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Tourist Destinations in Eastern Former Soviet Republics

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Those ex soviet countries are not well known to the western man as tourist destinations. I want to change that. And I hope I will be successful.
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Georgia

Nestled between Europe and Asia, Georgia is known for its ancient history, scenic landscapes, and unique culture. Its capital, Tbilisi, is a vibrant city that showcases a blend of old and new. The country's mountainous regions like Svaneti and Kazbeg...

 
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The vibrant capital with old town charm, sulfur baths, and Narikala Fortress.
Tbilisi
 
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Home to the iconic Gergeti Trinity Church and Mount Kazbek.
Kazbegi National Park
 
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A Black Sea resort city known for its beaches, nightlife, and futuristic architecture.
Batumi
 
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A mountainous region with ancient stone towers and stunning landscapes.
Svaneti
 
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A rock-hewn town with ancient cave dwellings.
Uplistsikhe Cave Town
 
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A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the oldest cities in Georgia.
Mtskheta

Azerbaijan

This oil-rich nation blends European and Asian influences. Baku, its capital, is known for futuristic architecture, contrasting with the ancient walled city. Azerbaijan's culture reflects its complex history and Islamic traditions, making it a unique...

 
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The capital with its stunning Flame Towers, medieval old town, and modern architecture.
Baku
 
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A UNESCO site known for ancient petroglyphs and mud volcanoes.
Gobustan National Park
 
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A charming town famous for the Sheki Khan’s Palace and beautiful scenery.
Sheki
 
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A popular mountain resort with hiking, skiing, and historic sites.
Gebele
 
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Known for its wildlife and coastal landscapes.
Absheron National Park
 
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An iconic set of skyscrapers in Baku with LED screens that light up at night.
Flame Towers

Armenia

The first country to adopt Christianity as a state religion, Armenia is rich in religious heritage with ancient churches and monasteries. It’s also known for its dramatic landscapes, including Mount Ararat, symbolically important to Armenians, though...

 
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The capital city with attractions like Republic Square, Cascade Complex, and the Armenian Genocide Memorial.
Yerevan
 
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A UNESCO-listed medieval monastery partially carved out of rock.
Geghard Monastery
 
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One of the largest freshwater high-altitude lakes in the world.
Lake Sevan
 
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A well-preserved Hellenistic temple dating back to the 1st century AD.
Garni Temple
 
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A stunning monastery with views of Mount Ararat.
Khor Virap Monastery
 
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A cliff-side monastery accessible by the world's longest non-stop cable car.
Tatev Monastery

Kazakhstan

The largest of the Central Asian republics, Kazakhstan is a vast country with steppes, mountains, and deserts. Its modern capital, Astana (Nur-Sultan), showcases futuristic architecture, while Almaty, the former capital, is known for its beautiful mo...

 
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The largest city with modern architecture, mountain views, and the Medeu ice-skating rink.
Almaty
 
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The futuristic capital city with landmarks like the Bayterek Tower and Khan Shatyr shopping mall.
Astana
 
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Known as Kazakhstan's Grand Canyon with stunning rock formations.
Charyn Canyon - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)
 
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A remote and beautiful area ideal for trekking and nature lovers.
Altai Mountains
 
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A trio of alpine lakes in a stunning mountainous region.
Kolsai Lakes National Park
 
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The world’s first and largest space launch facility.
Baikonur Cosmodrome

Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan is known for its well-preserved cities that were key stops along the ancient Silk Road. Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva are famous for their stunning Islamic architecture, vibrant bazaars, and rich history.

 
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A UNESCO World Heritage city with stunning Islamic architecture, including Registan Square.
Samarkand
 
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A well-preserved medieval city with centuries-old mosques, madrasas, and a fortress.
Bukhara
 
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A UNESCO-listed city with an incredible old town that feels like an open-air museum.
Khiva
 
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The capital city with a blend of Soviet and modern architecture, museums, and markets.
Tashkent
 
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The birthplace of Tamerlane, with significant historical monuments.
Shahrisabz
 
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Once one of the largest lakes in the world, now a site of environmental disaster.
Aral Sea

Turkmenistan

One of the most isolated and authoritarian countries in the world, Turkmenistan is famous for its surreal, marble-clad capital, Ashgabat, and the Darvaza gas crater, often referred to as the "Door to Hell."

 
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The capital with marble-clad buildings, grand monuments, and a futuristic vibe.
Ashgabat
 
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Known as the "Door to Hell," a massive burning crater in the Karakum Desert.
Darvaza Gas Crater - "Door to Hell"
 
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A UNESCO World Heritage site, once one of the world’s largest cities.
Ancient Merv
 
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The remains of an ancient city and former capital of the Khorezm Empire.
Köneürgench
 
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Ideal for exploring dunes and the vast emptiness of Central Asia.
Karakum Desert
 
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An ancient Parthian city and UNESCO World Heritage site near Ashgabat.
Nisa

Kyrgyzstan

Known for its natural beauty, Kyrgyzstan is a mountainous country with a nomadic culture. The stunning Issyk-Kul Lake, alpine landscapes, and rich traditions make it a popular destination for adventure tourism.

 
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The capital city with leafy boulevards, Soviet-era monuments, and Ala-Too Square.
Bishkek
 
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A massive high-altitude lake surrounded by the Tian Shan mountains.
Issyk Kul lake
 
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Great for hiking with beautiful alpine scenery close to Bishkek.
Ala Archa National Park
 
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One of Central Asia's oldest cities, known for its markets and the sacred Sulayman Mountain.
Osh
 
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A remote and stunning lake, ideal for camping and experiencing nomadic culture.
Song-Kul lake
 
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The main market in Osh, known for its vibrant atmosphere.
Chorsu Bazaar - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

Tajikistan

A predominantly mountainous country, Tajikistan is home to the rugged Pamir Mountains, known for their extreme terrain and remote villages. Its capital, Dushanbe, offers a mix of Soviet architecture and local traditions.

 
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The capital with attractions like the National Museum, Victory Park, and Rudaki Avenue.
Dushanbe
 
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Ideal for adventurous travelers, offering some of the most remote and stunning landscapes in the world.
Pamir Mountains
 
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A breathtaking lake named after Alexander the Great.
Iskanderkul
 
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A paradise for trekkers with stunning peaks and beautiful lakes.
Fann Mountains
 
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An ancient fortress complex located just outside of Dushanbe.
The Hisor Fortress - Trek Tajikistan
 
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One of Central Asia’s oldest cities, known for its historic bazaar and the ancient Sughd region.
Khujand