Central Asia

Central Asia is a highly mountainous area where the great Asian cordillera is fused by the Pamir mountains, which is the second biggest mountain range in the world. Tectonic forces are still working there so the mountains grow about 6cm (2.25 inches) every year. Many of the glaciers are also on the move.
The region is an ethnic melting pot, with the basic stock flavored by centuries of Turkic-Mongol influence. The towns of Central Asia are as well a curious mix of the old - dazzling turquoise minarets with elegant Persian motifs side by side with Soviet architecture. In the old cities of Uzbekistan - the "Silk Road" cities - there are palaces and monuments which are preserved from the times of Timur and even earlier.


Uzbekistan

If you are keen on ancient oriental history and culture, a visit to the Ancient Cities of Uzbekistan (Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva) is a must. These magnificent and exotic cities are more than two millennia old. Although Uzbekistan has been soviet for a long time when you get there it seems that you have entered into an ancient Islamic country where all traditions have been preserved since the very ancient times.


Turkmenistan

Turkmenistan is located in Central Asia and is bordering with Uzbekistan to the north and to the west, Kazakhstan to the north, Afghanistan to the south and to the east and Iran to the south. To the west it is washed by the Caspian sea. The total area of the country is 488 100 square km, which makes it one of the largest in Central Asia.


Fann Mountains

Narrow canyons with clear rushing rivers, high glaciated summits and clusters of lakes set amidst juniper forests makes this one of the most attractive mountain region in Central Asia.


Tien-Shan Mountains

Of all the mountains in Central Asia, the Tien-Shan (Celestial Mountains) are perhaps the most magnificent. Their upper reaches are forever swathed in snow and ice and lower down are well endowed with glaciers. Tien-Shan Mountains are considered to be one of the most beautiful places in Central Asia. The region is also rich in alpine lakes. The largest fresh water lake in Central Asia, Issyk-Kul Lake is the world's second highest lake.


All Central Asia

Central Asia is as geographically diverse as it is historically rich. It is a vast arena of desert, steppe and mountain ranges. For more than 2000 years Central Asia was involved in ancient east-west trade and a significant part of Silk


High Peaks

Perforating the sky at the Himalaya's northwest reaches, at the turn of the century the Pamir Mountains were called the roof of the world.


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Adventure, Outdoor, Culture Travel: Russia, Caucasus, Siberia, Central Asia