Central Asia includes 5 countries - Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. The document provides details on the geography, attractions, and highlights of each country. Kazakhstan offers mountains, forests, canyons, and rivers for recreation. Popular attractions include Almaty, Medeo speed skating rink, Astana, and Baikonur Cosmodrome space launch center. Kyrgyzstan is known for its mountains, lakes, and yurt culture. Key attractions are Sary Chelek Reserve, Tash Rabat caravanserai, Ala Too Square, and Lake Issyk Kul. Tajikistan has dramatic landscapes and the historic Pam

1. CENTRAL ASIA
- Area : 4,003,451 km2(1,545,741 sq mi)
- Population : 68,373,590 (2016)
- Countries : Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan,
Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan

3. Kazakhstan (Astana)
IATA Code : ALA
Area : 2,724,900 km2
Population : 17,693,500 (2016)
Currency : Kazakhstani Tenge
Government : Republic

4. Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan offers everything you could hope for in a great travel destination, which includes
mountain tops, glaciers, coniferous woods, large rocky canyons, pristine mountain lakes and
amazing rivers among many others. In this country, tourists can get recreation opportunities
throughout the year.

5. ATTRACTIONS
Almaty
Located in South East Kazakhstan, Almaty is an excellent setting between plains and
mountains. This biggest city in the country is filled with modern architecture, cool
fountains, wide streets, squares and parks and great mountain views in autumn and
spring. The town has lots of theaters, museums, exhibition halls, art galleries and
business centers and also a wide variety of entertainment complexes including movie
theaters, night clubs, restaurants and cafes.
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6. Medeo
This town is only 15km away from Almaty, where you will encounter a charming valley
known as Medea. Here you will find the most unique and largest speed skating rink in the
whole world that is located at 1,700 meters above sea level. Medeo also has a very big
ice stadium that can comfortably accommodate more than 30,000 spectators. Some of
the top skaters from across the world usually come to test themselves at this location.

7. Astana
This is the second biggest city in Kazakhstan that is currently experiencing a financial
boom with great building projects. It was once a small mining town, but today the town is
filled with numerous stores, restaurants, discotheques, casinos and coffee houses. The
old and new modern places have become key attractions for visitors. Key attractions
included Duman aquarium and Bayterek tower.

8. Baikonur Cosmodrome
This center holds the record as the largest and oldest functioning space launch center. It
is located in the vast Kazakhstan desert steppes. In fact, Russia’s space exploration is
usually launched from this center. To visit this location, you need to give 45 days’ notice in
advance. There are some special travel agencies that will help you arrange visits to this
space launch center.

9. Taraz
The town of Taraz has been in existence for over two centuries. The town celebrated
reaching 2,000 years in 2001 and was also recognized by the UNESCO. The Aisha Bibi
and Babaji mausoleums, located outside the city are great masterpieces of antique
architecture. UNESCO also listed those 2 venues as world architectural scarcities

10. Mangystau region
This particular province is an eminent location as the best area of Kazakhstan that is rich
in gas, construction materials, and oil. The locals call this location as the place of tourism
as it has a rich cultural tradition along with a number of recreation resources. Some of the
best hotels in Kazakhstan are found here.

11. Semipalatinsk
Situated near Siberia, Semipalatinsk was once an important Russian location of exile. This was
where the famous writer and novelist Dostoyevsky lived in the 18th century. This house has
been well preserved and tourists can visit this location to check out notes for his famous works,
including The Idiot, Crime and Punishment. There are also other museums in the area, which
includes History Museum and Abai Kunanbaev.

12. Kyrgyzstan (Bishkek)
IATA Code : FRU
Area : 199,951 km2
Population : 5,990,006 (2016)
Currency : Kyrgyzstani som
Government : Republic

13. Kyrgyzstan
Kyrgyzstan is defined by a unique topography made of largely untouched mountains, rolling summer
pastures and stark ridges that are brightened by the semi-nomadic, shepherd and yurt-dwelling
cultures. The recent visa fee travel system has also enticed many people to come and visit the
country.
The popular Tien Shen Mountains are sculpted perfectly to complement the breathtaking terrain of the
land. This country is also known for intriguing historical monuments with huge opportunities for fans of
outdoor activities.

14. Attractions
Sary Chelek Reserve
Sary Chelek is untouched by people and it contains 7 immaculate alpine lakes, a variety
of bird species, mountain goats, wild boar, porcupines and deer.

15. Tash Rabat
This is an ancient caravanserai is made up of 31 chambers that once housed travelers
and merchants. The chambers have a distinctive dome shape and you will enjoy having
your pictures taken there. The surrounding area is known for horse trekking and hiking.

16. Ala Too Square
Located in Bishkek, this is a popular tourist location in Kyrgyzstan. It is filled with tall
statues and beautiful parks and is usually used for special events and celebrations. This
is actually where the famous 2005 protests were held to oust the first president of
Kyrgyzstan from office.

17. Lenin Peak
This peak reaches over 7,000 meters and it can be climbed by both professional and
amateur climbers. This is the most easily accessible peak over 7,000 meters in the whole
of Kyrgyzstan. If you want to feel like you are on top of the world, this is the best
destination for you.

18. Mt. Sulaiman Too
located in Osh city and it is regarded as a sacred destination by Muslims. This mount is
also home to a huge museum, a couple historic monuments, which includes 2 mosques,
numerous petroglyphs and also ancient bath remains.

19. Manas
Manas is the name of a hero of the Kyrgyzstan people whose stories are told to small children.
He was known for unifying Kyrgyzstan’s 40 tribes to face one common enemy. In effect, there is
an amazing complex that has been solely dedicated to Manas, which contains a mausoleum
and museum that you definitely must check out.

20. Lake Issyk Kul
This lake holds the record of the second biggest alpine lake. It spreads out impressively in the
middle of Tien Shan Mountains and it looks so big that one could mistake it for an ocean. This
lake is not only stunning, but it’s also bordered by several amazing gorges, which are popular
for trekking and hiking.

21. Tajikistan (Dushanbe)
IATA Code : DYU
Area : 143,100 km2
Population : 8,576,926 (2016)
Currency : Tajikistani somoni
Government : Republic

22. Tajikistan
Tajikistan is an excellent holiday destination with very hospitable people. Where the great game
explorers ventured in the past, Tajikistan’s amazingly dramatic landscapes are today the testing
grounds for adventure travelers, climbers, and trekkers.

23. Attractions
Pamir Highway
This is a road that traverses through the majestic Pamir Mountains and goes through
Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan. This is an important continuous route
that exists in the difficult terrains of mountains and serves as the major supply route to the
autonomous regions in Tajikistan. Travelers on this highway enjoy viewing the Lake
Karakol, which is usually frozen for a large part of the year.

24. Dushanbe
This is Tajikistan’s capital city and it is located where rivers Kofarnihon and Vazorb
converge. Arsenic, lead and coal are mined in the nearby towns of Kulob and Nurek,
which enable Dushanbe to be industrialized. Among the major attractions in this location
include the national museum, which has some stunning artifacts.

25. Pamir
Located in south east Tajikistan, the Pamir Mountains are a great destination spot. There
are lots of activities to be done around this mountain range, including horse riding, rock
climbing and many others. You will encounter some sheep herders in the upper
meadowlands as this is an important income source for the area. The major attraction
here is Lake Karakol.

26. Isfara
This northern city of Tajikistan is among the oldest cities in Asia. It was a very important
location in the northerly part of the distinguished Silk Road. Isfara is known for its famous
apricot orchards, which you can enjoy as you tour the area. The area is quite
industrialized as there are over 20 companies in Isfara that produce chemical products,
electrical equipment and food products among others.

27. Penjikent
Ancient Penjikent served as an important trading point and the town really flourished. This
is evident by the kind of houses that were built in this area based on the old town’s ruins.
The archeological ruins are a reminder of the Sogdian trading history of the town, and
they are an interesting site to check out on your Tajikistan trip.

28. Istaravshan
The city has been in existence for over 2,500 years. Istaravshan houses the beautiful and well-
known Abdullatif Mosque and Madrasah. You can visit Istaravshan as a one day stop over on
your way to Dushanbe or from Khojand.

29. Zeravshan
This town is located inside the dry Kyzyl-Kum desert and receives water from Amu Darya via a
long 220km pipeline. The town is renowned for its scenic lakes and mountain landscapes. The
main lakes include Alauddin lakes and Kuli Kalon lakes among others.

30. Khorog
This little town cowers beneath bare rock and arid peaks and is an administrative town of
Pamir. You can meet your fellow travelers in this location and then organize how to explore the
area’s fabulous valleys and remote mountain ranges.

31. Turkmenistan (Ashgabat)
IATA Code :
Area : 491,210 km2
Population: 5,408,328 (2016)
Currency : Turkmen new manat
Government : Republic

32. Turkmenistan
Turkmenistan got its fame due to the peculiar dictatorship of its former president, who ruled the
country until he passed on 2006. What was so strange about this dictatorship is that is covered
this country with many golden statues built in his honor and other grandiose monuments that
celebrated his achievements. These statues and monuments are actually well built and should
make for great backgrounds as you take your vacation photographs.

33. Attractions
Ahal Province
This particular province is popular for its two main destinations including Saraghs and
Annau. The Annau site is an archeological site where excavations at the site started in
1904. Skeletons of kids, geometrical decorations and camel remains were discovered
during these excavations. It is thought that this is the first place where camels were
domesticated.

34. Ashgabat City
This is the biggest city in Turkmenistan that also serves as the nation’s capital. It houses
the largest mosque in Central Asia called the Kipchak mosque. This mosque recently
generated lots of controversies as it uses scriptures from the Ruhnama and Holy Quran.
The Ruhnama was written by the previous Turkmenistan president and thus many
Muslims consider that it should not be thought to be equal to the Quran.

35. Nissa
Nissa was a very important town of the vast Parthian Empire. However, this town was
destroyed completely by a powerful earthquake that happened during the first ten years
BC. Today, the well-preserved ruins of the magnificent fortress in Nissa are recognized by
UNESCO as a world heritage location.

36. Merv
Merv is among the most popular Oasis cities on the elongated Silk Road. It was actually
one of the biggest cities in the whole world during the early 12th century. Many experts
believe that this is the birthplace of Hindu religion, specifically Mount Meru. This location
is where Hinduism asserts that is the central point of the globe.

37. Konye Urgench
This is a town located in the northeast part of Turkmenistan that was burnt to the ground
by the world renowned conqueror called Genghis Khan. This represented one of the
goriest massacres ever in history. The Soltan Tekes Mausoleum and Gutluk Temir Minaret
still stand.

38. Dashoguz
Dashoguz is a vibrant hub for travelers seeking an adventurous vacation. The small town
gained the attention of the whole world when a sizeable meteorite fell here. Since then it has
seen increased visitors as it is also the gateway to Konye Urgench.

39. Uzbekistan (Tashkent)
IATA Code : TAS
Area : 448,978 km2
Population : 31,576,400
Currency : Uzbekistan som
Government : Republic

40. Uzbekistan
This nation has remained an enigma to most people, but its obscurity enhances its appeal for
the adventurous travelers.

41. Attractions
Tashkent Museums
The most widely visited on is the State Fine Arts Museum. Besides the Uzbek
masterpieces and Soviet art that fills the ground floor and first floor, there is an excellent
Fidoliyar garden at the back that contains graves honoring the Bolsheviks who passed on
during the revolutionary street fights. Be sure to explore all the Tashkent Museums.

42. Bukhara
A popular destination for many visitors, Bukhara has so much to offer. There are over 100
religious institutions and over 350 mosques.

43. Chatkalsky Reserve
While visiting this site, you are bound to see the gray bear, Berkut eagle and snow tigers.
Chatkalsky Reserve is a narrow untapped gorge found in the western part of Uzbekistan.
During the winter, snowboarding, skiing and trekking are very popular.

44. Silk Road Cycling
Participate in some healthy cycling activity by cycling from Khiva to Tashkent through
Lake Aidarkul. You can even opt for the easier rides at Ferghana Valley where you can
enjoy the mountain scenery. There is also the option of organized tours available.

45. Ice Climbing
For adventurous people who want to climb ice waterfalls, Uzbekistan offers great
opportunities with several great climbing spots in Gissar, Turkestan and Matcha ridges. In
addition, rock climbing on a vertical rock face can be done on both the Matchi ridge and
Fan Mountains.

46. Khiva
This is a fascinating Uzbekistan town found near Bukhara. It is painstakingly and completely
preserved as it still lies in its original walls, having changed very little since it was constructed
in early 18th century. This museum town is also hardly inhabited and you will quickly notice it
on your visit. Nevertheless, you can still envision how the city was in its most productive stage,
with pomegranates and plumed turbans.

47. Nukus Museum
For the top quality collection of avant-garde art, the Nukus Museum is a definite winner. It also
contains a huge collection of archeological objects and contemporary art from across Central
Asia.