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1-Day Samarkand Itinerary And Travel Guide With Budget All-In

By Dan Forteza

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Samarkand is a real gem along the ancient Great Silk Road. This iconic crossroads between east and west was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2011. No wonder why it’s a favorite destination for many travelers to Uzbekistan. For history buffs and architecture enthusiasts, Samarkand is a true paradise.

There are many wonderful places to see in Samarkand. But—if you only have one day to spare (like myself,) this is the perfect travel guide and itinerary for you. Here, I’ve compiled the superb 1-day Samarkand itinerary specifically for budget travelers, with my expenses included.

Hi there! First of all, I am Daniel – a solo backpacker from the Philippines. If you don’t know my story yet, feel free to read this article where I talked about how I quit my job in order to travel. This article was also featured on TripZilla Philippines.

Me with Ulugh Beg Madrasah | Dantravels.org

After spending a day in Tashkent, capital of Uzbekistan, I immediately headed to Samarkand the next morning to see the ancient city of Samarkand myself. I couldn’t wait to explore this southern city which is known for its ancient mosques and mausoleums!

DO YOU NEED A VISA FOR UZBEKISTAN?

But first–do you need a visa to enter Uzbekistan? Well, depending on your nationality, you may or may not need a visa. See the information below which category you fall in. Other countries not listed below require an Uzbek visa in advance.

Free-Visa Entry

Citizens of the following 65 countries can visit Uzbekistan without a visa:

I. 90 days

Armenia
Azerbaijan
Belarus
Georgia
Kazakhstan
Moldova
Russia
Ukraine

II. 60 days

Kyrgyzstan

III. 30 days

All European Union citizens
Andorra
Argentina
Australia
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Brazil
Brunei
Canada
Chile
Iceland
Indonesia
Israel
Japan
Liechtenstein
Malaysia
Monaco
Mongolia
Montenegro
New Zealand
Norway
San Marino
Serbia
Singapore
South Korea
Switzerland
Tajikistan
Turkey
United Arab Emirates
Vatican

EVisa

Uzbekistan introduced the system of electronic visas for a period of up to 30 days from 15 July 2018. A single or multiple entry visa is valid for 30 days. The cost of obtaining an electronic visa for 20 USD. Travelers have to apply for the e-Visa for Uzbekistan at least three days in advance before their trip.

As of 21 March 2019 eVisa is available to the citizens of the following 77 jurisdictions:

Albania, Algeria, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belize, Bhutan, Bolivia, Cabo Verde, Cambodia, Cameroon, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Côte d’Ivoire, Cuba, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Fiji, Gabon, Ghana, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Hong Kong, India, Iran, Jamaica, Jordan, Kiribati, Kuwait, Laos, Lebanon, Maldives, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia, Morocco, Nauru, Nepal, Nicaragua, North Korea, North Macedonia, Oman, Palau, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Qatar, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Seychelles, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Suriname, Thailand, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, United States, Uruguay, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Vietnam

Visa-free transit

IMPORTANT NOTE: Citizens of the following countries and territories do not require a visa for a 5-day stay if they are transiting through the international airports of Uzbekistan. According to the IATA Timatic, the outbound flight from Uzbekistan must be on Uzbekistan Airways.

Albania, Algeria, Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Bahrain, Barbados, Belize, Bhutan, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Equatorial Guinea, Fiji, Gabon, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, India, Jamaica, Kuwait, Lebanon, Maldives, Mauritius, Mexico, Morocco, Nauru, North Macedonia, Oman, Palau, Panama, Peru, Philippines, Qatar, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Saudi Arabia, Seychelles, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Suriname, Thailand, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkmenistan, United States, Uruguay, Vietnam, Venezuela

As a Philippine passport holder, I am both eligible of eVisa and Transit visa. And you might wonder why I chose to go with the 5-day visa-free transit instead. To be honest, I was actually fed up of processing too much visa lately. You see I’ve been traveling into different Asian countries in the past 3 months with my 3rd-world-country passport (and it sucks to have one!) Besides, I actually don’t mind staying for a short period of time. The important thing is–I got my Uzbekistan passport stamp!

WHERE IS SAMARKAND?

Samarkand, alternatively spelled as Samarqand, is a city in south-eastern Uzbekistan and one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Central Asia. Prospering from its location on the Silk Road between China and Europe, at times Samarkand was one of the greatest cities of Central Asia.

Language: Uzbek (and some Russian)
Currency: Uzbekistani Soʻm (UZS)
Preferred mode of transportation: Taxi / Minibus
Time Zone: GMT +5

FLIGHTS TO SAMARKAND

Finding a cheap flight ticket to Samarkand from Europe and Central Asia is relatively easy. If you intend to book a flight ticket to Samarkand, I suggest you check Kayak (click HERE) as they usually offer cheap fare rates compared to other booking sites.

HOW I GOT TO SAMARKAND:

I made it through Samarkand from a 5-hour commute by bus from Tashkent.

Tashkent to Samarkand bus at Tashkent Avtovokzal | Dantravels.org

From Tashkent as my starting point, I utilized Tashkent’s metro and headed to the Olmazor metro station. I walked some 200 meters to find the Tashkent Avtovokzal building—the main terminal where intercity buses operate.

I got myself a bus ticket from the counter worth 35,000 UZS (3.69 USD). The bus left Tashkent at around 12:00 NN. Buses going to Samarkand leave every 2 hours and start to operate between 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM.

I arrived in Samarkand at around 5:00 PM.

WHERE DID I STAY?

Lion B&B (click here to book)
- Hostel room type: Bunk Bed in Mixed Dormitory Room
- Hostel rate: 6 USD per night (see note below)
- Is breakfast included: Yes

NOTE: It was supposed to be 10 USD per night but I had a good deal (a discount!) with the owner of this hostel. I only paid 6 USD per night in exchange for a good rating and review on the booking site.

Book AGODA here

Book BOOKING.com here

Get AIRBNB $43 free credit

You can book a room at any hotel through Agoda or Booking.com. I usually book my room accommodations through booking.com. Room accommodation ranges from cheap hostels to luxury hotels. Book hostels through booking.com as they have free cancellation or pay-at-the-hotel option.

If Samarkand hotel isn’t to your liking, try AirBnb. Airbnbs are immersed in neighborhoods, condos, and townhomes. There is a feeling you get when you stay in an Airbnb that makes you feel like you belong in that city or town. Since it is someone’s home, there is a certain amount of pride you feel while staying there. I have used Airbnb on some of my other trips and I loved it!

If you’re new to AirBnB, then you can get up to 42 USD free travel credit by signing up via this link.

HOW TO GET AROUND SAMARKAND?

By Minibus. Numbered minibuses run a fair network of routes in Samarkand between 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM. The fare costs 1,200 UZS KGS (0.13 USD). However, I don’t really recommended it for short term travelers. It would be better going around by taxi or even by foot!
By Taxi. I am not a fan of taking taxis but when in Samarkand, it’s actually the most convenient way to travel from one point to another within the city. But if you think you can get to your destination on foot, then go walk!
By Foot. Get your feet ready as you will walk to many places in Samarkand. Yes, I walk a lot while moving from point to point in my Samarkand itinerary . And as I mentioned in my budget travel tips blog – “walk as much as you can!“

MY 1-DAY SAMARKAND ITINERARY

Before I begin my Samarkand itinerary list, let me just acknowledge this good friend of mine—Maksim. I met this fellow traveler in my hostel in Samarkand because we shared the same room. He was with me the whole day of my do-it-yourself trip in Samarkand. Don’t be fooled by his Korean looks though, he speaks Russian really well and thus he gets along just fine with locals.

Lunch at Siyob Bazaar with my friend, Maksim | Dantravels.org

1st Stop: Amir Timur Statue

Amir Timur is deeply entrenched in the history of Samarkand. Thus when visiting Samarkand, the Timur statue is a must-photo-op. We started off this Samarkand itinerary with a 10-minute walk to this monument from the hostel. It is located at a roundabout in a busy section of town. It shows him wearing a crown and appropriately sitting on a throne leaning on his sword.

Amir Timur Statue (Samarkand) — Amir Timur Statue | Dantravels.org

Duration (getting there + visiting): 1 hour
How I got here: By foot from hostel

2nd Stop: Gur Emir Mausoleum

Gur-e Amir Complex is the mausoleum of the Asian conqueror Timur (who is also known as Tamerlane) in Samarkand. There is a 15,000 UZS (1.58 USD) entrance fee if you intend to see what’s inside. Though I didn’t enter the gate, I urge you to see what’s inside. There you’ll see the central burial chamber glitters with gold and is exquisitely decorated with calligraphy across the walls, making a fitting burial space for Timur himself.

It’s a humbling experience and one that you must do if in Samarkand. You can book your ticket here in advance.

Duration (getting there + visiting): 1-2 hours
How I got here: By foot from Amir Timur statue

3rd Stop: Registan Complex

Known as the centerpiece of the city and one of the most important monuments of Islamic arts—this is the famous Registan Complex and its three madrasahs. From left to right: Ulugh Beg Madrasah (left), Tilya-Kori Madrasah (middle), and Sher-Dor Madrasah (right).

The Registan was the heart of the ancient city of Samarkand of the Timurid dynasty. You can book your ticket here in advance.

The beautiful Registan Complex | Dantravels.org

Me standing my back on the Sher-Dor Madrasah | Dantravels.org

Duration (getting there + visiting): 2-4 hours
How I got here: By foot from the Gur-e Amir Complex

4th Stop: Bibi Khanym Mosque

Compared to Registan and Gur e Amir Mausoleum, the Bibi Khanym Mosque isn’t as impressive. The entrance here is 25,000 UZS per person. But the good thing is that it wasn’t too crowded or touristy and you can enjoy a bit of solitude here.

Duration (getting there + visiting): 1-2 hours
How I got here: By foot from Registan Complex

5th Stop: Siyob Bazaar (Siab Bazaar)

This bazaar isn’t as impressive as the Chorsu Bazaar in Tashkent . And probably benefits from the fact that a lot of tourists just go to Samarkand and this is the only bazaar they see. But it’s a cool site to see nonetheless. Perched next to the Bibi Khanym mosque, with good views of that building, it’s right in the center of Samarkand and gives you a real feel for Uzbekistan just wandering around.

Siyob Bazaar on my Samarkand itinerary — Siyob Bazaar | Dantravels.org

NOTE: This is also where Maksim and I stopped over for lunch!

Duration (getting there + visiting): 1 hour
How I got here: By foot from Bibi Khanym Mosque

6th Stop: President’s Tomb / Hazrat Khizr Mosque

If you walk past the Siab Bazaar on a footbridge, you will find Hazrat Khizr Mosque where the tomb of Uzbekistan’s first President Islam Karimov rests. It is another mausoleum that is a must-visit in Samarkand. When you’re here, make sure to check out the viewpoint terrace which offers a good view of the city of Samarkand. There would be an entrance fee to some parts of the mosque but Maksim and I went only to the free ones.

Duration (getting there + visiting): 1 hour
How I got here: By foot from Siab Bazaar

7th Stop: Shah-i Zinda

Shah-i Zinda—Samarkand’s most moving and beloved site is this stunning avenue of mausoleums. It contains some of the richest tilework in the Muslim world. Entrance fee is 15,000 UZS with additional 6,000 UZS if you are bringing a digital camera with you. This place is definitely worth a visit if you’re in Samarkand!

Duration (getting there + visiting): 1-2 hours
How I got here: By foot from the President’s Tomb

8th Stop: Afrisiyob Museum

Though Maksim and I didn’t go inside this museum because we felt like it’s a bit pricey with an entrance fee to 25,000 UZS (because I guess we both don’t fancy museums), still go check this out if you’re traveling in Samarkand.

Afrosiyob Museum is located at a place which is believed to be where Afrosiyob, the legendary king of Turan in the book of kings, was from. The museum offers a glimpse at the history of the region, particularly Samarkand. There are many remnants of wall paintings and stone carvings with enough explanation on the objects itself.

Duration (getting there + visiting): 1-2 hours
How I got here: By foot from Shah-i Zinda

9th Stop: Afrisiyob Archeological Site

Adjacent to Afrisiyob Museum is where this archeological site is situated. Maksim and I met a young Japanese traveler named Niko wandering alone in this site. So we chatted a little bit before we head to our last stop.

Maksim and Niko walking around Afrisiyob site | Dantravels.org

Archaeological excavations at this site revealed that as far back as before the Common Era Afrasiab was a major Central Asian cultural and trade center. The artifacts excavated on the site include terracotta statuettes, beautifully ornamented earthenware, fragments of ossuaries and tools, various glass and metal items, adornments and coins. Among the most remarkable finds are fragments of a mural currently displayed in the Afrasiyob Museum.

Duration (getting there + visiting): 1 hour
How I got here: By foot from Afrisiyob Museum

10th Stop: Observatory of Ulugbek

We’ve reached this site after 20-30 minutes of walking from Afrisiyab Archeological Site. And yes, we’ve been walking all day starting from our hostel until here to our last stop. But then again, with its 25,000 UZS entrance fee, we felt like it’s a bit pricey and thus we instead found ourselves taking advantage of the free pictures we can get without going inside the observatory.

Mirzo Ulughbek was the one who built the great Ulugh Beg Observatory between 1424 and 1429. It was considered by scholars to have been one of the finest observatories in the Islamic world at the time and the largest in Central Asia. Below is his statue located at the entrance of the observatory.

Duration (getting there + visiting): 1 hour
How I got here: By foot from Afrisiyob Archeological Site

And there you have it. Let’s call it a day! And no, I didn’t go on foot going back to my hostel. I’m dead tired! I went by a shared taxi with the help of Maksim’s bargaining prowess.

MY 1-DAY EXPENSES IN SAMARKAND

Day 0 (Arrival)
- 1,400 UZS – Fare, metro to Olmazor metro station
- 35, 000 UZS – Intercity bus from Tashkent bus terminal (near Olmazor) to Samarkand
- 1,200 UZS – Bus #52 from Samarkand bus terminal to somewhere inner of the city
- 113,000 UZS- 2 Nights at Lion B&B hostel
- NOTE: It was far from my hostel where I get off from that Bus #52. I remember I walked about 2 km to reach my hostel. I find it confusing how to ride public buses in Samarkand!
- Subtotal: 150,600 UZS (15.83 USD)
Day 1
- 21,000 UZS – Entrance fee at Shah-i Zinda Mausoleums (it includes a 6,000-som fee for a digital camera.)
- 25,000 UZS – Food (Plov meal) with tea
- 1,000 UZS – Toilet fee
- 5,000 UZS – Shared taxi with Maksim
- 4,000 UZS – Bread and Tea at Lucky Cafe
- NOTE: Breakfast is included at Lion B&B hostel
- Subtotal: 56,000 UZS (5.89 USD)
Day 2 (Departure)
- 10,000 UZS – Fare, taxi from Siyob Bazaar to Bus Terminal to Tashkent
- 1,000 UZS – Toilet fee
- 5,000 UZS – Food (Samsa)
- 35,000 UZS- Fare, Bus from Samarkand to Tashkent
- 6,000 UZS – Fare, Taxi to Tashkent airport
- 81.6 USD (776,143 UZS) – Flight from Tashkent, Uzbekistan to Dushanbe, Tajikistan. I pre-booked it online at Kayak.
- Subtotal: 833,143 UZS (87.59 USD)

Total Expenses: 109.3 USD (5,551.35 PHP)

What do you think of this 1-day SAMARKAND itinerary?

I hope that you find this 1-DAY TOUR SAMARKAND BUDGET ITINERARY and TRAVEL GUIDE blog useful!

If you have any questions, please feel free to ask in the comment section below.

RECOMMENDED PACKAGE TOURS

In case you’re also looking for package tours to simply jumpstart your actual itinerary, I highly recommend booking tours through Viator which is perfect for your Samarkand itinerary. See tours and packages I personally handpicked for you:

More Tours Here

BOOKING ESSENTIALS

Hotel / Hostel
- Booking.com. I usually book my hostel accommodation at booking.com. Thus, I recommend you guys trying it for your Samarkand itinerary. Room accommodation ranges from cheap hostels to luxury hotels. Book hostels through booking.com as they have free cancellation or pay-at-the-hotel option.
- Airbnb. Try Airbnb in finding comfy and cozy rooms for your Samarkand itinerary! I have used Airbnb on some of my other trips and I loved it!

Have you tried Airbnb? Sign up with my link and you will get up to 42 USD (2,200 Php) off your first stay. Click this link to get that discount.

Flights
- KAYAK. All of my flight bookings are all from KAYAK. Kayak is one of the world’s leading travel search engines and searches hundreds of travel sites.

I suggest you check Kayak (click HERE) as they usually offer cheap fare rates compared to other booking sites.

Museum Tickets
- Gur Emir Mausoleum Entrance ticket
- Registan Entrance fee ticket
Samarkand Package tours
- Viator. Viator is the world’s leading resource for researching, finding and booking the best travel experiences worldwide.

Click here to find the best Viator deals in Samarkand!

1-Day Tashkent Itinerary And Travel Guide With Budget All-In

By Dan Forteza

Despite stories that there is nothing to see in Tashkent, I still wanted to give it a chance. And I’m glad I did. By utilizing Uzbekistan’s 5-day visa-free transit, I managed to enter Uzbekistan last November 2019 through Tashkent airport. With only one day to spend in Tashkent before I head south of the country, I was able to see what Tashkent is made of. The city has a mixture of modern new office buildings, hotels, parks, and crumbling Soviet-style apartment blocks. Moreover, it is a very Soviet city that has little remaining from its ancient Central Asian past.

But there is more to these! If you’re curious enough to know what main attractions this city has to offer, here I’ve compiled the perfect 1-day Tashkent tour itinerary with travel guide and budget included.

Hi there! First of all, I am Daniel – a solo backpacker from the Philippines. If you don’t know my story yet, feel free to read this article where I talked about how I quit my job in order to travel. This article was also featured on TripZilla Philippines.

Tashkent might be the capital of Uzbekistan, but it receives little attention from travelers. It’s a city that tourists come through, and often skip all the places to visit in Tashkent for the Great Silk Road attractions in Samarkand or Bukhara. I actually did the same thing (haha!) but at least I spent one whole day in Tashkent.

DO YOU NEED A VISA FOR UZBEKISTAN?

First things first–do you need a visa to enter Uzbekistan? Well, depending on your nationality, you may or may not need a visa. See the information below which category you fall in. Other countries not listed below require an Uzbek visa in advance.

Free-Visa Entry

Citizens of the following 65 countries can visit Uzbekistan without a visa:

I. 90 days: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Moldova, Russia, Ukraine

II. 60 days: Kyrgyzstan

III. 30 days: All European Union citizens, Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Iceland, Indonesia, Israel, Japan, Liechtenstein, Malaysia, Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, New Zealand, Norway, San Marino, Serbia, Singapore, South Korea, Switzerland, Tajikistan, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, Vatican

EVisa

Uzbekistan introduced the system of electronic visas for a period of up to 30 days from 15 July 2018. A single or multiple entry visa is valid for 30 days. The cost of obtaining an electronic visa is 20 USD. Travelers have to apply for the e-Visa for Uzbekistan at least three days in advance before their trip.

As of 21 March 2019, eVisa is available to the citizens of 77 jurisdictions, including the Philippines, Thailand, India, USA, and Vietnam.

Visa-free transit

IMPORTANT NOTE: Citizens of many countries (including Philippines and Thailand) do not require a visa for a 5-day stay if they are transiting through the international airports of Uzbekistan. According to the IATA Timatic, the outbound flight from Uzbekistan must be on Uzbekistan Airways.

As a Philippine passport holder, I am both eligible for eVisa and Transit visa. And you might wonder why I chose to go with the 5-day visa-free transit. To be honest, I was actually fed up with processing too much visa lately. You see I’ve been traveling into different Asian countries in the past 3 months with my 3rd-world-country passport and it sucks to have one. Besides, I actually don’t mind staying for a short period of time. The important thing is–I got my Uzbekistan passport stamp! Woo hoo…

Uzbekistan passport stamp transit visa | Dantravels.org

WHERE IS TASHKENT?

Tashkent is the capital city of Uzbekistan–the third country in Central Asia I have visited. It is located in the north-east of the country close to the Kazakhstan border. In fact, it is just 13 km away from the nearest Kazakh border crossing. By plane, it is a little more than 3 hours of flight from Dubai or almost 4 hours from Moscow.

Language: Uzbek (and some Russian)
Currency: Uzbekistani Soʻm (UZS)
Airport: TAS (Tashkent)
Preferred mode of transportation: Metro train
Time Zone: GMT +5

FLIGHTS TO TASHKENT:

Finding a cheap flight ticket to Tashkent from Europe and Central Asia is relatively easy. I booked mine coming from Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan via Uzbekistan Airways. It is advisable to fly in and out of Uzbekistan with Uzbekistan Airways if you’re entering via transit visa like myself.

I suggest you check Kayak (click HERE) as they usually offer cheap fare rates compared to other booking sites.

HOW I GOT TO THE CITY:

I arrived at Islam Karimov Tashkent International Airport (TAS) at around 7:30 PM from an hour flight from Bishkek-Manas Airport (FRU).

My Couchsurfer host, Noor, was actually waiting for me right outside the arrival gate. It was so nice of him in making an effort to pick me up at the airport and accompanied me to his home. We even shared some Kebab meal on our way. It was all his treat!

A couchsurfer from Tashkent — Noor and I having Kebab | Dantravels.org

I was glad to connect with him through Couchsurfing just in the nick of time. Otherwise, I could have spent more money staying in hostels.

NOTE: There are several public marshrutkas (minibusses) at the airport. Just ask which one is going to your hotel. If you have the budget, feel free to ride a taxi. Taxis in Tashkent are cheaper in terms of European standards (but still I try to avoid taxis as much as I can.)

WHERE DID I STAY?

A Couchsurfer host and it’s FREE!

Book AGODA here Book BOOKING.com here Get AIRBNB $43 free credit

But in case you intend to stay in a hotel, you can book a room through Agoda or Booking.com. I usually book my room accommodations through booking.com. Room accommodation ranges from cheap hostels to luxury hotels. Book hostels through booking.com as they have free cancellation or pay-at-the-hotel option.

Use my link to book your hostel and you’ll get 10% of your booking back after your stay. Click this link to get that discount.

If Tashkent hotel isn’t to your liking, try Airbnb. Airbnbs are immersed in neighborhoods, condos, and townhomes. There is a feeling you get when you stay in an Airbnb that makes you feel like you belong in that city or town. Since it is someone’s home, there is a certain amount of pride you feel while staying there. I have used Airbnb on some of my other trips and I loved it!

If you’re new to Airbnb, then you can get up to 42 USD free travel credit by signing up via this link.

HOW TO GET AROUND TASHKENT?

By Metro. Tashkent’s metro is the easiest way to get around, running between 5:00 AM and midnight. There are 3 color-coded metro lines. You’ll need to buy a zheton (token) for each trip which costs 1,400 UZS (0.15 USD).
By Bus and Marshrutka (Minibus). Numbered buses and minibuses run a fair network of routes in Tashkent. The fare costs 1,400 UZS (0.15 USD).
By Foot. Get your feet ready as you will walk to many places in Tashkent, too. And as I mentioned in my budget travel tips blog – “walk as much as you can!“
By Taxi. Taxis are excellent but as always–a bit expensive. Totally not recommended for short-term and budget travelers.

TASHKENT 1 DAY TOUR (MY TASHKENT ITINERARY)

1st Stop: Memorial Park And Museum of Victims of Repressions.

First off on my Tashkent itinerary is visiting this memorial park in Tashkent. It’s clean, beautiful, totally serene and peaceful. It’s a place one can just go and sit alone for hours onwards. It is unbelievable that such a serene & peaceful place can have such a gory history behind it. The Tashkent TV tower (my 2nd stop) is in full view from the park. I would highly recommend to take some time out to sit beside the flowing water of the canal to seep in the serenity of the place.

The locals also seemed to be enjoying the place and were so friendly. I met this group of young Uzbek students with their teacher while having an excursion within the area. When I told them I was a tourist and do not speak Uzbek nor Russian, they tried their best to talk to me in English and they were also so excited to have a photo with me.

Duration (getting there + visiting): 1-2 hours
How I got here: By Marshrutka from hostel (don’t be afraid to ask a local for directions!)

2nd Stop: Tashkent TV Tower

The Tashkent TV tower was the first thing I’ve noticed in the city while we were on our way to my host’s place (after arriving from the airport). The lights are spectacularly pretty and bring the city to life during the night. And the next morning I was able to see it up close. So happy to see this iconic landmark of Tashkent!

Duration (getting there + visiting): 1 hour
How I got here: By foot from the Memorial Park

3rd Stop: Amir Timur Square

Amir Timur Square is located in the city center where you can see the statue of Amir Timur himself riding a horse with the view of Hotel Uzbekistan in the background. It’s impossible to be in Tashkent and not come across the central square of Amir Timur. It is a place with a lot of locals and tourists pouring in and taking a lot of photos. It also surrounded by a big forested park.

Duration (getting there + visiting): 1-2 hours
How I got here: By Metro (Bodomzor station to Amir Temur Hiyoboni station)

4th Stop: Amir Timur Museum

I didn’t go inside the museum–but, purely from the outside, it’s worth a look. Right next to Amir Timur square, it takes no time at all just to pop by and it’s certainly worth taking a look. The building itself is unlike those that you would find in the western countries and is a great introduction to being in Uzbekistan. A local told me that there are paintings and exhibits inside which explain why Timur is seen as a national hero.

You can book tickets HERE online in advance.

Duration (getting there + visiting): 1-3 hours
How I got here: By foot from Amir Timur Square

5th Stop: Broadway Alley

This pedestrian street is close to Amir Timur Square. You can relax and enjoy some good music or take a bicycle and just roam around the area. There also amusement activities and artists selling painting with smiling locals make it a must-visit!

Broadway Alley Tashkent — Broadway Alley | Dantravels.org

Duration (getting there + visiting): 1 hour
How I got here: By foot from Amir Timur Museum

6th Stop: State Museum of History of Uzbekistan

This museum was worth visiting to get an overview of the history of Uzbekistan. The first floor exhibits are from prehistory–lots of stone tools and pottery from thousands of years ago. There are also exhibits that cover the history of the Persian period, the Greek Macedonian period, the Arab invasions, followed by much glorifying of the Amir Temur (Tamerlane) empire, and followed by the Russian period. The entrance fee costs 16,000 UZS and is good for 2 hours but you can also book your ticket online HERE.

Duration (getting there + visiting): 1-2 hours
How I got here: By foot from Broadway Alley

7th Stop: Navoi Opera Theater

Commonly known as the “Opera”, the Alisher Navoi Theater is a beautiful building in the city center. The theater recognizes Alisher Navoi, who lived 600 years earlier and recognized as the founder of Turkik literature. Worth a view of this interesting architecture if not a show.

Navoi Opera Theater Tashkent — Navoi Opera Theater | Dantravels.org

Duration (getting there + visiting): hour
How I got here: By foot the State History Museum.

8th Stop: Chorsu Bazaar

Chorsu Bazaar feels incredibly authentic and is much bigger than just a central dome. Truthfully, I didn’t find any of the things on offer particularly appealing for tourist, but the whole draw of Chorsu Bazaar for me are the parts that aren’t geared up for tourism–the food market, the inside of the dome where all of the butchers and fruit sellers are located, the ability to simply walk around and feel that you’re part of a bustling and busy Uzbek bazaar. It is definitely worth a visit and is next door to the Kukeldash Madrasah, which can be accessed from the market.

Duration (getting there + visiting): 1-2 hours
How I got here: By Metro (Kosmonavtlar station to Chorsu station)

9th Stop: Kukeldash Madrasah

Kukeldash Madrasah is situated just walking distance from Chorsu bazaar and was built in 1570 by the Shaybanid Dynasty of rulers. This Madrasah has a serene aura about it, but if you are planning on visiting Bukhara, Khiva or Samarkand then it is not that interesting as you will see more grand and original madrasahs.

PS: I just got a view of the Madrasah from its exterior as being a Non- Muslim entry would be refused. Thus, entrance fee is required.

Duration (getting there + visiting): 1 hour
How I got here: By foot from Chorsu Bazaar

10th Stop: Minor Mosque

Also known as the white mosque, The Minor mosque is an interesting and striking white building with its impressive white marble and large manicured gardens and fountain. The great architecture blew me away. Simply a must-see in Tashkent.

Minor Mosque Tashkent — Minor Mosque | Dantravels.org

Duration (getting there + visiting): 1-2 hours
How I got here: By Metro (Chorsu station to Bodomzor station)

MY 1-DAY EXPENSES IN TASHKENT

Day 0 (Arrival)

114.85 USD (1,092,970.25 UZS) – Flight from Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan to Tashkent, Uzbekistan. I pre-booked it online at Kayak.
0 UZS – My CS host paid for my minibus transport from the airport to his home.
NOTE: My host also treats me for dinner (that Kebab meal photo above).
Subtotal: 1,092,970.25 UZS (114.85 USD)

Day 1

1,400 UZS – Fare, Minibus from host’s place to somewhere near Memorial Park
1,400 UZS – Fare, Metro from Bodomzor to Amir Temur Hiyoboni
1,000 UZS – Toilet fee
16,000 UZS – State Museum of History ticket.
1,400 UZS – Fare, metro from Kosmonavtlar station to Chorsu station
4,000 UZS – Food (bread with meat)
1,400 UZS – Fare, Metro from Chorsu to Bodomzor
7,000 UZS – Food (some cake bread)
1,400 UZS – Fare, bus from Bodomzor to CS host’s place
NOTE: My host also prepared an Uzbek dinner meal for me!
Subtotal: 35,000 UZS (3.68 USD)

Day 2 (Departure)

1,400 UZS – Fare, bus from CS host to somewhere near Hyatt Hotel (to withdraw at ATM)
1,400 UZS – Fare, metro from Mustaqillik Maydoni to Olmazor
35, 000 UZS – Intercity bus from Tashkent bus terminal (near Olmazor) to Samarkand
NOTE: My host also prepared an Uzbek breakfast meal for me (as a farewell)
Subtotal: 37,800 UZS (3.97 USD)

Total Expenses: 122.5 USD (6,228.57 PHP)

What do you think of this 1-day TASHKENT itinerary?

I hope that you find this 1-DAY TOUR TASHKENT BUDGET ITINERARY and TRAVEL GUIDE blog useful!

If you have any questions, please feel free to ask in the comment section below.

RECOMMENDED PACKAGE TOURS

In case you’re also looking for package tours to simply jumpstart your actual itinerary, I highly recommend booking tours through Viator which is perfect for your Tashkent itinerary. See tours and packages I personally handpicked for you:

More Tours Here

BOOKING ESSENTIALS

Hotel / Hostel
- Booking.com. I usually book my hostel accommodation at booking.com. Thus, I recommend you guys trying it for your Tashkent itinerary. Room accommodation ranges from cheap hostels to luxury hotels. Book hostels through booking.com as they have free cancellation or pay-at-the-hotel option.
Airbnb. Try Airbnb in finding comfy and cozy rooms for your Tashkent itinerary! I have used Airbnb on some of my other trips and I loved it!

Have you tried Airbnb? Sign up with my link and you will get up to 42 USD (2,200 Php) off your first stay. Click this link to get that discount.

Flights
- KAYAK. All of my flight bookings are all from KAYAK. Kayak is one of the world’s leading travel search engines and searches hundreds of travel sites.

I suggest you check Kayak (click HERE) as they usually offer cheap fare rates compared to other booking sites.

Museum Tickets
- Amir Timur Museum Ticket
- State Museum of History ticket
Tashkent Package tours
- Viator. Viator is the world’s leading resource for researching, finding and booking the best travel experiences worldwide.

Click here to find the best Viator deals in Tashkent!

3-Day Bishkek Itinerary And Travel Guide With Budget All-In

By Dan Forteza

Bishkek, the capital city of Kyrgyzstan, is actually just a 5-hour drive from Almaty, Kazakhstan. But since I was entering the country through visa-on-arrival, I flew in to Bishkek airport (from Almaty) where my visa can only be processed. And just like Almaty, the Kyrgyz capital still has retained its former Soviet Asian flavor.

With numerous green spaces, parks, and gardens alongside Soviet-era buildings and monuments, you’ll start to appreciate more of this underrated city. Even though you’re only staying for a short period of time, you’ll definitely enjoy the most of it. That’s why to help you jumpstart your next holiday here, I’ve compiled my 3-day Bishkek itinerary and travel guide which includes the detailed cost breakdown of my day-to-day expenses!

Hi there! First of all, I am Daniel – a solo backpacker from the Philippines. If you don’t know my story yet, feel free to read this article where I talked about how I quit my job in order to travel. This article was also featured on TripZilla Philippines.

Me with the Kyrgyzstan flag | Dantravels.org

DO YOU NEED A VISA FOR KYRGYZSTAN?

Depending on your nationality, you might or might not need a visa. Check out my KYRGYZSTAN VISA GUIDE to check if you’re legible for a visa on arrival or no visa at all.

WHERE IS BISHKEK?

Bishkek is the capital city of Kyrgyzstan–the second Central Asian country I’ve been to. It is situated in the central part of the Chui Valley at the foot of the Kyrgyz range of the Ala-Too Mountains. It is only a 30-minute drive to the Kazakh border of Korday and approximately 5 hours to the big city of Almaty, Kazakhstan. By plane, it is a little more than 4 hours of flight from Moscow, Russia or almost 2 hours from Astana, Kazakhstan.

Language: Kyrgyz and Russian
Currency: Kyrgyzstani Som (KGS)
Airport: FRU (Bishkek-Manas)
Preferred mode of transportation: Bus / Marshrutka (Minivan)
Time Zone: GMT +6

FLIGHTS TO BISHKEK:

Finding a cheap flight ticket to Bishkek from Europe and Central Asia is relatively easy. I booked mine coming from Almaty, Kazahkstan via Astana Airlines. If you’re also entering Kyrgyzstan through visa-on-arrival, your visa can ONLY be processed at the Bishkek (Manas) Airport.

I suggest you check Trip.com (click HERE) as they usually offer cheap fare rates compared to other booking sites.

HOW I GOT TO THE CITY:

I arrived at Bishkek-Manas International Airport (FRU) at around 8:00 PM from a 30-minute flight from Almaty Airport (ALA).

I spent my first night in Kyrgyzstan sleeping within the airport’s waiting area. The next morning, I took the very first trip of Marshrutka (public minivan) going to the city downtown. Minivan #380 runs from Airport to Bishkek (and vice versa) as early as 6:00 AM.

I have a really weird story about losing my phone while taking this photo of Marshrutka #380.

Airport van (Marshrutka #380) | Dantravels.org

NOTE: Same as in the Kazakh cities of Astana and Almaty, 2GIS offline maps app also works really well in Bishkek.

When plotting the route from the airport to my hostel using 2GIS map app, it has to be two marshrutka rides:

50 KGS (0.72 USD) – Marshrutka #380 and then transfer to;
10 KGS (0.14 USD) – Marshrutka #243

From getting off at the nearest bus stop to my hostel, I then walked about 10 to 15 minutes to reach my hostel (Imagine Hostel) using my 2GIS offline Maps.

WHERE DID I STAY?

Imagine Hostel (click here to book)
- Hostel room type: Bunk Bed in Mixed Dormitory Room
- Hostel rate: 217 KGS (3.10 USD) per night
- How to get there: 10-minute walk from the nearest bus stop.

Imagine Hostel in Bishkek | Dantravels.org

Book AGODA here Book BOOKING.com here Get AIRBNB $43 free credit

You can book a room at any hotel in Bishkek through Agoda or Booking.com. I usually book my room accommodations through booking.com. Room accommodation ranges from cheap hostels to luxury hotels. Book hostels through booking.com as they have free cancellation or pay-at-the-hotel option.

Use my link to book your hostel and you’ll get 10% of your booking back after your stay. Click this link to get that discount.

If Bishkek hotel isn’t to your liking, try AirBnb. Airbnbs are immersed in neighborhoods, condos, and townhomes. There is a feeling you get when you stay in an Airbnb that makes you feel like you belong in that city or town. Since it is someone’s home, there is a certain amount of pride you feel while staying there. I have used Airbnb on some of my other trips and I loved it!

If you’re new to AirBnB, then you can get up to 42 USD free travel credit by signing up via this link.

HOW TO GET AROUND BISHKEK?

A trolley bus in Bishkek | Dantravels.org

Inside the trolley bus in Bishkek | Dantravels.org

A Marshrutka in Bishkek — A Marshrutka (Minivan) in Bishkek | Dantravels.org

By Bus (and Trolleybus). Buses run a fair network of routes in Bishkek. Single-trip tickets cost 10 KGS (0.14 USD).
By Marshrutka. These minivans are faster and somewhat more frequent than buses. However, they can be uncomfortably overfull and with claustrophobically low ceilings. Single-trip tickets also cost 10 KGS (0.14 USD).

NOTE: The very useful 2GIS offline map app helps you plot your route and shows you in real-time which numbered buses and marshrutkas are due to arrive at which bus stop. The 2GIS app also works even without internet data.

By Foot. Get your feet ready as you will walk to many places in Bishkek, too. And as I mentioned in my budget travel tips blog – “walk as much as you can!“
By Taxi. Taxis are excellent but rather expensive.

MY 3-DAY BISHKEK ITINERARY

DAY 1

1st Stop: Ala-Too Square

Any visit to Bishkek will include passing by or spending some time at Ala-Too Square. The main attractions are all nearby, within walking distance – History Museum, various parks, shopping centers, etc. The Manas statue, the giant state flag, and the standing guards make each day special here. It is must-see for any tourist in Kyrgyzstan!

Duration (getting there + visiting): 1-2 hours
How I got here: By Marshrutka from hostel (using my 2GIS Maps app)

2nd Stop: State History Museum

The museum was closed when I went to visit. But it is still a worthwhile museum to take a picture together with its huge building.

Duration (getting there + visiting): 1 hour
How I got here: By foot (this is within Ala-Too Square)

3rd Stop: Panfilov Park

This park has a lot of amusement rides that kids would love and adults alike. It is a beautifully designed park, and looked great during the autumn months, with the leaves changing colors. I enjoyed my time there just relaxing.

Duration (getting there + visiting): 1-2 hours
How I got here: By foot from Ala-Too Square

4th Stop: Osh Bazaar

Osh Bazaar is one of the biggest marketplaces in Bishkek. The Bazaar offers an amazing assortment of just about anything from clothing to food, meat, cheese, dried fruits, and spices. This place is full of crowds during weekends though.

Duration (getting there + visiting): 1-3 hours
How I got here: By Marshrutka from a bus stop near Panfilov Park (using my 2GIS Maps app)

DAY 2 (ALA ARCHA GORGE)

5th Stop: One-day tour to Ala-Archa Gorge

The must-visit Ala Archa National Park in the Tian Shan mountains is located 39 km from Bishkek. It is a perfect place for hiking or camping surrounded by impressive views on high rocky peaks and beautiful rivers.

Luckily, I found and joined a Couchsurfing (CS) event in Bishkek going to Ala Archa National Park. The event was organized by Mirel (a Kyrgyz local) and her friends. There were local Kyrgyzstanis who joined as well as myself—a foreigner. I was the only foreigner who joined from CS because other CS joiners have backed out. Well, it happens all the time in CS, I’m not surprised.

But…kudos to Mirel and her friends who made this event a memorable one for me and for everyone else for sure. They actually have a facebook page in case you might want to contact them.

NOTE: I paid 500 KGS (7.16 USD) to join this event. It includes the cost of transportation and food. Not bad!

Here is a quick timeline for our activities:

10:45 AM – We left the meetup point at Moto Center, Bishkek.

11:00 AM – We had a stopover at Globus supermarket to buy some food and snacks.

12:00 NN – We finally arrived at Ala-Archa National Park

12:10 PM – We had a one-by-one introduction of ourselves. I don’t understand what they were saying ‘cause they all speak in Russian.

12:20 PM – We walked around and explored the areas of the national park, took pics and made all that goofy stuff like dancing—you probably would see me dancing in some of their videos. Haha. Please don’t tag me!

1:20 PM – We went back to the car and headed to the picnic area. It was cold at 7 deg C but we had vodka to warm us up a bit. We also had other sorts of different snacks. We also cooked a Kyrgyz dish called ‘dymdama’.

5:00 PM – We packed up and left the picnic area and headed back to the city.

6:00 PM – We arrived back in Bishkek City.

Mirel and I at Ala Archa Gorge | Dantravels.org

Duration (getting there + visiting): the whole freakin’ day!
How I got here: By Marshrutska to the meetup point (using my 2GIS Maps app)

DAY 3

6th Stop: Victory Park

Victory Park is located on the southern edge of Bishkek and is not to be confused with Victory Square (my 8th stop). The park is a beautifully maintained area with many trees and flower beds. This monument with three columns joined at the top by a pyramid shape is the centerpiece of the park.

Victory Park in Bishkek — Victory Park | Dantravels.org

Duration (getting there + visiting): 1-2 hours
How I got here: By Marshrutka from hostel (using my 2GIS Maps app)

7th Stop: Boulevard Erkindik

Boulevard Erkindik (also known as Dzerzhinka) is one of the most popular places in Bishkek. The long densely forested street is beautiful and is totally loved by locals.

Duration (getting there + visiting): 1-2 hours
How I got here: By Marshrutka from Victory Park (using my 2GIS Maps app)

8th Stop: Victory Square

The Victory Square houses an eternal flame to those who perished in WW2. The three massive arches depict a yurt (a traditional nomad house in Central Asia) and the statue of a woman. When I visited it on a rainy afternoon, a wedding ceremony is taken place.

Victory Square in Bishkek — Victory Square | Dantravels.org

Duration (getting there + visiting): 1 hour
How I got here: By foot from Erkindik Blvd.

9th Stop: Bishkek Park (Mall)

Take your time and spend an afternoon wandering here. Bishkek Park is a new mall that has virtually all the brands under one roof. It has good food courts, supermarket, and many fashion retail stores.

Duration (getting there + visiting): 1-2 hours
How I got here: By Marshrutka from Victory Square (using my 2GIS Maps app)

10th Stop: Panorama Bishkek

Panorama Bishkek offers you a good viewpoint of the entire city of Bishkek. I went here one evening with my Kyrgyz friend Bektur driving in his car.

NOTE: You can also get there by marshrutka #200 and then just walk for 30 minutes towards the viewpoint. Better if you go during daytime.

The photo you see with those flashy lights is actually NOT the view Bektur and I have seen. But still…that’s a photo taken from the viewpoint which I randomly borrowed from Google. Haha!

Unfortunately when we’ve arrived, it was dark and with no flashy lights as I would expect. I suspect it’s because of the smog that covers the city that night.

Anyhow, Bektur gave me a dinner treat after going to the viewpoint. A free Laghman (central Asian noodle dish) is not something disappointing after all! Haha!

Duration (getting there + visiting): 3-4 hours
How I got here: By my friend’s car (but you can also go by Marshrutka then just hike up a bit!)

COUCHSURFING IN BISHKEK

On the next two days in Bishkek, I have actually spent it staying with a Couchsurfing host! I didn’t do much at that time since I was working on my two websites. That’s why I won’t be including my expenses during those two days.

But anyway, here is Ermek (right) from Bishkek–a very friendly host! We are having dinner together with his flatmate, Bakytbek.

Ermek from Couchsurfing Bishkek — Ermek (Right) and his room mate | Dantravels.org

MY 3-DAY EXPENSES IN BISHKEK

Day 0 (Arrival at Hostel, Rest)
- 63.78 USD (4,454.12 KGS) – Flight from Almaty, Kazakhstan to Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. I pre-booked it online at Kayak/Trip.
- 50 USD (3,492 KGS) – visa-on-arrival fee
- 50 KGS – Fare, Airport minivan #380 to the city
- 10 KGS – Fare, Transfer minivan to my hostel
- 867 KGS – 4-Night stay in Imagine Hostel
- 120 KGS – sim card with internet
- NOTE: I still have some bread and cup noodles I bought in Almaty
- Subtotal: 8993.12 KGS (128.78 USD)
Day 1
- 50 KGS – Some bread
- 30 KGS – 3 x coffee in a pack
- 38 KGS – Instant noodles
- 10 KGS – Fare, minivan from Hostel to Ala-Too Square
- 10 KGS – Fare, minivan from Panfilov Park to Osh Bazaar
- 130 KGS – Laghman meal
- 150 KGS – haircut
- 10 KGS – Fare, minivan from Osh Bazaar to Hostel
- Subtotal: 428 KGS (6.13 USD)
Day 2
- 10 KGS – Fare, minivan from hostel to CS event meetup point
- 500 KGS – Tour fee (includes transportation and FOOD!)
- 10 KGS – Fare, minivan from somewhere in the city to my hostel
- NOTE: Mirel lets me bring some leftover food and I had it for dinner.
- Subtotal: 520 KGS (7.45 USD)
Day 3
- 60 KGS – Cookies
- 30 KGS – 3x Coffee in a pack
- 10 KGS – Fare, minivan from hostel to Victory Park
- 10 KGS – Fare, minivan from Victory Park to Erkindik Blvd.
- 50 KGS – Food (corn)
- 10 KGS – Fare, minivan from Victory Square to Bishkek Park Mall
- 10 KGS – Fare, minivan from Bishkek Park Mall to Hostel
- NOTE: I got a dinner treat from Bektur that night.
- Subtotal: 180 KGS (2.58 USD)
Last Day (Departure)
- 129 KGS – 3x Instant Cup Noodles
- 10 KGS – Fare, minivan from my CS host to Airport bus stop
- 50 KGS – Fare, minivan #380 to Bishkek-Manas airport
- 10 KGS – Hot water for my Cup Noodles
- 114.85 USD (8,020.63 KGS) – Flight from Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan to Tashkent, Uzbekistan. I pre-booked it online at Kayak/Trip.
- Subtotal: 8219.68 KGS (117.70 USD)

Total Expenses: 262.6 USD (13,331 PHP)

What do you think of this 3-day Bishkek itinerary?

I hope that you find this 3-DAY BISHKEK BUDGET ITINERARY and TRAVEL GUIDE blog useful!

If you have any questions, please feel free to ask in the comment section below.

RECOMMENDED PACKAGE TOURS

In case you’re also looking for package tours to simply jumpstart your actual itinerary, I highly recommend booking tours through Viator which is perfect for your Bishkek itinerary. See tours and packages I personally handpicked for you:

More Tours Here

BOOKING ESSENTIALS

Hotel / Hostel
- Booking.com. I usually book my hostel accommodation at booking.com. Thus, I recommend you guys trying it for your Bishkek itinerary. Room accommodation ranges from cheap hostels to luxury hotels. Book hostels through booking.com as they have free cancellation or pay-at-the-hotel option.
Airbnb. Try Airbnb in finding comfy and cozy rooms for your Bishkek itinerary! I have used Airbnb on some of my other trips and I loved it!

Have you tried Airbnb? Sign up with my link and you will get up to 42 USD (2,200 Php) off your first stay. Click this link to get that discount.

Flights
- TRIP. All of my flight bookings are from TRIP. Trip.com is one of the world’s leading travel search engines and searches hundreds of travel sites.

I suggest you check Trip.com (click HERE) as they usually offer cheap fare rates compared to other booking sites.

Bishkek (Kyrgyzstan) Package tours
- Viator. Viator is the world’s leading resource for researching, finding, and booking the best travel experiences worldwide.

Click here to find the best Viator deals in Bishkek!

5-Day Almaty Itinerary And Travel Guide With Budget All-In

By Dan Forteza

Almaty was the capital of Kazakhstan until 1997 when it was moved to Astana (now Nursultan). One of the reasons given for the move was because of Almaty’s geographical location–it is in a southeast corner of the country which is too close to Kyrgyzstan and China’s border. I, on the other hand, moved and traveled down south from Astana to Almaty due to the extreme cold of Astana.

And I made a good choice–not only Almaty has a much warmer climate, but it also has all the attractions of a major city with none of the claustrophobia or stress. If you’re curious enough to know what top attractions this city has to offer, here is my 5-day Almaty itinerary and travel guide which includes the detailed cost breakdown of my day-to-day expenses!

Hi there! First of all, I am Daniel – a solo backpacker from the Philippines. If you don’t know my story yet, feel free to read this article where I talked about how I quit my job in order to travel. This article was also featured on TripZilla Philippines.

Me with a backdrop of the snowcapped Zailiysky Alatau | Dantravels.org

DO YOU NEED A VISA FOR KAZAKHSTAN?

First things first–do you need a visa to enter Kazakhstan? Well, depending on your nationality, you may or may not need a visa. See the information below which category you fall in. Other countries not listed below require a Kazakh visa.

Free-Visa Entry

Citizens of the following countries and territories can visit Kazakhstan without a visa:

*90 days: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Mongolia, Russia, Ukraine

**30 days: Argentina, Brazil, Ecuador, Serbia, South Korea, Tajikistan, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan

***14 days: Hong Kong

Visa-Free Program

Citizens of the following countries do not require a visa for stays of fewer than 30 days as part of a visa-free policy for countries with the large foreign direct investment in Kazakhstan’s economy:

All European Union citizens, Australia, Bahrain, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Iceland, Indonesia, Israel, Japan, Kuwait, Liechtenstein, Malaysia, Mexico, Monaco, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Philippines, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Switzerland, Thailand, United States, Vatican City, Vietnam

With my Philippine passport, I fell under the visa-free program and was able to enter Kazakhstan through Astana TSE airport with no issues last October 2019!

Well wait, not really… The visa-free program of Kazakhstan for Filipinos was just recently announced and took effect on September 30, 2019. I was backpacking in Tehran, Iran that time when it was announced. So I actually entered Kazakhstan through TSE airport a few days after it took effect. And upon checking in to my airline carrier (SCAT airlines), I waited for almost AN HOUR because the airline crews are verifying if Filipinos can really enter Kazakhstan visa-free. But anyway, the important thing is GOT IN and got my boarding pass!

WHERE IS ALMATY?

Almaty is located in the mountainous area of southern Kazakhstan near the border of Kyrgyzstan in the foothills of the Trans-Ili Alatau mountains. In fact, it is only a 5-hour minibus ride from Bishkek, the capital city of Kyrgyzstan. By plane, it is a little more than 4 hours of flight from Moscow or Dubai.

Language: Kazakh and Russian
Currency: Kazakhstani Tenge (KZT)
Airport: ALA
Preferred mode of transportation: Bus / Metro
Time Zone: GMT +6

FLIGHTS TO ALMATY:

Finding a cheap flight ticket to Almaty from Europe and the Middle East is relatively easy. In my case, however, I took a train coming from Astana (Nursultan) to Almaty since I’m already in Kazakhstan.

I suggest you check Kayak (click HERE) as they usually offer cheap fare rates compared to other booking sites.

HOW I GOT TO THE CITY:

I arrived at Almaty (Alma-Ata 2 station) at around 7:00 AM from a 15-hour train ride from Astana (Astana-Nurly-Zhol station.) I booked its train ticket online with the help of my friend Akniyet.

Inside the train bound to Alma-Ata 2 station | Dantravels.org

I then walked towards the Raiymbek Batyr metro station using my 2GIS offline Maps (Note: offline Google Maps will do as well.) I got off at Baikonur metro station where my hostel (Hostel Eleon) is only 5 to 10 minutes on foot.

80 KZT (0.21 USD) – Metro from Raiymbek Batyr station to Baikonur station

HOW TO GET AROUND?

Bus #34 in Almaty — Getting around Almaty via Bus and Metro | Dantravels.org

By Bus (and Trolleybus). Just like Astana, Almaty has an excellent city bus network, with bus route maps shown at many bus stops. The bus is how you get around best in Almaty!

Buses start between 6:00 AM and 7:00 AM until 10:00 PM. Single-trip tickets cost 150 KZT (0.40 USD) if you pay by cash. The very useful 2GIS offline map app helps you plot your route and shows you in real-time which numbered buses are due to arrive at which bus stop. The 2GIS app also works even without internet data.

NOTE: It is cheaper if you pay by transport card (called Onay) costing to only 80 KZT (0.21 USD) but I don’t really recommend it for short-term travelers.

By Metro / Subway. Almaty’s metro runs from Raiymbek Batyr station, near Alma-Ata 2 railway train station, down south to Moscow station. There are future plans to expand Almaty’s metro train network but as of this writing, the city only has one line of metro.

NOTE: You can also use a refillable Almaty card (sold at all metro stations) or swipe in with the multi-transport Onay card.

By Foot. Get your feet ready as you will walk to many places in Almaty, too. And as I mentioned in my budget travel tips blog – “walk as much as you can!“
By Taxi. Taxis are excellent but rather expensive.

WHERE DID I STAY?

Hostel Eleon
- Hostel room type: Bunk Bed in Male Dormitory Room
- Hostel rate: 1,400 KZT (3.65 USD) per night
- How to get there: 5 to 10 minutes walk from Baikonur station (nearest metro station.)

Hostel Eleon front door — Hostel Eleon facilities | Dantravels.org

Book AGODA here

Book BOOKING.com here

Get AIRBNB $43 free credit

You can book a room at any hotel in Almaty through Agoda or Booking.com. I usually book my room accommodations through booking.com. Room accommodation ranges from cheap hostels to luxury hotels. Book hostels through booking.com as they have free cancellation or pay-at-the-hotel option.

Use my link to book your hostel and you’ll get 10% of your booking back after your stay. Click this link to get that discount.

If Almaty hotel isn’t to your liking, try AirBnb. Airbnbs are immersed in neighborhoods, condos, and townhomes. There is a feeling you get when you stay in an Airbnb that makes you feel like you belong in that city or town. Since it is someone’s home, there is a certain amount of pride you feel while staying there. I have used Airbnb on some of my other trips and I loved it!

If you’re new to AirBnB, then you can get up to 42 USD free travel credit by signing up via this link.

MY 5-DAY ALMATY ITINERARY

DAY 1:

1st Stop: Republic Square of Almaty

Starting off my Almaty itinerary is this impressive monument situated uphill in Almaty, but a rewarding visit. The monument is surrounded by historical monuments in Kazakhstan’s past and notable figures. To get a good picture of the whole site you need to cross a busy road.

Duration (getting there + visiting): 1 hour
How I got here: By Bus from hostel (using my 2GIS Maps app)

2nd Stop: Medeu

This is in Medeu! Because I’m on a tight budget, I went up hiking on foot than going by cable car. Yeah, tiring but it was fun. Especially meeting and getting to know the locals along the way. And when the locals found out I’m from the Philippines, they would say “Oh Manny Pacquiao!” I didn’t know Manny (the Filipino boxer) is very well-known in Kazakhstan.

The never-ending stairs at Medeu | Dantravels.org

Duration (getting there + visiting): 3-4 hours
How I got here: By Bus #12 (using my 2GIS Maps app)

3rd Stop: Shymbulak Ski Resort

If you’re already in Medeu, do not also miss Shymbulak ski resort which is located in the picturesque gorge of the Trans-Ili Alatau mountains. You can take a trip up to the top of the ski resort (Talgar pass), which involved three gondolas from Medeu. Although I did not go, I still advise you to go since the views were spectacular. It will be 4,000 KZT (10.38 USD) for the entire trip.

The view of Trans-Ili Alatau mountains from Medeu | Dantravels.org

Duration (getting there + visiting): 2 hours
How to get here: By Gondola / Cable Car

4th Stop: Almaty Central park

This place was an absolute must-visit especially if you have children. The park is absolutely huge and there are activities everywhere you look. There are plenty of places to sit down and eat or have a drink. It’s also friendly for the budget-minded as there is plenty to walk around and see.

Somewhere at Almaty Central park | Dantravels.org

Duration (getting there + visiting): 1-2 hours
How I got here: By Bus #12 (Medeu-Abay) then another bus (all using my 2GIS Maps app)

DAY 2:

5th Stop: First President’s Park

First President’s Park is a huge park in south Almaty, and you could spend all day here! It’s the perfect getaway located right in the middle of a busy street, thanks to plenty of space to walk around and enjoy nature. The park was opened in November 2011 in respect to the first President of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev. You might also catch a graduation or a wedding photoshoot here if you’re lucky!

Duration (getting there + visiting): 3-4 hours
How I got here: By Bus (using my 2GIS Maps app)

6th Stop: St. Nicholas Cathedral

This Russian Orthodox cathedral is located in a really attractive grounds. Beautiful colors make it really attractive and photogenic from all angles. The elaborately painted interior walls and ceilings and the icons made it an interesting visit.

Duration (getting there + visiting): 1-2 hours
How I got here: By foot from my hostel

DAY 3:

7th Stop: Park of Panfilov’s 28 Guard

The park is named after the heroes of the Great Patriotic War. The Panfilov heroes were 28 soldiers of an Almaty Infantry who died fighting the Germans outside of Moscow during the war. There is one huge monument that stands out (in the photo below) with a burning eternal flame in front of it and a few other smaller monuments around this area. This park is the crown jewel of Almaty’s history.

Duration (getting there + visiting): 1-2 hours
How I got here: By Metro (Zhibek Zholy station)

8th Stop: Ascension Cathedral

Located also within the Panfilov’s park is the lovely Ascension Cathedral. Probably the most renowned Orthodox cathedral in Kazakhstan and understandably so. The interiors and exteriors are very impressive and the cathedral looks wonderful from all sides. The interior takes the form of most Christian orthodox churches and the murals are fantastic.

Duration (getting there + visiting): 1 hour
How I got here: By foot from Panfilov’s 28 Guard monument

9th Stop: Zelenyy Bazar

Zelenyy Bazar is known to be the oldest market in Almaty. There are lots of vegetables and fruit and a lot of meat (especially horsemeat!). It was interesting to walk around and check the goods as well as clothing and some souvenirs outside the market.

Duration (getting there + visiting): 1-2 hours
How I got here: By foot from Ascension Cathedral

10th Stop: The Central Mosque of Almaty

This is the main mosque in Almaty and is in a good position for visiting since it’s close to the bazaar and metro (Raiymbek Batyr station). The mosque was an excellent example of local architecture. The interior is well worth visiting, too. You need to wear long pants and a scarf (for women) if you intend to enter the mosque.

Duration (getting there + visiting): 1-2 hours
How I got here: By foot from Zelenyy Bazar

DAY 4:

11th Stop: One-day hike to Mt. Boukreev

With my new-found friend Nurseit, he invited me to join a day tour hike to Mt. Boukreev–it is one of the peaks in the Trans-Ili Alatau mountains surrounding Almaty. He knows a group of hikers that organizes a FREE hiking tour every Sunday.

NOTE: I met Nurseit in a language exchange site, I believe it was ConnectPals. Go check out ConnectPals!

At around 8:00 AM, we left the jump-off point at Medeu and all of us headed to Mt. Boukreev (3,010 masl). I think we’re around 50+ who joined the climb.

My friend Nurseit even brought food and snacks for the two of us so I wouldn’t worry about spending too much on food.

NOTE: This climb was organized by Taurest.kz. Go check out their Instagram here!

At around 2:00 PM, I’ve finally reached the summit! It’s beautiful up there! You have no idea!

Below is a photo of my friend Nurseit and myself. He is a local Kazakh and most of the time we use Google Translate to be able to understand each other.

But anyway, the local people I’ve met at the climb love to practice their English!

Nurseit and I at the summit of Mt. Boukreev | Dantravels.org

Duration (getting there + visiting): the whole freakin’ day!
How I got here: By Bus to Medeu (using my 2GIS Maps app), then CLIMB up!!!

Later that night, Nurseit and his friends treat me for dinner with one of their national dishes called Beshbarmak (a horse meat dish)! And I also tried the horse milk!

Eating Beshbarmak — I’m trying horsemeat for the first time with Nurseit and his friends | Dantravels.org

DAY 5:

12th Stop: Kok Tobe Hill

Kok Tobe Hill is where you can enjoy a panoramic view of Almaty city and it can be reached by cable car or by road and then hike. In my case, I went by cable car with the remaining cash I have before I head to Almaty airport. It costs 2,000 KZT (5.16 USD) per round trip.

If you are visiting Almaty, it is a must-visit place. It is a kind of little amusement park for kids on top of hills.

Duration (getting there + visiting): 2-3 hours
How I got here: By Bus (using my 2GIS Maps app), then cable car to the top of the hill!!!

EXTRA DAY:

13th Stop: Big Almaty Lake

I wasn’t able to visit the Big Almaty lake when I was in Almaty due to time constraints. But if I have one more day to spend, I’d definitely come here. Note that visiting here would require at least half of your day as this place is not reachable by public buses nor metro. But I’m telling you this place is a must-see site in Almaty. It is a very beautiful and scenic lake where the city gets its water supply.

There are several tour organizers from Viator that offers a day tour to Big Almaty Lake for a cheap price. Check out my “Recommended Package Tours” section below.

Duration (getting there + visiting): Half-day

What do you think of this 5-day Almaty itinerary?

I hope that you find this 5-DAY ALMATY BUDGET ITINERARY and TRAVEL GUIDE blog useful!

If you have any questions, please feel free to ask in the comment section below.

MY 5-DAY EXPENSES IN ALMATY

Day 0 (Arrival)
- 6811 KZT – Train ticket from Nursultan to Almaty. I booked it online with the help of my friend Akniyet.
- 230 KZT – Food (Pie cake)
- 80 KZT – Metro from Raiymbek Batyr station to Baikonur station
- 8,400 – 6 Night stay in Hostel
- 700 KZT – Food (Chicken-rice meal with tea)
- 450 KZT – Food (Chicken-rice meal)
- Subtotal: 16,671 KZT (43.28 USD)
Day 1
- 180 KZT – Drink (Bottled of water)
- 150 KZT – Bus fare from Hostel to a bus stop near the Republic Square
- 150 KZT – Bus #12 fare from Abay avenue to Medeu
- 150 KZT – Bus fare from Medeu to Abay avenue.
- 140 KZT – Food (2x Bread with beef)
- 240 KZT – Drink (3x Coffee packs)
- 150 KZT – Bus fare from a bus stop near Abay avenue to Central Park
- 150 KZT – Bus fare from Central Park to a bus stop near Hostel.
- 0 KZT – Food (Sultanali, my hostel roommate, treats me for dinner!)
- Subtotal: 1,310 KZT (3.40 USD)
Day 2
- 650 KZT – Food (Hotdog-rice meal)
- 150 KZT – Bus fare from Hostel to first President’s Park
- 200 KZT – Food (Corn)
- 150 KZT – Bus fare from first President’s Park to Hostel
- 380 KZT – Food (Bread)
- Subtotal: 1,530 KZT (3.97 USD)
Day 3
- 700 KZT – Food (Laghman, Kazakh noddles)
- 80 KZT – Metro from Baikonur station to Zhibek Zholy station
- 80 KZT – Metro from Raiymbek Batyr station to Baikonur station
- 650 KZT – Food (Chicken-rice meal)
- 100 KZT – Drink (Coffee)
- Subtotal: 1,610 KZT (4.18 USD)
Day 4
- 0 KZT – Nurseit paid my bus fare from my hostel to Abay avenue, should be 150 KZT.
- 0 KZT – Nurseit again paid for my bus fare from Abay to Medeo, should be 150 KZT
- 800 KZT – fare for the rented bus from hiking endpoint to city crossing (Gorganaya st.)
- 150 KZT – bus fare back to Medeu (I met Aynur and her sister from the climb whose car are parked at Medeo and she drove me home to my hostel)
- 0 KZT – Food (Dinner treat from Nurseit and his friends)
- Subtotal: 950 KZT (2.47 USD)
Day 5 (Departure)
- 150 KZT – Bus fare from my hostel to KokTobe Gondola / Cable Car
- 2,000 KZT – Cable Car fee (back & forth)
- 560 KZT – Food (2x Cup Noodles)
- 150 KZT – Bus #79 fare from somewhere near Koktobe to Almaty Airport
- 200 KZT – Hot water at the Airport (for my noodles!)
- 63.78 USD (24,568 KZT) – Flight from Almaty, Kazakhstan to Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. I pre-booked it online at Kayak.
- Subtotal: 27,628 KZT (71.73 USD)

Total Expenses: 129.03 USD (6,536.72 PHP)

RECOMMENDED PACKAGE TOURS

In case you’re also looking for package tours to simply jumpstart your actual itinerary, I highly recommend booking tours through Viator which is perfect for your Almaty itinerary. See tours and packages I personally handpicked for you:

More Tours Here

BOOKING ESSENTIALS

Hotel / Hostel
- Booking.com. I usually book my hostel accommodation at booking.com. Thus, I recommend you guys trying it for your Almaty itinerary. Room accommodation ranges from cheap hostels to luxury hotels. Book hostels through booking.com as they have free cancellation or pay-at-the-hotel option.
- Airbnb. Try Airbnb in finding comfy and cozy rooms for your Almaty itinerary! I have used Airbnb on some of my other trips and I loved it!

Have you tried Airbnb? Sign up with my link and you will get up to 42 USD (2,200 Php) off your first stay. Click this link to get that discount.

Flights
- KAYAK. All of my flight bookings are all from KAYAK. Kayak is one of the world’s leading travel search engines and searches hundreds of travel sites.

I suggest you check Kayak (click HERE) as they usually offer cheap fare rates compared to other booking sites.

Kazakhstan Package tours
- Viator. Viator is the world’s leading resource for researching, finding and booking the best travel experiences worldwide.

Click here to find the best Viator deals in Almaty

3-Day NurSultan Itinerary And Travel Guide w/ Budget All-in

By Dan Forteza

The city of Astana, now called NurSultan, was my first stop on an extended Central Asian adventure last October 2019. Known today as Kazakhstan’s futuristic capital city, NurSultan certainly is a tough place to live because of its harsh cold climate but still, it is well worth a short visit. You can see NurSultan’s main sights and its fascinating buildings in a couple of days. That’s why to help you jumpstart your next holiday here, I’ve put together the perfect 3-day Nursultan budget itinerary and travel guide which includes my overall travel expenses! Are you ready?

Hi there! First of all, I am Daniel – a solo backpacker from the Philippines. If you don’t know my story yet, feel free to read this article where I talked about how I quit my job in order to travel. This article was also featured on TripZilla Philippines.

A dinner treat from a Kazakh friend Akniyet on my first night in NurSultan | Dantravels.org

DO YOU NEED A VISA FOR KAZAKHSTAN?

Free-Visa Entry

Citizens of the following countries and territories can visit Kazakhstan without a visa:

*90 days: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Mongolia, Russia, Ukraine

**30 days: Argentina, Brazil, Ecuador, Serbia, South Korea, Tajikistan, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan

***14 days: Hong Kong

Visa-Free Program

With my Philippine passport, I fell under the visa-free program and was able to enter Kazakhstan through NurSultan airport with no issues last October 2019!

Well wait, not really… The visa-free program of Kazakhstan for Filipinos was just recently announced and took effect on September 30, 2019. I was backpacking in Tehran, Iran that time when it was announced. So I actually entered Kazakhstan through NurSultan airport a few days after it took effect. And upon checking in to my airline carrier, I waited for almost AN HOUR because the airline crews are verifying if Filipinos can really enter Kazakhstan visa-free. But anyway, the important thing is GOT IN and got my boarding pass!

WHERE IS NURSULTAN (ASTANA)?

Nursultan, formerly named Astana, is located in central Kazakhstan on the Ishim River in a very flat, semi-arid steppe region which covers most of the country’s territory. It is a little more than 3-hour flight away from Moscow and roughly a 4 ½-hour flight from Dubai.

NOTE: In March 2019, the city was renamed NurSultan after the departing Kazakh president, Nursultan Nazarbayev.

Language: Kazakh and Russian
Currency: Kazakhstani Tenge (KZT)
Airport: TSE
Preferred mode of transportation: Bus
Time Zone: GMT +6

FLIGHTS TO NURSULTAN (ASTANA):

Finding a cheap flight ticket to NurSultan from Europe and the Middle East is relatively easy. In my case, I got a direct flight coming from Yerevan, Armenia to NurSultan, Kazakhstan. My flight carrier was SCAT Airlines.

I suggest you check Kayak (click HERE) as they usually offer cheap fare rates compared to other booking sites.

HOW TO GET AROUND NURSULTAN?

Bus number 32 in NurSultan | Dantravels.org

By Bus. NurSultan has an excellent city bus network, with bus route maps shown at many bus stops. Buses start between 6:00 AM and 7:00 AM and finish between 10:00 PM and 11:00 PM. Single-trip tickets cost 180 KZT (0.52 USD) if you pay by cash. The very useful 2GIS offline map app helps you plot your route and shows you in real-time which numbered buses are due to arrive at which bus stop. The 2GIS app also works even without internet data.

NOTE: It is cheaper if you pay by card costing to only 90 KZT (0.26 USD) but I don’t really recommend it for short-term travelers.

By Foot. Get your feet ready as you will walk to many places in Astana, too. Just make sure you are dressed appropriately depending on how cold the outside temperature is. And as I mentioned in my budget travel tips blog – “walk as much as you can!“
By Taxi. Taxis are excellent but rather expensive. Also, Uber works in NurSultan.

HOW I GOT TO THE CITY:

I arrived at Nursultan Nazarbayev International Airport (TSE) at around 5:00 AM from a 3-hour flight from Yerevan, Armenia.

To get from NurSultan airport to the city center, you need to take either bus or taxi. I took the bus since I’m on a budget. I don’t really remember which bus number it was but I was told by a local that it goes to the city center.

Using my pre-downloaded Google Maps (I wasn’t aware of the 2GIS app yet), I got off near the Infiniti Apartment Building along Qabanbay Batyr Avenue where my hostel (Hostel Infiniti) is 3 to 5 minutes walk.

Later that day, I searched on 2GIS app which buses run from/to the airport and those are buses 10, 12 and 100. It should cost you 180 KZT (0.52 USD).

OMG NOTE: I actually did not pay for the bus fare on my way to downtown NurSultan from the airport. Because I only have 10,000 KZT (highest banknote denomination in Kazakhstan) with me which was freshly withdrawn from the ATM, the bus driver refused to accept my payment as he has no change to give. He also does not speak English at all so communicating is such a challenge. So I just sat down in silence. When the bus stops at my preferred location, I just simply exited the bus door alongside with others as if I have no payment issue. OMG!

WHERE DID I STAY?

Hostel Infiniti
- Hostel room type: Bunk Bed in Male Dormitory Room
- Hostel rate: 1,700 KZT (4.4 USD) per night
- How to get there: 3 to 5 minutes walk from the nearest bus stop

NOTE: This hostel is in a big apartment building. That’s why it was a challenge and a bit confusing for me to find this hostel as there so many entrance /exit doors in the building. Good thing there was a local Kazakh who helped me find my hostel. I gave him the phone number of the hostel and he called the owner. Phewww, I was about to die from the outside cold!

Book AGODA here

Book BOOKING.com here

Get AIRBNB $43 free credit

Anyway, you can book a room at any hotel in Astana through Agoda or Booking.com. I usually book my room accommodations through booking.com. Room accommodation ranges from cheap hostels to luxury hotels. Book hostels through booking.com as they have free cancellation or pay-at-the-hotel option.

Use my link to book your hostel and you’ll get 10% of your booking back after your stay. Click this link to get that discount.

If Astana hotel isn’t to your liking, try AirBnb. Airbnbs are immersed in neighborhoods, condos, and townhomes. There is a feeling you get when you stay in an Airbnb that makes you feel like you belong in that city or town. Since it is someone’s home, there is a certain amount of pride you feel while staying there. I have used Airbnb on some of my other trips and I loved it!

If you’re new to AirBnB, then you can get up to 42 USD free travel credit by signing up via this link.

MY 3-DAY NURSULTAN ITINERARY

DAY 1:

1st Stop: Bayterek Tower

This tower is meant to embody a folktale about a mythical tree of life and a magic bird of happiness: the bird, named Samruk, had laid its egg in the crevice between two branches of a popular tree.

Bayterek Tower from my Nursultan Itinerary (Astana) — The iconic Bayterek Tower | Dantravels.org

Duration (getting there + visiting): 1-2 hours
How I got here: By Bus (using my 2GIS Maps app)

2nd Stop: City Park

The City Park in Astana is huge. Lots of things to see and do with the sculptures, the Presidential Palace at one end and past that is the Presidential gardens which are magnificent and lovely green space.

Nursultan City Park — City Park | Dantravels.org

Duration (getting there + visiting): 1-2 hours
How I got here: By foot from Bayterek Tower

3rd Stop: NurAstana Mosque

As a non-Muslim, I have not visited many mosques but found this one welcoming, bright, and peaceful. The external architecture attracts and internally the big open space and carpets created a sense of calm. It’s free and worth a visit regardless of your religious affiliation.

Duration (getting there + visiting): 1-2 hours
How I got here: By foot from the City Park

4th Stop: Lover’s Park

Don’t worry–it’s not really a park only for lovers! Haha. It is a lovely walk, a vast open space with lots of activities for children and for anyone really!

Lover's Park in Nursultan — Lover’s Park | Dantravels.org

Duration (getting there + visiting): 1-2 hours
How I got here: By Bus (using my 2GIS Maps app)

5th Stop: The National Opera Building

The national opera building in Astana is beautiful. From an exterior perspective, the modern building was designed as a classical temple, complete with columns and tympanum.

Duration (getting there + visiting): 1-2 hours
How I got here: By foot from the Lover’s Park

6th Stop: Khan Shatyr

Khan Shatyr which literally means ‘Royal Marquee’ is said to be NurSultan’s most extraordinary building (so far). It may resemble a leaning circus tent from the outside, but it is actually a big shopping mall with various attractions (e.g. food court, swimming pool, sandy beach, water slide, etc.)

Khan Shatyr in Astana — Khan Shatyr | Dantravels.org

Duration (getting there + visiting): 1-2 hours
How I got here: By foot from Opera Building

DAY 2:

7th Stop: Palace of Peace and Reconciliation

A monumental pyramid-shaped building built and completed in 2006 to commemorate the Meeting of Congress of Leaders worldwide and traditional religions.

Duration (getting there + visiting): 1-2 hours
How I got here: By Bus (using my 2GIS Maps app)

8th Stop: Independence Square and Kazak Eli Monument

It was great to see this monument and photograph it. It looks majestic and is right across the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation. This was one monument in Astana that I wanted to see most of all, and it looks stately.

Duration (getting there + visiting): 1-2 hours
How I got here: By foot from the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation.

9th Stop: Hazret Sultan Mosque

The Hazret Sultan Mosque is the second largest mosque in Central Asia after Turkmenbasy Ruhy Mosque. It is mostly visible from many places in Astana, the mosque stands out whichever aspect it is viewed from.

Duration (getting there + visiting): 1-2 hours
How I got here: By foot from the Kazak Eli Monument.

10th Stop: Kazakhstan Military History Museum

I was very impressed by the exhibits and thought that it was the best in Astana. The Museum is designed as a yurt (Kazakh nomad’s home). The museum had external exhibits of WW2 equipment in a small display area to the left of the museum, and many sculptures of ancient warriors around the museum. The chariot sculpture at the main entrance was the most impressive.

Duration (getting there + visiting): 1-2 hours
How I got here: By Bus (using my 2GIS Maps app)

11th Stop: Quay Astana Bridge

This is an amazing place to visit in Astana. You can walk on the bridge on the river–it’s a very nicely built architectural structure.

Duration (getting there + visiting): 1-2 hours
How I got here: By foot from the Military History Museum

DAY 3:

12th Stop: Triumphal Arch Mangilik El

Another of Astana’s monuments and it is in the center of a roundabout in the city. There are underground passes to get to the monument, and this is your best chance to take a pic with an ‘I love Astana’ sign in it.

Duration (getting there + visiting): 1-2 hours
How I got here: By Bus (using my 2GIS Maps app)

13th Stop: Expo 2017 Complex

The design of the building in itself is amazing, a true engineering marvel. Each floor houses a unique exhibition to educate the public about, wind, solar, hydroelectric energy sources, etc. to help mankind sustain life on planet earth and the future it holds for our survival.

Duration (getting there + visiting): 1-2 hours
How I got here: By foot from the Triumphal Arch.

14th Stop: MEGA Silk Way

Just across the expo site sits this brand new shopping center. There are many restaurants available for all budgets. It’s also a good option for spending a long layover from the airport as it is fairly close to it.

Duration (getting there + visiting): 1-2 hours
How I got here: By foot from Expo 2017 Building

On my last day in NurSultan, I stayed with a Kazakh host from Couchsurfing. His name is Darkhan and he calls me Teddy Bear because he said I look like one. Haha!

Darkhan a couchsurfer from Nursultan Kazakhstan — Darkhan and I with the meal he prepared | Dantravels.org

MY 3-DAY EXPENSES IN NURSULTAN

Day 0 (Arrival, Rest)
- 206 USD (79,135 KZT) – Yerevan to NurSultan flight
- 0 KZT – Airport to the Hostel (See my note above on “how I got to the city”)
- 5,100 KZT – 3 Night stay at Hostel Infiniti
- 1,717 KZT – Groceries (Rice, Canned Tuna, Noodles, Coffee)
- 300 KZT – Laundry at Hostel
- NOTE: It’s OK to cook at the hostel I stayed in.
- Subtotal: 86,252 KZT (224.5 USD)
Day 1
- 180 KZT – Bus fare from Hostel to a bus stop near Bayterek Tower
- 180 KZT – Bus fare from Bayterek Tower to a bus stop near Lover’s Park
- 90 KZT – Food (bread)
- 250 KZT – Drink (Orange Juice)
- 90 KZT – Food (bread)
- 180 KZT – Bus fare from a bus stop near Khan Shatyr to Hostel
- Subtotal: 970 KZT (2.53 USD)
Day 2
- 180 KZT – Bus fare from Hostel to a bus stop near the Palace of Peace
- 180 KZT – Bus fare from a bus stop near Hazret Mosque to Kazakh Military Museum
- 240 KZT – Food (2 x hotdog with bread)
- 300 KZT – Drink (Orange Juice)
- 180 KZT – Bus fare from a bus stop near Quay Astana to Hostel
- Subtotal: 2,050 KZT (5.34 USD)
Day 3
- 180 KZT – Bus fare from Hostel to the Triumphal Arch
- 1,200 KZT – Combo Meal at Burger King (MEGA Silkway Mall)
- 312 KZT – Food (Raisin Bread)
- 130 KZT – Drink (Bottled Water)
- 180 KZT – Bus fare from a bus stop near MEGA silk way to my Couchsurfing host’s apartment
- Subtotal: 2,002 KZT (5.21 USD)
Day 4 (Departure)
- 6811 KZT – Train ticket from Nursultan to Almaty. I booked it online with the help of my friend Akniyet.
- 180 KZT – Bus fare from Hostel to Airport Bus #50 transfer
- 180 KZT – Bus fare from bus transfer to train station
- 230 KZT – Food (Pie cake)
- Subtotal: 7,401 KZT (19.27 USD)

Total Expenses: 256.8 USD (13,024 PHP)

What do you think of this 3-day Nursultan itinerary?

I hope that you find this 3-DAY NURSULTAN BUDGET ITINERARY and TRAVEL GUIDE blog useful!

If you have any questions, please feel free to ask in the comment section below.

RECOMMENDED PACKAGE TOURS

In case you’re also looking for package tours to simply jumpstart your actual itinerary, I highly recommend booking tours through Viator which is perfect for your NurSultan (Astana) itinerary. See tours and packages I personally handpicked for you:

More Tours Here

BOOKING ESSENTIALS

Hotel / Hostel
- Booking.com. I usually book my hostel accommodation at booking.com. Thus, I recommend you guys trying it for your Astana itinerary. Room accommodation ranges from cheap hostels to luxury hotels. Book hostels through booking.com as they have free cancellation or pay-at-the-hotel option.
Airbnb
- Try Airbnb in finding comfy and cozy rooms for your Astana itinerary! I have used Airbnb on some of my other trips and I loved it!

Have you tried Airbnb? Sign up with my link and you will get up to 42 USD (2,200 Php) off your first stay. Click this link to get that discount.

Flights
- KAYAK. All of my flight bookings are all from KAYAK. Kayak is one of the world’s leading travel search engines and searches hundreds of travel sites.

I suggest you check Kayak (click HERE) as they usually offer cheap fare rates compared to other booking sites.

Train ticket
- Tickets KZ. Click HERE to book train ticket from NurSultan to Almaty.
Kazakhstan Package tours
- Viator. Viator is the world’s leading resource for researching, finding and booking the best travel experiences worldwide.

Click HERE to find the best Viator deals in Astana

How To Apply Online For A Tajikistan eVisa (Updated)

By Dan Forteza

With Tajikistan’s untouched and unspoiled nature alongside its people’s warm hospitality, I truly made a good decision to see this little known corner of the world last November 2019. So if you’re planning to visit Tajikistan and looking for a guide on how to apply for your Tajikistan eVisa (tourist visa) online, then you’re in the right place. So let’s wait no further and get that Tajikistan eVisa right away!

My friend Dilshod at his home in Dushanbe Couchsurfing — My Tajik friend Dilshod at his home in Dushanbe | Dantravels.org

Tajikistan launched an e-Visa system on June 1, 2016. The eVisa can be used at any border crossing (including international airports) and is granted for tourism and business. Along with an eVisa, visitors may obtain a permit to visit the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region for an additional cost of 20 USD.

If you intend to visit the famous Pamir Highway or the M41 in Tajikistan, you need to include the additional 20 USD fee–you’ll see it when you process your visa application online. More details from my step-by-step guide below.

WHO’S ELIGIBLE OF TAJIKISTAN EVISA?

Depending on your nationality, you may or may not need an eVisa. See information below which category you fall in.

eVisa Eligible Countries

All European Union citizens, Albania, Algeria, Andorra, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Bahamas, Bahrain, Barbados, Belize, Benin, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Brunei, Cabo Verde, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Fiji, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Hong Kong, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Israel, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Liechtenstein, Macao, Malaysia, Maldives, Mauritius, Mexico, Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Qatar, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia, Seychelles, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Suriname, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, United Arab Emirates, United States, Uruguay, Vatican City, Venezuela, Vietnam, Yemen

Free-Visa Countries

Armenia **, Azerbaijan **, Belarus *, Georgia *, Kazakhstan *, Kyrgyzstan *, Moldova *, Russia *, Ukraine **, Uzbekistan ***

Notes:
* Unlimited stay
** 90 days
*** 30 days

Visa policy Map of Tajikistan — Visa Policy Map | Wikipedia.org

As a Philippine passport holder, I am eligible to apply for an eVisa (yay!) including citizens from 120 other countries. That’s why in this blog, I’ll share with you my experience on my Tajikistan eVisa application.

GET YOUR TAJIKISTAN EVISA IN 4 EASY STEPS

STEP 1: GET YOUR ROOM ACCOMMODATION READY

When filling up the application form online, you need to indicate your Address in Tajikistan. if you’re staying in a hotel/hostel (which you probably should), fill it in with its address.

You can book a room at any Tajikistan hotel through Agoda or Booking.com. I usually book my room accommodations through booking.com. Room accommodation ranges from cheap hostels to luxury hotels. Book hostels through booking.com as they have free cancellation or pay-at-the-hotel option.

Use my link to book your hostel and you’ll get 10% of your booking back after your stay. Click this link to get that discount.

If hotel isn’t to your liking, try AirBnb. Airbnbs are immersed in neighborhoods, condos, and townhomes. There is a feeling you get when you stay in an Airbnb that makes you feel like you belong in that city or town. Since it is someone’s home, there is a certain amount of pride you feel while staying there. I have used Airbnb on some of my other trips and I loved it!

If you’re new to AirBnB, then you can get up to 42 USD free travel credit by signing up via this link.

STEP 2: APPLY AT TAJIKISTAN’S e-VISA WEBSITE

For you to be able to facilitate your application ONLINE, just follow the through the below steps:

1. Go to www.evisa.tj and click the “Start” button.

Takikistan eVisa website — Tajikistan eVisa website | Dantravels.org

2. Then it will lead you to the Application form page where you’re required to complete your personal details, passport data, and your address in Tajikistan (in Step 1).

eVisa fee with GBAO permit – 70 USD
eVisa fee without GBAO permit – 50 USD

Again, if you intend to visit the famous Pamir Highway or the M41, you need to tick ‘Yes’ to GBAO permit (see snapshot below.)

3. Next page, you need to upload files for both mandatory and optional documents:

Mandatory – Scanned copy of Passport

TIP: I know most of us do not own a scanner, so I recommended you to use a mobile app called “CAMSCANNER”. It is available in both Android and iPhone. Just take a picture of the file and it can be saved as pdf. I used it myself and it appears just like a normal scanned document!

Optional – Any files that would support your tourism activity such as flight and hotel bookings. In this regard, I only uploaded my hostel booking from Step 1 as well as snapshot of my payslips.

Upload your files at Tajikistan eVisa website | Dantravels.org

4. Proceed to the next page and review your information. Make sure your email is correct since your eVisa will be sent to you via email. Then confirm to proceed with your payment.

REMEMBER: Once you proceed, you can NO longer change any of the information, so make sure you’ve got everything right.

STEP 3. PAY THE VISA FEE

You will then be directed to the next page to provide your payment.

Pay the relevant evisa processing fee using your electronic payment cards (credit card/e-commerce enabled debit cards) and submit the application.

After payment, you will then be prompted by an email notification – “..we have received your 50.0 USD payment for your Visa application with ID XXXXXX.The application is in under study. You’ll receive automatic updates via email whenever the status of your application changes.“

STEP 4. WAIT FOR THE RESULTS

After you completed the whole online application process, you just have to wait for the result of your e-Visa application.

According to some forums, applicants normally receive their visa results within one day or two which is sent to them via email. And in case on the third day you haven’t received it yet, go ahead and make a follow up (see additional Step 5).

Once you got APPROVED, print out your e-visa approval confirmation. Upon arrival, it is advisable for you to bring a copy of the eVisa notice along with you.

STEP 5 (EXTRA STEP). FOLLOW UP THE RESULTS

As per my experience, applying for a Tajikistan e-Visa is not that complicated. However, it took 4 days for me to receive the results of my eVisa. Thus, I was one of those whose visas got stuck or delayed!

In the case of getting your visas stuck or delayed, you can follow up with this guy via email: Kmuhamadulloev@consular.tj (based on the forums I’ve read, this guy works at Tajik consular office). You can also send an email to info@visa.mfa.tj and evisa@visa.mfa.tj. It is the same thing I did and luckily I got a quick reply from Mr. Kmuhamadulloev who helped me speed up my visa results. I received my evisa on the same day I made a follow up.

SUMMARY:

Visa Type: e-Visa
Visa Validity: 45 Days from your first arrival
Entry type: Single Entry
Visa Fee: 50 USD / 70 USD (with GBAO permit)

So there you have it! I hope this blog helps you in any way. If you have any questions, feel free to leave a reply in the comment section below. I’ll reply as soon as I can.

With all that said, I wish you all the best on your Tajikistan eVisa application!

RECOMMENDED PACKAGE TOURS

In case you’re also looking for package tours to simply jumpstart your actual itinerary, I highly recommend booking tours through Viator which is perfect for your Tajikistan itinerary. See tours and packages I personally handpicked for you:

BOOKING ESSENTIALS

Hotel / Hostel
- Booking.com. I usually book my hostel accommodation at booking.com. Thus, I recommend you guys trying it as well. Room accommodation ranges from cheap hostels to luxury hotels. Book hostels through booking.com as they have free cancellation or pay-at-the-hotel option.

Use my link to book your hostel and you’ll get 10% of your booking back after your stay. Click this link to get that discount.

Airbnb
- Try Airbnb in finding comfy and cozy rooms! I have used Airbnb on some of my other trips and I loved it!

Have you tried Airbnb? Sign up with my link and you will get up to 42 USD (2,200 Php) off your first stay. Click this link to get that discount.

Flights
- KAYAK. All of my flight bookings are all from KAYAK. Kayak is one of the world’s leading travel search engines and searches hundreds of travel sites.

I suggest you check Kayak (click HERE) as they usually offer cheap fare rates compared to other booking sites.

Dushanbe (Tajikistan) Package tours
- Viator. Viator is the world’s leading resource for researching, finding and booking the best travel experiences worldwide.

Click here to find the best Viator deals in Dushanbe!

Travel Insurance
- World Nomads. If you don’t have travel insurance when times get tough, basically you are screwed. Traveling always comes with inherent risks attached. Whether you are trekking in the Pamir mountains or wandering the streets of Dushanbe, unforeseen events can suddenly upend your world. Generally speaking, travel insurance covers you for the following: Medical Costs – hospital visits, emergencies, evacuations; Property Loss – luggage and their contents; Travel Issues – accommodation and transportation expenses. Thus, I highly recommend you guys getting a travel insurance. I bought one from the World Nomads (available in 130+ countries) where most travelers get their travel insurances.

Go to this link to get to your World Nomads travel insurance.

How To Get A Kyrgyzstan Visa On Arrival (Updated)

By Dan Forteza

I visited Kyrgyzstan in October 2019 and managed to get my Kyrgyzstan visa on arrival with no issues at Manas International Airport (in Bishkek). The beautiful and hospitable Central Asian country has been growing in popularity for tourists, and the government has made the visa on arrival so simple so more people can visit the country. So without further ado, here is my guide on how to get a visa on arrival for Kyrgyzstan.

Hi there! First of all, I am Daniel–a solo backpacker from the Philippines. If you don’t know my story yet, feel free to read this article where I talked about how I quit my job in order to travel. This article was also featured on TripZilla Philippines.

Ala-Archa National Park in Kyrgyzstan | Dantravels.org

DO YOU NEED A VISA TO VISIT KYRGYZSTAN?

First things first, do you need a visa to visit Kyrgyzstan? Well, depending on your nationality, you may or may not need a visa. See the information below which category you fall in.

Free-Visa Countries

Holders of passports issued by the following 69 nations are not required to obtain a visa for Kyrgyzstan up to the length of stay mentioned below:

A. Indefinite stay: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Cuba, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Moldova, North Korea, Russia, Tajikistan
B. 90 days: Mongolia, Serbia, Ukraine
C. 60 days: European Union citizens (except Bulgaria, Cyprus, and Romania), Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Bahrain, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Iceland, Japan, Kuwait, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Montenegro, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Qatar, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Korea, Switzerland, United Arab Emirates, United States, Uzbekistan, Vatican City
D. 30 days: Malaysia, Turkey

Visa on arrival

Citizens of the following countries and territories are eligible to obtain a visa on arrival valid for a maximum stay of 30 days at Manas International Airport:

Albania, Andorra, Argentina, Brazil, Bulgaria, Chile, Cyprus, Indonesia, Israel, Mexico, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Oman, Philippines, Romania, San Marino, South Africa, Thailand, Venezuela

Citizens of the following countries and territories are eligible to obtain a visa on arrival valid for stays longer than 60 days at Manas International Airport:

European Union citizens (except for Cyprus, Bulgaria, and Romania), Australia, Bahrain, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brunei, Canada, Iceland, Kuwait, Liechtenstein, Monaco, New Zealand, Norway, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Korea, Switzerland, United Arab Emirates, United States, Uzbekistan, Vatican City

eVisa

From 1 September 2017, citizens of all countries and territories may apply for tourism, business and group tourist types of visas for 30 or 90 days online through the eVisa system.

Electronic visa holders must arrive via:

Airports: Manas Airport, Osh Airport
Land Crossings:
- China (at Irkeshtam and Torugart)
- Kazakhstan (at Ak-jol, Ak-Tilek, Chaldybar, Chon-Kapka)
- Tajikistan (at Bor-Dobo, Kulundu, Kyzyl-Bel)
- Uzbekistan (at Dostuk)

Visa Policy Map of Kyrgyzstan — Visa Policy Map | Wikipedia.org

As a Philippine passport holder, I am both eligible of Kyrgyzstan e-Visa and Visa on arrival.

However, with my recent rejection of Armenian e-Visa (but had no problem getting approved for Armenian visa-on-arrival), I went for Kyrgyzstan visa-on-arrival without a second thought. Please note that Kyrgyzstan visa-on-arrival is ONLY obtainable at Manas International Airport (in Bishkek). In my case I had to fly from Almaty airport, Kazakhstan to Bishkek airport, Kyrgyzstan.

WHAT YOU NEED TO GET A KYRGYZ VISA ON ARRIVAL (AT MANAS AIRPORT)

There are two things you need to prepare in order to successfully apply for a visa on arrival at Manas International Airport:

Cash. I had 100 USD with me.
- Take note that they DON’T accept payment by debit or credit cards but only by cash in either USD or KGS. Plus, there are no ATMs within the airside of the airport. So you better bring some cash!
- The cost depends on whether it’s a single or multiple entry visa or one-month or three-month valid. I paid 50 USD for a single-entry, one-month valid visa.
Confirmed hotel booking. I have only booked my first-night stay in a cheap hostel I found on Booking.com.
- You will need this information (such as your hostel’s address and its contact number) to fill up the visa form. So make sure you have it prepared.

You can book a room at any hotel in Bishkek through Agoda or Booking.com. I usually book my room accommodations through booking.com. Room accommodation ranges from cheap hostels to luxury hotels. Book hostels through booking.com as they have free cancellation or pay-at-the-hotel option.

GET YOUR KYRGYZSTAN VISA ON ARRIVAL IN 4 EASY STEPS

STEP 1: GO TO THE VISA COUNTER

Once you get off the flight, you will walk down the hallway and come across the visa section office directly in front of you in the main hall, it is on the left side. On the right side is the immigration or passport control gate, so make sure you process your visa first before lining up there.

Kyrgyz tourist visa counter at Manas — Kyrgyz visa counter is on the left side | Dantravels.org

Kyrgyz visa window at Manas International airport — Kyrgyz visa window at Manas International Airport | Dantravels.org

STEP 2: FILL UP THE FORM

Ask the personnel for VOA (visa-on-arrival) and he/she will hand you a form to complete basic information, mostly about your personal details and your room accommodation in Kyrgyzstan.

The Kyrgyz visa form at Manas Airport — The Kyrgyz visa application form | Dantravels.org

STEP 3: PAY THE VISA FEE

Once you have the form filled up, just give it to the visa officer together with your passport. You will be asked what type of visa you’re applying for whether it’s a tourist visa or single-entry vs. multiple-entry or one-month vs 3-month valid. The amount of the visa fee you’ll be paying will depend on them.

Then pay your visa fee accordingly. I paid 50 USD for a tourist visa, single-entry, and valid for a month.

Payment of visa fee — My 50-dollar bill payment | Dantravels.org

STEP 4: GET YOUR PASSPORT WITH VISA STICKER!

Then you’ll have to wait for about 5-10 minutes. Once your name is called, you’re basically done. Get your receipt and pick up your passport with its Kyrgyz visa sticker! Then, you can now proceed and line into immigration.

NOTE: It only took me 15 minutes to finish the whole visa process, I guess it depends on how many people are on queue. During my application, there were only two of us applying.

Kyrgyzstan visa sticker on Philippine passport — My Kyrgyztan visa sticker on my Philippine passport | Dantravels.org

SUMMARY:

Visa Type: Tourist Visa
Visa Validity: 30 Days
Visa Fee: USD 50.00

Now you’re ready to go and explore Kyrgyzstan. I’m sure you’ll love it as much as I did! If you have any additional questions, don’t hesitate to post your comment below!

RECOMMENDED PACKAGE TOURS

I hope that you find this HOW TO GET A KYRGYZSTAN VISA ON ARRIVAL (TOURIST VISA GUIDE) blog useful! I highly recommend booking tours through Viator:

BOOKING ESSENTIALS

Hotel / Hostel
- Booking.com. I recommend booking through this link to get 10% of your booking back after your stay.
- Airbnb. Sign up with my link and you will get up to 42 USD (2,200 Php) off your first stay.
Flights
- KAYAK. Great for finding the cheapest fare rates.
Travel Insurance
- World Nomads. Highly recommended for medical costs, property loss, and travel emergencies.

3-Day Yerevan Itinerary And Travel Guide: Best Places To See On A Budget

By Dan Forteza

Yerevan and its history can be traced back to Noah and his descendants. No wonder why this city overflows with great history and rich cultural heritage. Yerevan, the capital city of Armenia, is packed with museums, art galleries, and very stately Soviet-era buildings. If you’re pondering your next city trip, ignore the usual Paris or Rome and come visit Yerevan. Trust me—you’ll never be at a loss for places to see in the city with this perfect 3-day Yerevan itinerary on a budget.

Hi there! First of all, I am Daniel – a solo backpacker from the Philippines. If you don’t know my story yet, feel free to read this article where I talked about how I quit my job in order to travel. This article was also featured on TripZilla Philippines.

Armenian Genocide Memorial Complex | Dantravels.org

FUN FACT: Did you know that the water in Armenia is considered one of the safest and most delicious in the world? The secret is that it comes from purely natural sources. Another unique feature of Yerevan is that at almost any corner you can find small fountains with drinking water. Check out a photo of me drinking water on one of the fountains in Yerevan.

DO YOU NEED A VISA?

First of all, do you need a visa to travel to Armenia? Well, depending on your nationality, you might or might not need a visa. Check out my Yerevan visa guide to check if you’re legible for an e-visa or visa on arrival or no visa at all.

WHERE IS YEREVAN?

Yerevan is the capital and largest city in Armenia. Situated along the Hrazdan River, Yerevan is the administrative, cultural, and industrial center of the country. It is a 2 ½-hour flight away from Istanbul and a little more than 3 hours flight from Dubai.

Language: Armenian and Russian
Currency: Armenian Dram (AMD)
Airport: EVN
Preferred mode of transportation: Bus or Minibus / Metro Subway
Time Zone: GMT +4

FLIGHTS TO YEREVAN:

Finding a cheap flight ticket to Yerevan, Armenia from Europe, Central Asia or the Middle East is relatively easy. Though I went to Yerevan from Tbilisi by a shared taxi, I booked my outbound ticket from Yerevan flying to Astana (now Nur-Sultan), Kazakhstan. My flight carrier was Scat Airlines.

I suggest you check Kayak (click HERE) as they usually offer cheap fare rates compared to other booking sites.

HOW TO GET AROUND?

By Marshrutka (Minibus) and Bus. The main way around Yerevan is by marshrutka. There are hundreds of routes, shown by a number in the bus’ front window. They stop at bus stops but you can flag one down anywhere on the street. Trips cost 100 AMD; pay the driver as you leave. There are also electric trolleybuses following numbered routes. Tickets also cost 100 AMD.
By Metro Subway. The Yerevan metro runs north-south through the city. It is clean and safe but I don’t think it’s that efficient since the metro only has one subway line but I know they are currently expanding it.
By Taxi. Taxis are cheap and plentiful. Prices are 600 AMD for the first 5km and then 100 AMD per kilometer. Make sure the driver switches the meter on or you may be overcharged.

NOTE: By foot. I did walk a lot when I was in Yerevan as part of my money-saving routine. Like me, you can do the same, so walk as much as you can! But hey, on the brighter side, walking around can also help build up your travel experience since it can lead you to scenic places that you wouldn’t normally find on a map.

HOW I GOT TO THE CITY:

I took a shared taxi from Tbilisi, Georgia and arrived at downtown Yerevan at around 3:00 PM. The journey took about 6 hours, check out my blog on how I cross the Georgia-Armenia border for more details. The same taxi also took me to my hostel in Yerevan (Goldway Hostel) with an additional fee of 2,000 AMD (4.20 USD).

WHERE DID I STAY?

I actually stayed for only one night in Goldway Hostel and then headed to a nice hostel–Grand Hostel Yerevan. You can get there by either a taxi or a 30-minute walk from Republic Square.

Grand Hostel Yerevan (click here to book)
- Hostel room type: Bunk Bed in Mixed Dormitory Room
- Hostel rate: 4,000 (4 USD) per night

Grand Hostel Yerevan Interior — Grand Hostel Yerevan | Dantravel.org

Grand Hostel Dorm — Grand Hostel Yerevan | Dantravel.org

Book AGODA here

Book BOOKING.com here

Get AIRBNB $43 free credit

You can book a room at any hotel in Yerevan through Agoda or Booking.com. I usually book my room accommodations through booking.com. Room accommodation ranges from cheap hostels to luxury hotels. Book hostels through booking.com as they have free cancellation or pay-at-the-hotel option.

If Yerevan hotel isn’t to your liking, try AirBnb. Airbnbs are immersed in neighborhoods, condos, and townhomes. There is a feeling you get when you stay in an Airbnb that makes you feel like you belong in that city or town. Since it is someone’s home, there is a certain amount of pride you feel while staying there. I have used Airbnb on some of my other trips and I loved it!

If you’re new to AirBnB, then you can get up to 42 USD free travel credit by signing up via this link.

MY 3-DAY YEREVAN ITINERARY

DAY 1:

1st Stop: Republic Square

Republic Square is the heart of Yerevan–so what better way to start my Yerevan itinerary than visiting this beautiful complex. During the day at the Republic Square, you’ll be amazed at how picturesque the view of the buildings and fountains. At night, the Square even draws more crowds due to the dancing fountain program which starts from 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM.

Republic Square Yerevan — Republic Square | Dantravels.org

Duration (getting there + visiting): 1-2 hours
Nearest train station: Republic Square subway station

2nd Stop: History Museum of Armenia

Located at the Republic Square, the museum has some really impressive exhibits. Highlights include an ancient silver goblet (7th-6th BC), the world’s oldest shoe (5,500 years old) an ancient cart and some interesting khachkars. Sadly, photos are not allowed and they don’t have postcards of the artifacts.

Duration (getting there + visiting): 1 hour

3rd Stop: Freedom Square and the Armenian Opera Theater

Just 12 to 15-minute walk from the Republic Square is the Freedom Square. This is a very popular place for locals. If the opera is your thing, go and buy yourself a ticket to watch some theatric show at the Opera Theater. Nevertheless, the building is a beautiful huge plaza out front of people walking around and a nice place to hang out at, too.

Duration (getting there + visiting): 1 hour

4th Stop: Cascade Complex

This amazing site is only 10-12 minutes by foot from the Freedom Square. There are over 500 steps to the top of the Cascade but you’ll be pleased to know that 7 escalators inside will take you there without exerting yourself! Lovely views both during the day and at night when it is beautifully lit. The gardens and the waterfalls are very nice and the city overview.

Cascade Complex Yerevan — Cascade Complex | Dantravels.org

Video below shows a splendid view from the top of the Cascade Complex.

Duration (getting there + visiting): 2-3 hours

5th Stop: Victory Park

After going up the Cascade, you can relax in this old attraction park. It only took me 5 minutes to reach this beautiful recreational park from the Cascade. Within this park, you visit this big statue of Mother Armenia right next to it that dominates the city. You can have a great view of Yerevan here as well. Definitely a must-visit place!

Victory Park Yerevan — Victory Park | Dantravels.org

Duration (getting there + visiting): 1 hour

6th Stop: Statue of Mother Armenia

The statue of the mother of Armenia is probably the most iconic figure overlooking the city of Yerevan from atop the hill. The current statue replaces a monumental statue of General Secretary Joseph Stalin that was created as a victory memorial for World War II.

Duration (getting there + visiting): 1-2 hours

DAY 2:

7th Stop: Vernissage Market

Just a short walk from the Republic Square, you’ll find the Vernissage market. It is a large open-air market in Yerevan connecting Hanrapetutyun street with the Khanjyan street. In case you’re looking for souvenirs—come here as they have lots of different kinds of traditional Armenian art works and souvenirs to offer.

Duration (getting there + visiting): 1-2 hours
Nearest train station: Republic Square subway station

8th Stop: St. Grigor Lusavoritch

From Vernissage, I reached St. Grigor Lusavoritch (St. Gregory The Illuminator) Cathedral in 10 minutes of walking. This church was built in 2001 to commemorate the 1700th anniversary of Armenia becoming a Christian country. It is beautiful both inside and out. There’s a little amusement park beside as well as an underground walk with small shops and a cafeteria so you can rest after seeing the cathedral.

Duration (getting there + visiting): 1-2 hours
Nearest train station: Zoravar Andradik subway station

9th Stop: Matenadaran – The Museum of Ancient Manuscripts

I took the subway train from Zoravar Andradik station to Yeritasardakan station to reach Maternadaran. One of the most prominent landmarks of Yerevan is the Matenadaran, officially known as the Mesrop Mashtots Institute of Ancient Manuscripts, —is a museum, repository of manuscripts, and a research institute in Yerevan, Armenia. It is named after Mesrop Mashtots, the inventor of the Armenian alphabet, whose statue stands in front of the building.

Matenadaran Museum — Matenadaran – The Museum of Ancient Manuscript | Dantravels.org

Duration (getting there + visiting): 1-2 hours
Nearest train station: Yeritasardakan subway station

10th Stop: Demirchyan Arena Complex at Tsitsernakaberd

From Barekamutyun subway station, I’ve walked some 1.6 km along Kievyan St. to reach Demirchyan Arena Complex. This complex is surrounded with so much green spaces of parks and gardens. If you walk straight up about 800 m, you’ll see the Tsitsernakaberd Armenian Genocide Museum.

Duration (getting there + visiting): 2 hours
Nearest train station: Barekamutyun subway station

11th Stop: Tsitsernakaberd Genocide Memorial Complex

The museum and memorial is one of the most important places to visit in Armenia–kind of like the 9-11 museum for Americans. It was built in 1967 to commemorate the victims of the Armenian Genocide. Over the years, this has become a popular tourist spot not only here in Armenia but all over the world.

As a bonus, you can see a clear view of Mt. Ararat from this site. It is actually the highest peak in Turkey where Noah’s Ark was said to be found in 2010.

Mt. Ararat View — Mt. Ararat viewed from the Genocide Memorial Complex | Dantravels.org

Duration (getting there + visiting): 1-2 hours

DAY 3:

12th Stop: Blue Mosque (Persian Mosque)

Just 10-12 minutes from the Republic Square, the Blue Mosque (or Persian Mosque) in Yerevan is one of the most popular sights in the Armenian capital city and one that definitely deserves to be visited when traveling to Yerevan. Inside the Mosque is very, very quiet and tranquil. Who would have known that a major road was just outside it.

Note: Women are required to wear a hijab inside the complex. You can borrow one at the main gate of the Mosque.

Blue Mosque Yerevan — Blue Mosque (Persian Mosque) | Dantravels.org

Duration (getting there + visiting): 2 hours
Nearest train station: Republic Square subway station

13th Stop: Noy Yerevan Brandy Factory

Just walk 12 minutes from the Blue Mosque, you will notice the Noy Brandy sign from the Yerevan Brandy building. Unlike Yerevan Brandy, this does not need a reservation. Although I only had a quick stopover here, it is highly recommended for travelers to check this place out.

Duration (getting there + visiting): 1 hour

14th Stop: Yerevan Brandy Company

On the other side of the bridge is the Yerevan Brandy Company. Commonly known with its famous brand “ArArAt”, it is the leading enterprise of Armenia for the production of cognac. When you’re in Yerevan, you definitely need to visit its museum or at least get a close-up photo like I did! Haha! Feel free to book a museum tour here and enjoy a taste of authentic Armenian brandy.

Duration (getting there + visiting): 1-2 hours

15th Stop: Water Fountains at Shahumyan Square

Shahumyan Square, in downtown Yerevan, has a wonderful park connecting the City Hall with the Republic Square. I suggest you visit this place at night to see the colorful fountains. I can’t help but take photos of this new city attraction. These series of water jets forming a parabolic tunnel of fountains was my favorite.

Shahumyan Square Fountains — Water Fountains at Shahumyan Square | Dantravels.org

Duration (getting there + visiting): 2 hours
Nearest train station: Republic Square subway station

What do you think of this 3-day Yerevan itinerary?

I hope that you find this 3-DAY YEREVAN ITINERARY useful! If you have any questions, please feel free to ask in the comment section below.

RECOMMENDED PACKAGE TOURS

In case you’re also looking for package tours to simply jumpstart your actual Yerevan itinerary, I highly recommend booking tours through Viator. See tours and packages I personally handpicked for you:

More Tours Here

BOOKING ESSENTIALS

Hotel / Hostel
- Booking.com. I usually book my hostel accommodation at booking.com. Room accommodation ranges from cheap hostels to luxury hotels.
- Airbnb. Try Airbnb in finding comfy and cozy rooms! Sign up with my link to get up to 42 USD (2,200 Php) off your first stay.
Flights
- KAYAK. One of the world’s leading travel search engines.
Package Tours
- Viator. The best resource for researching and booking travel experiences worldwide.

The Armenia Visa On Arrival Guide (Crossing From Georgia to Armenia)

By Dan Forteza

Crossing the border from Georgia to Armenia was one of the best road trips of my life. Traveling between these two countries is bursting with untouched nature and offers breathtaking views. Since these countries lie next to each other with a distance of only 290 km (180 mi.) between their respective capital cities (Tbilisi, Georgia to Yerevan, Armenia), it was reasonable why a lot of travelers and backpackers usually prefer to do land trips including myself.

So in this blog, I’ll share with you my experience when I recently crossed the Georgia-Armenia border in October 2019 as well as the visa-on-arrival guide to Armenia.

Hi there! First of all, I am Daniel–a solo backpacker from the Philippines. If you don’t know my story yet, feel free to read this article where I talked about how I quit my job in order to travel. This article was also featured on TripZilla Philippines.

DO YOU NEED A VISA FOR ARMENIA?

Depending on your nationality, you may or may not need a visa. See information below which category you fall in.

Free-Visa Countries

Holders of all types of passports from the following countries are not required to obtain a visa for entry to Armenia for a 180-day period within any year period (unless otherwise noted):

All European Union citizens, Albania, Andorra, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Brazil, Georgia, Hong Kong, Iceland, Iran (up to 90 days), Japan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Liechtenstein, Macau, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, New Zealand, Norway, Qatar, Russia, San Marino, Singapore, South Korea, Switzerland, Tajikistan (up to 90 days), Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United States, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vatican City

eVisa / Visa on arrival

Visitors traveling as tourists (except the countries listed below***) can obtain a visa on arrival (either 21 days at a cost of 3,000 AMD or 120 days at a cost of 15,000 AMD. They may also apply for an e-visa in advance (at least 3 business days before the trip.)

*** Restricted: All African countries (including St. Helena) except South Africa, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Iraq, Kosovo, Nepal, Pakistan, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, Syria, Vietnam, Yemen ***

Visa on arrival can be granted at following immigration checkpoints:

I. International airports and railway station: 1. Zvartnots International Airport (Yerevan), 2. Shirak Airport (Gyumri), 3. Ayrum railway station.

II. Land checkpoints: 1. Bagratashen (border with Georgia), 2. Bavra (border with Georgia), 3. Gogavan (border with Georgia), 4. Meghri (border with Iran).

WHICH IS BETTER: eVISA OR VISA ON ARRIVAL?

In my experience, it would be better if you go by visa-on-arrival. Getting a visa on arrival was quick and straightforward compared to an evisa wherein you need to fill up forms online.

I actually applied for an Armenian evisa two weeks before I cross the Georgia-Armenia border and unfortunately my visa application got DECLINED. They don’t disclose the reason why I got rejected. For me, it was just time-consuming and I only wasted my 6-dollar evisa fee (it’s nonrefundable.)

HOW TO TRAVEL FROM TBILISI TO YEREVAN?

There are different modes of transportation available to cross these two countries. You can either take a marshrutka (the term for minibus), ride on shared taxi, rent a private vehicle, or go for an overnight train. During my trip, I decided to go with the first two since these are more convenient and would result in lesser travel time.

To get from Tbilisi to Yerevan, you first have to find the Ortachala central bus station in Tbilisi. This station serves Southern Georgia, Kakheti region, as well as Armenia, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Russia, and Greece.

Marshrutka for Tbilisi-Yerevan costs 30 GEL (Georgian Lari), at 08:20, 09:10, 10:00, 12:00, 15:00, 17:00.
Travel time: 6-7 hours (including stopovers and immigration checks)

NOTE: The staff speaks very limited English, and there are no English signs.

Location of Ortachala central bus station in Tbilisi | Dantravels.org

MY TRAVEL EXPERIENCE FROM GEORGIA TO ARMENIA

I arrived at Ortachala bus station at around 7:45 AM by bus #71. As I get off the bus, there are already men on the street offering me a ride to Yerevan. And my first question was ‘how much?’ They say marshrutka is priced 40 lari which is actually the same as the shared taxi. However, I wasn’t satisfied since I wanted to find the regular marshrutka which is only 30 lari per websites I’ve browsed through. Well, the men are quite pushy and there’s no one really I can formally ask where the regular marshrutka is. So I ended up going for the 40-lari shared taxi.

TAXI ROUTE: Tbilisi-Sadakhlo-Bagratashen-Ijevan-Dilijan-Sevan-Yerevan

If you’re going with marshrutka, make sure to ride on a vehicle with the sign “Epebah”, it is the Russian term for Yerevan.

Shared Taxi to Yerevan — My ride (shared taxi) | Dantravels.org

I was the first passenger so we’ve waited for three more people to get full. With two Belarussians (husband and wife) and one Iraqi-Canadian, we finally left at 8:20 AM.

REMINDER: Bring some food in case you got hungry on the way.

After an hour (9:25 AM to be exact), we’ve arrived at the border gate of Sadakhlo, the exit point for Georgia. We then headed to the passport control gate with our passports, have it stamped and went back to the vehicle. Our bags weren’t checked and were only kept on the vehicle. The whole process was quick and only took about 10 minutes.

Sadakhlo border gate, the exit point for Georgia | Dantravels.org

Next, we drove for about 5 minutes to reach Bagratashen, the entry point for Armenia. This time, we went down together with all of our backpacks and luggage. We went inside the room and was immediately guided by a lady in uniform. Since I am a Philippine passport holder, I was asked to get in line for the visa-on-arrival before proceeding to the passport control entry gate. There was a window with the sign “visa” in it.

HOW WAS PROCEDURE FOR THE ARMENIA VISA-ON-ARRIVAL?

It was quick and easy. There were only three people lining up on the visa counter. Once it was my turn, it took me only about 5 minutes to get my visa.

Withdraw cash. Before I lined up for the visa, I first withdrew some Armenian dram (AMD) as any other currencies are NOT accepted. Just beside the visa office, there was a small room with ATM as well as a money changer machine accepting dollar, euro and ruble only.
Get in line on the visa counter.
Hand over the passport and pay. As compared to applying for an eVisa, I didn’t fill up any form. I just handed the passport to the visa officer, answered his basic questions like ‘how many days will you stay in Armenia’, paid 3,000 AMD (6.29 USD), and signed a receipt.

NOTE: If you’re staying in Armenia for more than 21 days, you’ll have to pay 15,000 AMD which lets you stay a maximum of 120 days.

I actually paid the officer a 20,000 AMD banknote and provided me the exact amount of change. So don’t worry if you don’t have the exact amount of 3,000 AMD with you.

Get my passport with a visa sticker. After paying, he printed and stamped the visa on my passport. Then I was ready to line up at the passport check point gate.

VISA SUMMARY:

Visa Type: Tourist Visa
Entry type: Single Entry only
Visa Validity: 21 Days
Visa Fee: AMD 3,000 (USD 6.29)

Armenia visa sticker — Got my Armenia visa-on-arrival | Dantravels.org

ROADTRIP TO YEREVAN, ARMENIA:

I was officially in Armenia at exactly 9:50 AM. We then start driving towards Yerevan at around 10:00 AM.

While my road-trip Spotify playlist is on, I’ve seen the best part of land travels—passing by to some of the scenic views along the way. But I have to admit, the Armenian side has a lot of breathtaking views to offer. The greenery decorating the streets of Armenia (including its forest and hillsides) transitions in color to red, yellow and orange. Slowly the surrounding changes into a colorful paradise.

Read also my itinerary and travel guide in Yerevan, Armenia.

We also had two or three stopovers for gas and air refills.

At 1:30 PM, we made a stopover for lunch at Semo-i Mot (a restaurant complex on the coast of Lake Sevan–biggest lake in Armenia).

Lunch at Lake Sevan — Our lunch at Semo-i Mot in Sevan, Armenia | Dantravels.org

At around 2:00 PM, we continued driving from Sevan to Yerevan.

Finally, we’ve Arrived in downtown Yerevan at around 3:00 PM.

If you intend to NOT pay other than the 40-lari taxi basefare, please ensure you made it clear with the driver to NOT drop you off at your hotel/hostels, otherwise he’ll ask for your hotel address and drop you off there with an additional fee–I paid 2,000 AMD (4.20 USD) in this regard. Please also note that the driver doesn’t speak English much.

RECOMMENDED PACKAGE TOURS

I hope that you find this CROSSING THE BORDER FROM GEORGIA TO ARMENIA blog useful!

In case you’re also looking for package tours simply jumpstart your actual itinerary, I highly recommend booking tours through Viator which is perfect for your Armenian itinerary. See tours and packages I personally handpicked for you:

If you have any questions, please feel free to ask in the comment section below.

BOOKING ESSENTIALS

Hotel / Hostel
- Booking.com. I usually book my hostel accommodation at booking.com. Thus, I recommend you guys trying it. Room accommodation ranges from cheap hostels to luxury hotels. Book hostels through booking.com as they have free cancellation or pay-at-the-hotel option.
- Airbnb. Try Airbnb in finding comfy and cozy rooms in either Tbilisi or Yerevan! I have used Airbnb on some of my other trips and I loved it!

Sign up with my Airbnb link and you will get up to 42 USD (2,200 Php) off your first stay.

Flights
- KAYAK. One of the world’s leading travel search engines. I suggest you check Kayak as they usually offer cheap fare rates compared to other sites.
Travel Insurance
- World Nomads. If you don’t have travel insurance when times get tough, basically you are screwed. Traveling always comes with inherent risks. I highly recommend World Nomads for medical costs, property loss, and travel issues.

3-Day Tbilisi Itinerary And Travel Guide: Best Places To See On A Budget

By Dan Forteza

Tbilisi, the beating heart of Georgia, is a bustling city full of attractions, historical sights, great food, and cheap wine! No doubt, this city is confidently sealing its reputation as the Caucasus‘ most cosmopolitan city. If you’re already convinced and ready to jumpstart your next holiday here, I’ve put together the perfect 3-day Tbilisi itinerary and travel guide, specifically for budget travelers, which includes the city’s top attractions.

Hi there! First of all, I am Daniel – a solo backpacker from the Philippines. If you don’t know my story yet, feel free to read this article where I talked about how I quit my job in order to travel. This article was also featured on TripZilla Philippines.

I heart Tbilisi sign — I “heart” Tbilisi sign | Dantravels.org

DO YOU NEED A VISA?

First things first–do you need a visa to travel to Georgia? Well, depending on your nationality, you may or may not need a visa. See the information below which category you fall in.

Free-Visa Countries

Nationals of the following countries and territories may visit Georgia without a visa for a year (unless otherwise noted):

All citizens of the European Union, Albania, Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Barbados, Belarus, Belize, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei, Canada, Chile (90 days per 180-day period), Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Honduras, Iceland, Iran (45 days), Israel, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Liechtenstein, Malaysia, Mauritius, Mexico, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Panama, Qatar, Russia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Seychelles, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, Switzerland, Tajikistan, Thailand, Turkey, Turkmenistan, United Arab Emirates, Ukraine, United Kingdom British Overseas Territories citizens, United States, Uruguay (90 days), Uzbekistan

eVisa Countries

Holders of passports of the following 66 countries and territories can obtain multiple-entry e-Visas online for a fee prior to arrival.

90 days per 180-day period: Bolivia, Cuba, Dominica, East Timor, Grenada, Guatemala, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, North Macedonia, Palau, Paraguay, Peru, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, Tuvalu, Vanuatu

30 days per 120-day period: Angola, Benin, Bhutan, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, China, Comoros, Djibouti, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Fiji, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Jamaica, Laos, Lesotho, Macau, Madagascar, Malawi, Maldives, Mongolia, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, North Korea, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Rwanda, Sao Tome and Principe, Togo, Vietnam, Zambia, Zimbabwe

NOTE: Visa exemption also applies to:

Holders of valid visas or residence permits of EU/EFTA/GCC countries, overseas territories of EU countries (except Anguilla, Montserrat, Pitcairn, Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha), Australia, Canada, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea or the United States – for stays of max 90 days in a 180-day period.

Technically, I would fall into the eVisa countries since I am from the Philippines. But since I have a 10-year valid US visa, I was able to enter Georgia visa-free (yay!).

WHERE IS TBILISI?

Tbilisi is the capital and largest city in Georgia. Because of its location on the crossroads between Europe and Asia, the city is an important transit route for various energy and trade projects. It is a little more than 3-hour flight away from Istanbul and roughly a 3 ½-hour flight from Dubai.

Language: Georgian and Russian
Currency: Georgian Lari (GEL)
Airport: TBS
Preferred mode of transportation: Metro Subway / Bus or Minibus
Time Zone: GMT +4

FLIGHTS TO TBILISI:

Finding a cheap flight ticket to Tbilisi, Georgia from Europe, Central Asia or Middle East is relatively easy. I booked mine coming from Tehran, Iran with a layover at Baku’s airport in Azerbaijan. My flight carrier was Azerbaijan Airlines.

I suggest you check Kayak (click HERE) as they usually offer cheap fare rates compared to other booking sites.

HOW TO GET AROUND?

By Foot. You will walk to many places in Tbilisi, especially in and around the Old Town. So get your feet ready! And as I mentioned in my budget travel tips blog – “walk as much as you can!“
By Metro Subway. The efficient Tbilisi metro operates from 6:00 AM to midnight, and the two lines reach most important parts of the city. Signage and announcements are in English as well as Georgian.
By Bus & Marshrutka (Minibus). City buses and marshrutka provide an above-ground complement to the metro. Electronic boards at most bus stops list the destinations of approaching buses in English as well as Georgian. Buses only stop at predetermined stops, but you can get on and off marshrutka anywhere along their route.

You can check beforehand which buses you will need at the website of Tbilisi public transport company – it’s easy to navigate. If you’re in doubt, don’t be shy to ask a local!

MetroMoney card in Georgia — My MetroMoney Card | Dantravels.org

REMINDER: Get yourself a Metromoney card. Metromoney cards, sold for 2 GEL at metro-station ticket offices, are essential for riding the metro, and also good for Tbilisi city buses and marshrutky (minibuses). You tap the card on a reader when you enter the metro or when you board buses and marshrutky. Fares are 0.50 GEL per metro or bus ride and 0.80 GEL for marshrutka.

HOW I GOT TO THE CITY:

I arrived at Shota Rustaveli Tbilisi International Airport (TBS) at around 11:00 AM from a one-hour flight from Baku, Azerbaijan.

To get from Tbilisi airport to the city center, you need to take bus no. 37. It runs 24/7 from the airport to the central train station via Avlabari subway station, Liberty Square and Rustaveli. You can check the schedule of the buses here.

Using my pre-downloaded Google Maps, I got off at the Liberty Square where my hostel (Queens hostel) is a 3-minute walk.

JUST SHARING: On my way to the downtown, I met a local Georgian guy from the bus who willingly answered all my questions. Again. don’t be shy to ask the locals if you have doubts about directions! Did you know that this guy even gave me a bottle of wine? How friendly!

WHERE DID I STAY?

I actually stayed for only one night in Queens hostel which is a walking distance from the Liberty Square. Then headed to a nice hostel–Hostel Berdzeni 21 Old Tbilisi. You can get there by bus no. 50 or 71 from Liberty Square common terminal.

Hostel Berdzeni 21 Old Tbilisi (click here to book)
- Hostel room type: Bunk Bed in Mixed Dormitory Room
- Hostel rate: 8 GEL (3 USD) per night

Hostel Berdzeni 21 Old Tbilisi | Dantravels.org

Book AGODA here

Book BOOKING.com here

Get AIRBNB $43 free credit

You can book a room at any hotel in Tbilisi through Agoda or Booking.com. I usually book my room accommodations through booking.com. Room accommodation ranges from cheap hostels to luxury hotels. Book hostels through booking.com as they have free cancellation or pay-at-the-hotel option.

If Tbilisi hotel isn’t to your liking, try AirBnb. Airbnbs are immersed in neighborhoods, condos, and townhomes. There is a feeling you get when you stay in an Airbnb that makes you feel like you belong in that city or town. Since it is someone’s home, there is a certain amount of pride you feel while staying there. I have used Airbnb on some of my other trips and I loved it!

If you’re new to AirBnB, then you can get up to 42 USD free travel credit by signing up via this link.

MY 3-DAY TBILISI ITINERARY

DAY 1:

1st Stop: Liberty Square

Also known as the Freedom Square, the Liberty Square is located in the center of Tbilisi at the eastern end of Rustaveli Avenue. What better way to start your first day than discovering this historical place.

Duration (getting there + visiting): 1-2 hours
Nearest train station: Liberty Square subway station

2nd Stop: Old Town Tbilisi

Definitely a nice and ambient part of Tbilisi even if a bit touristy. From Liberty Square, you can walk through this old city which has many uphill roads with many cafes, restaurants, and bars along the way. Its all an old-world charm.

Duration (getting there + visiting): 2-3 hours

3rd Stop: Narikala Fortress

Narikala Fortress offers magnificent city views. You can reach it by Aerial Tramway from Rike Park or on foot from Abanotubani. But I suggest you walk and hike up there from the old town. At the top of the Narikala Fortress, you can wander the ruins of the fortress or admire great view of the old city and of course, go down in Botanical Garden.

Duration (getting there + visiting): 2 hours

4th Stop: National Botanical Garden

For 2.5 GEL, you can actually spend your whole day walking through the botanical garden. This place is adjacent to the Narikala fortress so it is very easy to reach by going on foot. Beside the numerous species of plants that you can find inside, the botanical garden also hosts a river and a beautiful waterfall.

National Botanical Garden of Georgia | Dantravels.org

Duration (getting there + visiting): 2-3 hours

DAY 2:

5th Stop: The Bridge of Peace

With its modern architecture, this bridge is stunningly beautiful especially at night when LED lamps light up the entire bridge and it looks gorgeous. If you’re coming from the Liberty Square, you can basically go on foot towards this bridge for about 12-15 minutes.

Duration (getting there + visiting): 1 hour
Nearest train station: Liberty Square subway station

6th Stop: Metekhi Church

Located on the hill facing the river with the statue of Georgian king. This view is an icon of Georgia. The church itself is historical. From the Bridge of Peace, you can walk due south for about 6-8 minutes.

Duration (getting there + visiting): 1 hour

7th Stop: Aerial Tramway

For a very reasonable price (2 GEL from your moneycard), you can experience the cable car ride to the top of the mountain where you can then see Mother of Georgia up close along with the other wonderful views. The cable car is located at the Rike Park (just in between Metekhi Church and the Bridge Peace.)

Duration (getting there + visiting): 1 hour

8th Stop: Mother Georgia

Now you can get a closer look at the Mother Georgia statue once you get to the top. Also known as Kartlis Deda, Mother Georgia stands on the top of the old town Tbilisi. Then you can just elect to take the long walk down to the side and into parts of the old Tbilisi.

Duration (getting there + visiting): 1-2 hours

DAY 3:

10th Stop: Tsminda Sameba Cathedral

Also known as Holy Trinity Cathedral of Tbilisi, Tsminda Sameda Cathedral is the main cathedral of the Georgian Orthodox Church and is the biggest church in Georgia. This is an impressive building from the outside and inside with its golden dome is really eye-catching. The cathedral is a 15-minute walk from Avlabari metro station.

Duration (getting there + visiting): 2 hours
Nearest train station: Avlabari subway station.

11th Stop: Monument to Characters of Movie Mimino

Located near to Avlabari Metro station, this monument commemorates one of the first movies in Europe. In case you have seen the movie Mimino, you will love it! There is something nostalgic about this monument.

Duration (getting there + visiting): 1 hour

12th Stop: “I Heart Tbilisi” sign

The ‘I Heart Tbilisi’ sign is located at Samikitno restaurant. I did not come here for the restaurant though, just stopped here to take a photo with the beautiful and colorful signage: ‘I Heart Tbilisi’ which is made from flowers. It’s also a perfect photo souvenir from Tbilisi! It is about 12 minutes by foot from Avlabari subway station.

Duration (getting there + visiting): 1 hour

13th Stop: Mtatsminda Pantheon

The Pantheon on Mtatsminda might be compared to Paris’ Pere Lachaise in its significance. Mtatsminda (Holy Mountain) is where the 6th century Saint David of Gareji founded an Orthodox Monastic complex.

For me, it is another place offering a splendid view of the city. How to get there: From Liberty Square, you can just walk and go uphill by following the roads leading to Mama Daviti Rise road. There is also minibus #83 that go up there.

Duration (getting there + visiting): 2 hours

What do you think of this 3-day TBILISI itinerary?

I hope that you find this 3-DAY TBILISI ITINERARY useful!

If you have any questions, please feel free to ask in the comment section below.

RECOMMENDED PACKAGE TOURS

In case you’re also looking for package tours to simply jumpstart your actual Tbilisi itinerary, I highly recommend booking tours through Viator which is perfect for your Tbilisi itinerary. See tours and packages I personally handpicked for you:

More Tours Here

BOOKING ESSENTIALS

Hotel / Hostel
- Booking.com. I usually book my hostel accommodation at booking.com. Thus, I recommend you guys trying it for your Tbilisi itinerary. Room accommodation ranges from cheap hostels to luxury hotels. Book hostels through booking.com as they have free cancellation or pay-at-the-hotel option.
- Airbnb. Try Airbnb in finding comfy and cozy rooms for your Tbilisi itinerary! I have used Airbnb on some of my other trips and I loved it!

Have you tried Airbnb? Sign up with my link and you will get up to 42 USD (2,200 Php) off your first stay. Click this link to get that discount.

Flights
- KAYAK. All of my flight bookings are all from KAYAK. Kayak is one of the world’s leading travel search engines and searches hundreds of travel sites.

I suggest you check Kayak (click HERE) as they usually offer cheap fare rates compared to other booking sites.

Tbilisi Package tours
- Viator. Viator is the world’s leading resource for researching, finding and booking the best travel experiences worldwide.

Click here to find the best Viator deals in Tbilisi!