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Almaty, Kazakhstan
Start your journey at the iconic Zenkov Cathedral in Panfilov Park, then head up Kok Tobe Hill for panoramic city views. Don't miss the Zelyony Bazar for local produce and the vibrant Medeu skating rink outside the city.
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Charyn Canyon, Kazakhstan
Explore the dramatic Valley of Castles, often compared to the Grand Canyon. Nearby Tamgaly Tas features ancient petroglyphs carved into riverside rocks. Overnight in a local guesthouse in Kegen or return to Almaty.
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Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
Visit bustling Osh Bazaar and the grand Ala-Too Square in the heart of the city. The State Museum of Fine Arts and Victory Park are worth exploring before heading east. Bishkek has a relaxed café culture — try local laghman noodles.
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Issyk-Kul, Kyrgyzstan
Central Asia's largest alpine lake sits at 1,600 metres and never freezes. Around Cholpon-Ata you'll find Bronze Age petroglyphs on the northern shore. The town of Karakol on the eastern end is a great base for trekking.
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Song Kol, Kyrgyzstan
Song Kol is a remote high-altitude lake at 3,016 metres, best reached by 4x4 vehicle. Stay overnight in a traditional yurt camp run by nomadic families for an authentic Kyrgyz experience. Horse riding across the surrounding steppe is unforgettable.
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Jyrgalan, Kyrgyzstan
This off-the-beaten-path valley is a hidden gem for trekking and community-based tourism. The trail to Altyn Arashan hot springs passes through stunning mountain scenery. Local guesthouses offer home-cooked Kyrgyz meals and warm hospitality.
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Osh, Kyrgyzstan
Osh is one of Central Asia's oldest cities, dominated by the UNESCO-listed Sulayman Mountain. The lively Osh Bazaar is one of the largest traditional markets in the region — perfect for spices and dried fruit. Be mindful of the city's diverse ethnic makeup and local customs.
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Sary-Tash, Kyrgyzstan
This small mountain village sits at the crossroads of routes to China, Tajikistan and Osh. The views of the snow-capped Alay Range are spectacular on a clear day. Use it as a gateway stop before crossing into Tajikistan via the Pamir Highway.
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Murghab, Tajikistan
Murghab sits at over 3,600 metres on the high Pamir Plateau and is the highest town in Tajikistan. The landscape is raw and lunar, with colourful mountains stretching in every direction. Stock up on supplies here before heading further along the Pamir Highway.
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Bulunkul, Tajikistan
This tiny village near a stunning turquoise lake is one of the most scenic stops on the Pamir Highway. Nearby Yashilkul Lake offers equally breathtaking views in a completely isolated setting. Guesthouses here are simple but welcoming, run by local Pamiri families.
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Khorog, Tajikistan
Khorog is the capital of the Gorno-Badakhshan region and the main hub of the Pamirs. Visit the Pamir Biological Institute and the local bazaar where Afghan traders come across the river. Pamir Lodge is a well-known traveller meeting point with great food and information.
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Langar, Afghanistan
Langar is a dramatic village at the confluence of the Wakhan and Pamir rivers, surrounded by ancient petroglyphs. The Yamchun Fort nearby offers incredible views over the Wakhan Corridor towards Afghanistan and the Hindu Kush. A truly remote and humbling destination.
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Ishkashim, Tajikistan
Ishkashim sits on the Tajik-Afghan border along the Wakhan Corridor. On Saturdays a cross-border market takes place where Afghans and Tajiks trade goods — a unique experience. The rugged landscape and ancient forts in the area make it a highlight of the Pamir journey.
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Dushanbe, Tajikistan
Dushanbe is a leafy, surprisingly pleasant capital with wide Soviet-era boulevards and green parks. Visit the National Museum of Tajikistan and the beautiful Boghi Navruz Park with its impressive palace. The Gurminj Museum of Traditional Instruments is a hidden cultural gem worth visiting.
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Tashkent, Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan's modern capital blends Soviet architecture with Islamic monuments and a buzzing food scene. Don't miss the Chorsu Bazaar for spices and the impressive Amir Timur Museum. The city is a great starting point for the Uzbek Silk Road trail by high-speed train.
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Samarkand, Uzbekistan
Samarkand is one of the most magnificent cities on the ancient Silk Road, home to the awe-inspiring Registan square. Visit the Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum, tomb of Timur, and the stunning Shah-i-Zinda necropolis. The blue-tiled domes gleam at sunset — an iconic Central Asian image.
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Bukhara, Uzbekistan
Bukhara's old town is remarkably well preserved, with the imposing Ark Fortress and the soaring Kalyan Minaret. Stroll through the 16th-century covered Trading Domes and browse silk and ceramics. The atmospheric Lyab-i Hauz pool area is a great spot for tea and people-watching.
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Khiva, Uzbekistan
Khiva's Itchan Kala inner city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that feels like a living open-air museum. The Islam Khodja Minaret offers sweeping views over the mud-brick rooftops and desert surroundings. From nearby Urgench airport you can fly back to Amsterdam to end this epic journey.