10 Highlights of the 'Stans' of Central Asia

Rusting shipwrecks litter an eerily still arid desert once flooded by the fourth largest lake in the World; the Aral Sea. Due to the construction of Soviet irrigation channels in the 1960s, the Aral waters shrunk beyond recognition, leaving the village of Aralsk, previously a busy fishing port, high and dry and completely landlocked. Explore the former sea bed by 4WD and visit the local museum to learn about the disaster and the efforts to try and restore water to the area.

Rising at dawn, we drive up into the craggy valleys of Tajikistan's towering Fann Mountains. Rocky flanks rise into the clouds, and a dusting of white snow veils the highest peaks. A hike into the 'Seven Lakes' region reveals a myriad of alpine lagoons enveloped by the picturesque sierra. From vibrant hues of blue to tantalizing turquoise, the lakes appear to change colour as the sun sweeps across their mirror-glass waters and the steep hillsides plunge their shorelines into shadow.

Feel as though you've been transported onto an 'Arabian Nights' film set as you wander within the turreted walls of Khiva's Old Citadel, a major Silk Road trading hub during the 19th century. Buildings embellished with elaborate mosaic tiles of every shade of blue rise out the sandy desert, and ancient towers ascend into the heavens. Climb the steps of Dzhuma Minaret for far-reaching views of this well-preserved medieval city and browse handmade wares in the bustling bazaars.

Aquamarine domes tower above the golden city skyline, and mosaic walls gleam in the bright sunlight in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. Seek out Registan Square to discover intricately tiled madrasah doorways and stand under the immense blue arch of the Bibi-Khanym Mosque. Immerse yourself in the local culture with a walk through narrow winding alleyways and browse the lively bazaar crammed full of local produce, including delicious dried apricots, juicy dates and aromatic fresh bread.

Isolated in the middle of a vast open steppe in Kazakhstan, Baikonur is home to the World's first spaceport and is the only launch site for manned missions to the International Space Station (ISS). Enter the Russian controlled cosmodrome to learn about space missions undertaken by Yuri Gagarin (the first man in space), Valentina Tereshkova (the first woman in space), and, more recently, British astronaut Tim Peake. Visit the Space Museum to discover the history of Soviet and Russian space programmes, and sit in a cosmonaut's seat within the decommissioned Buran spacecraft.