CENTRAL ASIA 2026

Penguin Travel 

Someday I hope to visit remnants of the Persian empire, such as Persepolis. But, the US and Iran had been hostile for years, and now, finally at war. Maybe I could get some flavor of Islamic culture from Central Asia. Also, the great Tienshan Mountains (天山) divided Xinjiang China from Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. To find out what is on the other side, I took Penguin Travel’s 21 day tour: “The five stans–Follow in the footsteps of Genghis Khan”. In the end, although local guides didn't give too many details, searching Google along the way with e-sim data, I attest that the tour dutifully accomplished delivering those bloody footsteps. By bus, train, and plane, we meandered 2000+ miles across Central Asia.  

The Khan

In Mongolia, the giant stainless steel equestrian monument of Genghis Khan must forever represent every citizen’s ultimate pride and identity. Once upon a time, their brother was the most powerful (ruthless) man on earth.  

“Pax Mongolia,” 100+ years of prosperity was attributed to the Khan. Mainly because he took over the Silk Road. Pay his toll coming and going, and anyone's religion, race, or creed wouldn't be a concern. Evidence of his accomplishments were exhibited in their national museum when I visited in 2018. No mention of his ethnic massacres. 

Asia to Eastern Europe was at this man's non-mercifulness. For 20+ years, 20 to 60 million, 10-15% of the human population died by his command.

The Terrain

From my plane window, the summits of Tienshan stayed in view for over an hour! Imagine Tang Dynasty monk Xuanzang (唐三藏) walked from Xian China to Nalanda Monastery India, trekking over Tienshan twice! Genghis Khan and his horde, too!

Mountains were everywhere and rugged like the beginning of Earth–trekking or hiking, anyone? Below the blue sky were shades of gold and brown earth with olive colored weeds and shrubs. Now and then herds of single hump camels graze in their turf. Flashback to the Silk Road! The Toyota 4x4 bounced and tossed me and 2 mates on a thrilling 4 hour drive, on rocky unmarked off roads and iffy paved roads toward the Darvaza Gas Crater in the middle of the massive Karakum Desert. Time of my life!  

In a mountainous landscape, the appearance of a lake soothed and calmed the eye and heart. The Iskandarkul (Alexander Lake) in Tajikistan was the most beautiful lake I've ever seen anywhere.  

Cities and towns were up to standard. No graffiti anywhere was delightful. Except for road and construction dust and floating tree debris, places were decently kept. The Internet was fine, except in Turkmenistan. Soviet era landmarks remained solid to revere. Newer tenements looked utilitarian much like older ones.  Prominent commercial buildings were interesting mutants of classical styles. And then there was Ashgabat Turkmenistan, which was entirely white or off white, with or without gold trims, Las Vegas vibe, and man-made evergreen forests. Every stan has the requisite Islamic mosque, and separate old cities that interest tourists. Samarkand and Bukhara in Uzbekistan were most historically significant. Both major Silk Road hubs were entirely wiped out by the Khan. Timur rebuilt Samarkand 150 years later; his descendants rebuilt Bukhara several hundred years after.  

History 

Humanity doesn't change–destruction and construction repeat. Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan, aka Central Asia, had their share of man-made calamities. 2,356-2,353 years ago, for 3 years, Alexander destroyed Sodiana (Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Afghanistan). 1,375-1,275 years ago, Islamic Arabs razed Central Asia and uprooted the fire worship Sodiana culture. 808-801 years ago, Genghis Khan blood-washed Central Asia. 104-35 years ago, the Soviet Union, dominated by Russia, subjected Central Asia to socialism, and divided it into the 5 stans of the current day. Much of the past was rubbish and ruins at the mercy of excavation and reconstruction. The rest is up to museums to do right.  The 5 stans finally became individually independent, reborn as new countries in 1991.  History continues.  

Travelers

Our group was 15 (14 plus a leader). The itinerary was  precisionally designed for comprehensive coverage of each stan, yet we had ample free time to roam after most early dinners. Because Central Asia would not likely be a top destination for the average vacationer, I had expected to be among some avid travelers. Travelers are a special breed in my book. They know that places, people and things are transient. They capture moments and move on. We had great verbal exchanges, perhaps truer than friends at home. Everyone was fascinating to me. That’s another star for this tour! Our 15 had been to more countries than 3-10 pairs of hands could count! At least two are still on the road (tour ended 6 days ago). Most or all had been DIY travelers. Coming to Central Asia, however, we all had the good sense to join a tour! Nothing was random; this trip was another Divine Blessing!   Special Thanks to Andrey, Anthony, Barbara, Caroline, Darshan & Linda, Doreen, Jeanette, Juan & Ross, Keith, Sal & Camy, and Yunen!