Planning a graduation trip is a fun way to give yourself a pat on the back. There are many places to visit, but what if you want to travel somewhere unique? A good region to explore is Central Asia. The place is known for its fascinating history, delicious food, and rich culture.
Although Central Asia is rarely reported in the media, this region will open your eyes. The Central Asia Region consists of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. These countries all share a common past, geographical features, and a similar vision for the future. With so many cultures and languages, Central Asia has become a tourist hotspot.
Here is what you can expect:
Parks and Forests
If you want to go on a hike, you may be excited to hear that Central Asia has many mountains. These include the Tien Shan Mountains in Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, and the Pamir Range in Tajikistan. The Pamir range is the fourth-highest mountain range in the world, which makes it a very challenging but exciting trip. When trekking in Central Asia, remember to come prepared with proper equipment, gear, and a warm sleeping bag. Be sure to also bring food and water as well.
If hiking isn’t your thing, visit the parks. The Charyn State National Park in Kazakhstan is similar to the Grand Canyon. But if you prefer to be around water, visit the Kolsai Lakes National Park. This park was established in 2007 to protect the lakes and preserve natural landscapes, including medicinal plants.
Therefore, Central Asia is one of the best places to go backpacking. There are plenty of beautiful sceneries filled with mountains and lakes.
Beaches
What if you prefer to spend time on the beach? Believe it or not, Central Asia also has a lot of fantastic beaches for the summer holidays.
One of the most popular beaches is in Aktau, Kazakhstan. This beach is by the Caspian Sea, known for mud and mineral waters. Visitors can stay at a resort and participate in leisure activities such as boat rides, trips, and wakeboarding.
Metropolitan Cities to Visit
Other than natural parks, a post-grad trip should include visiting a metropolitan city. You may be surprised to hear Central Asia is full of fun towns with good urban nightlife.
One city is Almaty, which is Kazakhstan’s largest city. In Kazakh, ‘Almaty’ translates to ‘father of apples.’ If you’re wondering why the city is named after apples, you may be surprised to hear that Almaty is the birthplace of apples. But other than fruits, you may notice there are delicious cafes, bustling shopping centers, and scenic mountains. There’s also some Soviet-style architecture that reflects the country’s past.
Another city is Tashkent, which is the capital city of Uzbekistan. The population of Tashkent is over 2 million people, making it one of the largest cities in Central Asia. Other than delicious restaurants, visitors can spend time in the museums. This includes the State Museum of the Arts, the Amir Temur Museum, and the Hazrat Imam Complex. If you are an architecture major, you’ll enjoy these scenic and diverse designs.
Historic Places
If you were a history major, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by Central Asia’s offerings. Cities such as Samarkand, Bukhara, Ashgabat, and Merv have rich histories reflecting both the ancient and modern world.
Many of these cities were along the Silk Road — a place where travelers would wander and exchange goods. You can find antiques in these cities too, ranging from beautiful mosques to ancient settlements.
Why Central Asia?
Central Asia is the place where both the ancient and modern worlds collide. On top of big malls, you’ll also visit ancient mosques and learn more about world history. Moreover, many of the cities in Central Asia are easy to navigate with intricately designed subway stations and routes: Transit is relatively cheap. So if you’re lost, you can call a taxi and not break the bank.
Nowadays, Central Asia still has a stigma for being a volatile region. While there have been political protests in the past, the region continues to remain safe for tourists. So, if you want the ultimate all-rounder experience, feel free to explore Central Asia as a graduate. You’ll get the best of all worlds in one place.
Featured image via Jimmy Liao on Pexels
