The less visited region of Central Asia is slowly emerging as one of the most exciting new adventure destinations of the decade! To help you start planning the adventure of a lifetime to a region of the globe steeped in ancient history and legend, check out our list of the top 5 countries to visit in Central Asia.
1. Central Asia - Tajikistan (PDF Chapter) Lonely Planet
Where ‘Great Game’ spies once ventured in Tajikistan’s dramatic landscapes are now playgrounds for hardy climbers, trekkers and adventure travellers. The Wakhan Valley, beautiful ‘Roof of the World’ Pamirs and the breathtaking lakes and pinnacles of the Fan Mountains all contribute to making Tajikistan arguably Central Asia’s most exciting destination.
Coverage includes: When to Go, Dushanbe, Fan Mountains, Zerafshan Mountains, Istaravshan, Khojand, Isfara, The Pamirs, Dushanbe to Khorog, Bartang Valley, Khorog, Shokh Dara Valley, Wakhan Valley, Pamir Highway, Understand Tajikistan, Tajikistan Today, History, People, Arts, Environment, Food & Drink & Survival Guide.
2. Central Asia - Uzbekistan (PDF Chapter) Lonely Planet
The region’s cradle of culture for more than two millennia, Uzbekistan is home to a spellbinding arsenal of architecture and ancient cities, all deeply infused with the bloody, fascinating history of the Silk Road. In terms of sights alone, Uzbekistan is Central Asia’s biggest draw and most impressive showstopper.
Coverage includes: When to Go, Tashkent, Fergana Valley, Kokand, Fergana, Andijon, Samarkand, Shakhrisabz, Termiz, Nurata, Bukhara, Urgench, Khiva, Karakalpakstan, Nukus, Moynaq, Understand Uzbekistan, Uzbekistan Today, History, People, Religion, Arts, Environment, Food & Drink & Survival Guide.
3. Central Asia - Kazakhstan (PDF Chapter) Lonely Planet
Thanks to its abundant oil and mineral reserves Kazakhstan generally has better standards of accommodation, restaurants and transport than elsewhere in Central Asia. You’ll find great travel adventures: hiking the mountains and valleys of Tian Shan, searching for wildlife on the steppes or enjoying home-spun hospitality in village guesthouses.
Coverage includes: When to Go, Almaty, Kolsay Lakes, Charyn Canyon, Karkara Valley, Central Tian Shan, Tamgaly Petroglyphs, Altyn-Emel National Park, Taraz, Shymkent, Turkistan, Kyzylorda, Aralsk, Aktau, Astana, Lake Burabay, Karaganda, Ust-Kamenogorsk, Semey, Understand Kazakhstan, Kazakhstan Today, History, People, Arts, Environment & Survival Guide.
4. Central Asia - Turkmenistan (PDF Chapter) Lonely Planet
The most mysterious and unexplored of Central Asia’s ’stans is an ancient land of spirituality, tradition and natural beauty. The cities of Merv and Konye-Urgench inspire visions of caravans plodding along the Silk Road, while the haunting beauty of the Karakum desert and other quirky natural phenomena are equally mesmerising.
Coverage includes: When to Go, Ashgabat, Karakum Desert, Köw Ata Underground Lake, Gozli Ata & Yangykala Canyon, Mary, Merv, Gonur, Turkmenabat, Konye-Urgench, Dashogus, Understand Turkmenistan, Turkmenistan Today, History, People, Religion, Arts, Environment, Food & Drink & Survival Guide.
5. Central Asia - Kyrgyzstan (PDF Chapter) Lonely Planet
Kyrgyzstan is defined by its topography: joyously unspoilt mountainscapes, craggy ridges and summer pastures are brought to life by semi-nomadic, yurt-dwelling shepherd cultures. A well-developed network of homestays and visa-free travel means it’s easy to see why Kyrgyzstan is becoming the gateway of choice for travellers in Central Asia.
Coverage includes: When to Go, Bishkek, Burana Tower, Chong-Kemin Valley, Lake Issyk-Köl, Northern Issyk-Köl, Karakol, Southern Issyk-Köl, Bokonbayevo, Kadji-Sai & Around, Lake Song-Köl, Kochkor, Naryn, Naryn to Jalal-Abad, Naryn to Torugart, Osh, Alay Valley, Understand Kyrgyzstan, Kyrgyzstan Today, History, People, Religion, Arts, Environment, Food & Drink & Survival Guide.
You can pick and choose from complete guides and individual chapters, and download them to any device you like.
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