Central Asia Travel Destinations: Discover ‘The Stans’

Central Asia travel destinations

‘The Stans’ are the most captivating Central Asia travel destinations. This collection of countries is home to spectacular landscapes, unique cultures and countless relics of the ‘Silk Road’. A great destination for adventure travel, travel to Central Asia gives you the chance to meet nomadic communities, contemplate towering mountains and explore dynamic cities. ‘The Stans’ include Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan. Long considered an off the beaten track destination, Central Asia is a rewarding place to visit. Furthermore, it is popular with solo travelers who want to explore some of the most remote locations on earth.  It is also a budget-friendly travel destination. Want to know more about the best Central Asia travel destinations? Read on to discover all you need to know about ‘the Stans’.

Uzbekistan

Central Asia travel destinations: Uzbekistan

One of the most tourist-friendly Central Asia travel destinations, Uzbekistan is a land of vibrant blue-domed mosques, madrasas and mausoleums. Once an important stop on the Silk Road, a trip to Uzbekistan is sure to focus on its three ancient cities of Samarkand, Khiva and Bukhara. These fascinating cities showcase some of the most captivating Islamic architecture on earth. Expect intricate mosaics, glistening marble squares and atmospheric bazaars. The best way into Uzbekistan is through its capital of Tashkent. Although distinctively more modern than the Silk Road cities, Tashkent has plenty of interesting Soviet-era sights and monuments to explore. If you are planning a trip to ‘the Stans’ countries, try to avoid visiting Uzbekistan in the height of summer. At this time of year, temperatures can be high, making sightseeing a little uncomfortable.

Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyzstan: the Stans countries

Home to breathtaking natural scenery composed of sweeping valleys, meadows and mountains. In fact, over 90% of the country is covered in mountains. Therefore, a trip to Kyrgyzstan is an adventure through an often challenging, yet beautiful, landscape. The snow-capped Tian Shan mountains that dominate much of the country’s landscape contrast with the Soviet-era buildings of the capital, Bishkek, home to cultural institutions such as an Opera and Ballet Theatre. Some of the most unmissable natural attractions include Lake Issyk Kul, the sandstone rocks of Djety Oguz and the dramatic canyons of Barskoon and Skazka.

Many choose to travel to Kyrgyzstan to experience a traditional way of life, which has escaped the pressures of modernity unscathed. With good tourist infrastructure, it is easy to get around Kyrgyzstan. Furthermore, getting to know the authentic nomadic culture is accessible as many of Kyrgyzstan’s 6.2 million inhabitants live very simple lives outside of the cities and continue their national tradition of semi-nomadic cattle herding. Staying a night in a traditional yurt is a must-do activity if you travel to Kyrgyzstan. The best time to visit Kyrgyzstan is during the spring or autumn. During these seasons you can enjoy the lush scenery and mild weather.

Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan: Central Asia travel destinations

The ninth largest country in the world, Kazakhstan is shrouded in mystery. There are many weird and wonderful places to visit here, making it one of the most interesting Central Asia travel destinations. From the capital, Nur-Sultan, home to a dizzying mix of ultra-modern, Islamic and Soviet architecture, to the vast Tian Shan mountains, Kazakhstan is full of contrasts. Furthermore, you’ll find a real mix of landscapes here, including sparse flatlands in the south and lush uplands, covered in layers of verdant forest, in the north. Some of the most interesting things to see in Kazakstan include the dried-up Aral Sea, Baikonur, the launch site for Soviet and Russian space missions since the beginning of space exploration and the cosmopolitan city of Almaty.

Tajikistan

Perhaps the most remote Central Asian travel destination, Tajikistan is a land of epic mountain ranges. It is a paradise for keen hiking enthusiasts. The capital, Dushanbe, is a great jumping-off point for exploring the high-altitude landscapes of one of the most beautiful members of ‘the Stans’. On the one hand, Tajikistan lacks tourist infrastructure, which makes for a truly off-the-beaten-track travel experience. On the other hand, the remote villages dotted throughout the Fann Mountains offer some of the most authentic cultural experiences imaginable. Dubbed ‘the Roof of the World’, Tajikistan deserves a place on your Central Asia travel itinerary.

Turkmenistan

One of the most secretive countries in the world, Turkmenistan is best known for the bizarre dictatorship of Saparmyrat Niyazov. A collection of impressive monuments and statues still honour the former president, but there’s much more to discover in this little known nation. Ancient Silk Road cities such as Merv and Konye-Urgench transport visitors back to the days of desert caravans. On the other hand, nature has blessed Turkmenistan with an array of unique natural phenomena. Take the Darvaza gas crater or the seemingly endless Karakum desert for example. Keep in mind, travel to Turkmenistan can be a challenge due to a lack of tourist infrastructure. Despite this, Turkmenistan is one of the most unique and mysterious Central Asia travel destinations. It should be on the bucket lists of all intrepid travelers.

 

‘The Stans’ are among the most interesting travel destinations on earth. Which one will you choose to visit first?

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