Sandwiched between Russia, China and India, the Stans are a wild world of white mountains, ochre desert and green plains. The former Soviet Republics of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan also lie at the crossroads of cultures and at the heart of the ancient Silk Road. This part of the world has always been close to our hearts and is the stuff of adventure travel legend. The romance of the past, the friendliness of the people, the unspoiled wilderness and the opportunity for adventure ensure we will always return.

Uzbekistan

Situated at the heart of Central Asia and the Great Game, Uzbekistan has a rich and mixed culture dating back thousands of years. Alexander the Great, Genghis Khan and Tamerlane have all left their mark here. You'll discover blue-domed mosques in Bukhara and Khiva, ride camels across the steppe and hike in the high valleys of the Pamir foothills.  The old 'Silk Road' towns of Tashkent, Bukhara and Samarkand are the jewels in Uzbekistan's crown. 

>> Samarkand and the Silk Road Tour

>> The Ultimate Fann Mountains Trek

>> Mountains and Marvels of Central Asia

Kazakhstan

Did you know that Kazakhstan translates as 'Land of the Wanderers'? It's also the 9th largest country in the world and as big as Western Europe. Much of Kazakhstan is dry 'steppe' or grassland, with 'Siberian' forest in the north and Central Asian desert and oases in the south. The capital Astana is in the north of the country, while the largest city is Almaty in the south-east. Almaty is the gateway to the Tien Shan Mountains, a region that includes lots of opportunities for trekking and for superb mountain biking, in sight of such dramatic peaks as Khan Tengri (7010m) and Peak Pobeda (7439m). The Tien Shan is one of the greatest ranges on earth, with the most northerly of all 7000 metre peaks.

>> Mountains and Deserts of Kazakhstan

>> Cycling in Kazakhstan

READ OUR GUIDE: 6 REASONS KAZAKHSTAN SHOULD BE ON YOUR TRAVEL RADAR

Kyrgyzstan 

Serene, endless mountains landscapes are what awaits in Kyrgyzstan, a landlocked country that shares borders with Kazakhstan, China, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. It is particularly mountainous, with the main ranges and foothills of the Tien Shan covering fully three-quarters of the land area. Sometimes known as the ‘Switzerland of Central Asia', its high valleys are home to shepherds who make their living from herds of sheep, goats and horses. Summer is the time to visit and it's unlikely you'll see any other tourists in the heart of the Pamir-Alay, in the Turkestan mountains.

>> Trekking the Turkestan Mountains

READ MORE: KYRGYZSTAN IN PICTURES

Tajikistan

The smallest Central Asian country, it's rough and rugged, landlocked, covered by mountains and more than half of the country is above 3000 metres. The Fann Mountains, lying to the north of the capital Dushanbe, is one of the most impressive ranges. Its dramatic landscapes are now ultimate playgrounds for climbers, trekkers and adventure travellers and there are more than 100 beautiful peaks in this range.

>> The Ultimate Fann Mountains Trek

>> Mountains and Marvels of Central Asia

READ MORE: WHERE IN THE WORLD ARE THE FANN MOUNTAINS?

Let's not forget about Mongolia

It may not be a 'Stan' but it's a unique gem of Central Asia. Having around 260 days of sunshine a year it is, appropriately, known as the 'Land of Blue Sky'. Ulaanbaatar is the capital and the only town of any size. Most of the Mongolian people are herders who live in tents known as 'gers', moving their flocks seasonally in search of the best grazing. The Gobi Desert covers the southern third of the country, with much of the remaining land area being either grassland steppe or mountain forest steppe. Mongolia`s tallest peak is Mount Khuiten (4374m / 14,350ft), located at the western extremity of the country, on the border with both Russia and China.

>> Mount Khuiten Ascent

READ MORE: MOUNT KHUITEN - THE WORLD'S MOST REMOTE MOUNTAIN