Central & Northern Asia

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.