December 26, 2025

Visiting Uzbekistan or Kazakhstan: two facets of Central Asia

Kristin My

I organise custom trips and expeditions in Central Asia

Visiting Uzbekistan or Kazakhstan: two facets of Central Asia

Central Asia, a land of mystery and unexplored beauty, is a rapidly growing travel destination. Two of its most dazzling gems, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, attract travelers from around the world.

Although these two countries are located in the same geographical region, they offer radically different experiences for visitors.

In this article, we will explore the unique aspects of each destination, weigh the pros and cons of visiting Uzbekistan or Kazakhstan, and help travelers choose the best option for them.

Visiting Uzbekistan or Kazakhstan: which is better for tourists?

Uzbekistan: the heritage of the Silk Road

Uzbekistan is a country rich in history and culture. Uzbeks are traditionally sedentary: they have always grown fruits, vegetables, and cotton, and have always been excellent at crafts.

The country is a veritable open-air museum, with ancient cities, historic monuments, and breathtaking architecture that attest to its key role along the Silk Road.

Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva, among others, are treasures full of palaces, mausoleums, and madrasas dating back to the time of the Persian and Turkish Empires.

Kazakhstan: the call of nature and nomadic life

In contrast, Kazakhstan is a country where nomadic life has always prevailed. Kazakhs have evolved in harmony with their environment, relying on livestock for their livelihood.

This means that Kazakhstan offers vast, wild and unspoilt landscapes, with steppes as far as the eye can see, majestic mountains, and breathtakingly beautiful lakes.

However, outside of the Turkestan region, where Muslim sacred sites can be visited, there are few historical sites in the country.

Visiting Uzbekistan or Kazakhstan: the pros and cons

Uzbekistan

Kazakhstan

✅ Pros :

A rich history and well-preserved monuments.
Delicious cuisine and lively oriental markets.
The warm hospitality of the local population.

❌ Cons :

Scorching summer temperatures.
Cities can be crowded with tourists.

✅ Pros :

Breathtaking nature, ideal for outdoor activities.
The opportunity to experience nomadic life in traditional yurts.
Authentic Kazakh culture.

❌ Cons :

The distances are immense, which can mean long travel times.
Fewer historic sites than in Uzbekistan.

Visiting Uzbekistan or Kazakhstan: for whom?

The choice between Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan depends largely on the individual preferences of travelers.

If you want to immerse yourself in history, architecture, and culture, Uzbekistan is the place to be. Lovers of oriental markets, exquisite food and the ambiance of old towns will be delighted.

On the other hand, Kazakhstan is the perfect choice for nature lovers, adventurers, and travelers who want to get off the beaten path. Opportunities for hiking, horseback riding, jeep tours, and extreme sports abound.

🧭 Join us on our upcoming expeditions to Kazakhstan or contact us if you have a specific project in mind and would like to organize a tailor-made adventure! Need inspiration for your next trip? Follow us on Instagram to discover our past expeditions, our spirit of adventure, our human and responsible approach, and the friendly atmosphere that guides each of our trips.

Living as a nomad in traditional yurts is a unique experience not to be missed.

However, it's important to note that both countries offer a variety of experiences — Uzbekistan also offers stunning mountains, while Kazakhstan has modern, developing cities.

To give you a very general picture: Kazakhstan is 80% focused on nature and 20% on city visits, while Uzbekistan is the other way around, 80% focused on city visits and 20% on nature.

Don't choose, visit Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan!

In fact, it is entirely possible to plan a combined trip to Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan. Direct trains, sometimes overnight, connect the major cities of both countries.

This makes it possible to combine, for example, the Mangystau region with Khiva, or to travel from Tashkent to Almaty.

As these countries are vast, long-distance trains are ideal for this type of journey, with fares generally ranging from €20 to €90. However, allow at least a month: the journeys are long and a shorter stay could leave you feeling that you haven't seen everything. Take the time to soak up the unique atmosphere of these two countries and fully experience their culture. There are countless discoveries to be made.

In short, whether you choose to immerse yourself in the fascinating history of Uzbekistan or set off on an adventure in the vast wilderness of Kazakhstan, your trip to Central Asia promises to be a memorable experience. Central Asia awaits you, ready to reveal its treasures to intrepid travelers!

💬 Does organizing a trip to Central Asia seem complicated? We would be delighted to assist you, so that nothing stands in the way of your adventure in Central Asia. Contact us to discuss your plans, get some advice, or simply share your desires and inspirations!