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

[@g.ksoloranger4017]

I like 🌺 Georgia,Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan 🌹🥀🌷

[@jaffarslamat879]

Samarkand is beautiful. Love Uzbekistan 🇺🇿

[@user-qb9ck5hb9d]

Loving Samarqand Buhara Margilan Xiva Tashkent👍

[@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...😁😅

[@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

[@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!

[@farcry5540]

Love Kazakhstan 🇰🇿

[@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

[@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?

[@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.

[@ms0507]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@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 :)

[@hafizqarimudassarhussainhu6967]

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

[@stefhoffer]

Thank you, it's 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

[@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 :)

[@hdn2199]

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

[@shohruhmahmudov557]

Im from fergana .❤❤❤

[@marajalbahrain6430]

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

[@stefhoffer]

Thank you!

[@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 :)

[@utahdan231]

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

[@thewalkstreet9423]

Watching from Cambodia 🥰🇰🇭

[@stefhoffer]

Hope you liked it Run :)

[@user-ou8bi5bs1c]

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

[@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...

[@geraldmantel4955]

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

[@stefhoffer]

Thanks a lot, glad you enjoyed it!

[@normanjones7254]

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

[@stefhoffer]

Hope you can soon :)

[@rifasworld9204]

Masha allah

[@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 :)

[@reelhappytravellers2691]

One word for this video, stunning.

[@stefhoffer]

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

[@nargiskhan8670]

Superb and fantastic documentary l really enjoyed it 👍

[@stefhoffer]

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

[@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 :)

[@skawilliams]

Thanks for sharing! The world sure is a big place

[@stefhoffer]

Absolutely, thanks for your comment!

[@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.

[@zr1114]

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

[@stefhoffer]

Thanks a lot Bilal, safe travels!

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@user-zy1ec2lz6g]

Uzbekistan very interested 👍👍👍

[@hamzakhan8393]

beautiful vlog, thanks for the insight!

[@jessieinchina1201]

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

[@guayames]

Thanks for a great journey!

[@lifeinasia4769]

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

[@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?

[@x_amethyst]

What a wonderful video ! Thanks !

[@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 :)

[@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 :)

[@marg7887]

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

[@stefhoffer]

Thanks for watching!

[@jerusalembible]

Absolutely fascinating! Thanks for sharing.

[@stefhoffer]

Thanks for watching!

[@mamoonaskitchen4124]

Beautiful sharing.

[@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.

[@nasserahmad6866]

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

[@jdrone]

Shooting as it is. This is a wonderful documentary.

[@arnaudnilwik]

Awesome work. Wonderful and beautiful!!!

[@stefhoffer]

Thanks Arnaud!

[@konathalasivasatyanarayana8480]

Xlent video coverage Sir🙏🙏

[@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!

[@Helal76-23]

Thanks for posting such an informative article on Central Asia.

[@stefhoffer]

Thanks for your comment!

[@nickkulldude]

Awesome video with stunning photography

[@stefhoffer]

Thanks a lot!

[@Forgotten-Lyrics]

Amazing work

[@GT-bo3im]

Beautiful and informative video. Keep up the good work.

[@stefhoffer]

Thanks!

[@nikolaibaeify]

Wonderful video! You did a great job!

[@stefhoffer]

Thank you!

[@unaisektkt6879]

Amazing.. 👍

[@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 :)

[@bayezidhtanu2907]

Beautiful!

[@corabainendean]

loved this video! thank you!

[@stefhoffer]

Thanks for watching!

[@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

[@reyguarinnjbchannel5850]

Beautiful place

[@AnwarKhan-bq8kb]

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

[@fleurh4391]

Amazing and inspiring video!

[@stefhoffer]

Glad you liked it Fleur!

[@sofisofi2164]

Really thanks🙏, WELLCOME🙏 🤝💼 Sofi✍

[@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

[@raybilbilodeau6767]

Your videos are absolutely fantastics…💕💫

[@stefhoffer]

Thank you!

[@kimhuattan875]

Marvelous video

[@zoyaentertainment5465]

Nice sharing video.

[@SajjadKhan-gg8hp]

Great to watch this video.i am your new subscriber.

[@HK-lk3sd]

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

[@stefhoffer]

Thanks for your kind words :)

[@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.

[@moinuddinhossain2300]

Incredible

[@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!

[@akbindal23]

Beautiful thanks

[@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.

[@tanveeriqbal5840]

Thank you Stef Hoffer sir for making such amazing videos

[@stefhoffer]

Thank you for watching!

[@victoriaursu9647]

T hanks for this wonderful video ! 👌It awaknes wonderful memories in me !😍

[@stefhoffer]

Thanks a lot for watching Victoria!

[@TheNomivlogz7382]

Amazing 👌

[@skwasim500]

U r nicely portrayed & great places

[@natalyzinzuk8507]

Wonderful video 🌟Thank you

[@stefhoffer]

Thank you :)

[@himanshusaxena7228]

Super video and places

[@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 :)

[@dzinzinteriors9300]

truly wonderful video

[@stefhoffer]

Thank you :)

[@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.

[@vinge1718]

Mind Blown!

[@victoriaromanenko9733]

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

[@stefhoffer]

Thanks a lot for your kind words

[@Bellatutu1927]

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

[@dilbagrai4226]

Great job

[@antoniochac5141]

Bonito reportaje

[@stefhoffer]

Thank you Antonio!

[@salomejackson1]

Stef you did wonderful work !! I enjoyed the video so much ! :)

[@stefhoffer]

Thank you very much, I'm happy to hear that :)

[@sharadchandra1]

Thanks . You are one of the best !

[@stefhoffer]

Thanks for your kind words :)