With dramatic mountain landscapes, stark and craggy ridges, and rolling open pastures, it’s easy to see why an adventurous traveler would be drawn to the breathtaking natural beauty of Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan.

These two countries are part of the “seven Stans” of Central Asia—an area rich with history that traces back to the mighty conquerors and caravan merchants of the Silk Road. In this short, filmmaker Jorgo Kokkinidis shares the stunning footage from his summer adventure in the heart of Asia.