Uzbekistan

Meaning Red Sands in Turkic language, this is one of the great deserts of Central Asia and essentially sits wedged between the major rivers of the Amu Darya and Syr Darya. Whilst its sands do creep into Kazakhstan and a small portion of Turkmenistan (where it merges with the Kara Kum Desert or “Black Sands”), the majority of this desert lies in Uzbekistan. Venturing into the depths of the Kyzyl Kum is a place where few people go and the truest way to do so is by camel. If you’re lucky you can see desert tortoises, wild saiga antelope, and even giant monitor lizards. Also worth visiting is Aydar Lake, a 4000 square kilometer body of water sitting in the desert and an unintentional byproduct of the Soviet’s damming of the Syr Darya in the 60s.

Uzbekistan’s capital city was the administrative centre for Russian central Asian and grew to become the fourth largest city in the old USSR. It dwarves any other city in the country. At first glance the wide boulevards, orderly monuments and gaudy metro system suggest that any remnants of traditional Central Asian life has long gone. However, there are still areas pockets of traditional life in some of the bazaars and madrassas.

Although this ethnically diverse valley has been the scene of various conflicts, today the Fergana region is safe and is not only a stunning place to trek and explore, but also an ideal place to learn about the various Uzbek, Tajik and Kyrgyz cultures which converge in this valley.

Samarkand, one of the oldest cities in the world, is famous for its stunning Islamic architecture and rich history as a key stop on the Silk Road. Tourists flock to marvel at landmarks like the Registan Square, the Shah-i-Zinda mausoleum, and the breathtaking Bibi-Khanym Mosque. With its vibrant bazaars and historical sites, Samarkand offers a glimpse into a fascinating blend of cultures and a window into the past, with a stunning range of ancient Islamic architecture.

Bukhara, a UNESCO World Heritage gem, is renowned for its well-preserved medieval architecture and its role as a thriving Silk Road city. Visitors can explore the iconic Ark Fortress, the stunning Bolo Haouz Mosque, and the serene Mir-i-Arab Madrasa. With its labyrinth of narrow streets, ancient madrasas, and bustling bazaars, Bukhara transports you back in time to its trading past and has a vast collection of well preserved, beautiful historic sites.