Central Asia is one of the most diverse and exciting travel destinations in the world, and finally gaining recognition. This region was at the heart of the ancient Silk Road and the Great Game, and an integral part of the Soviet Union, but each of the independent republics now has its own modern identity. Whether you choose to visit a single ‘stan, or take advantage of Paramount Journey’s regional expertise to join a multi-country tour, you’re guaranteed to be enthralled by the stunning natural landscapes, rich culture and history, and the warm local hospitality.
Unlike foreign tour companies which have only recently “discovered” Central Asia, Paramount Journey was born in the mountains of Tajikistan. Our founder, partners, expedition leaders, and guides are all native to the region, so when they share with you their passion, insight, and recommendations, you’ll be seeing each destination through local eyes. Your travel experience with Paramount Journey is completely authentic.
If this is your first trip to Central Asia and you want to taste a little of everything the region has to offer, our Central Asian Circuit encompasses the best of Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan. Wilderness lovers should check out The Wild Wakhan Corridor in Afghanistan and Tajikistan , or the more active Mountains and Nomads in Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan. There’s plenty for culture vultures, too: Ancient Central Asia explores the history and archaeology of Uzbekistan and Tajikistan before the arrival of Islam, and Fergana: A Central Asian Patchwork focuses on the arts and crafts of the fascinating Fergana Valley.
TAJIKISTAN
Tajikistan is the smallest of all the Central Asian ‘Stans, but it was a trading hub for millennia, and the ethnic, cultural and linguistic makeup of the country is quite distinct from those around it: Tajikistan owes much of its identify to ties with Persia rather than to Turkic tribes. At Paramount Journey, we like to think that it has everything you could want in a country Learn more…
Uzbekistan is at the very heart of the Silk Road. With its glittering mosques and madrasss, Bactrian camels and ruined caravanserais in the Karakum and Kyzylkum Deserts, it encapsulates every fairytale stereotype. After 20 years of relative isolation, Uzbekistan has finally embraced tourism and is opening up to the outside world Learn more…
Kyrgyzstan is a tiny Central Asian republic with a population of around 6 million people, but it is said that if you rolled all the mountains out flat, the country would be bigger than China. 97% of Kyrgyzstan is mountainous, so wherever you travel you are guaranteed to have spectacular snow capped peaks on your horizon Learn more…
Kazakhstan is the ninth largest country in the world, equal in area to the entirety of Western Europe. Situated at the centre of the Eurasian landmass, it has an extreme continental climate and natural landscapes varying from vast, flat steppe to the peaks of the Altai Mountains. Depending on the time of year, you can hike and mountain bike, horse ride, and even ski. Kazakhstan boasts some truly dramatic landscapes Learn more…
Two millennia ago, Afghanistan was one of the wealthiest, most sophisticated, and culturally rich destinations on the Silk Road. Urban civilisation began here around 3,000 BC, and both Zoroastrianism and Buddhism flourished, as seen in the monumental Buddhist statues in Bamiyan. The mountains, then as now, were rich in copper, gold, iron ore, and precious stones, and yet more money came from the overland Learn more…
Turkmenistan is the least visited and least well known of all the Central Asian republics. The country’s official position of neutrality has often in practice resulted in isolationism, and since independence the government has pursued its own path for development, with little concern for international norms. Those foreigners who do come here are often taken aback by the apparent wealth of Ashgabat Learn more…
