When you think of the five Central Asian ‘Stans, you might be able to name the highlight of each country. In Uzbekistan you have the Registan, possibly the most famous building on the entire Silk Road. Tajikistan is famous for its Pamirs – the rooftop of the world and one of the most adventurous drives on the planet. Kazakhstan has the mesmerising Charyn Canyon, while across the border in Kyrgyzstan, Issyk Kol has been attracting tourists for decades. Then, of course, there is Turkmenistan, with every traveller now wanting to venture out to get a brief glimpse of the famous Gates of Hell.
In this list, we’ll point out five more unusual sites you should put on your list for your next Central Asia tour! Next time you’re writing up a Central Asia itinerary, make sure to add these.
Kazakhstan: The Polygon
When you’re planning your next Central Asia adventure, it’s unlikely that the first thing that came to mind was a nuclear wasteland cause by the Soviet atomic weapons programme. For a more unusual and thought-provoking stop, the Polygon near Semey (formerly Semipalatinsk) offers a stark contrast. This former Soviet nuclear test site is a haunting reminder of Cold War history and environmental challenges.
From 1949 to 1989, the Soviet Union conducted 456 nuclear tests at this remote location, including 116 atmospheric explosions that exposed nearby communities to dangerous radiation. The tests affected an estimated 1.5 million people across generations, with health impacts still felt today.
Read more about the Polygon here and here .
Kyrgyzstan: Tash Rabat Caravanserai
Originally visitors to Central Asia needed somewhere of their own to stay as they traversed the mountains and deserts. Tucked away in the Tian Shan mountains, Tash Rabat is a 15 th century stone caravanserai that once provided shelter to Silk Road traders. Unlike the bustling Issyk Kol region or the capital Bishkek, Tash Rabat’s remote location offers a peaceful, atmospheric glimpse into the nomadic and trading heritage of Kyrgyzstan. Its well-preserved stone walls and mountain backdrop make it a unique stop on Central Asia tours for history buffs and adventure travellers alike.
Uzbekistan: The Solar Furnace of Parkent
Just 45 km from Tashkent, Uzbekistan’s massive Solar Furnace stands as a striking contrast to the country’s famous Silk Road heritage. Built by Soviet scientists in 1981, this extraordinary facility harnesses sunlight with 62 heliostats (mirror panels) that focus the sun’s rays into a central tower, creating blistering temperatures exceeding 3,000°C. Originally designed for materials testing and solar energy research, the furnace today serves as both a working scientific installation and a monument to Soviet technological ambition.
What makes it truly remarkable is its scale: the main parabolic mirror stretches 54 meters across, making it one of the world’s largest solar concentrators. Travellers can tour the facility to see the dazzling play of light and experience this blend of Brutalist architecture and space-age technology.
While any Central Asia tour needs to include Bukhara and Samarkand, consider including the Solar Furnace for an unusual twist on your next trip.
Turkmenistan: Dinosaur Plateau
Nestled in the mountainous eastern corner of Turkmenistan is the remote Koytendag Nature Reserve. Within Koytendag you will find one of the world’s most remarkable prehistoric treasures: a vast limestone plateau covered with over 2,500 dinosaur footprints dating back to the Late Jurassic period, approximately 150 million years ago.
The footprints on the Dinosaur Plateau are exceptionally well-preserved, with some even retaining three-dimensional depth, allowing visitors to walk in the literal footsteps of these ancient creatures. The surrounding Koytendag Reserve further enhances the experience with its dramatic landscapes.
Scientists believe the plateau was once the muddy shore of a shallow lagoon, where dinosaurs gathered to drink. Over time, sediment solidified into limestone, preserving the footprints as the land gradually lifted to form part of the Koytendag Mountains.
Read more about the Dinosaur Plateau here and here .
Tajikistan: Khoja Obi Garm Hot Springs
While Tajikistan is famous for the rugged Pamir Highway, the Khoja Obi Garm hot springs offer a completely different experience. Located in the mountains just north of Dushanbe, this unusual Soviet-era sanitorium was once a luxury retreat for Communist Party leaders. Built around natural hot springs rich in minerals, including radon, the sanatorium is known for its striking Brutalist architecture and maze-like halls, giving it a unique, almost eerie atmosphere.
Today, Khoja Obi Garm still welcomes visitors looking for mineral baths and treatments, as well as travellers curious about Soviet history. It’s not a modern luxury spa, but that’s part of its charm. Stepping inside feels like traveling back in time. For those exploring Tajikistan, a visit here is a fascinating contrast to the country’s normal nature-based tourism, giving you a glimpse into the country’s Soviet past.
After a hard few weeks touring through Central Asia, you probably deserve a refreshing Radon Bath!
Read more about Khoja Obi Garm here .
