MIR's Jake Smith loves Tajikistan: its people, the Pamir Mountains, and the region they lie in, Badakhshan. With mountains soaring beyond 24,000 feet, the area's aptly nicknamed “the roof of the world.” Here’s what Jake finds most exciting about the place he once called home. 

Explore 8 breathtaking UNESCO historic and cultural treasures in Uzbekistan, a Central Asian country relatively undiscovered for decades. Thanks to a new, reform-minded government, it’s easier than ever to experience the authenticity and open-handed hospitality of this Silk Road country.

Remote and unfamiliar to many travelers, Kyrgyzstan is wide open to those eager to experience wild beauty, meet nomadic people, and discover the traditions of their forbears. MIR President Douglas Grimes offers some of his favorite reasons why Kyrgyzstan is so special.

Central Asia’s Turkmenistan is a mysterious, under-explored, and unparalleled travel destination, rich in captivating curiosities waiting to be discovered: from an accidental Soviet gas crater flaming in the desert to ancient ruins of Silk Road days long ago, with natural wonders in between.

This UNESCO travel guide with videos captures the very best places and cultural experiences of the South Caucasus' Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan.

The South Caucasus’ Georgia is a veritable Garden of Eden, with fabulous food, music, mountains, Black Sea coast, warm Mediterranean climate, and natural, organic wines. The Kakheti region is especially famous for its wine, with several must-see towns and wineries – along with wine-tastings.

Uzbek native Abdu Samadov has worked with MIR for years, sharing his beloved country with visitors. Abdu offers seven reasons why any traveler should experience Uzbekistan now, before the rest of the world catches on.