The Stans of Central Asia 2026

Here is the main page covering our visit to the five ‘Stans’ of Central Asia for two months (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan), plus a slide show of pictures at the end.

For journal postings from these countries, CLICK HERE.

We assembled these in one block despite their significant differences in governance, terrain, monuments, and history. However, they all share quite a lot of similarities. They’re all Islamic countries though belief is tempered by their Zoroastrian ancestors, Buddhist influences, and nomadic traditions. They were all dominated by Russia in the 19th century and then re-conquered after the Revolution to become part of the USSR up to the 1990s. And they all prospered from the ancient trade of the Silk Road, as bridges between China, Europe, Russia, and India.

You can read about their similarities and differences in our posts from those countries.

Our itinerary included these locations and cities, including 15 World Heritage sites:

Kazakhstan

Astana
Aktau – Mangistau (Torysh, Airakty, Tuzbair, Bozzhira, Kyzyl Kup, Seneka)
Almaty
Tambaly Gorge & Petroglyphs
Charyn Canyon
Saty village & Kolsai/Kaindy lakes

Kyrgyzstan

Karakol
Tosor
Chon Kemin
Bishkek

Tajikistan

Dushanbe
Gissar Fortress
Khoja Obi Garm sanatorium
Iskanderkul Lake
Saritoq & Karakul River Gorge
Istaravshan
Khujand
Artuch Base
Seven Lakes
Penjikent

Uzbekistan

Samarkand
Shakhrisabz
Nurata & Aydarkul Lake
Gijduvon
Bukhara
Kyzylkum Desert
Khiva
Ancient fortresses of Khorezm

Turkmenistan

Dashoguz
Konye-Urgench
Ashgabat
Nissa Fortress of Parthians
Gokdepe
Darvaza Gas Crater and Karakum Desert
Merv & Mary

You can browse the map below for the highlights of our visit (and access the articles we wrote). Click a pushpin to find the posted articles from the marked locations. Zoom into the map to separate the pins better.

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