CENTRAL ASIA- Area : 4,003,451 km2(1,545,741 sq mi)

- Population : 68,373,590 (2016)

- Countries : Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan

Kazakhstan (Astana)

IATA Code : ALAArea : 2,724,900 km2

Population : 17,693,500 (2016)Currency : Kazakhstani TengeGovernment : Republic

KazakhstanKazakhstan offers everything you could hope for in a great travel destination, which includes mountain tops, glaciers, coniferous woods, large rocky canyons, pristine mountain lakes and amazing rivers among many others. In this country, tourists can get recreation opportunities throughout the year.

ATTRACTIONSAlmatyLocated in South East Kazakhstan, Almaty is an excellent setting between plains and mountains. This biggest city in the country is filled with modern architecture, cool fountains, wide streets, squares and parks and great mountain views in autumn and spring. The town has lots of theaters, museums, exhibition halls, art galleries and business centers and also a wide variety of entertainment complexes including movie theaters, night clubs, restaurants and cafes.

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Medeo

This town is only 15km away from Almaty, where you will encounter a charming valley known as Medea. Here you will find the most unique and largest speed skating rink in the whole world that is located at 1,700 meters above sea level. Medeo also has a very big ice stadium that can comfortably accommodate more than 30,000 spectators. Some of the top skaters from across the world usually come to test themselves at this location.

AstanaThis is the second biggest city in Kazakhstan that is currently experiencing a financial boom with great building projects. It was once a small mining town, but today the town is filled with numerous stores, restaurants, discotheques, casinos and coffee houses. The old and new modern places have become key attractions for visitors. Key attractions included Duman aquarium and Bayterek tower.

Baikonur CosmodromeThis center holds the record as the largest and oldest functioning space launch center. It is located in the vast Kazakhstan desert steppes. In fact, Russia’s space exploration is usually launched from this center. To visit this location, you need to give 45 days’ notice in advance. There are some special travel agencies that will help you arrange visits to this space launch center.

TarazThe town of Taraz has been in existence for over two centuries. The town celebrated reaching 2,000 years in 2001 and was also recognized by the UNESCO. The Aisha Bibi and Babaji mausoleums, located outside the city are great masterpieces of antique architecture. UNESCO also listed those 2 venues as world architectural scarcities

Mangystau regionThis particular province is an eminent location as the best area of Kazakhstan that is rich in gas, construction materials, and oil. The locals call this location as the place of tourism as it has a rich cultural tradition along with a number of recreation resources. Some of the best hotels in Kazakhstan are found here.

SemipalatinskSituated near Siberia, Semipalatinsk was once an important Russian location of exile. This was where the famous writer and novelist Dostoyevsky lived in the 18th century. This house has been well preserved and tourists can visit this location to check out notes for his famous works, including The Idiot, Crime and Punishment. There are also other museums in the area, which includes History Museum and Abai Kunanbaev.

Kyrgyzstan (Bishkek)

IATA Code : FRUArea : 199,951 km2

Population : 5,990,006 (2016)Currency : Kyrgyzstani somGovernment : Republic

KyrgyzstanKyrgyzstan is defined by a unique topography made of largely untouched mountains, rolling summer pastures and stark ridges that are brightened by the semi-nomadic, shepherd and yurt-dwelling cultures. The recent visa fee travel system has also enticed many people to come and visit the country.The popular Tien Shen Mountains are sculpted perfectly to complement the breathtaking terrain of the land. This country is also known for intriguing historical monuments with huge opportunities for fans of outdoor activities.

AttractionsSary Chelek ReserveSary Chelek is untouched by people and it contains 7 immaculate alpine lakes, a variety of bird species, mountain goats, wild boar, porcupines and deer.

Tash RabatThis is an ancient caravanserai is made up of 31 chambers that once housed travelers and merchants. The chambers have a distinctive dome shape and you will enjoy having your pictures taken there. The surrounding area is known for horse trekking and hiking.

Ala Too SquareLocated in Bishkek, this is a popular tourist location in Kyrgyzstan. It is filled with tall statues and beautiful parks and is usually used for special events and celebrations. This is actually where the famous 2005 protests were held to oust the first president of Kyrgyzstan from office.

Lenin PeakThis peak reaches over 7,000 meters and it can be climbed by both professional and amateur climbers. This is the most easily accessible peak over 7,000 meters in the whole of Kyrgyzstan. If you want to feel like you are on top of the world, this is the best destination for you.

Mt. Sulaiman Toolocated in Osh city and it is regarded as a sacred destination by Muslims. This mount is also home to a huge museum, a couple historic monuments, which includes 2 mosques, numerous petroglyphs and also ancient bath remains.

ManasManas is the name of a hero of the Kyrgyzstan people whose stories are told to small children. He was known for unifying Kyrgyzstan’s 40 tribes to face one common enemy. In effect, there is an amazing complex that has been solely dedicated to Manas, which contains a mausoleum and museum that you definitely must check out.

Lake Issyk KulThis lake holds the record of the second biggest alpine lake. It spreads out impressively in the middle of Tien Shan Mountains and it looks so big that one could mistake it for an ocean. This lake is not only stunning, but it’s also bordered by several amazing gorges, which are popular for trekking and hiking.

Tajikistan (Dushanbe)

IATA Code : DYUArea : 143,100 km2

Population : 8,576,926 (2016)Currency : Tajikistani somoniGovernment : Republic

TajikistanTajikistan is an excellent holiday destination with very hospitable people. Where the great game explorers ventured in the past, Tajikistan’s amazingly dramatic landscapes are today the testing grounds for adventure travelers, climbers, and trekkers.

AttractionsPamir HighwayThis is a road that traverses through the majestic Pamir Mountains and goes through Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan. This is an important continuous route that exists in the difficult terrains of mountains and serves as the major supply route to the autonomous regions in Tajikistan. Travelers on this highway enjoy viewing the Lake Karakol, which is usually frozen for a large part of the year.

DushanbeThis is Tajikistan’s capital city and it is located where rivers Kofarnihon and Vazorb converge. Arsenic, lead and coal are mined in the nearby towns of Kulob and Nurek, which enable Dushanbe to be industrialized. Among the major attractions in this location include the national museum, which has some stunning artifacts.

PamirLocated in south east Tajikistan, the Pamir Mountains are a great destination spot. There are lots of activities to be done around this mountain range, including horse riding, rock climbing and many others. You will encounter some sheep herders in the upper meadowlands as this is an important income source for the area. The major attraction here is Lake Karakol.

IsfaraThis northern city of Tajikistan is among the oldest cities in Asia. It was a very important location in the northerly part of the distinguished Silk Road. Isfara is known for its famous apricot orchards, which you can enjoy as you tour the area. The area is quite industrialized as there are over 20 companies in Isfara that produce chemical products, electrical equipment and food products among others.

PenjikentAncient Penjikent served as an important trading point and the town really flourished. This is evident by the kind of houses that were built in this area based on the old town’s ruins. The archeological ruins are a reminder of the Sogdian trading history of the town, and they are an interesting site to check out on your Tajikistan trip.

IstaravshanThe city has been in existence for over 2,500 years. Istaravshan houses the beautiful and well-known Abdullatif Mosque and Madrasah. You can visit Istaravshan as a one day stop over on your way to Dushanbe or from Khojand.

ZeravshanThis town is located inside the dry Kyzyl-Kum desert and receives water from Amu Darya via a long 220km pipeline. The town is renowned for its scenic lakes and mountain landscapes. The main lakes include Alauddin lakes and Kuli Kalon lakes among others.

KhorogThis little town cowers beneath bare rock and arid peaks and is an administrative town of Pamir. You can meet your fellow travelers in this location and then organize how to explore the area’s fabulous valleys and remote mountain ranges.

Turkmenistan (Ashgabat)

IATA Code : Area : 491,210 km2

Population : 5,408,328 (2016)Currency : Turkmen new manatGovernment : Republic

TurkmenistanTurkmenistan got its fame due to the peculiar dictatorship of its former president, who ruled the country until he passed on 2006. What was so strange about this dictatorship is that is covered this country with many golden statues built in his honor and other grandiose monuments that celebrated his achievements. These statues and monuments are actually well built and should make for great backgrounds as you take your vacation photographs.

AttractionsAhal ProvinceThis particular province is popular for its two main destinations including Saraghs and Annau. The Annau site is an archeological site where excavations at the site started in 1904. Skeletons of kids, geometrical decorations and camel remains were discovered during these excavations. It is thought that this is the first place where camels were domesticated.

Ashgabat CityThis is the biggest city in Turkmenistan that also serves as the nation’s capital. It houses the largest mosque in Central Asia called the Kipchak mosque. This mosque recently generated lots of controversies as it uses scriptures from the Ruhnama and Holy Quran. The Ruhnama was written by the previous Turkmenistan president and thus many Muslims consider that it should not be thought to be equal to the Quran.

NissaNissa was a very important town of the vast Parthian Empire. However, this town was destroyed completely by a powerful earthquake that happened during the first ten years BC. Today, the well-preserved ruins of the magnificent fortress in Nissa are recognized by UNESCO as a world heritage location.

MervMerv is among the most popular Oasis cities on the elongated Silk Road. It was actually one of the biggest cities in the whole world during the early 12th century. Many experts believe that this is the birthplace of Hindu religion, specifically Mount Meru. This location is where Hinduism asserts that is the central point of the globe.

Konye UrgenchThis is a town located in the northeast part of Turkmenistan that was burnt to the ground by the world renowned conqueror called Genghis Khan. This represented one of the goriest massacres ever in history. The Soltan Tekes Mausoleum and Gutluk Temir Minaret still stand.

DashoguzDashoguz is a vibrant hub for travelers seeking an adventurous vacation. The small town gained the attention of the whole world when a sizeable meteorite fell here. Since then it has seen increased visitors as it is also the gateway to Konye Urgench.

Uzbekistan (Tashkent)

IATA Code : TASArea : 448,978 km2

Population : 31,576,400Currency : Uzbekistan somGovernment : Republic

UzbekistanThis nation has remained an enigma to most people, but its obscurity enhances its appeal for the adventurous travelers.

Attractions Tashkent MuseumsThe most widely visited on is the State Fine Arts Museum. Besides the Uzbek masterpieces and Soviet art that fills the ground floor and first floor, there is an excellent Fidoliyar garden at the back that contains graves honoring the Bolsheviks who passed on during the revolutionary street fights. Be sure to explore all the Tashkent Museums.

BukharaA popular destination for many visitors, Bukhara has so much to offer. There are over 100 religious institutions and over 350 mosques.

Chatkalsky ReserveWhile visiting this site, you are bound to see the gray bear, Berkut eagle and snow tigers. Chatkalsky Reserve is a narrow untapped gorge found in the western part of Uzbekistan. During the winter, snowboarding, skiing and trekking are very popular.

Silk Road CyclingParticipate in some healthy cycling activity by cycling from Khiva to Tashkent through Lake Aidarkul. You can even opt for the easier rides at Ferghana Valley where you can enjoy the mountain scenery. There is also the option of organized tours available.

Ice ClimbingFor adventurous people who want to climb ice waterfalls, Uzbekistan offers great opportunities with several great climbing spots in Gissar, Turkestan and Matcha ridges. In addition, rock climbing on a vertical rock face can be done on both the Matchi ridge and Fan Mountains.

KhivaThis is a fascinating Uzbekistan town found near Bukhara. It is painstakingly and completely preserved as it still lies in its original walls, having changed very little since it was constructed in early 18th century. This museum town is also hardly inhabited and you will quickly notice it on your visit. Nevertheless, you can still envision how the city was in its most productive stage, with pomegranates and plumed turbans.

Nukus MuseumFor the top quality collection of avant-garde art, the Nukus Museum is a definite winner. It also contains a huge collection of archeological objects and contemporary art from across Central Asia.