Central Asia comprising the former Soviet Republics of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan is often referred to as ‘the stans’ because of the countries that are part of this region. For several years the region was largely ignored by the world because of the barrenness of the landscape and the earlier inaccessibility to many parts. However, it has prominently figured in history as part of the Silk Route, the connecting line between Asia and Europe, and also for its coveted position between East Asia and Europe. Many of the great conquerors of the world from Alexander the Great to Genghis Khan have passed through Central and Northern Asia, leaving distinctive marks on the land, clearly visible in the historical cities of Bukhara and Samarkand. Russia occupies a great expanse of land in Northern Asia and is often referred to as Asian Russia. Other countries included in this part of the continent are Georgia, Azerbaijan, and Armenia.
The land is so diverse and isolated in places that parts of Central and Northern Asia have probably not seen a human presence before. Characterized by its nomadic people and wonderful hospitality, this part of the world with some of the most stunning mountain scenery which is still largely undiscovered is a breath of fresh air for the traveler looking for authenticity.
Raise your hand if you’re planning to visit Moscow soon! And if you’re arriving at the Sheremetyevo Airport, this article is for you! Whether you’re visiting Moscow for work or leisure, staying at a hotel near Sheremetyevo International Airport can be a good idea. First, you no longer have to worry about missing your early…
It’s safe to say that compared to other popular travel destinations, not a lot of people know about Baku and what it has to offer. That’s why we’re here to encourage you to visit the capital of Azerbaijan. While there are a lot of other great attractions in Azerbaijan, Baku is clearly number one. Sitting…
Home to more than 12 million people, Moscow is one of the most vibrant capitals in Europe. It’s a place where you’ll find people always running to places and streets with heavy traffic. But make no mistake, The Third Rome is an extraordinary city. The Russian metropolis has enough to keep you busy for months.…
For those who don’t know, Saint Petersburg is the second-largest city in Russia. It used to be the capital of Russia for two centuries and has witnessed some of the most historical events. It’s also known as “Venice of the North” because of its unique architecture. The city’s exceptional atmosphere has attracted many people to…
The captivating, culture-rich, and cool capital of Georgia Tbilisi is Europe’s lesser-known gem. The sparkling, dynamic capital city of Georgia teems with iconic attractions, ambrosial cuisine, ancient, elegant architecture, and everything in-between. What’s more, it is one of Europe’s oldest cities and has been ruled by Mongols, Persians, and even Russians. Undoubtedly, Tbilisi is a…
Perched on the banks of the Iset River smack dab in the middle of Eurasia, Yekaterinburg—or Ekaterinburg— is one of Russia’s biggest and most populous cities. It lies on the eastern slope of the Middle Urals, roughly 1,500 km east of Moscow. The city has been called the Window to Asia and travelers can say…
Settled in the central part of Asia near the Caspian Sea lies an arid land that goes by the name Turkmenistan. Ashgabat is situated towards the southern part of this country bordered by the Karakum Desert on one side and the Kopet Dag mountain range on the other side. This city reeks of grandiosity and…
Yerevan is the capital city of the Republic of Armenia. This city is considered to be one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. The beautiful city dates back to the 8th century when the fortress of Erebuni was built by King Argishti I. The city has a number of beautiful landscapes as…
Almaty is one of the most spectacular cities in Kazakhstan in Central Asia. This city is also considered one of the most developed cosmopolitans of the country as it has a lot of offerings for the locals here. Apart from the locals, tourists and visitors are also going to have a great time in the…
Astana, the capital city of Kazakhstan, spans the banks of the Ishim River in the north of the country. The city became the capital of Kazakhstan in 1997 and has since metamorphosed into one of the most modernized cities in Central Asia with many futuristic buildings. The well-planned capital city which was designed by Japanese…
When you think about vacation destinations, Uzbekistan isn’t the first place that comes to mind. With beautiful mosques, elaborate mausoleums, and minarets, as well as great fortresses, Uzbekistan is a fantastic place to go to if you want to experience the cities along the Silk Roads. Here is a list of things that you should…
Located in Central Asia, Tajikistan is a highly mountainous and landlocked nation with cultural and natural treasures waiting to be explored. The terrain here is dominated by mountainous ranges that cover more than 90% of the country, whilst there are valleys in the north and southwest. If mountain climbing is a dream adventure for you,…
Formerly a part of the Soviet Union, Kyrgyzstan is a landlocked country in Central Asia. Although like everywhere many people here also have adopted to modern ways of living but due to its geography, most of the traditional side of the Kyrgyz culture is still intact. Majestic mountains and crystal clear water of its lakes…
The first Christian nation, Armenia, is an ancient kingdom that has been passed from empire to empire until it gained its independence from the Soviet Union. Armenia is home to world heritage sites, old monasteries and a laid back, friendly culture. It is usually not the first country that will come into your mind but…
Kazakhstan is a vast country, the ninth-largest in the world as well as the world’s largest landlocked country, stretches from the deserts of Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan to Siberia, and from the Caspian Sea to China. Kazakhstan has a unique mix of deserts, steppes, savannas, wild forests, pristine lakes and rivers as well as modern cities, such as Almaty, a major…
Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia and one of the most ancient cities of the world, was called so because of hot sulphur springs (Georgian “tbili” means “warm”). It is a relatively undiscovered travel destination with breathtaking panoramas and a varied history, reflected in its architecture, which is a mix of medieval, classical, and Soviet structures.…
While venturing around the world, Photographer and urban explorer Ralph Mirebs came across an enormous abandoned building in a remote place in the deserts of southern Kazakhstan. You will not believe what he found inside. After breaking into this huge Blast-Proof Hangar, he realized that this was a very special building with two of the most…
The famous and elegant city of St. Petersburg second largest city in Russia and one of the most developed cities as well. This metropolis has lots to offer, let’s not forget it was the capital of Russia for 200 years. A city filled with palaces that once belonged to the wealthiest families in Europe, almost…
On the shores of the Caspian sea lies a small yet vibrant city called Baku. The perfect amalgamation of a nascent nation with the antiquity that dates back for millennia. This city has witnessed a history of an exodus of people that include the Turkic tribe, Shiite Muslims with Persian origins, and the Russians all of…
Moscow, a truly iconic global city, is one of the world’s most intriguing destinations. It is the capital of Russia, located in the far west of the country on the river Moskva. With such beautiful architecture created over several centuries, a wide range of entertainments and cultural hot spots, Moscow is one of the most…