Offers much more reading material than its pocket-sized rivals, providing a greater historical and cultural introduction. The downside is that the listings inevitably suffer.
An excellent guide based upon thorough local knowledge, complete with up-to-date historical context in the contested regions. Suggested itineraries include sites along the Black Sea, ski resorts and routes from neighbouring countries.
Insider's guide to living in Azerbaijan containing plenty of information about the country's history, geography, culture and economics. Designed with a view to helping outsiders fidn a foothol, this guide gives helpful tips on navigating the paperwork, finding a place to live, and insights into life in Baku.
City guide experts Time Out have produced their first Caucasian Guide. Baku, the historic Caspian port capital of Azerbaijan is described in full glory, with a generous selection of colour photography and illustration. Time Out is the guide of choice for city breaks, giving you historical context as well as the most up-to-date hotel, restaurant and bar listings, as well as top-quality maps and travel information.
There are very few guides on Kazakhstan but this would be the best. Reliable, and with a good amount of information to a country which is changing rapidly.
The only guide to the Kazakh capitals currently available, this is an interesting addition to the Hedonists's series, showcasing as it does the grander, more decadent side of these fast-developing cities.
These are reliably handsome and informative guides with excellent photography. Passionately written by someone who knows the region well it is however, more of a historical and cultural guide than a practical bible.
Fully updated second edition provides plenty of insight into history and culture as well as practical information about entry visas, trekking and yurts.,
The only English guide available to Uzbekistan but luckily it is excellent. Illustrated with vibrant colour photographs, it combines practical information for either the traveller or the businessman with a detailed history of the culture and architecture of the country.