Here’s how I did my 15 days travel covering 6 cities in Central Asia.
Almaty,Kazakhstan > Bishkek,Kyrgyzstan > Tashkent,Uzbekistan > Samarkand,Uzbekistan > Panjakent,Tajikistan > Bukhara, Uzbekistan . Costing is posted at the end of the article.
Day 1: I flew to Almaty,Kazakhstan via China Eastern Airlines from Manila. Flight was pretty straightforward. We left Manila at 8 am (around 4 hours), with a quick 2.5 hours layover in Shanghai. Then to Almaty (around 6 hours). I was already in Kazakhstan at around 7 pm, maliwanag pa. Sunset at Central Asia is around 8pm. This flight was not the cheapest option at 22k one way with baggage, but I chose this for the convenient flight time. I usually prefer to arrive na medyo may araw pa. That way, I feel safer to take public transportation to the city center upon arrival. I also booked late, like around 60 days prior, which justifies the ticket cost.
Day 2, 3 and 4 were spent around Almaty. The lakes and canyons tour was the highlight of this leg, but was super tiring, 16 hours total. Detailed Almaty tour is posted on this link.
Kazakhstan is visa free for Filipinos.
Where I stayed in Almaty: Hostel Q Almaty. Mura lang, nasa 700 Pesos per night. Bed and sheets were pretty comfi and malaki ang kwarto, which gave them very good ratings online. Satisfactory, yes. But if I return to Almaty, I’d probably choose hostels that are nearer to the Panfilov Park or Dostyk Avenue.
Day 5, 6 and 7: Bishkek City, Kyrgyzstan, which iz 4 hours lang from Almaty,Kazakhstan by public bus, for less than 10 USD.
Filipinos need E-visa to enter Kyrgyzstan. E-visa details, as well as Bishkek City sample itinerary are posted on this link.
Where I stayed in Bishkek: Koisha Hotel. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. Very home and conducive for rest or a remote work. Just a few minutes walk to the popular Osh Bazaar, which is the center of trade and commune of Bishkek. Osh Bazaar has the most spices, dried nuts, berries and tea leaves that I’ve seen in Central Asia.
On day 7, I took the afternoon flight to Tashkent,Uzbekistan. Bishkek to Tashkent can also be done by bus+train combo, but it takes so much time since dadaan ulit ng Almaty. As such, I opted to take an hour flight with Uzbekistan Airways. Flights between Central Asian cities are relatively inexpensive.
Day 8 & 9, I spent in Tashkent, the modern metropolis and capital city of Uzbekistan. I actually think there’s so much to do here; I just lacked time. But given the chance, I am definitely revisiting this city.
Filipinos need an E-visa to enter Uzbekistan. Details are posted on this link.
Where I stayed in Tashkent: Doo Hostel (Highly Recommended). This came as a surprise for me, because I never expected it to be located inside an upscale residential/commercial complex (Like Serendra in BGC).
An entrance to the Alisher Navoiy Metro Station is located within the complex. The complex is also attached to the main park and the Tashkent City mall. How convenient is that? Alisher Navoiy btw is named the most beautiful train station, with its white, dome shaped ceiling, embellished with mosaic tiles.
Day 10,11 and 12, I spent in Samarkand, with a side day trip to Panjakent, a city in the neighboring country of Tajikistan; Just 1.5 hours away. This is the reason why I applied for double entry E-visa, so I can enter Uzbekistan again.
Samarkand is a treasure trove of glorious Islamic Architecture, and has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2001. More of Samarkand are posted on this link.
Where I stayed in Samarkand: Imran and Bek Guesthouse, a nice family-operated accommodation, located just at the back of the Registan Square. Highly Recommended for its great location and it comes with a hefty breakfast.
Day 11: A quick DIY day trip to Panjakent, Tajikistan, which is just 1.5 hours away from Samarkand by public van (locals call it Damas. super cute mini van as shown on photo below). Fare is less than 5 USD round trip. Panjakent is just a small city surrounded by mountains, but its history also dates back to 5th Century BC and the years of the Silk Road.
Passport stamps are done at the border. Quite a long line with the locals, but visa-free for Filipinos.
Day 13, 14 and 15, I spent in Bukhara, which is another well-preserved, ancient city/fortress in Uzbekistan. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Centre, the old quarters is somewhat like an open air museum, with well preserved Islamic Architecture elements like the Poi-Kalyan minaret (call for prayer tower), mosques and mausoleums. Compared to Samarkand, Bukhara is more rugged and unpolished/rough on the edges, offering an old world feels. It is also relatively smaller. I stayed at a guesthouse in a community just outside of the old fortress. More details of Bukhara are posted here.
Where I stayed in Bukhara : Oximlon Guesthouse (Highly Recommended). Located in a community just outside of the old fortress. With the proximity, I got to explore the fortress during early morning, as well as late. Only 750 Pesos per night or an airconditioned private room with balcony, booked through Agoda. The family that runs the place were very nice, engaging and hospitable. They even shared lunch with me, which was a hefty bowl of plov. I will never forget that.
Note: Uzbekistan Immigration requires Hostel/Hotel registration slip upon exit. The hostels you stayed at will provide you this by email or whatsapp. This is as of September 2026.
Spending 15 days in 6 cities, here is my estimated travel cost. Feel free to use this as reference when planning your Central Asia trip, DIY.
