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.
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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?

[@a.d.y8499]

The Pamir highway seem amazing :)

[@aniime6463]

Tajikistan white marble city

[@footplus1282]

Samarkand😍

[@golibbekqodirov5487]

Tashkent visit

[@gemtajikistan]

왜 타지키스탄 두샨베시 없어

[@suzanasamsudin7414]

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🇲🇾

[@tariqhashmi2321]

and he is buried near Samarkand. His tomb was neglected during the Soviet period but has been renovated and expanded, recently, and includes a museum housing some of his original Hadiths' books.

[@klytouch7515]

Hmmm... life is where you make it...yup Married, Raising family, and making a living... hmmm.. yet borders, cultures, languages and religions always an obstacles to our species of humanity movement and choices.. hmmm... I want to abolish all of those obstacles... And creating a new cognitive direction for our species of humanity...yup

[@klytouch7515]

@@amiral-bukhariy3270 i want a round table... in the middle of it writing must be say ... our species of humanity.... With a new universal verbal language that is not invented yet... For talk........

[@klytouch7515]

@@amiral-bukhariy3270 ba ha ha ha.. hmmm... my beautiful wife just keep it in your self and teaches our kids a very definition of our species of humanity... I love you... 😊

[@klytouch7515]

@@amiral-bukhariy3270 hmmm no I don't.. I only do comments on KZbin that is all I don't have anything else.. you're a boy..? Hmmm.. well I am sorry I call everyone as my beautiful wives... yeah it is just how I like to chat.. fair well my good sir have a nice day...😁😅

[@jaffarslamat879]

Samarkand is beautiful. Love Uzbekistan 🇺🇿

[@user-qb9ck5hb9d]

Loving Samarqand Buhara Margilan Xiva Tashkent👍

[@g.ksoloranger4017]

I like 🌺 Georgia,Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan 🌹🥀🌷

[@karolinapek4461]

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

[@karolinapek4461]

I hope to go again as I really loved all the cities, especially Khiva. Next time, I want to see Fergana and the disappearing Sea.

[@stefhoffer]

Absolutely agree, it's a wonderful region with great people.

[@sevinchravshanova4861]

@@karolinapek4461 hi I'm from Uzbekistan. it is actually called Aral Sea ( Orol dengizi) 😂😂 But if you think logically not Aral but disappearing sea😭

[@utahdan231]

@@karolinapek4461 Very sad picture.

[@langlaisjean-claude9418]

j'ai aussi visité l'Ouzbekistan en 2018, c'est la traversée du désert kizilkoum de Xiva à Boukhara qui m'a marqué

[@user-xf9lg1iw8x]

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!

[@shahzodnorqobilov1219]

I'm from Uzbekistan. I love my country

[@stefhoffer]

It's a really beautiful place.

[@shahzodnorqobilov1219]

@@stefhoffer thank you very much

[@khalilahmadakbary6019]

I want come in Usbekistan, I am form Herat Afghanistan

[@alisherumarov1046]

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.

[@farzinfrank2553]

They are old Persian cities and culture.

[@stefhoffer]

Thanks a lot for your kind comment Alisher.

[@bekzodismoilov281]

@@farzinfrank2553 nope all the buildings in these cities built by Uzbeks but it doesn’t make it persian cities 😂 the buildings are combination of uzbek+islamic+persian architecture. Just because we didn’t rename the city names doesn’t make it persian lol just persian language was dominant language that time to communicate with other countries from middle to east asia but it’s doesn’t make our cities persian in terms of tajiks living there, they are refugees who escaped tajik civil war in 1992 over 1 million tajiks espaced the war and permanently residents in samarkand and bukhara oh well but you don’t care right you are just robot

[@RM-vg1mf]

@@stefhoffer unfortunately i didn't recommend Khiva why...... It's one of the ancient city of whole asia,

[@rihathassan3582]

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

[@stefhoffer]

It really is a beautiful city, are you from Uzbekistan?

[@rihathassan3582]

@@stefhoffer hello,my place of birth is Pakistan but iam living in Tallinn Estonia since 1992and have Estonian citizenship.

[@stefhoffer]

@@rihathassan3582 Nice, so you really traveled a lot. Where in Pakistan if I may ask?

[@rihathassan3582]

@@stefhoffer last month in April I was also in Samarkand and Bukhara,in Pakistan I belong to historic city multan.my real name is tahir hussain.

[@stefhoffer]

@@rihathassan3582 Very nice, I hope to visit Pakistan again soon! Take care Tahir, nice to meet you :)

[@fotimaslife3863]

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

[@stefhoffer]

Thanks a lot for watching, hope you can visit Samarkand again soon. Best wishes!

[@fotimaslife3863]

@@stefhoffer Thanks!

[@E.P.I.C...]

​@@fotimaslife3863, Are you a Tajik?

[@E.P.I.C...]

​@@fotimaslife3863Are you a Tajik?

[@hdn2199]

Uzbeks is a big branch of turkic. Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva, Urganch was built ancient uzbek peoples.

[@bekzodismoilov281]

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

[@wojs2401]

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

[@stefhoffer]

Good luck, it's a fascinating region!

[@user-yw3mo7hf9u]

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

[@stefhoffer]

Thank you, I really enjoyed Bukhara, a beautiful city indeed.

[@sujatakulkarni6828]

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 :)

[@stefhoffer]

Safe travels, glad you enjoyed the video :)

[@farcry5540]

Love Kazakhstan 🇰🇿

[@Hlanzara]

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

[@stefhoffer]

Thank you for your kind words, it's truly a beautiful region.

[@zarifaruzieva]

Very informative and beautiful video. Loved seeing my city Samarqand and your video making me miss there so much ❤️

[@stefhoffer]

Thanks a lot for your kind words Zarifa. Wish you can visit again soon :)

[@kdeepsingh153]

❤️

[@kdeepsingh153]

Where from you

[@hafizqarimudassarhussainhu6967]

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

[@stefhoffer]

Thank you, it's a beautiful region.

[@ms0507]

awesome places , very beautiful. central asia is full of history.

[@deepakvarghese7619]

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

[@stefhoffer]

Thanks a lot for your kind words Deepak, best wishes :)

[@amitdhar3668]

Nice video. I am eager to visit Samarkand, Bukhara and drive through Pamir Highway. Thanks for growing my interest for a geography I was less aware of.

[@stefhoffer]

Thanks a lot for your comment Amit. It's really a remarkable region in the world. Hope you can visit in the future, good luck :)

[@RyanShirley]

Wow, amazing video Stef! That’s amazing you’ve been to all of these countries! Such fascinating places!

[@stefhoffer]

Thanks a lot Ryan, they are such great places! You should consider them in the future :)

[@user-ou8bi5bs1c]

Asallamu alaykum ! Our greatest place is Samarkand ! Known as a Registan !!

[@marajalbahrain6430]

Excellent and Stunning V log ... I love Bukhara, one day must vist.. Appreciations, from UK

[@stefhoffer]

Thank you!

[@thewalkstreet9423]

Watching from Cambodia 🥰🇰🇭

[@stefhoffer]

Hope you liked it Run :)

[@normanjones7254]

Fascinating, reminds me of my history lessons. Dying to visit the old Silk Road and much more

[@stefhoffer]

Hope you can soon :)

[@femagallanes3177]

I haven' gone such fascinating places. How I wish I can go there someday.

[@kutnahora100]

My dream destination would be Central Asia....I am just fascinated with the region and its people...

[@bayezidhtanu2907]

It has almost reminded me of "Rick Steves' Europe" for some reason.

[@Hooman374]

Same 😂😂

[@Hooman374]

@nivea man ?? I was once delegate that's why it's showing unfccc Cameroon 😅😅

[@toady7741]

Rick needs to do a video tour of Central Asia. He's been branching out of Europe in recent years.

[@Hooman374]

@@toady7741 yeah it should be RICK STEVES WORLD LOL

[@stefhoffer]

Thanks a lot! I love Rick's documentaries.

[@shohruhmahmudov557]

Im from fergana .❤❤❤

[@chietbrink3977]

What a great video again ! I am always surprised how you show us not only beautiful images but also how people live and work in their daily life in all those different countries ! Thank you.

[@stefhoffer]

Thank you for watching again! It's such a beautiful and interesting region to visit, and a lot of daily life takes place on the street :)

[@utahdan231]

My favorite part of the world. The architecture is awesome.

[@advantechassociates3077]

Thanks a lot for this enchanting travel to marvelous Central Asian continent. Enjoyed your fabelous description of this wonderful world which has Centuries of Heritage and peaceful co existence. May Allahapak protect them forever Aameen

[@stefhoffer]

Thanks a lot for watching and your kind comment. Completely agree.

[@jonam7589]

I thoriughly enjoyed it. It is good to see that the Persian architecture has survived in Central Asia. Most of the Persians were uprooted after the Mongul invasion 800 years ago, but some of the culture still remains. Just wondering why you were playing Indian musisc when there was no indian influence here?

[@stefhoffer]

I thought the sitar was also used in Uzbekistan, but maybe this wasn't the best music to pick. Thanks for watching and your comment :)

[@erz2479]

@@stefhoffer I not only see Persian but the architecture of the Turkic people who are there

[@erz2479]

I not only see Persian but the architecture of the Turkic people who are there

[@jonam7589]

@@erz2479 Yes, Turkic architecture entered in the area after the Mongol invasion in 13th century.

[@jonam7589]

@@stefhoffer yes, but where did they get it from? Let's not forget that before the Mongol invasion the entire central area was home to the Persians before they were salughtered by the Mongols. However, many aspects of the culture remained. Why do you think all those countries have "stan" at the end?

[@reelhappytravellers2691]

One word for this video, stunning.

[@stefhoffer]

Thank you for your kind words, it's also a stunning area to visit :)

[@rifasworld9204]

Masha allah

[@skawilliams]

Thanks for sharing! The world sure is a big place

[@stefhoffer]

Absolutely, thanks for your comment!

[@nargiskhan8670]

Superb and fantastic documentary l really enjoyed it 👍

[@stefhoffer]

Thanks Nargis, I'm glad you liked it :)

[@MJ_123]

MASHA ALLAH !!!! All places are beautiful and enchanting. Their natives are blessed so much with peaceful life which has become a fairy tale for the countries of South Asia 😒.

[@stefhoffer]

It's a unique region in the world really.

[@geraldmantel4955]

Can't do any better than this in 21+ minutes, nice production!

[@stefhoffer]

Thanks a lot, glad you enjoyed it!

[@md.mohiebullahkhalashi8263]

Beautiful country in Uzbekistan...

[@stefhoffer]

It really is, are you from Uzbekistan?

[@sevinchravshanova4861]

@@stefhoffer no his is not. Remember this when you see surnames ending with ev, ov( masculine) eva, ova( feminine) are mostly from Uzbekistan, Kazakstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkemenistan or Tajikistan

[@MK-us2ls]

Beautiful video. You could have captured more of Afghanistan, other than Wakhan corridor. Afghanistan has extremely stunning nature.

[@stefhoffer]

Completely agree, thanks for watching!

[@zr1114]

Simply incredible. I learned so much from this video, my next destination will be Central Asia!

[@stefhoffer]

Thanks a lot Bilal, safe travels!

[@hz5844]

Great video. Just please pay attention to the background music, you’ve used Indian music with Central Asian scenes.

[@I_JUST_MADE_THE_LIST]

Do you happen to know the BG music from 1:30 to 2:25? Where can I get it? It is simply heavenly!

[@hz5844]

That’s what I was referring to as Indian Music. This is the ‘classic Indian sitar’ and you can find lots of it on KZbin.

[@stefhoffer]

It was difficult to find local music, but I thought the sitar was also used in Uzbekistan. Thanks for your comment :)

[@hz5844]

@@stefhoffer Here's a link to Tajik folklore music kzbin.info/www/bejne/qqinf41tmNeHj8k

[@manuchehrsanginov754]

Hello, Stef Hoffer. I am from Tajikistan, l am interested in the most nature. I liked teaching geography. I know English, German, Russian, Tajik and Finnish languages. Thank you for telling me about the country.

[@stefhoffer]

Thank you for watching! Best wishes :)

[@francinejaninesarmiento1797]

Those are beautiful places! Love watching videos like this! Perfect travel spots to use my new bento bag from Nomad Lane. Such a great bag!

[@marg7887]

There are so many beautiful places and experiences that we have not been. Thx for sharing !

[@stefhoffer]

Thanks for watching!

[@a.d.y8499]

What a spectacular video and amazing area! Seems to be one of the most interesting places to visit. thanks for sharing!

[@stefhoffer]

Thank you for watching Adi, it's really a unique area to visit :)

[@theaverageguytraveller7253]

India and Central Asia are my two favourite places to travel through. It’s criminally underrated, every corner is spectacularly beautiful. I’m planning on making the caucuses my next trip but who knows if my plans will work out. Nice video!

[@lifeinasia4769]

Awesome. These places are very nice and worth visiting in Central Asia. Thank you for sharing this great video! :)

[@jerusalembible]

Absolutely fascinating! Thanks for sharing.

[@stefhoffer]

Thanks for watching!

[@hamzakhan8393]

beautiful vlog, thanks for the insight!

[@guayames]

Thanks for a great journey!

[@Helal76-23]

Thanks for posting such an informative article on Central Asia.

[@stefhoffer]

Thanks for your comment!

[@victoriaromanenko9733]

Beautiful filming of the beautiful countries. Thanks a lot for this video.

[@stefhoffer]

Thanks a lot for your kind words

[@x_amethyst]

What a wonderful video ! Thanks !

[@Social_extracts]

Absolutely amazing ❤️ respect your efforts and u made think to plan and visit these places thank you so much x

[@stefhoffer]

Thanks a lot for watching, and your kind comment.

[@jessieinchina1201]

Thanks for sharing this great video. You really made good documentary.

[@daniyaltss726]

My dream 1 time going uzebkistan form 🇮🇳india

[@mamoonaskitchen4124]

Beautiful sharing.

[@jdrone]

Shooting as it is. This is a wonderful documentary.

[@duniafana6868]

Thank you for sharing the beauty of the world through this amazing video my friends, I hope that you will always be given the health of my friends, thank you very much my friends🙏

[@stefhoffer]

Thanks a lot for your kind words, I'm happy you enjoyed the video :)

[@jigneshpatel7055]

@@stefhoffer brother where do u from

[@victoriaursu9647]

@@jigneshpatel7055 I think he is from Germany or Austria !

[@vinge1718]

Mind Blown!

[@Forgotten-Lyrics]

Amazing work

[@arnaudnilwik]

Awesome work. Wonderful and beautiful!!!

[@stefhoffer]

Thanks Arnaud!

[@GT-bo3im]

Beautiful and informative video. Keep up the good work.

[@stefhoffer]

Thanks!

[@nasserahmad6866]

An excellent video loaded with helpful information thanks for hard work and keep it up bro.

[@reyguarinnjbchannel5850]

Beautiful place

[@corabainendean]

loved this video! thank you!

[@stefhoffer]

Thanks for watching!

[@nickkulldude]

Awesome video with stunning photography

[@stefhoffer]

Thanks a lot!

[@shadowboxer2747]

These are just truly amazing places that i wish to visit and explore .. i bet they are much cheaper than visiting europe.. will plan my trips soon.. thanks for the video .. greetings from Malaysia 🇲🇾

[@stefhoffer]

It's really a beatiful region, and many places are less expensive than Europe (but not everywhere). Take care!

[@shadowboxer2747]

@@stefhoffer thx for the reply and info

[@kimhuattan875]

Marvelous video

[@tanveeriqbal5840]

Thank you Stef Hoffer sir for making such amazing videos

[@stefhoffer]

Thank you for watching!

[@anupmahanta5292]

Real eye opener. Such strong flavour of history. Those exotic long standing places. You are successful. I am truly inspired. Great project done painstakingly. Thank you.

[@stefhoffer]

Thanks a lot Anup, glad you enjoyed the video.

[@yashwantsinghjhinkwan7496]

Stunning, oh icud hv visited.

[@user-zy1ec2lz6g]

Uzbekistan very interested 👍👍👍

[@francischeong1835]

Thanks for sharing mate. Hope to visit Samarkand, Bukhara and Kyrgyzstan one day.

[@stefhoffer]

Thanks for watching, they are beautiful areas, I hope you can too :)

[@natalyzinzuk8507]

Wonderful video 🌟Thank you

[@stefhoffer]

Thank you :)

[@moinuddinhossain2300]

Incredible

[@dzinzinteriors9300]

truly wonderful video

[@stefhoffer]

Thank you :)

[@mahfuzurrahman3619]

I am fascinated to watch such video which gave a full of inspiration. My profound thanks to you and hope to watch new videos in future on different screens.

[@stefhoffer]

Thanks a lot for your kind words, I'm happy you enjoyed the video.

[@lehergupta2541]

I want to visit the central Asia. After watching your video, Got a boost up.

[@stefhoffer]

Thank you, hope you can in the future. Safe travels.

[@swapniljauhri3897]

Beautiful

[@sharadchandra1]

Thanks . You are one of the best !

[@stefhoffer]

Thanks for your kind words :)

[@konathalasivasatyanarayana8480]

Xlent video coverage Sir🙏🙏

[@himanshusaxena7228]

Super video and places

[@raybilbilodeau6767]

Your videos are absolutely fantastics…💕💫

[@stefhoffer]

Thank you!

[@HK-lk3sd]

Your videos are one of best I have ever watched...

[@stefhoffer]

Thanks for your kind words :)

[@Damngoodcoffee_n_cherrypie]

Beautiful video. I cannot wait to visit all of the places on this list.

[@stefhoffer]

Hope you can do it in the future, travel safely :)

[@Damngoodcoffee_n_cherrypie]

@@stefhoffer Thanks :)

[@bayezidhtanu2907]

Beautiful!

[@AnwarKhan-bq8kb]

Hoffer , nice Really got a lot of information about Centeral Asia, countries n culture.

[@dilbagrai4226]

Great job

[@rajilaldr]

Great!!!

[@akbindal23]

Beautiful thanks

[@ashrafkhanddurrani8970]

worth watch

[@AaBb-uf3ml]

ชอบดูการท่องเทียวทุกประเทศ งามมาก

[@Bellatutu1927]

Very nice I love it and really I would love to be there soon in Shalla👍😘

[@phaetvora6104]

It very beautiful film. And good. Description. I like

[@jamesmarkey5946]

This Region's potential for development is off the hook the mineral resources alone in the area that's my main interest topography excellent video

[@stefhoffer]

Thanks a lot James!