The vast majority of our Dragoman overlanding group had travelled extensively before. Central Asia isn’t the kind of place that people to choose for their first big trip.

I asked them to recommend their top destination from travels prior the trip which set off from Istanbul and travelled through Iran before I picked it up for the Turkmenistan to Uzbekistan leg.

Virtually everyone who had done the Iran stage wanted to nominate Esfehan, so I allowed that one from the first person who suggested it.

Up first are the tour leader and driver who, having travelled so much through work, get two votes each to make it up to 20.

Overlanding through Turkmenistan

You can visit dictatorial Central Asia on a kitted-out truck. Gareth Scurlock started off with the bright lights of bizarre city Ashgabat

Overlanding the 'stans - who does it?

On a trip through Central Asia, Gareth Scurlock met 18 travellers aged 19 to 67. Here are their stories

Overlanding - who should you trust?

If you’re out in the wilds, you need a tour operator you can rely on, but are some cutting corners? Jeremy Lazell looks under the bonnet

• A taster overland adventure

• Kazakhstan... is nice!

Related Links

• Overlanding through Turkmenistan

• Overlanding the 'stans - who does it?

Cambodia and the Middle East - nominated by Anthony Thompson, 30, Dragoman leader

"Cambodia for the people and humbling experience after their recent history. Overlanding originated in the Middle East. It's been a long time since September 11 so it's time for people to go back to this amazing part of the world."

Orissa, India and Lake Malawi - Adam Tomlin, 35, Dragoman driver

“Orissa’s the one chance in India to really get out in the countryside. Lake Malawi was the highlight of my trip down Africa’s east coast.”

Iran - Michael Wyatt, 43, redundant financier, London via USA

"Iran was catapulted to top of the list on this trip. For history and architecture it's hard to beat Persia. I was also cracking a taboo, you're not meant to go to Iran as an American and it was myth-shattering in every way. The people, everything about it, turned any preconceptions on their head."

Syria - Troy Carter, 36, career-breaker, Australia

“I loved Damascus and it’s just the friendliest country. You don't get much better for history buffs and you have it to yourself , there’s virtually no tourists.”

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