Central Asia

A wide range of accomodation options are available in Central Asia. One would find various B&B's , luxury hotels, hostels, guest houses all throughout the region. Although, hotels in Central Asia can be a bit expensive. There are also some houses one can rent. These houses could be private or dormatory - style.

The staple food of Central Asian food is bread and it is made in many different ways. Central Asian food also contains rice, yogurt, carrots, tomatoes, and pumpkin. The most common meats of Central Asian cuisine are mutton , beef and horse meat. The Kazakh and Krgyz cuisines are quite similar and are influenced by China and Russia. On the other hand, Uzbekistan's cuisine carries traces of Uzebek, Russian, and Afghan cooking. They usually serve nuts and soup before a meal. Turkmenistan's food is influenced by Iran and Azerbaijan and their most famous ingredient is melons. Uzbekistan's food shows traces of its Jewish community.

The predominant reigion in Central Asia is Islam. Buddhism and Zoroastrianism are also followed and they were the major faiths before the arrival of Islam. Turkic languages are mostly spoken in this region. Varieties of Persian are also spoken in Uzbekistan and Tajikistan. English is understood by young people, hotel staff, restaurant employees etc. Therefore, it's best to learn some basic phrases of the country you're visiting.

Pack according to the weather as Central Asia has an extreme climate both in the summers and winters. Take off your shoes while entering someone's home or a mosque. Avoid being scammed while exchanging your money. Respect the customs and traditions.

There are plenty of momentos you can take back from your trip to Central Asia. Some things worth buying in Central Asia include ceramics, rugs, silk scarves, handicrafts, hats, handbags, leathercrafts, woodcarvings, vodka, Kazakhstani chocolate, spices, and agora wool shawls. There are plenty souvenir shops in museums and malls. Uzbekistan has a number of flea markets at which you can purchase items at a bargain. Turkmenistan has some of the best sales of the region.

You would be lucky if you got the chance to attend one of Central Asia's festivals. The festivals of this region is the ultimate blend of culture, excitement, and joy. Tajikistan's Dushanbe Ethno - Jazz festival displays a collection of Tajik, Kyrgyz, Kazakh, and Uzbek jazz musicians. The Festival of Khan Atlas, celebrated in Uzbekistan showcases traditional Uzbek textiles. In its Silk and Spice Festival, Uzbek craftsmen showcase their wovens, wood carvings, jewellery, ceramics etc. In Krygyzstan's Horse Game Festival (Kyz Kumumai) men chase women while both are riding horses. If the man suceeds in catching up to the woman, he successful secures her status as his bride.The Birds of Prey Festival celebrated in Kyrgyzstan will give you the chance to experience the wonderful cuisine and handicrafts. Demonstrations of traditional hunting techniques using trained eagles and taigans are also performed.

Avoid using public toilets in Central Asia. Only drink bottled water. Make sure to be up-to-date on routine vaccines including measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot. Besides that, make sure you're vaccinated for Typhoid, Meningitis, Rabies, and Tick - borne Encephalitis.

People are expected to dress conservatively. People often greet each other by shaking hands while they simultaneously put their hands on their heart and slightly bow their heads. You are supposed to take off your shoes while entering a mosque or someone's home. Public display of affection is frowned upon.