UZBEKISTAN

Widely regarded as a cradle of culture and civilization, the Central Asian republic of Uzbekistan once formed the centre of the legendary Silk Road route between China, the Middle East and Rome. For centuries, this vital trading destination drew explorers, nomads and conquerors in their droves; it is also the birthplace of notorious conqueror Timur. Today, travellers seek out Uzbekistan to uncover its complex history, cultural heritage and architectural marvels.

In capital Tashkent, mosques and museums rub shoulders with Soviet-era monuments. Follow the time-honoured desert trail from the walled city and open-air museum Khiva to the elaborate minarets and fortresses of Bukhara. No Uzbek trip would be complete without exploring Samarkand, one of the world’s oldest continually inhabited cities, famed for madrasas, mausoleums and the splendid Islamic architecture of Registan Square.

Uzbekistan’s diverse scenery also has much to recommend it. One of only two doubly landlocked countries (countries surrounded by other landlocked countries) on Earth, it blends vast desert and steppe landscapes with mountain ranges, salt lakes and fertile river valleys.