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Along the Silk Road: Central Asia’s Towering Highlights
The Silk Road is a journey guaranteed to get the juices of every self-respecting adventurer flowing. It evokes images of escape, freedom, discovery, and the kind of widescreen scope that seasoned travelers crave.
ALONG THE SILK ROAD:
CENTRAL ASIA’S TOWERING HIGHLIGHTS
The Silk Road is a journey guaranteed to get the juices of every self-respecting adventurer flowing. It evokes images of escape, freedom, discovery, and the kind of widescreen scope that seasoned travelers crave. The route through Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan encompasses ancient commercial hubs, harsh deserts, stunning steppes, and magical mountain, verdant, valleys and important historical centers of Islamic study. A blissfully undisturbed treasure trove of delights lies along the way. Turkmenistan, famous for the archeological wonders at Merv and Nisa, and its eccentric political landscape, remains closed to visitors following the pandemic. But with travel widely open elsewhere in Central Asia, it’s a fantastic time to embark upon a Silk Road odyssey.
VIEW ITINERARYUZBEKISTAN
Woman in Samarkand
Anyone interested in following Central Asian history and culture will find endless diversion in Uzbekistan. The country's capital is Tashkent – a colorful blend of Soviet-era architecture and traditional Islamic influences. The historic cities of Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva are the most visited for their magnificent architecture and sacred sites. Breathtaking Registan—an ensemble of majestic madrassas that ranks as one of the most inspiring single sights in Central Asia—arguably tips the balance in favor of Samarkand. The beautifully preserved holy city of Bukhara is unforgettable, and the desert fortress settlement of Khiva is marvelously evocative of the heyday of the Silk Route when traders would risk treacherous journeys across deserts and steppes in hopes of attaining untold riches.
TAJIKISTAN
The Pamir Highway
Blessed with remarkable natural attributes and friendly people, Tajikistan is a star of the Silk Road. Mountain ranges such as the Pamirs and the Fan dotted with spectacular blue glacial lakes and peaks exceeding 24,000 feet offer a myriad of possibilities for hiking and other outdoor exploits. Dushanbe is one of the region’s most attractive capitals with wide tree-lined boulevards and endless parks and gardens filled with impressive national monuments. The ancient city of Penjikent located just across the border from Uzbekistan is a must for history enthusiasts. Country highlights include a journey along the Pamir Highway, one of the most stirring road trips on the planet. Also notable is the Wakhan Valley near the Afghan border, peppered with Silk Road forts, Buddhist ruins, and views of the snowbound Hindu Kush.
KAZAKHSTAN
Altai Mountains
It may be the world's ninth biggest country, but Central Asia's dominant nation is still a complete mystery to most westerners. Huge oil and mineral resources have brought prosperity, and the commercial hub of Almaty boasts chic cafes and boutiques of every luxury brand from Gucci to Dior to Chanel, and the world-class Ritz Carlton Almaty hotel. Immense, snow-capped mountains lie to the immediate south, while gorges, lakes, and snaking trails provide fruitful grounds for mountaineers using the city as a base. World-class skiing, snowboarding, trekking and horse riding can also be enjoyed on the spectacular peaks of the Tian Shan or Altai Mountains. Other highlights include the ancient city of Turkestan and the modern capital of Astana now called Nur-Sultan.
KYRGYZSTAN
Son-Kul Lake
The modern world may have encroached elsewhere in Central Asia but nomadic traditions are abundant in Kyrgyzstan. Towering mountains, glaciers, gorges, valleys, and lakes dominate over 90% of the country. These natural barriers provide the country’s breathtaking beauty and they have also largely preserved the fabric of tribal life in the countryside. In a country not short on natural attractions, Issyk Kul lake stands out. The world’s second-largest alpine lake is surrounded by snow-capped mountains and fringed by attractive beaches and holiday resorts. Other outdoor highlights include the Altyn Arashan nature reserve with its network of hot springs and Arslanbob, home to the largest walnut grove on earth. Meeting with the now-famous eagle hunters remains a long-time favorite experience with Remote Lands clients, while the inimitable World Nomad Games returns this following a two-year break.
Experience the highlights of Central Asia on one journey with Pan-Stans: Country Collecting in Central Asia
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