Central Asia Gains Popularity Among Latvian Travellers as Guide From Palsmane Leads Group of 26

Central Asia, which includes Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan, is gaining popularity among Latvian travellers year after year. It is not the most common destination, but it is increasingly chosen for cultural, historical and adventure tourism. The trend is described in a travel feature by the regional Latvian newspaper Ziemeļlatvija.

Nostalgia for the Soviet era

For middle-aged and older people, a trip to the region can also be nostalgic. At that time these countries, like Latvia, were part of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics. Under the Soviet regime's iron curtain, travelling to Central Asia was one of the few chances to see a different world.

A 15-day route

Ilmārs Mednis, a guide and group leader from Palsmane, recently returned home from the region. He led a group of 26 travellers on the "Central Asia Grand Tour" offered by the travel agency Impro Ceļojumi. The 15-day route covered Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Karakalpakstan.

Of these, Turkmenistan was described as the "dark horse". It is regarded as one of the most mysterious and isolated countries in the world. In terms of tourism and politics it is often compared with North Korea, because a strict authoritarian regime rules there and entering the country is very difficult.