Top 10 Places to Visit in Central Asia and the Caucasus - Silk Road Travel Video (Documentary)

Welcome to Central Asia and the Caucasus, two beautiful regions on the crossroads of Asia and Europe. Often overlooked as travel destinations, the countries here provide some of the most rewarding and unique experiences. From stunning mountain landscapes of the Pamir Highway to historic monasteries in Armenia, from spectacular monuments along the ancient Silk Road to the modern skylines of Baku and Astana.

I traveled through these regions for four months in 2013, and in this short travel documentary I share with you my personal top 10 places to visit. The countries included in the video are Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia.

For other travel videos in the same format, click here:

Copyright of all footage: Hoffer Media

Here’s a brief overview of the content in this video:

We begin this journey in Samarkand, one of the most iconic cities along the ancient Silk Road. Located in Uzbekistan, it’s full of remarkable monuments but also provides a good introduction into daily life, especially in the lively farmers markets and bazaars. After Samarkand, we go to the Caucasus, to visit the fast developing capital city of Azerbaijan, Baku. Visiting the modern shopping malls and vibrant streets gives an interesting contrast with the narrow alleys of the old town here, and the wide promenade facing the Caspian Sea.

The Pamir Highway in Tajikistan is one of the most challenging, but also rewarding, travel destinations in Central Asia. It requires solid preparation, and many tourists decide to hire experienced travelers and guides for their trips. Back in Uzbekistan, the Fergana Valley takes you back in time, with charming villages, and an opportunity to view a traditional silk weaving factory.

Astana, now known as Nur-Sultan, is the modern capital city of Kazakhstan, and sometimes nicknamed as ‘Dubai of the Steppe’. It’s an interesting place to visit, and attracts people from across the country to work, study, and live. Back in the Caucasus, Tbilisi is steeped in history, and full of culture and charisma. The stunning Tsminda Sameba Cathedral is an important place of worship in the Georgia’s Orthodox Christian religion.

In Kyrgyzstan you will find some of the region’s most traditional ways of life, as nomadic shepherd families still move from villages to classic yurts. Traveling across the green pastures is a great way to experience a lifestyle that seems unusual in many societies these days. The capital city of Turkmenistan, Ashgabat, is a peculiar place on the list. Regarded as a secretive dictatorship, Turkmenistan is also one of the most mysterious and closed countries in the world. Keep in mind that people here face severe limitations in their daily lives.

Armenia is a beautiful destination in the Caucasus, and includes the friendly capital Armenia, and several stunning medieval monasteries. We finish this journey in Bukhara, another important stop on the historic Silk Road. There are many mosques and other landmarks to visit, but it’s also just a friendly town where you can eat some delicious food and soak up the relaxed atmosphere.

[stefhoffer]

Did you visit Central Asia or the Caucasus? What is your favorite place?

[suzanasamsudin]

When its came to Bukhara, its personally mean a lot to Muslim Community. Its remind us to our honoured Imam Bukhari RA. He was born here💜 Salam from🇲🇾

[jaffarslamat]

Samarkand is beautiful. Love Uzbekistan 🇺🇿

[g.ksoloranger]

I like 🌺 Georgia, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan 🌹🥀🌷

[karolinapek]

I had a chance to visit Uzbekistan in 2019. It was a marvelous week visiting Tashkent, Khiva, Bukhara and Samarkand. Uzbeks are absolutely delightful.

[shahzodnorqobilov]

I'm from Uzbekistan. I love my country

[alisherumarov]

10 out of 3 cities situated in Uzbekistan. Making me proud to be a uzbek. All the cities in video worth to visit. Nice chose author.

[fotimaslife]

I'm from Samarkand, but living in UK, Wales now.Thank you so much for wonderful video! I miss so much my city Samarkand !

[rihathassan]

I visited Samarkand about 32 times since 2006 I love this city and peoples.

[ДастанАйып-бй]

В мире нет лучше той страны, чем солнечный чудесный, прекрасный и любимый всеми Қазақстан!!! Это, конечно, нужно посмотреть и повидать!
Его нельзя сравнить ни с чем и ни с кем! Единственная страна, где проживают самые лучшие и самые красивые девушки в мире, и самые воинственные, храбрые, симпатичные, к тому же добрые сердцем джигиты в мире! Одних боксеров чемпионов в мире не сошчитать и не сравнить ни с кем!
Жаса түріктер! Жаса сүйікті Қазақстан Республикасы!

[bekzodismoilov]

My top 3 are:
- Uzbekistan for it’s rich history
- Georgia for it’s unique culture
- Kyrgyzstan for it’s breathtaking nature

The rest countries can be found in these 3 countries in case if you are short in time

[Hodophile_Sujata]

Just been to khiva, Bukhara, Samarkand and Tashkent and can not agree more! Central Asia is a gem!!! Awaiting the winters to pass quickly so that i resume my remaining journey…. Ur video is very nice and gives the exact info needed :)

[wojs]

I love it, been to Uzbekistan, Kyrgystan, Mongolia, 3 x Georgia, Armenia. Maybe next time again?!

[МиркаримжонИсматов]

I'm from Bukhara. Bukhara is very beautiful and quite city. I love my hometown. Thanks a lot for this video.

[shqip_sumejja]

Uzbekistan is my favourite Central Asian country ❤️ Uzbeks are friendly and Uzbekistan has a big part of Islamic history

[deepakvarghese]

The way you caputred central Asia is like a peacefully flowing river....muscics... everything was was a feeling...great experience in you🙏

[behzodmahkamov]

Assalomaleykum. Turkiy xalqlar o'z ona tilida Kommentar yozishsa ham, tarjimonsiz tushunamiz bir birimizni. To'g'rimi mani Turkiyam, Qozog'istonim, Ozarbayjonim, Qizg'izistonim, Uyg'uristonim! O'zbekistondan salomlar.

[Hlanzara]

Marvelous Uzbekistan: Samarkand, Ferganá, Buhará… Khiva is also one top destinations. Congrats for this great video.

[RogerMillerInVA]

What a beautifully produced video. This is top-grade videography!

[hafizqarimudassarhussainhu]

Whole video is Extremely beautiful. I recently visited Kyerghystan, weather is awesome.