Guide

The Five 'Stans: The Best Places To Visit In Central Asia

Steven Hermans

The Five ‘Stans… just a handful of countries, but covering a vast swathe of Central Asia. Where do you start an introduction to a region that stretches from China in the east, to the Caspian Sea in the west, when just one of the countries, Kazakhstan, is almost the same size as Europe? Some definitions to get us going: the Five 'Stans consist of Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, and the largest, Kazakhstan.

Guide

Visiting Shymkent

If Almaty is the queen of Kazakhstan, Shymkent is the eager lady-in-waiting. Situated on a junction connecting Tashkent with the rest of Kazakhstan, Shymkent is a vibrant traders town.

Guide

Need To Know When Visiting Central Asia

Steven Hermans

There’s no escaping the fact that the more recent history of the region has been troubled. Post-Soviet independence saw the rule of dictators with appalling attitudes to human rights.