Miao Minority Village, Leishan Country, Guizhou, China

North & Central Asia

The cultures and landscapes of North and Central Asia are both spectacular and fascinating and include the largest country in the world, Russia.

North and Central Asia offers epic landscapes, ancient cultures and legendary archaeological remains.

Terrain ranges from the black beaches of far eastern Russia’s Kamchatka to the monster mountains and ice blue lakes of Kyrgyzstan and the open steppes of Mongolia. For ancient history  and culture look no further than the silk road cities of Uzbekistan, the dynastic history or China or the temples, gardens and geisha of Japan.

Chinese man painting a panda.
Chinese artist

North Asia

China’s ancient riches are complemented by modern marvels of architecture, and in Tibet, a country that offers such traditional cultures, you can be transformed into a different world. The open steppes of Mongolia record their history in song and monuments while Japan offers the visitor the latest technology alongside some of the worlds most ancient cultures. In the far north, Russia, the worlds largest country, where the Trans-Siberian railway wends it way and volcanic landscapes pepper the dramatic Kamchatka region.

Pamir Mountains, Tajikistan
Pamir mountains, Tajikistan

Central Asia

The goliath state of Kazakhstan is a mystery for intrepid travellers while Kyrgyzstan’s mountains and lakes dominate 90% of the country. The main attraction of Tajikistan is the Pamir Mountains and for Turkmenistan, it is the great Garagum desert, whilst Uzbekistan encompasses the legendary Silk Road, cities of Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva.

Need Inspiration? Browse our North & Central Asia holiday ideas.

Get a head start on your perfect holiday to North and Central Asia and search through these holiday ideas created by our experts. Once your plans are in place, we will make them happen.

Meet our experts

A passion for travel runs right through every one of our experts - meaning they're always ready with first-hand insight about their specialist countries.

Paul Craven

Paul is the Conde Nast Traveller chosen Specialist for Central Asia and the Silk Route.

I first travelled to Vietnam in 1988, when tourism was barely a concept, and have been visiting Central Asia since it was still behind the Iron Curtain. Such first-hand experience makes all the difference when talking to clients. I know the importance of asking questions, not taking the first answer as gospel, and matching the right destination to the right person.

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  • 01285 880 980

Jim Davies

Having spent a decade working as a guide all around the world, I understand just how important it is to link you with the right people on the ground, helping you immerse yourself more deeply in a place.

Talk with our experts
  • 01285 880 980

Clare Wiggins

My love for Asia began with living there. Based in Vietnam and then Malaysia, I also explored the surrounding regions before eventually finding my way back home via China and the Trans-Siberian railway. At Steppes Travel, I get to share that love for Asia every day, helping clients experience the places I know best as if they were locals themselves.

Talk with our experts
  • 01285 880 980

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