April 2026 changed everything I thought I knew about solo travel. I threw myself into a 17-day journey through Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan — and it turned out to be one of the most extraordinary adventures of my life.
This was my first time stepping into Central Asia, and the region completely stole my heart. The trip flowed so smoothly it surprised even me. It turns out these countries are far easier to explore than most people imagine.
The secret? Snag your Uzbekistan train tickets the moment they go on sale — usually 45 or 60 days ahead. They vanish fast.
My journey began in Almaty, Kazakhstan, a city that instantly felt like home. Green, walkable, and dotted with incredible cafes, it offers jaw-dropping views of snow-capped mountains if you time it right. Mid-spring delivered perfectly.
Almaty is also astonishingly affordable. I could have lingered for weeks. One of my favorite experiences was a tour with a local guide who is so obsessed with Kazakh history that he translated ancient works into English for the first time. He even helped an old lady cross the street — some clichés are real.
From there, I ventured into the Almaty region’s natural wonders: Moon Canyon, Black Canyon, Kolsay Lake, Lake Kaindy, and Charyn Canyon. A two-day tour is the only way to go — the one-day versions leave you exhausted and rushed.
Charyn Canyon stole my breath. It looks like a slice of Utah or Arizona dropped into Central Asia. Walking through those sandy rock formations felt surreal. Our group of 43 people even had karaoke and slept in yurts under the stars.
Then Uzbekistan called. I hit four cities: Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva. Bukhara became my absolute favorite — calm, pedestrian-friendly, and home to the most incredible souvenir shopping I’ve ever seen anywhere.
Samarkand dazzled with its architecture, especially the turquoise tiles at Shah-i-Zinda Mausoleum. I booked a costume photo shoot at the Registan at sunrise — pure magic. Khiva felt like a desert time capsule, a walled city built entirely for tourism but still breathtakingly beautiful.
Tashkent couldn’t compete with Almaty, but I still found joy in a food tour, the Applied Arts Museum, and cozy coffee shops. I also took craft workshops in Suzani embroidery and Persian mini painting — skills I’ll treasure forever.
A day trip from Samarkand to Tajikistan was worth every minute. The Seven Lakes perched high in the mountains were stunning, but the real highlight was a local bazaar. Tajik women dress with such flair — sequins and rhinestones everywhere, even while gardening.
Back in Prague, cherry blossoms painted the town pink. I caught the Titanic artifact exhibition — interesting stories, though many artifacts were just twisted metal and dishes. And I saw Miguel in concert. His voice remains one of the greatest of any living singer.
Not everything went smoothly. Charlie’s phone was stolen in a clever distraction scam at a spot we loved. Even in a city that feels ultra-safe, you have to stay alert. Then I shattered my phone screen in Samarkand — a $259 fix at a shop next to a boba tea place.
Sleep became a luxury. Early tours, trains, flights, and a 5 AM yurt wake-up call left me running on fumes. And I got locked out of my hotel room in Almaty with no staff on site — only a WhatsApp number. I had to knock on random doors until someone helped.
Through it all, I discovered incredible music this month. Curtis Mayfield’s “Super Fly” blew my mind — a full album telling a movie’s story through funk and soul. Dusty Springfield’s “Dusty in Memphis” gave me chills. Alanis Morissette’s “Jagged Little Pill” still holds up after all these years.
On screen, “For All Mankind” returned for its fifth season. This alternate history of the space race is so addictive that my partner and I watched 40 episodes in a row. The production value is insane, and the musical cues are perfect.
I devoured books on this trip. “Yesteryear” follows a tradwife influencer who wakes up in 1855 — a tantalizing concept that rushed its deeper themes. “The Girls Who Grew Big” explores teen motherhood through vivid perspectives. “Orbital” offers a gorgeous elegy to Earth from astronauts in space.
May promises more adventure. I’m heading to England for the infamous Cooper’s Hill cheese-rolling — an event so dangerous it’s not officially sanctioned, with people breaking bones on that steep slope. We’re strictly spectators, then heading to the Cotswolds and Bristol for Michelin-star dining.
Cheddar Gorge awaits — the birthplace of cheddar cheese. It feels like a pilgrimage. And we’re missing three beloved Prague food festivals for this trip, so it better be worth it.
