Work Travel Volunteer

Made famous by Ewan MacGregor and Charlie Boorman travelling by motorbike and more recently by Sacha Baron Cohen's brilliant Borat, the countries of Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, the Ukraine, Russia, Belarus and Caucasus are hot destinations to visit. Don't forget that most of Central Asia only opened up to visitors in 1989 after the collapse of the Soviet Union so be prepared for a trip with a difference. For pure wilderness and adventure you can't go wrong.

Nomadic life is the norm. Families sleep in yurts and travel by camel or pony. Mix in some historical spices in the form of Moscow and St Petersburg in Russia or Samarkand in Uzbekistan and the perfect trip is created. Unfortunately, the positives of mystery, culture and adventure are balanced against the food, which is rotten, and the lack of great weather or any beaches of note.

Central Asia is as far off the beaten track as you can get. Forgotten roads, ancient cities, Islamic architecture, mountains fit for Lord of the Rings part IV and vast desert plains combined with a slightly offbeat old Communist feel in places make for a fascinating trip. Transport can be surprisingly easy - heard of the Trans Siberian railway? Hop on and off to experience Central Asia in one week or one year. It's extremely cheap too.

What else can I do apart from travel?

Unfortunately work and volunteer opportunities are fairly limited. We've found a few ideas, and nothing is impossible so if you are prepared to search, you may find something. Visit our directory to search for opportunities.

What to expect

• Lack of other travellers
• Space (not good for agrophobics)
• Vodka by the bucketload
• Conservative attitudes - cover up

Highlights of Central Asia

• Photographing Lake Baikal the deepest freshwater lake in the world, Russia
• Forging a path in the Road of Bones
• Standing in the Red Square of Moscow
• Driving the Pamir Highway, Tajikistan
• Camping on the central plains of Kyrgyzstan
• Visiting Odessa, Ukraine
• Go loco on the Trans Siberian Express
• Taking a trek in the Gobi desert
• Visit the ancient cities of Uzbekistan
• Travel part of the Great Silk Road