Winter holidays in Central Asia are not just a few and therefore crowded ski resorts. They are also seclusion in protected natural areas, snow-covered canyons, hot springs, mountain lakes, and an endless variety of inspiring mountain landscapes.
This guide brings together tried-and-true popular locations as well as unexpected places that attract with their novelty.
Winter tourism as a destination in Central Asian countries is only just developing, so today the prices for vacations can be exorbitantly high, and the selection of reliable locations is relatively small.
When choosing a destination, you need to consider not only the trip budget. The most important thing in a winter journey is safety. By following its principles, choose a reliable tour operator and study the logistics. The travel company should have all the necessary licenses, good reviews, and professional guides certified to work in the mountains. Such a specialist knows the route and the specifics of the area thoroughly, has relevant experience, and has also completed a first aid course.
The same applies if you are planning an independent trip: study the weather forecast, regional climate features, terrain, road conditions, and infrastructure options. Be sure to bring a change of waterproof clothing and reliable footwear. The best thing is to read blogs by professional travelers who have already been to these places.
Zaamin — the healing air of Uzbekistan's Switzerland
Zaamin is an excellent choice for a winter vacation in Central Asia for those who want to enjoy nature and comfort without compromises and complicated logistics. There is even a flight from Tashkent.
The Zaamin Ridge is especially beautiful from late December to February: coniferous forests, famous healing air, a mild climate without extreme frosts. All the infrastructure for both active and relaxing family vacations is already in place: paved roads, sanatoriums and mountain resorts, restaurants and cafes, equipment rentals. It is best to visit in February, closer to spring — during this period it is less crowded here.
For accommodation, people often choose Zaamin Sanatorium (treatment programs, swimming pool, meals) or modern eco-hotels and cottages in the Zomin Mountain Resort area.
What to do
Walking through the pine groves of the national park, sledding and tubing, going on photo walks, breathing in the healing mountain air, and simply relaxing away from the city. The resort area offers spa, sauna, observation decks, and winter picnics. The perfect place for “slow” relaxation with the family.
How to get from Tashkent
By plane or train to Jizzakh, then 1.5–2 hours by car. Alternatively, you can drive directly from Tashkent in your own car (about 4–5 hours). Since the region borders Tajikistan, you should be prepared for additional checks on the road. It is important for tourists to carry their passport/ID card.
Karakol, Kyrgyzstan — experience the mountains as they are
One of the most successful tourist destinations in Central Asia is the Karakol ski resort: snow-capped peaks of the Tien Shan at an altitude of 2,300–3,450 meters, magical views, and consistently stable snow cover.
The season begins at the end of November, and tourists come here from all over the world.
There are organized 6-day tours from Tashkent to Karakol on a comfortable sleeper bus. The main program of such a tour includes transfer, rental of ski equipment and gear, accommodation, a visit to Ala-Archa National Park, and a sightseeing tour of Bishkek.
If you are not traveling with a tourist group, you can stay either in Karakol itself or in hotels and cottages right at the base near the lifts.
What to do
Mainly, people come here for active recreation. For this, the resort offers slopes of varying difficulty levels, lifts, and—what is especially attractive—freeride zones, as well as equipment rental centers and all the necessary infrastructure for this kind of vacation.
Those who do not plan to do winter sports can go for a walk on foot or by snowmobile, visit hot springs, beautiful gorges, or relax in recreation areas with a cup of tea and stunning views, or visit spa centers.
How to get from Tashkent
By plane to Bishkek, from there you need to take a taxi or minibus for 400 km (this is 6–7 hours along the picturesque shore of Issyk-Kul). It’s better to travel during the day. Many hotels in Karakol offer transfer services from the capital of Kyrgyzstan.
Suusamyr, Kyrgyzstan — snowy valleys far from tourist routes
People come to the high-mountain valley of Suusamyr for real, "big" mountains and the unique two-meter-thick Tien Shan snow cover, which forms thanks to abundant snowfall and the absence of wind. This place is hidden in the mountains at an altitude of 2200–2600 meters. The varied terrain of the mountain slopes makes this area a paradise for freeriding.
Travelers who dream of views of pristine nature come to the Suusamyr ski resort.
You can stay at the mountain guest complex Suuslodge or in glampings and yurts, which offer both simple basic amenities and the organization of sports activities, as well as in mini-hotels in the valley.
What to do
In addition to freeriding, in winter in Suusamyr people go snowshoeing, organize winter trekking, and spend the night in traditional yurts heated by stoves. An immersive experience in the winter landscape and nomadic culture is guaranteed.
How to get from Tashkent
Fly to Bishkek. Then you need to take a taxi (at the western bus station) or rent a car and drive through the Too Ashuu pass for about 150–160 kilometers. Keep in mind that the roads can be slippery, so it is advisable to choose a vehicle with high off-road capability.
Burabay and Ridder, Kazakhstan — reboot in the taiga
These are two winter destinations for those in search of a true winter fairy tale and ready to venture a little further.
In the national park Burabay (Borovoe) in the Akmola region of Kazakhstan, there is a year-round resort of the same name. Pine forests descend right to the ice-covered lakes, surrounded by endless snow. There are many equipped trails and observation points here. Guests can enjoy skiing, sledding, a sauna, and even an ice hole for Epiphany bathing. It’s best to rent a wooden cabin, but hotels are also available for tourists. Near the famous Shchuchye Lake, there is an amusement park for children called “Lapland.”
There is also one of the most popular hotels Rixos Borovoe with beautiful views from the rooms and a spa. For family vacations, the chain 4-star Wyndham Garden Burabay, the cozy Terrassa Park Hotel and Baitas Hotel with good service and a location close to the lakes are suitable.
Ridder is a more “wild” place for secluded routes in the Altai Mountains. This small town, which grew out of a mining settlement, is located far from well-trodden tourist paths. The local resort area consists of the taiga forests of Eastern Kazakhstan with deep snow, mountain air, and the feeling that you are at the edge of the world. In the vicinity of the town, guests can enjoy two ski resorts — “Edelweiss” and “Stardust Camp,” as well as the freeride base “Vostochny Polyus” 15 kilometers away.
These locations attract those who seek the beauty of the winter landscape (photographers are delighted by the light) or romantic seclusion, rather than fans of the classic resort format.
There are recreation centers near the city Baza Otdykha Sinegor'ye or Altai Mountains Resort, as well as more comfortable hotels Rassvet and Hotel Altay.
What to do
Freeride, explore natural attractions, have an ice picnic, go on a photo walk, star in a winter love story, relax in a sauna, and go winter fishing.
How to get from Tashkent
To Burabay: Direct flight to Astana, then train, car, or transfer to Burabay (260 kilometers).
In Ridder: You can fly to Ust-Kamenogorsk with a transfer, then drive by car along a scenic road for about 2 hours.
According to Asel Arzieva, founder and director of the travel agency Mazzali travel, in recent years the foothill areas of the Fergana region of Uzbekistan have begun to be developed: Chartak, Nanay, Pap, and Yangi Kurgan already have decent infrastructure for winter recreation, including campsites and tubing tracks. Full-scale recreation areas will soon begin to be constructed. Many people head to the Arashan lakes with the onset of winter.
A lot is being done in the country now to make tourism less dependent on seasonality. But we still have room for improvement in terms of quality. For several years, we have been trying to develop a tour of the Fergana Valley that would cover three countries, but would not cost as much as a round-the-world trip. There is enormous potential here for gastronomic, cultural, and sports tourism.
There are not many companies handling logistics in the region, and tourist demand exceeds the capacity of the existing infrastructure and transportation, which also has to be changed when crossing the border. In addition, it is difficult to ensure the same level of comfort along the entire route.
Asel Arzieva
Go out for 2-3 days “into the snow” — is the latest trend. That’s how the first winter route in Uzbekistan to Lake Sary-Chelek was created — the tour starts in Namangan and lasts only three days, but promises unforgettable emotions.
Winter Sary-Chelek, Kyrgyzstan — discovering protected lands
Sary-Chelek is a biosphere reserve in the south of Kyrgyzstan. The road from Namangan takes only about 3 hours.
Since the beginning of the summer season, the lake has attracted quite a lot of local and Uzbekistani tourists, but in winter it is almost deserted here.
The area is renowned for one of the rarest natural landscapes in Central Asia—a mountain-forest oasis hidden in the Tien Shan mountains, featuring a system of several crystal-clear lakes. The reserve includes deep gorges, slopes covered with nut-fruit and coniferous forests, and unique biodiversity. This destination is worth considering if only for the chance to encounter rare animals.
Until recently, winter travel was not possible; today, however, all the conditions for tourists to stay here in winter are available.
It won't be possible to travel the route independently — the infrastructure and transport connections are still too underdeveloped.
What to do
Enjoy the silence and the snow-covered peaks of the forest mosaic. Hike up to the first lake along a safe mountain trail. Encounter wild animals: deer, roe deer, wild boars, minks. Lose connection with reality and your phone, but find a connection with yourself.
How to get from Tashkent
You can get to Namangan by taxi. From Namangan, as part of a group, you travel by minibus through the Baymak checkpoint in the Kasansay district (operates only for citizens of Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan), and then about 3 hours to your destination.
Shakhristan, Tajikistan — an oasis of tranquility in the mountains
There are legends about the beauty of Tajikistan's nature, but few tourists dare to go to the mountains in winter.
Shakhristan — another picturesque place in the Fergana Valley on Lake Oykul, which locals call “the Swiss Alps of Tajikistan”. A trip here can be included in a short tour from Tashkent to the Sughd region of Tajikistan.
This is an oasis surrounded by beautiful mountains, located 100 km from Khujand. Although large international resorts have not yet been built here, people come to relax in nature and hike for the unprecedentedly beautiful views and tranquility. However, you should not expect a high level of comfort.
In summer, campsites operate here, tourists set up numerous tent camps, and in the winter season, tranquility reigns.
You can stay in the guest house by booking a spot in advance.
What to do
The perfect place for a peaceful getaway with family or a loved one. You can go for a long walk with a camera or have a barbecue.
How to get from Tashkent
The easiest way is to drive to Khujand. In the city, it won't be difficult to find transportation and, if you wish, reach the tourist base together with a guide.
Winter holidays in Central Asia are a destination gaining momentum. Even now, they offer the opportunity to experience unity with nature and silence, which is so valuable in contrast to the noisy parties of our big cities. If you are tired of the endless race for success, use your winter vacation as a reset and reevaluation, a way to change your life’s rhythm, feel a pristine connection with the mountains, snow, and sun, and breathe in the fresh air deeply.
Sometimes rest is relaxation and an escape from the familiar, and sometimes it is exploration and the discovery of a new reality and a new self.