Samarkand, Bukhara, and nearby steppes: short travel time and shared culture.
Southern capital of Kazakhstan: Medeu ice rink, Shymbulak mountain resort, Kok Tobe hill, Green Bazaar, and scenic Big Almaty Lake.
Modern Astana: Baiterek monument, Khan Shatyr tent, Hazret Sultan Mosque, National Museum, and futuristic architecture.
Capital of Kyrgyzstan and surrounding nature: Ala-Archa National Park, Ala-Too Square, Osh Bazaar, and panoramic mountain views.
Ancient Bukhara: Kalyan Minaret and Mosque, Ark of Bukhara fortress, Lyabi-Khauz pool, trading domes, and Chor Minor.
Lake Issyk-Kul: crystal mountain waters, Skazka Fairy Tale Canyon, Grigorievskoye and Semenovskoye gorges, and petroglyphs.
Legendary Samarkand: majestic Registan square, Gur-e-Amir mausoleum, Shah-i-Zinda necropolis, Bibi-Khanym mosque, and Siab bazaar.
Modern and ancient Tashkent: Hazrati Imam complex with the oldest Quran, Chorsu Bazaar, Tashkent Metro, and Amir Timur Square.
