Central Asia Holidays

Central Asia is no longer a remote and inaccessible region, and Hayes & Jarvis is here to show you the best of the region’s offerings.

On your Central Asia holiday, travel to the heart of the ancient Silk Road, to massive mountain ranges and vast deserts, to nomadic lifestyles and the splendour of Islamic architecture.

Why travel to Central Asia?

Grand thousand-year-old mosques, high mountains, medieval palaces and mausoleums, vibrant markets, Soviet-style buildings, and incredible metro stations—together, they echo the ups and downs of this region’s past. Top that with the broad mix of ethnic groups, cultures, crafts, and unique food and drink, and your Central Asia holiday will leave you thoroughly impressed.

Five independent countries make up Central Asia. Until 1991, they were all republics within the USSR, having been colonised by Russia in the 1920s and 30s. Geographically, Central Asia comprises the five “Stans”, namely, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, and Turkmenistan. Currently, Hayes & Jarvis offers trips to Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan.

Kyrgyzstan is primarily mountainous. Over 90% of it lies at heights over 1,500 m, with some peaks soaring 7,000 m into the sky. Drive deep into the rugged mountains of Tien Shen and Pamir Alay. Admire stunning views and the changing landscapes—rolling green meadows where local nomads graze their livestock, enormous snowy peaks, coniferous forests, and pretty alpine lakes. Kyrgyzstan’s incredible natural beauty offers the perfect environment for outdoor activities, from walking trails in Ala Archa National Park to horse riding in the gorgeous countryside.

Uzbekistan’s diverse landscapes range from vast plains and deserts to upland hills and valleys, but it is the great cities that are the star attractions. Bukhara, Samarkand, and Khiva are the religious and spiritual heart of Central Asia and treasure troves of Islamic architecture. Their histories stretch back thousands of years, and their architectural gems display Persian and Turkish influences and tell us intricate stories of the region’s past. On your guided tour through Central Asia, you’ll find the world’s oldest Quran in the Hazrat Imam complex in Tashkent and the most exquisite turquoise blue tilework adorning the buildings in Samarkand’s Registan Square.

No trip to Central Asia is complete without indulging in hefty servings of delicious plov (pilaf), shashlik (grilled meats), and manti (dumplings). Black and green teas are the drinks of choice, as are fermented yoghurt drinks.

Central Asia has a deep history influenced by Turkic, Arab, Mongol, Russian and other cultures, all of which have shaped the region’s cultural, religious, and political terrain. When you embark on a private Central Asia tour with Hayes & Jarvis, you get an immersive experience of these unique nations and their history.