• KGS/USD = 0.01143 0%
  • KZT/USD = 0.00195 -0%
  • TJS/USD = 0.09926 0.71%
  • UZS/USD = 0.00008 -0%
  • TMT/USD = 0.28575 0%
  • KGS/USD = 0.01143 0%
  • KZT/USD = 0.00195 -0%
  • TJS/USD = 0.09926 0.71%
  • UZS/USD = 0.00008 -0%
  • TMT/USD = 0.28575 0%
  • KGS/USD = 0.01143 0%
  • KZT/USD = 0.00195 -0%
  • TJS/USD = 0.09926 0.71%
  • UZS/USD = 0.00008 -0%
  • TMT/USD = 0.28575 0%
  • KGS/USD = 0.01143 0%
  • KZT/USD = 0.00195 -0%
  • TJS/USD = 0.09926 0.71%
  • UZS/USD = 0.00008 -0%
  • TMT/USD = 0.28575 0%
  • KGS/USD = 0.01143 0%
  • KZT/USD = 0.00195 -0%
  • TJS/USD = 0.09926 0.71%
  • UZS/USD = 0.00008 -0%
  • TMT/USD = 0.28575 0%
  • KGS/USD = 0.01143 0%
  • KZT/USD = 0.00195 -0%
  • TJS/USD = 0.09926 0.71%
  • UZS/USD = 0.00008 -0%
  • TMT/USD = 0.28575 0%
  • KGS/USD = 0.01143 0%
  • KZT/USD = 0.00195 -0%
  • TJS/USD = 0.09926 0.71%
  • UZS/USD = 0.00008 -0%
  • TMT/USD = 0.28575 0%
  • KGS/USD = 0.01143 0%
  • KZT/USD = 0.00195 -0%
  • TJS/USD = 0.09926 0.71%
  • UZS/USD = 0.00008 -0%
  • TMT/USD = 0.28575 0%

Viewing results 1 - 6 of 9

Air Astana to Serve Horse Meat and Baursaks to VIP Passengers

Kazakhstan’s flagship carrier, Air Astana, is introducing a new in-flight dining concept on international routes, offering business class passengers a taste of national cuisine reimagined through contemporary culinary techniques. The updated menu, available from June 2025, features dishes such as pumpkin-stuffed manty (dumplings), horsemeat tartare, and traditional desserts, part of a collaboration with the AUYL neo-nomadic cuisine restaurant and its chef, Ruslan Zakirov. Available from June, the menu also includes sweets infused with sesame, salted caramel, and balkaymak (a sweet made with camel's milk). “Our goal was to express Kazakhstan’s culture through flavor and a modern presentation,” said Zakirov, highlighting the project’s fusion of authenticity and innovation. The new offerings were tested on domestic flights during the Nauryz holiday and received overwhelmingly positive feedback, leading to their expansion to international routes. “We want passengers to feel at home, even at cruising altitude,” said Air Astana CEO Peter Foster. He added that the airline is committed to working with local producers and supporting small businesses, with plans to broaden the range of Kazakh-made products on board.  Vice President of Onboard Services Elena Obukhova noted that these initiatives enhance the airline’s cultural identity and create a unique travel experience for international guests. “It’s not just a menu, it’s Kazakhstan’s business card,” echoed Zakirov.  Beyond food, Air Astana has also updated its entertainment system. The airline now offers an expanded media library, including new movies, music, and audiobooks in Kazakh. With help from the National Library of Kazakhstan, passengers can listen to folk epics and modern interpretations of classic works. Long-haul business class passengers will also receive Moschino-branded travel kits containing cosmetics by the British brand TEMPLESPA. Cabin interiors now feature subtle elements reflecting Kazakh aesthetics. Air Astana’s efforts align with a broader shift in Kazakhstan’s tourism strategy. The Ministry of Tourism and Sports is now focusing on attracting high-spending travelers. “While growing numbers matter, quality should come first,” said Vice Minister Yerzhan Erkinbayev, who advocates for targeting tourists capable of spending $250 per day without overwhelming local infrastructure.  Kazakhstan, he added, is well-positioned to develop luxury tourism offerings, especially in its mountainous regions. Drawing on models from Barcelona, Milan, and the Alps, the country aims to build high-end infrastructure rather than pursue mass tourism. In this context, Air Astana’s gourmet in-flight service becomes more than just a culinary upgrade, it’s a strategic move to showcase Kazakhstan’s cultural sophistication and strengthen its appeal to discerning global travelers.

Tajikistan’s Passport Remains Among the World’s Weakest

Tajikistan's passport has once again ranked among the lowest globally in terms of travel freedom, highlighting the country’s ongoing limitations in global mobility. This is according to the updated 2025 Visa Index ranking, Tajikistan placed 84th out of more than 90 countries surveyed. Holders of Tajik passports can travel visa-free to just 23 countries. An additional 33 countries offer visas on arrival, and two allow electronic travel authorizations (eTAs). Entry into 40 countries requires an e-visa, while advance visas are mandatory for 131 destinations. Compared to other former Soviet republics, Tajikistan trails significantly behind. Ukraine ranks 28th with 149 visa-free destinations, Georgia 45th (125 countries), Kazakhstan 63rd (82), Kyrgyzstan 79th (63), and Uzbekistan 80th (62). The only country in the region with a weaker passport is Turkmenistan, which ranks 92nd, offering access to just 48 countries. An alternative ranking by Passport Index places Tajikistan 66th, counting 23 visa-free countries, 47 with visa-on-arrival options, and four that accept eTAs. These slight differences arise from variations in methodology and recognition of visa regimes. Official data from Tajikistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs partially supports these findings, listing 35 visa-free destinations. These include 23 countries that offer unrestricted entry to Tajik citizens, regardless of passport category. Among them are Russia, Iran, Ukraine, Georgia, Armenia, Malaysia, Belarus, the Philippines, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan. Despite modest improvements, Tajik citizens still face significant challenges when traveling to most developed countries. Entry into the European Union, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Japan, and Australia, 131 countries in total, requires advance visa processing. Experts note that visa liberalization depends on numerous factors, including political and economic stability, diplomatic engagement, and international trust. Rankings like Visa Index and Passport Index evaluate travel freedom based on the number of countries accessible via visa-free entry, visa-on-arrival, or eTA. The highest-ranked passports provide access to over 180 destinations without the need for prior visas. For citizens of countries with "weak" passports, some turn to citizenship-by-investment programs to circumvent travel restrictions, especially businesspeople or frequent international travelers seeking broader mobility. Tajikistan’s passport remains one of the least mobile in the world. While visa-free travel to CIS and selected Asian countries provides some leeway, broader global access remains limited. Improving this situation will require intensified diplomatic negotiations and stronger economic partnerships that could eventually influence international visa policies.

Turkmenistan Government Monitoring Former Law Enforcers and Imposing Travel Restrictions

Turkmenistan’s Ministry of Justice has launched an initiative to collect data on former Interior Ministry officials to track those who have left the country. This move is the latest in a series of efforts by the government to monitor and restrict its citizens’ ability to travel abroad. Tracking Former Law Enforcement Officers Since February 2025, the Ministry of Justice has been compiling information on former law enforcement officers who held ranks of major or higher and served between 1991 and 2024. The Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Ministry of National Security (MNS), the Migration Service, and the Prosecutor’s Office have been instructed to assist in the campaign, which is expected to conclude by the end of April. The main objective is to identify retired officers who have relocated abroad. Several theories have emerged regarding the authorities' motives. One explanation is that routine inspections revealed cases of former officers settling in other countries after retirement. Another theory links the initiative to the recent controversy surrounding Rustam Inoyatov, the former head of Uzbekistan’s National Security Service, who, along with his family, acquired Vanuatu citizenship through a “golden passport” program. Turkmen security services suspect that similar schemes may have been used by their own former colleagues. Particular scrutiny is being placed on those who had professional ties with Inoyatov during his tenure. Law enforcement veterans are now required to submit reports detailing their current residence and occupation. In cases where an ex-officer has passed away, their relatives must provide official documentation, including death certificates and burial site information. New Restrictions on Travel Abroad Retired law enforcement officers have been informed that they may only leave the country for medical reasons and must obtain official authorization from the Ministry of Health. This is not the first instance of the government tightening travel restrictions. In September 2024, reports surfaced that public sector employees were being compelled to surrender their biometric passports or provide proof that they did not possess one.  While officials have not commented on these measures, observers believe they are linked to the increasing number of citizens emigrating in search of work or permanent residency. Additionally, recent reports indicate that some Turkmen nationals have participated in Russia’s war against Ukraine, with some receiving Russian citizenship in return for their military service. Confiscation of Student Passports Travel restrictions have also been extended to students. In the fall of 2024, media reports revealed that students enrolling in Turkmen universities were required to surrender their passports to prevent them from traveling abroad.  Students who refuse to comply and sign a receipt acknowledging the surrender of their passports face the risk of being denied admission. According to sources, this policy has been in place for two years, with passports held by faculty deans for the duration of students’ studies. Although officials have not provided explanations for these measures, university professors suggest that they aim to curb mass youth migration. Previously, students were only required to sign receipts, but authorities have now escalated their efforts by confiscating passports...

Condé Nast Traveler Names Kyrgyzstan’s Karakol Among 25 Best Places to Visit in 2025

Condé Nast Traveler has crowned the Kyrgyz town of Karakol as the "adventure capital of Central Asia" and included it in its prestigious list of the 25 best places to visit in 2025​. Located southeast of Lake Issyk-Kul, and approximately 150km from the Kyrgyzstan-China border, Karakol is Kyrgyzstan’s premier winter tourism hub. The city boasts the nation’s largest and best mountain ski resort. The magazine highlights Karakol as a prime destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering activities such as hiking, horseback riding, kayaking, and paragliding. It also praises the Karakol ski base, the highest ski resort in Central Asia, perched at an altitude of 1.8 miles. Looking ahead, Karakol is set to further solidify its reputation as a winter sports haven. A new resort, Three Peaks, is scheduled to open in 2026 in collaboration with French ski specialists Société des Trois-Vallées. This development is expected to attract even more winter sports enthusiasts to the region. Beyond adventure, Condé Nast Traveler lauds Karakol’s cultural and culinary diversity. The city is home to a mix of Uyghur, Uzbek, Kyrgyz, Kalmak, Dungan, and Russian communities. This multicultural heritage has given rise to unique attractions, including wooden "gingerbread" houses, cold ashlan-fu soup, and the Dungan Mosque, built in 1907 by Chinese artisans. The mosque reflects Buddhist influences, with a pagoda replacing the traditional minaret. Condé Nast Traveler suggests visiting Karakol between June and September for trekking and cultural tours, while December through April is ideal for winter sports enthusiasts. The city has become more accessible with the reopening of its reconstructed international airport in December 2024. This development allows travelers to reach Karakol from Bishkek in under an hour by plane. Alternatively, the journey takes 6-7 hours by car or bus​​.

Min-Kush — The Kyrgyz Time Capsule

Although Min-Kush is only about 100 miles from Bishkek, as the crow flies, the mountains make us travel 250 miles. We reached a scenic viewpoint along the road, and I stopped to take a picture. I exited the truck and approached a horse with dramatic snow-capped mountains peeking through the clouds. A man came and invited us to ride his horse around his farm. This is his farm, his 75 sheep, and his horse. The horse and I galloped around the farm, chatted with the farmer, and got back on the road. This was my first time on horseback after a year and a half in Central Asia. Min-Kush, once a prosperous town nestled in the Kyrgyz mountains known for its bustling uranium mining industry, has hit the end of the road literally and figuratively. Coming down the A367 highway, a nondescript road sign says “Min-Kush” with an arrow pointing left. We turned, and the road seamlessly transformed from pavement to dirt. It is the last and only settlement on this road off of the highway. The only other vehicles we pass are semi-trucks carrying tons of coal destined for Kyrgyzstan and China.   [caption id="attachment_25324" align="aligncenter" width="1200"] @TCA H.Kuvin[/caption] The city peaked at around 20,000 in the 1980s, but today’s number hovers around 3,500. Established in 1955, the apartments and houses are built in the Stalinist architectural style. The vibrant blue paint that once covered the wooden panels is faded, and sections of the buildings are caved in, but people still live here. The contrast in one building is stark. On the top floor, there are broken windows and unhinged shutters. On the bottom floor, there are new window frames and flowers on the windowsill. The blossoming life on the windowsill is far from what it once was. We stopped and chatted with some locals and asked about their lives. “When Moscow supported us, we had everything: stores, schools, factories, and a hospital. Now…nothing, but we cannot dwell on things. Life is better now than it was after the fall of the USSR.” The man asks for a cigarette and a light; my French friend complies with his request. The main draw of Min-Kush for me is an abandoned felt pen factory. I’ve seen pictures online of some incredible Soviet banners that serve as a time capsule in the mountains. We asked if anyone knew where to find it, and a man told us it was torn down and replaced by a soccer field. As night set in, we looked for a guesthouse of sorts. I had read online that there is one, but there are no signs or information about it anywhere. We stop by a man fixing his Soviet Chaika car on the side of the road. He tells us the hotel is right up the road. We drive to an unlit building where two men are fixing another truck. We chatted, and he made a phone call. Ten minutes later, a lady shows up, unlocks the...

Kazakhstan Listed as a Top Destination by Lonely Planet

Kazakhstan has been included in Lonely Planet's prestigious "Best in Travel 2025" ranking, earning it recognition as one of the year's best travel destinations. Lonely Planet, a leading international publisher, was established in 1973 and since then, has published comprehensive travel guides in 14 languages, covering 195 countries. Aimed to inspire people to explore the world, the organisation also publishes articles, lists, and rankings of the best places to visit, based on recommendations from experts and travelers and according to their unique cultures and natural diversity. Kazakhstan's high ranking in 'Best in Travel 2025', is largely attributed to its ancient traditions and modern achievements, and especially, its rich history and varied landscapes. Vice Minister of Tourism and Sports of the Republic of Kazakhstan Yerzhan Erkinbayev warmly welcomed the country's inclusion in the list as validation of the growing international interest in Kazakhstan and stated that it emphasised the importance of promoting sustainable tourism. Lonely Planet's executive editor, Nitya Chambers, said the publication is proud of its choice and confident that this list will inspire travelers to make new discoveries. In its description of Kazakhstan, Lonely Planet focuses on the intertwining of ancient traditions and modern culture, hailing  the country a place where every visitor can discover something unique. The publication also mentions echoes of the ancient Silk Road, tangible in the vast steppes. Tourism in Kazakhstan has been actively developing in recent years, and the country is becoming increasingly popular among international travelers. Popular destinations include Almaty, Astana, and national parks. In the first six months of 2024 alone, 566,500 foreign tourists visited Kazakhstan, an increase of almost 10% compared to the same period in 2023. The demographics of foreign tourists is also on the rise. In the first quarter of this year, the average revenue of Kazakh companies working in the tourism sector - tour operators, travel agencies, and other organizations - increased five-fold. For January-March, it exceeded 160.3 billion tenge; the highest quarterly income indicator of tourism companies since the beginning of 2022. Kazakhstan's tourist potential has also been praised by other well-known travel publications. Earlier, “Conde Nast Traveler” and “Wanderlust” included Kazakhstan as one of the top world destinations for travel in 2024, and Almaty was included in a list of the 52 best tourist destinations issued by The New York Times.