Information, Resources and Organizations for Mountain Travel in Central Asia

Both non-profit and for-profit organizations and websites are included. Note that it is very, very difficult in this region to create a sustainable non-profit organization that doesn’t continually needs grants and funding from international donors. And funding is always short-term in Central Asia. For that reason, for-profits and businesses are included if they are a good source of information.

Region wide

Caravanistan. In terms of practical information on independent travel in Central Asia, Caravanistan has basically replaced the guidebooks. Their regularly updated website provides info on visas regulations, border crossings, itineraries, transportation, accommodation, and general travel advice.

Asia Hikes provides trip reports for trails and mountain routes across Central Asia.

Westra (in Russian) is an endless depository for trip report, guides, maps and pass descriptions. These are targeted at climbers, but there is much information useful for hikers, as there is a Russian climbing style that includes long treks and traverses across terrain that is also suitable for hikers.

Tajikistan

Archa Foundation. Based in Dushanbe, this organization (link) promotes mountain travel in Tajikistan and provides services such as camping equipment, trekking gear rentals, GPS tracks and transportation services through Fann Adventure Travel.

Zarafshan Tourism Development Association. This Khujand- and Panjakent-based NGO develops tourism infrastructure in the Zafarshan (Zeravshan) Valley and promotes community based tourism. They support guesthouses, offer tours, and have camping equipment for rent. Link.

PECTA. The Pamirs Eco-Cultural Tourism Association functions as a community-based tourism office and info center for eastern Tajikistan. They support small homestays and local guides. Link.

“Trekking in Tajikistan: The Northern Ranges, Pamirs and Afghanistan's Wakhan Corridor” by Jan Bakker and Christine Oriol is a guidebook that contains 21 treks exploring 5 different mountain areas of Tajikistan. It includes advice on trekking, backpacking equipment, permits and visas, and transport, plus GPS tracks.

Kyrgyzstan

KCBTA. The Kyrgyz Community Based Tourism Association coordinates community-based tourism (CBT) offices around Kyrgyzstan. Link #1 and Link #2.

Uzbekistan

Nuratau Travel’s “principal objective revolves around promoting community-based tourism (CBT) services, specifically those offered by homestay proprietors and guides operating in the Nuratau Mountain villages.” This mountain region has various spellings: Nuratau, Nurata, Nurota.