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Central AsiaThe Inside StoryThe dazzling diversity of Central Asia has drawn travellersfor centuries. The colourful cohabitation of Asian andRussian, Islamic and communist and the eclectic mixof ancient and modern, create the drama of life in thisextraordinary region today.Trace the ghosts of the old Silk Road, stand in the shadowof grand monuments built by eccentric autocrats, uncoverage-old relics and natural phenomena, and enjoy the warmhospitality of convivial locals at every turn. Explore pristinewilderness, where nature reserves abound with uniquewildlife and flaming gas craters illuminate the desert atnight.For a true cultural experience, plan your Central Asia tripto coincide with Navruz on March 21st, where singing,dancing, poetry, food and wrestling are found in abundancein celebration of Spring Feast and the New Year.We can tailor-make itineraries to all five of the republics– Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan andUzbekistan – that make up Central Asia.Storyto tell -CarlMeadowsWhy I loveCentral AsiaTurkmenistan may scorelow on the DemocracyIndex (two places aboveNorth Korea) but itcomes high on my list offavourite places to visit.From meeting hospitablelocals at the colourfulmarkets, where buying apiece of fruit can turninto an hour’s chat, tocamping in the desertby the glowingDarvaza gas crater,this country servesup countless uniqueexperiences.328 BCAlexander the Great invadesCentral Asia and takesSamarkand in Uzbekistan114 BCChinese Han Dynastyextends Silk Roadthrough Central Asiac. 700Islam introducedto the regionc. 1300Kyrgyz people migratefrom Siberia to TienShan Mountains1526Babur takes Kandaharand Delhi and establishesMoghul Empire in India200 BCThe Huns emerge on theKazakh-China border50-330 ADKushan Empireenvelopes Tajikistan1227Mongols, led byGenghis Khan,conquer Central Asia1497Fergana ruler, Babur,captures Samarkandat age 141715Peter the Greatleads first Russianexpedition toKazakh Steppes