Complete Guide to Visiting Central Asia Through Sea and Land
The Silk Road is the term used to describe the trading routes that linked Europe and China in the Middle Ages. Stretching from Italy to Beijing, these routes spanned the entire continent of Asia, bringing food, jewelry, spices, and culture from the Far East to the Old World.
Spanning these trade routes, at the heart of the Silk Road, lies Central Asia. This is a remarkable part of the world, rich in history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes, but also far from the beaten track and well off most tourist’s radar.
Central Asia might be shrouded in mystery, but it is an extraordinary place to visit thanks to its unique blend of ancient traditions and modern culture. For adventurous travelers sailing to Asian shores from Europe or the US, exploring Central Asia by sea or by land is a truly stunning experience.
Planning Your Journey
Research and Preparation
Central Asia is booming in popularity, but it remains under the radar compared to many other more touristy destinations. This does mean that you’ll avoid plenty of the downsides of more popular spots, but it also means you’ll need to be rigorous with your planning, as tourist infrastructure is not as developed as in some parts of the world.
There are five main Central Asian countries: Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan. Each of these countries has its own unique culture and attractions, so it is important to do a little research into each of them before visiting.
Visas and Permits
Many of the Central Asian countries might require visas for entry, depending on your passport, so checking the latest requirements is a vital part of your preparation. Applying for visas can be a time-consuming process so do this well in advance.
Best Time to Visit
Central Asia gets hot in the summer and cold in the winter, so the best times of the year to visit are in spring and autumn when the weather is milder and more pleasant.
Getting There and Around
Arriving by sea is a great way to start and the ports on the Caspian coastline of Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan are wonderful gateways to the region. You can also get to Central Asia on the Trans-Caspian Railway, an extensive train network left over from the Soviet era. The journey from Almaty in Kazakhstan to Tashkent in Uzbekistan is a particular highlight.
Getting around the region can be done by train and by bus, thanks to the excellent transport infrastructure. However, a Central Asian road trip is a brilliant choice for more intrepid travelers, giving you the chance to really get under the skin of the countries you visit.
Must-Visit Destinations
Samarkand, Uzbekistan
The ancient city of Samarkand is known as the Pearl of the Silk Road and is world-famous for its jaw-droppingly beautiful Islamic architecture.
Bishkek and Lake Issyk-Kul, Kyrgyzstan
Bishkek is the capital city of Kyrgyzstan, a charming and delightful place set amidst a picturesque mountain range. The nearby lake of Issyk-Kul makes for a fantastic day trip.
Almaty, Kazakhstan
Blending dynamic modernity with natural beauty, Almaty offers stunning views of snow-capped mountains as well as acting as a gateway to the Charyn Canyon and the Altyn-Emel National Park.
Dushanbe, Tajikistan
The eccentric yet unforgettable blend of Soviet-era architecture and ancient Persian cultural influences makes Dushanbe, the capital of Tajikistan, an unmissable part of any Central Asian itinerary.
Ashgabat, Turkmenistan
Crafted from eye-catching white marble, Ashgabat is truly a one-of-a-kind city. It is a fascinating place to explore, as well as making a great base from which to discover the ancient ruins of Merv, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The stunning mixture of ancient history and vibrant modernity, as well as the fascinating mix of cultural influences, are what makes Central Asia such an interesting place to explore. Wherever you end up, the region guarantees an unforgettable experience.
