Bilateral Consultations, a meeting with Secretary of State Rubio, Deputy Secretary Landau and Under Secretary Hooker, as well as a number of other constructive dialogues and engagements with scholars, researchers, and authors. This trip marks the second high-level U.S. visit in a year, signaling Washington’s strategic interest and Kyrgyzstan’s willingness to deepen cooperation. Bakyt Sydykov, Kyrgyzstan’s Minister of Economy and Commerce, accompanied the Prime Minister. The delegation’s visit to Washington reinforces President Sadyr Japarov’s statement to President Donald Trump during the November 2025 C5+1 Summit, “I am confident that this event will provide an excellent opportunity for U.S. businesses to expand cooperation in sectors such as agriculture, e-commerce, information technology, transportation and logistics, tourism, and banking.” Following Japarov’s lead, Sydykov is actively engaging private and multilateral partners; state and Commerce meetings are meant to keep things moving and steady investor confidence. This shift towards deeper diplomatic, investment, and development ties is striking and certainly welcome in Washington. The shift reflects both an evolving Central Asian geopolitical landscape, post-Afghanistan dynamics, economic needs, diversification goals, and troubles in West Asia. Deeper engagement is also driven by ambitions to enhance regional transport and logistics integration. Kyrgyzstan’s approach departs from zero-sum logic, prioritizing win-win pragmatism and mutual gains. Minister Sydykov In an interview with The Times of Central Asia, Minister Sydykov said that this visit builds on the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) recent official mission to Bishkek (March 18–April 1, 2026) and that “our banking sector is strong and well capitalized, as affirmed by the IMF, and we are well prepared against risk, enhancing oversight in the context of global volatility.” Commenting on the government’s fiscal management following the IMF’s guidance, Sydykov said: “To expand fiscal flexibility, we are mobilizing revenue across a range of standard taxation measures and raising expenditure efficiency with responsible internal wage policies, rationalized energy subsidies, and public investment management. We are pinpointing more prudent debt management measures, enhancing risk oversight, and rolling out tracking metrics to uphold long-term sustainability and credibility.” ⁠Looking forward, Sydykov noted that Kyrgyzstan is monitoring outlook risks related to external volatility, while also insisting that “we are working to hold down domestic inflation – always a challenge with rapid economic growth – and lower fiscal pressures. We assess that these endogenous variables remain manageable, even with increased exposure to cross-border trade and capital flows. While external volatility lies beyond our direct control, Kyrgyzstan is working with the IMF, other multilaterals, and domestic banks to maintain and build resilience. We are therefore strengthening buffers, recalibrating policies, and advancing accounting reforms to support performance and sustainable growth.” Responding to the ADB’s latest forecasts, Sydykov said Kyrgyzstan’s economy is moving toward greater stability and growth. After an 11.1% surge in 2025, growth is expected to slow to 8.9% in 2026 and 8.4%...

Tourism

Turkmenistan Promotes Tourism Abroad — While Keeping Its Borders Closed

Turkmen authorities are preparing to host an international tourism forum, once again emphasizing the sector’s potential. However, the reality appears less optimistic. The number of foreign visitors remains extremely low, while a strict visa regime continues to deter not only tourists but also business travellers. The Turkmen Travel international forum and exhibition is scheduled to take place in Ashgabat from April 14 to 16. Preparations are reportedly being carried out at a high level. Deputy Prime Minister for Culture, Bahar Seydova, briefed officials on the event, and President Serdar Berdimuhamedov has instructed organizers to present the country’s tourism potential in a dignified manner. At the same time, a paradoxical situation has emerged. Despite the construction of modern hotels in Ashgabat and the Avaza tourist zone, the opening of new airports, and the hosting of international events, foreign tourists visit Turkmenistan extremely rarely. Even travellers with a genuine interest in the country frequently encounter significant visa restrictions. According to sources, these challenges affect not only tourists. Representatives of international companies also face lengthy and complicated entry procedures. Market participants note that interest in Turkmenistan does exist. A representative of a travel agency in Ashgabat said that combined tours of Central Asia remain popular among tourists from China, the U.S., European countries, Australia, South America, and Russia. By 2024, demand for trips to Turkmenistan had increased by about 50% compared with the 2018-2020 period. Nevertheless, actual visitor numbers remain very low. Strict entry rules are also affecting business activity. For example, in February 2024, specialists from South Korea’s Hyundai Engineering were unable to arrive in Turkmenistan on time to carry out restoration work at the polymer plant in Kiyanly following an accident. Their visas were delayed due to bureaucratic procedures. Such cases are reported to occur regularly. While the state is seeking to attract foreign companies to major projects, it often fails to provide basic conditions for their operations. Against this backdrop, calls to reconsider current policies are becoming more frequent. Without a more open approach, Turkmenistan may struggle not only to increase tourist arrivals but also to support broader economic development.

Tourism

Kyrgyzstan Advances Construction of Ala-Too All-Season Ski Cluster

On February 25, Kyrgyzstan’s Ala-Too Resort OJSC and the Austrian company Doppelmayr, a global leader in cable car construction, signed a contract for the installation of four additional cable-car lines at the Jyrgalan resort. The site represents the first phase of the Ala-Too Resort project, a flagship state investment initiative to develop an all-season mountain ski cluster in the Issyk-Kul region, east of Lake Issyk-Kul. Construction of the Ala-Too Resort cluster, which will combine three resorts, Jyrgalan, Ak-Bulak, and Boz-Uchuk, began in August 2025. The new agreement follows a contract signed last year under which Doppelmayr is currently building two cable-car lines at Jyrgalan. Their commissioning is scheduled for May 2026. The four additional cable-car lines are expected to be completed by the end of this year, with the official opening of Jyrgalan planned for December. Once operational, the total length of cable-car lines at the resort will exceed 8 kilometers, while ski trails will extend to 46 kilometers. Doppelmayr has also completed a 1-kilometer cable-car line in the Ala-Archa State Nature Park, located about 30 kilometers from the capital, Bishkek. Officially opened on February 18, it became Kyrgyzstan’s first gondola lift. According to the Ministry of Economy and Commerce, the Ala-Too Resort project will be implemented in stages through 2038, with total investments estimated at approximately €1.2 billion. The cluster aims to attract up to 4 million tourists annually. The total area of the mountain cluster will cover 3,916 hectares, with ski slopes extending to 260 kilometers. Project developers state that this would place Ala-Too Resort among the world’s top ten resorts by total trail length and make it the largest ski destination in Central Asia. The development plan includes the construction of private villas and three- to five-star hotels, as well as a panoramic restaurant, conference facilities, a medical center, a stadium, an amphitheatre, and recreational parks. Infrastructure works are currently underway, including the construction of power transmission lines, drinking water systems, and wastewater treatment facilities. Reconstruction of the road linking Jyrgalan with Karakol, the administrative center of the Issyk-Kul region, has also begun. The Ala-Too Resort project is expected to provide a significant boost to Kyrgyzstan’s tourism sector, positioning the country as a major destination for mountain skiing in Central Asia.