Snigdha TiwariThe “5 Stans of Central Asia” – Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan must rank amongst some of the world’s least visited and least well-known destinations where making this trip to a 5 Stans of Central Asia is a true journey of discovery.
Offering an incredible diversity of both scenery and culture – from the architectural wonders of Uzbekistan’s Silk Road cities of Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva to the epic scenery of the Tien Shan ‘Mountains of Heaven’ – where you’ll cross vast deserts and mighty rivers and experience local hospitality in homestays in Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan.
For much of the time, you’ll be following ancient trade routes and discovering the remains of a bygone age but you will also experience the Central Asia of today from the bizarre white-marble city of Ashgabat to the cosmopolitan cities of Tashkent and Almaty.
It will be the perfect trip for anyone who has ever looked at a map and wondered exactly what the area described by Colin Thubron (travel writer) as being The Lost Heart Of Asia was really like. Come and discover it for yourself.
Here are the “5 Stans of Central Asia” that you have to visit.
1. Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan, a Central Asian country and former Soviet republic, extends from the Caspian Sea in the west to the Altai Mountains at its eastern border with China and Russia.
Kazakhstan is wide to an extent that it encompasses 5 climate zones and has 2 time zones by being the ninth largest country in the world which is a very beautiful and diverse country offering a lot of tourist attractions to travelers from all around the world but because of its huge territory by being 9th largest country in the world it makes almost impossible for an ordinary tourist to see all the places of interest in one trip.
2. Kyrgyzstan
Kyrgyzstan is a rugged Central Asian country along the Silk Road, the ancient trade route between China and the Mediterranean whose surreal atmosphere makes it one of the upcoming destinations for worldwide vacationers, who are keen on the best places to visit in Kyrgyzstan.
This amazing nation is known for its fascinating historical landmarks with large open doors for aficionados of outdoor activities that are characterized by special geography made off to a great extent untouched mountains, moving summer pastures, and stark ridges that are lit up by the semi-itinerant, shepherd, and yurt-staying cultures.
But this beautiful country is yet to be known by travelers from all over the world even though the country’s beauty is stunning.
3. Tajikistan
Known for being the land of the high Pamir Mountains, Tajikistan is the smallest country in Central Asia and yet it is still almost five times the size of Belgium.
Famous for rugged mountains, popular for hiking and climbing where you can see mountains almost everywhere: even along the skyline of Dushanbe itself. Tajikistan has everything an intrepid traveler can dream of.
Hiking, trekking, mountaineering, rafting, paragliding, adventure jeep touring, camping, cycling, horse riding, and even Yak riding, yes Yaks can be used as a means of transport, everybody can find his or her own adventure here but yet it is untouched, unspoiled and unrivaled.
So you must add Tajikistan to your travel bucket list where you don’t have to seek adventure in Tajikistan, adventure seeks you! Tajikistan is a place for travelers rather than tourists.
4. Uzbekistan
Known for its mosques, mausoleums, and other sites linked to the Silk Road, the ancient trade route between China and the Mediterranean, and famous for its ancient cities with thousands of years of history behind.
Some were invaded by Alexander the Great and later destroyed by Genghis-Khan, some are less than 100 years old, some are major pilgrimage destinations of the Muslim world, there’s one fading town-disaster.
Uzbekistan is a Central Asian nation and a former Soviet republic.
What makes it so unique? Samarkand, a major city on the route, contains a landmark of Islamic architecture: the Registan, a plaza bordered by 3 ornate, mosaic-covered religious schools dating to the 15th and 17th centuries and many more.
5. Turkmenistan
Do you want to get away from the tourist trail and truly get off the beaten track? Known for its archaeological ruins including those at Nisa and Merv, major stops along the ancient trade route the Silk Road, Turkmenistan is a country in Central Asia bordered by the Caspian Sea and largely covered by the Karakum Desert.
In this majestic country, the ancient meets the modern and the result is guaranteed to take your breath away. Its capital Ashgabat was rebuilt in Soviet-style in the mid-20th century and is filled with grand monuments honoring former president Saparmurat Niyazov.
Are you craving one of a kind adventure? If yes, Turkmenistan is the destination for you which has a dynamic mix of culture, nature, and history.
So, if you want to truly get off the beaten track and explore a fascinating land, begin planning your travel to Turkmenistan today!
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