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Photo credit: Kierra Jones
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Standing at Gates of Hell: 3 best experiences from my month in Central Asia When I tell people I spent a month in Central Asia, the first question is always: "Where?" The second is: "Why?" By the end of this post, you'll understand both—and you might just book a ticket yourself. Central Asia has been on my bucket list ever since I started with Bestway Tours & Safaris 9 years ago. Colleagues and fellow travelers would share stories of the region's fascinating history—home to conqueror Tamerlane—majestic architecture found nowhere else on earth, and people whose warmth stays with you long after you return home. This past November, I finally had the chance to discover it for myself, spending a month traveling through Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan. Read on to learn about my three ultimate highlights. Table of Contents1. Standing at the edge of the "Door to Hell" at sunset 2. Getting lost in Bukhara's Old City 3. Making friends at the “most noble public square in the world”Your most common questions about Central AsiaQ: Is Central Asia safe for travelers? Q: When is the best time to visit Central Asia? Q: Do I need a visa for Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan?
Door to Hell - Darvaza gas crater, Turkmenistan I've been fortunate to visit more than 50 countries so far, and I can confidently say that Turkmenistan's Darvaza Gas Crater is one of the most extraordinary sites I have ever seen. Imagine driving along endless desert roads, then turning down a sandy track into the middle of nowhere. You bounce along until you spot it—a dark hole the size of a soccer field, carved into the earth. As you walk closer, the air shimmers and you feel the heat. At the edge, you look down into what locals call the "Door to Hell", a crater churning with hundreds of natural gas fires, some barely flickering and others roaring like flamethrowers. The best part? We had it entirely to ourselves. We spent hours watching the sunset, then stayed as the crater's otherworldly glow lit up the darkness. That's Turkmenistan's appeal—barely any tourists. We didn't see a single other Westerner the whole time, save for at the border. I had ancient fortresses and museums all to myself—truly a must-experience for travellers. The Turkmen government has periodically discussed extinguishing the crater. While travelers should be safe for the next couple years, I'd recommend visiting sooner rather than later! Want to experience the Door to Hell for yourself? Our Route of the Caravans: The Silk Road tour includes an optional pre-tour extension to the Darvaza Gas Crater. Bukhara feels like a city that has kept its traditional character in a way few places have. The old city is a maze of narrow lanes lined with mud-brick walls and heritage mansions, some transformed into boutique hotels and others still passed down through generations. Everywhere you turn, you notice the details—centuries-old intricate wooden doors, intimate fountained courtyards, traditionally dressed locals going about their daily lives. I happened to be visiting during Bukhara's first ever Biennale, a citywide celebration of contemporary art. Quirky and thought-provoking art installations were layered throughout the city, almost becoming part of the ancient ruins and historic buildings.
Photo credit: Kierra Jones
Magok-i-Attari Mosque - historical mosque in Bukhara, Uzbekistan. Wandering through the city was like wandering through a dream. I got lost in traditional clothing markets housed in 500-year-old madrassahs, savoured a serene sunset over peaceful Kalon Mosque, and relished every glimpse of local life that seemed right out of centuries past. Bukhara is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a highlight of both our Route of the Caravans: The Silk Road and Textiles, Pottery & Ceramics of Uzbekistan tours.
Photo credit: Kierra Jones
Registan Square in Samarkand, Uzbekistan I struggled to decide on my third highlight of Central Asia. Was it making fresh bread with a baker in Tashkent's Chorsu Bazaar? Or receiving a gift of hand-gathered seashells from schoolchildren on a field trip to Muynaq's ship graveyard? Then, I realized—it was the people themselves. Perhaps my favourite interaction took place on a Saturday afternoon in Samarkand's Registan Square, known as the "most noble public square in the world". On weekends, locals travel from across Uzbekstan to visit some of earth's most impressive architecture. The square was bustling—elderly men in embroidered doppi caps posed for photos, women in colourful scarves sat chatting on benches, and not one, but three wedding parties took photos against the spectacular backdrop. Within minutes of arriving, we spoke with a group of university students that wanted to hear all about our lives in Canada and our thoughts on Uzbekistan. They not only invited us to visit their town (no time on this trip, sadly!) but also gifted us with our own traditional doppi caps as they left! The warmth of the people here is genuinely touching in a way that's hard to put in words.
Photo credit: Kierra Jones
I don’t think it will surprise you to hear that I wholeheartedly recommend Central Asia for your next trip. This is travel that reminds you why you love it—authentic cultural connection, architecture that will take your breath away, and fascinating places not overrun by tourists quite yet. Want to experience it for yourself? Browse our Central Asia tours, or contact our team to design a custom itinerary based on your interests. Your most common questions about Central AsiaQ: Is Central Asia safe for travelers?Absolutely. In fact, I felt safer wandering around Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan than I sometimes do in my own city at home! According to the 2025 Numbeo Safety Index, Uzbekistan ranks 25th globally and is the safest country in Central Asia, with extremely low crime rates. Spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) offer the best weather, with comfortable temperatures and clear skies. I visited in November and found it pleasant and sunny, though mornings and evenings were quite cool—layering is key. Visa requirements vary by nationality. As of 2026, many travelers can now visit Uzbekistan visa-free for up to 30 days, including citizens of the US, Canada, UK, EU countries, Australia, and many others. However, please check with us for the most current requirements! Turkmenistan does require a visa and invitation letter, but don't worry—we arrange this for you as part of our tour services, making the process simple and stress-free.
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Posted by Kierra Jones