We asked alumni from our Central Asia-Caucasus Fellowship Program to share with us some top reasons to visit their countries. We hope you enjoy these insider perspectives on each of the ten CAMCA (Central Asia-Mongolia-Caucasus-Afghanistan) country’s top sights, unique cuisines and rich cultures, in addition to some photographs showcasing the ancient architecture and striking landscapes found across the region.
Afghanistan
"Visit Afghanistan to experience its immense natural beauty. Band-e-Amir National Park is one of the most stunning sights Afghanistan has to offer, located just a short distance from the historic Buddhas of Bamyan in the center of the country."
Armenia
"Visit Armenia to see the oldest Christian church of Ejmiadzin, built in 302-325, and to enjoy a meal of the most delicious Armenian barbeque, complete with homemade fruit vodka and legendary Armenian brandy. Finally, explore the capitol city, Yerevan, to experience the dynamic nightlife in one of the world’s oldest cities."
Azerbaijan
"Visit Azerbaijan to marvel at Baku’s breathtaking modern architecture that blends harmoniously with its ancient, oriental culture. The architecture of Baku is extremely varied, with structures from the medieval period situated seamlessly alongside remarkable 21st-century masterpieces. One such masterpiece is the set of iconic Flame Towers reflecting Azerbaijan’s ancient fire-worshipping legacy."
Georgia
"From sixth century churches standing guard on mountaintops, to whole cave cities carved into the rock, Georgia has an amazingly rich architectural heritage. Medieval watchtowers and fortresses dot the landscapes of even the highest moutnaintops, and Tbilisi - once known as the Paris of the South - is home to whole districts of stunning nineteenth century buildings."
Kazakhstan
"Visit Turkestan, the spiritual and historical center of Kazakhstan! Turkestan was one of the most important commercial centers of the Silk Road, the historically renown trade route between Europe and China. The city was founded over 15 centuries ago and is now the historical heart of Kazakhstan’s rich culture."
Kyrgyzstan
"Visit Kyrgyzstan’s city of Karakol to experience the highest ski resort in Central Asia where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the second largest alpine lake in the world, surrounded by the jagged peaks of the Tian Shan mountain range that soar 3,000 meters above sea level."
Mongolia
"Driving through Mongolia you will be amazed every minute by the incredibly diverse nature. From the beautiful desert steppe and incredible sand dunes of the Gobi located in southern Mongolia, to the mountainous regions in the west, to the lakes in the north, Mongolia’s landscapes never cease to inspire."
Tajikistan
"Visit Tajikistan to experience the heart-warming hospitality and friendship of the Tajik people. See how your soul is moved by just one day on the shore of one of hundreds of spectacular lakes or by views of Tajikistan’s awe-inspiring mountains."
Turkmenistan
"Turkmenistan is known for its spectacular archaeological ruins including those at Nisa and Merv, which are major sites along the ancient Silk Road trade route. Turkmenistan is a unique destination bordering the Caspian Sea and largely covered by the Karakum Desert, which means Black Sand."
Uzbekistan
"Uzbekistan is a gem within Central Asia and a burgeoning tourism destination. Visit Uzbekistan – known as the heart of the Silk Road – and discover the historic culture, sites and traditions of this ancient land."
Alumni also shared some favorite articles and quotes about their countries below…
Georgia
"Whether you’re in the market for an adventure in the mountains or want a more relaxed approach to your nature holiday, the beautiful and welcoming country of Georgia is the perfect place to find your way in the great outdoors." (CNN, 2019)
Kazakhstan
"Snow-white flatland of Boszhira Tract with sharp rocky peaks shining in the sunlight is both an outlandish place and the business card of the Usturt plateau. Hundreds of millions of years ago this place formed the bottom of Tethys, ancient impetuous ocean of Mesozoic era." (Steppe, 2016)
Mongolia
"I did not tell half of what I saw, for no one would have believed me." - Historic adventurer, Marco Polo, upon his return from visiting Mongolia in 1324.
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To complete our tour, check out a few of our alumni’s favorite photos of their countries…
…We hope you enjoyed our tour across the CAMCA region. Thank you to our alumni for being helpful "tour guides"!
Through our Central Asia-Caucasus Fellowship Program, we support rising leaders across all sectors from the countries of Central Asia, the Caucasus, Afghanistan and Mongolia. The Program connects talented professionals from throughout the region, encouraging an intraregional network and exchange of ideas, as well as fosters better understanding and stronger relations between the United States and the region. Learn more at our website’s program page.