Consisting of Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, and parts of China, Russia, Afganistan, and Mongolia, Central Asia is a vast region between Europe and what is commonly thought of as Asia.
Each of the region’s countries are distinct in culture, language, and traditions, but they also share some similarities. Historically, they are united by the silk road trade route that led to the development of many of their cities. The region’s languages are primarily Turkic with some exceptions, though today Russia is also widely spoken due to many of the countries former statuses as Soviet Republics.
Tashkent, Uzbekistan is the largest city in the region, followed closely by Almaty, Kazakhstan. Travelers to the region can expect to be greeted by warm hospitality, though day-to-day communication could be made difficult by a solid language barrier. That said, Central Asian people are very patient with Google Translate and are very welcoming towards tourists.
Despite being home to many mountain ranges, the region is well connected with train and bus systems. Travel is affordable and easy once you adapt to the challenges that come with the language.
Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan are all easy to travel to visa-free or with easily attainable visas (Americans only need a visa for Uzbekistan). China and Russia are more difficult, and Turkmenistan is nearly impossible to visit without a tour.
The region as a whole is home to some of the world’s most beautiful, untouched nature. The still present nomadic culture is also interesting and unique to the region, and the peoples’ hospitality is unmatched.
Wide Open Road 