7 Must-See Wonders In Central Asia

These little-known wonders in Central Asia are well worth marvelling at.

Central Asia has something for every traveller, from the rolling hills of steppe-country Kazakhstan to marvelling at Uzbekistan’s old Islamic architecture and the impressive high-altitude lakes in the Kyrgyz Republic.

We share our favourite destinations in the region of land-locked countries to inspire your next holiday abroad.

1. Southern Shore, Issyk Kul, Kyrgyz Republic

Not only is this enormous alpine lake hard to miss on a map, but it’s also elevated 1,600 metres above sea level, where travellers can swim and, at the same time, enjoy the views of snow-capped mountain peaks.

As a rule of thumb, travellers seeking a more vibrant atmosphere should venture to Issyk Kul’s northern shores (typically populated by Bishkek locals escaping on weekends). However, in our experience, the tranquillity of Issyk Kul is best discovered on the southern side of the lake.

If you happen to be visiting in July, don’t miss out on the magic of Kölfest, a music and arts festival celebrating Central Asian culture and local artists from one of the most unique places in the world.

Aerial shot of Southern Shore, Issyk Kul, Kyrgyz Republic — Issyk Kul’s northern shores have a vibrant atmosphere, and tranquillity is best discovered on the southern side. (Image: Matt Cheok)

2. Skazka Canyon, Kyrgyz Republic

Only a stone’s throw away from the southern shores of Issyk Kul lies Skazka’s impressive rock formations. The canyon’s jagged rocks and short hiking routes present some remarkable vantage points of red earth and carvings for minimal physical effort.

Travellers usually pit-stop here for half a day en route to Karakol’s hiking region, with regular marshrutkas (local shuttle buses) connecting the area and the option of hitchhiking between destinations.

Shot of Skazka Canyon, Kyrgyz Republic — Skazka Canyon is only a stone’s throw away from Issyk Kul. (Image: Matt Cheok)

3. Registan Square, Samarkand, Uzbekistan

Wandering through Samarkand is like stepping back in time and following the footsteps of caravaners and traders along the ancient Silk Road.

Registan Square (formerly Samarkand’s commercial centre) is the most impressive site in town, and the craftsmanship in the minarets, madrasahs, domes, and facades is detailed and intricate. We recommend visiting both during the day and evening, so you can see the site illuminated and watch the light show.

Registan Square, Uzbekistan — Registan Square is the most impressive site in town. (Image: Matt Cheok)

4. Sibinksie Lakes, Kazakhstan

The northeast of Kazakhstan is one of the least travelled regions of Central Asia, and that’s precisely why it’s worth visiting.

There are improved train services and a range of ride-sharing apps like Yandex and inDrive, to help you make your way around.

You’ll encounter Sibinskie Lakes in this region – a group of five lakes, each reachable on foot. The stunning rocky granite surroundings provide a jaw-dropping backdrop alongside its calm waters for the brave souls wanting to swim and cool off along the trail.

Over summer, local families picnic on the shoreline, and shashlik (skewered meat) aromas blow in the wind. The Kazakh hospitality is warm and friendly, and being invited for kumis (horse milk), chai, and vodka is common – as I quickly discovered four times throughout my adventures.

For those with flexible schedules, we highly recommend spending time in Semey and Ust’-Kamenogorsk.

Sibinskie Lakes, Kazakhstan — The stunning rocky granite surroundings of Sibinskie Lakes provide a jaw-dropping backdrop. (Image: Matt Cheok)

5. Kyzart, Kyrgyz Republic

The dramatic scenery on the drive from the capital, Bishkek (the typical entry and exit point in the Kyrgyz Republic) to Kyzart is a sight for sore eyes and worth the commute alone.

The hiking passage from Kyzart to Song Kul presents an alternative – and very scenic – journey to the enormous alpine lake some 3,000 metres above sea level with access to the summer yurt camps. Visitors can enjoy a homestay in town and then navigate the journey to the lake on foot or horseback.

Aerial shot of Kyzart, Kyrgyz Republic — Kyzart is a sight for sore eyes and worth the commute alone. (Image: Matt Cheok)

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6. Mountains surrounding Almaty, Kazakhstan

Almaty is a fantastic cultural and social hub in Central Asia, so you’d be forgiven for wanting to spend your entire holiday roaming between its beautiful restaurants, cafes and museums. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. No matter how much you enjoy the city vibe, you should still balance your time in the nearby mountains.

With the city’s robust public transport and ride-sharing options, it’s easy to access the neighbouring trails, particularly the ones leading to Old Japanese Road, Furmanov and Shymbulak Peak.

To experience the quintessential Central Asian postcard picture, head to the sprawling hills of the Ushkonyr Plateau for views of blooming flowers, roaming horses and snow-capped mountains.

From Almaty, you can arrange any hiking or camping equipment needs and trips or tours outside the city.

Shot of Furmanov Peak, Kazakhstan in the clouds — It’s easy to access the neighbouring trails like Furmanov Peak. (Image: Matt Cheok)

7. Ancient Relics around Termez, Uzbekistan

Termez is situated in the far south of Uzbekistan, bordering Afghanistan.

Although it doesn’t have the same glamorous polish as its major city counterparts, it is home to the magnificent archaeological ruins of the ancient city, Aleksandriya na Okse and Fayoz-Tepe, a well-preserved third-century monastery complex and evidence of the country’s Buddhist past.

Whereas most visitors reach Termez by train in its comfortable sleeper berths, if you can’t secure a ticket (they sell out quickly), consider taking a shared taxi from Samarkand for a very scenic journey down south.

Fayoz-Tepe is the magnificent archaeological ruins of the ancient city. (Image: Matt Cheok)

If you’re seeking a destination less travelled, look no further than Central Asia this summer. The region will astound you with its untouched landscapes and hearty hospitality and keep you returning back for more.

Wellbeing means different things to different travellers. Here’s how to pick a hotel that gets it right for you.

The best wellness holidays aren’t necessarily spent wrapped in a spa robe. Sometimes they’re found around a dinner table in Cambodia, on a hiking trail in New Zealand or after finally beating jet lag on the other side of the world. The hotel you choose is what makes them happen.

1. Easy access to good food

meals from Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20 — Taste delicious meals at Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20.

One of the quickest ways to derail healthy habits on holiday is to spend half of it working out where to eat instead of digging into the culture around you. Thankfully, Novotel has done much of the hard work already, with chefs building menus that lean into the flavours, ingredients and traditions of each destination.

In Sihanoukville, Cambodia, Korkor soup – often dubbed ‘Cambodian ratatouille’ – sits alongside raw blue crab dressed with lime and chilli, best enjoyed with views across the Gulf of Thailand.

In the lovingly chaotic city of Bangkok, the presence of food cranks up the sociability. At Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20, you can settle in with mango sticky rice and stranger-turned-friends beside the pool at Sky on 20 rooftop bar, or bring them along to tackle river prawns and stir-fried crab with holy basil at the buzzing Crab Paradise Dinner Buffet.

Then Novotel Dubai Al Barsha welcomes you with a laidback twist on the level of indulgence the Middle Eastern city is best known for up on Deck Se7en. Looking towards Burj Al Arab, the rooftop lounge has everything from Mediterranean-style dishes like seabass ceviche to Italian prosecco sundowners.

At the other end of the scale, in the hills that surround the Novotel Bali Ubud Resort, calm comes from nature. At Siralada restaurant, Balinese traditions shape the menu while thunder rumbles over the surrounding jungle – proving the setting is as nourishing as the food itself.

While at Novotel Nha Trang, chef Kieu Thi My Hanh and her team showcase Vietnam’s knack for balancing freshness, texture and fragrant herbs. Pho remains a favourite, while seafood salad with pomelo and mango brings those flavours together in one bright dish.

It’s all an approach backed by partnerships with expert food creators such as Alfie Steiner, whose plant-forward recipes prove healthy food should never taste plain.

2. Better sleep options

Novotel Bali Ubud Resort room — Sleep deeply with Novotel.

There are few travel experiences more disappointing than arriving in a new country, determined to seize the day, only to fall asleep fully clothed by 3pm.

For Australian travellers, jet lag is often an unavoidable part of the journey. That’s one reason Novotel runs sleep-focused initiatives that help guests adjust quickly without compromising on health. We’re talking partnerships with Sydney-based sleep specialist Olivia Arezzolo, known for her advice on everything from better sleep habits to beating jet lag, alongside features like pillow menus, in-room yoga content and tailored sleep guidance.

The sooner you’re operating on local time, the sooner you can get back to more pressing matters – like deciding which spa treatment to book.

3. More ways to move

woman hiking around queenstown new zealand — Stay at Novotel Queenstown Lakeside and explore local hiking trails. (Credit: GettyI mages/ naruedom)

Every place in the world has its own way of getting you moving: whether that’s hiking up ice-bitten mountains before a sauna or gentle stretching by the pool before a facial. From fitness centres to spas, Novotel recognises that wellbeing rarely looks the same.

At Novotel Queenstown Lakeside, activity is inescapable. Here, hiking trails, ski fields, bungee jumps, and white-water rafting have made the region famous. The hotel’s location on the shores of Lake Wakatipu means less time spent organising yourself and more time out there experiencing them. To top it all off, you can book a private hot tub for the evening before heading back into the wilderness tomorrow.

Bali, of course, takes a softer approach. At Novotel Bali Ubud Resort or Novotel Bali Nusa Dua, movement is less about conquering a mountain and more about a dance class between the tropical gardens and lagoon pools. Afterwards, the spa takes over, with traditional treatments like a Lulur body scrub: a combination of rice, turmeric, sandalwood, ginger and jasmine that’ll soothe muscles already relaxed by the Balinese heat.

4. Better connections

Kids will love a stay at Novotel Sharm El Sheikh.

One of the best things about travel is that it gives your family stories you’ll be telling for years. Novotel helps create them with activities that bring everyone together, whether that’s trying something new, learning a local skill, or simply spending more time together.

Go for a distinctly Thai twist at Novotel Phuket Vintage Park, where many of the family activities draw on local culture. Kids can try everything from beginner Thai boxing and language lessons to umbrella painting and – a pastime beloved by children the world over – pool foam parties. Everyone is welcome to join in, whether that’s getting splashed, covered in paint, or simply watching their children discover a new side of Thailand during the dedicated Family & Kids Day.

A different adventure awaits at Novotel Sharm El Sheikh. Kids could be perfectly content with discos, drawing classes and new holiday friends, but the Red Sea has other ideas. Sitting on the edge of Naama Bay, days here might involve snorkelling colourful reefs, taking a boat trip to Ras Mohammed National Park or heading into the desert by quad bike or camel for a Bedouin-style dinner beneath the stars.

5. Location is everything

Surin Beach, Choeng Thale, Thalang District, Phuket, Thaiföld — Explore Phuket’s gorgeous beaches. (Credit: Bence Biczo)

Everyone’s idea of wellness looks a little different. With more than 600 hotels across 65 countries, Novotel gives guests the freedom to choose the destination that suits them best. Whether that’s a beachside escape in Phuket, an alpine expedition in Queenstown or a city break in Bangkok, there’s a good chance a Novotel isn’t far away.

All that’s left? Choosing your version of wellbeing.

Discover stays to inspire your everyday at novotel.accor.com.