Commonly referred to as “the Stans“, the countries that make up the Central Asian region are: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan. This ancient land is drenched in history and culture and with so few tourists daring to venture here! Being so different in the modern history all Central Asian states have a common history, kindred customs and traditions.
Exciting Culture and Art
For centuries, the region was a major contributor to the arts, sciences, medicine, and trade. With the mixing of agrarian, nomadic and industrial societies, it is a mosaic of cultures, languages, and political systems.
The culture of Central Asia encompasses the collective and diverse customs and traditions of art, architecture, music, literature, lifestyle, philosophy, politics and religion that have been practiced and maintained by the numerous ethnic groups of the region since prehistory.
Strategic and historic position of Central Asia around the East-West axis and the major trading routes guaranteed a steady influx of ideas and conflicting notions of tribalism and traditionalism. However, the region was conquered and dominated by a variety of cultures.
Each country has its own unique culture and customs, but there are many similarities between them. Throughout the region people are traditionally nomadic, horses are the means of getting around in the countryside and everyone has a strong connection with their family and community.
Authentic People
Due to its proximity to China, Mongolia, Iran and Russia, this part of the world is an interesting melting pot of people and ethnicities! Central Asia is a diverse land with many ethnic groups, languages, religions and tribes. The nations which make up Central Asia have a total population of about 70 million.
You may be in Tajikistan, but find yourself looking at someone with green eyes, light skin and a thin nose. Tajiks are actually descendants from the Aryan people, meaning they are closely related to Iranians/Persians.
Regardless of whether the people look Asian, Persian, European or Arabic, everyone is extremely warm and welcoming here. Locals will be happy to welcome you into their home or yurt to join them for dinner.
Unforgettable Adventures
Central Asia, is an outdoor enthusiast's dream, with its snowcapped mountains, sweeping steppes, primeval forests and turquoise lakes. Central Asia is an endless source of wonders and intriguing adventures. Overnights on the shore of beautiful lakes, ancient shepherds' trails, breathtaking mountain passes, picturesque panoramas of landscapes and traditional Asian lifestyle complemented by nomadic roots create an unforgettable experience. Rugged and remote wilderness of famous Pamir and Tien-Shan combined with quiet valleys and lakes offer excellent possibilities for both adventure trekking and mountaineering as well as cultural adventure tours.
With magnificent mountains, ancient cities and little-known region, the republics of Central Asia offer drama, intrigue and natural wonders galore.
Central Asia is a place where adventure isn’t just possible: it’s unavoidable.
Breathtaking Mountains
The towering mountains in the Central Asian region are some of the highest in the world. Pamir Mountains are formed by the meeting of the Himalayas with the Tian Shan. These massive, snow-capped peaks are commonly referred to as “The Roof of the World”.