Horse riding

For centuries, people have travelled through this part of Central Asia on horse – even through the seemingly impenetrable deserts – as they made their way along the Silk Road's trading network. And for the nomads of the region, horses have been an integral part of their culture for just as long. To get a sense of the importance of this majestic animal, you can take a horse ride through some of the reserves that make up the Cold Winter Deserts of Turan World Heritage Property.

Some tour operators offer multi-day horse riding treks that include elements of the desert landscapes, including through rolling sand dunes of Turkmenistan's Karakum Desert and onto captivating archaeological sites. But there are also shorter horse-riding activities in the Aral Sea region of Kazakhstan and parts of Uzbekistan, where you can get a taste of the experience without needing to ride all day. Often yurt camps or other community-based tourism will offer the opportunity to spend some time on a horse so you can get an understanding into their way of life.

There are horseback tours and other riding experiences to suit all age and experience levels. While it can be a fun experience and a good way to explore the vivid landscapes of the deserts, it's also important to remember that horses are a special part of the heritage of this region, so this is also a form of cultural immersion.