Turkmenistan is an arid country located below the southern portion of Uzbekistan, surrounded by mountains in the east and west and its center is mostly occupied by the Kara Kum desert. The inhabitants are predominantly ethnic Turkmen and a small number of Uzbeks and Russians. This country is very rich in culture and history as it had been conquered many times in the past by the likes of Alexander the Great, Genghis Khan and the Islamic Arabs. It is a great wonder then how the Turkmen have been able to preserve their ancient culture. So if you are planning a turkmenistan travel, you will get to see original culture rich nomadic tribes that have managed to survive for centuries.

Turkmenistan is a very interesting place to visit but there a lot more exciting places to see if you are going on a 5 stans tour. Aside from Turkmenistan, the other stan countries which include Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan all have their exciting stories to tell. And perhaps what all of them will have in common is the fascinating part they all played in the famous Silk Road. The name came to be known as such when ancient traders from India and China traversed a route through Central Asia which came to be known as the Silk Road to bring silk and other luxuries to Europe. So if you are going to Central Asia to visit the 5 Stan countries you are in fact embarking on a travel silk road.