Newsletter
Along the Silk Road: Standout Stops on the Ancient Trade Route
The Silk Road evokes images of escape, freedom, discovery and the kind of widescreen scope that seasoned travelers crave. A historical network of interlinking trade routes that connected Asia with the Middle East, Europe and Africa encompasses everything from ancient Chinese commercial centers and inhospitable deserts, steppes and mountain ranges to verdant, fertile valleys and ancient centers of Islamic study. Accordingly, cities such as Tashkent, Bukhara and Samarkand in Uzbekistan and Almaty in Kazakhstan are as rich in history as you would expect from centers that have acted as meeting points between cultures for centuries.
ALONG THE SILK ROAD: STANDOUT STOPS ON THE ANCIENT TRADE ROUTE
The Silk Road evokes images of escape, freedom, discovery and the kind of widescreen scope that seasoned travelers crave. A historical network of interlinking trade routes that connected Asia with the Middle East, Europe and Africa encompasses everything from ancient Chinese commercial centers and inhospitable deserts, steppes and mountain ranges to verdant, fertile valleys and ancient centers of Islamic study. Accordingly, cities such as Tashkent, Bukhara and Samarkand in Uzbekistan and Almaty in Kazakhstan are as rich in history as you would expect from centers that have acted as meeting points between cultures for centuries.
GEORGIA
Jvari Monastery, Mtskheta
Georgia has evolved from a tourism outlier into one of the world’s most sought-after destinations in recent times. It’s little wonder why it has captured the imaginations of so many. Tbilisi, the country’s capital, is the natural place to get a Georgia odyssey underway. A charismatic and attractive place, it encompasses everything from the 13th-century Metekhi church to funky flea markets, bohemian boutiques, and the liveliest restaurant scene in the Caucasus. Further insight into Georgia's unique character can be gleaned at UNESCO-listed Mtskheta, which is home to Jvari Monastery and Svetitskhveli cathedral where the Robe of Christ is reputedly buried. Visual splendor is to the fore at locations around the country. Choice spots for unforgettable vistas include the journey along the Georgian Military Highway toward the Caucasus Mountains and the 3300-feet-deep Dariali Gorge.
Highlights: Georgian cuisine, the famed vineyards in Kakheti, the iconic Gergeti Trinity Church in Stepantsminda, the stunning Svaneti region including the UNESCO-listed village of Ushguli
Where to stay: Stamba Hotel in Tbilisi & Hotel Rooms in Kazbegi
Suggested itinerary: A Journey Across Georgia
UZBEKISTAN
Mount Chimgam
Anyone who is interested in charting the history and culture of Central Asia will find endless potential for diversion in Uzbekistan. The country’s capital is Tashkent – a gritty blend of Soviet era architecture and traditional Islamic influences – but it is to the historic cities of Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva that most tourists flock. Indeed, it is true that the three cities can often obscure some of the country’s other draws. These include ancient fortresses such as the one at Nurata and the emerging winter sports hub at Mount Chimgam. The breathtaking Registan – an ensemble of majestic madrassas that ranks as one of the most inspiring single sights in Central Asia – is a highlight of Samarkand. Bukhara and Khiva complete Uzbekistan’s trio of great cities and are essential stops on any itinerary. The holy city of Bukhara is beautifully preserved while the desert settlement of Khiva is marvelously evocative of the heyday of the Silk Route when traders would risk terrible journeys across deserts and steppes infested with wild tribesmen.
Highlights: Samarkand's Registan Square & Gur-Amir Mausoleum—Timur's resting place. Domed Chorsu Bazaar in Tashkent, Khiva’s city walls and Ichon-Qala ancient inner city
Where to stay: The Hyatt Regency in Tashkent
Suggested itinerary: Ancient Wonders of Uzbekistan by Train
KAZAKHSTAN
Lake Kaindy in the Zailiysky Alatau Mountains
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 slick boutiques to rival Europe. Geographically, the country is dominated by the great steppes but more conventional beauty can be found in the Tian Shan or Altay Mountains. The capital of Kazakhstan until 1998, Almaty is one of the more fascinating cities in Central Asia. The snow-capped Zailiysky Alatau Mountains provide a dramatic backdrop while the leafy streets play host to glitzy international shop, chic bars and fine restaurants. Trekking can be done by foot or by horse in the spectacular peaks of the Tian Shan or Altay Mountains. Other highlights include the ancient city of Turkestan and the modern capital of Astana.
Highlights: Almaty's Soviet history, the petroglyphs of Tamgaly Tas, the stunning landscapes of Issyk Lake, Charyn Canyon, and Altyn-Emel National Park’s Singing Dunes
Where to stay: The Ritz-Carlton Astana or the St. Regis Astana
Suggested itinerary: Cities, Lakes & Mountains of Kazakhstan
TAJIKISTAN
Hisor Fortress, Dushanbe
Blessed with remarkable natural attributes and friendly, predominantly Persian-speaking, people, Tajikistan has plenty of appeal for adventurous travelers. Mountain ranges such as the Pamirs and the Fan offer myriad possibilities for outdoor exploits, Dushanbe, the capital, is considered one of the region’s prettiest capitals while the ancient city of Penjikent is a must for history buffs. Mountains dominate Tajikistan so it makes sense that most of the country’s attractions are natural. Highlights include the Wakhan Valley near the Afghan border, which is peppered with Silk Road forts, Buddhist ruins and views of the snowbound Hindu Kush, the mountain drive between Dushanbe and Khojand and the fledging hiking destination of the Fan Mountains.
Highlights: The Pamir Highway, trekking in the dramatic Fann Mountains, Dushanbe's well-preserved Silk Road architecture
Where to stay: The Hyatt Regency in Dushanbe
Suggested itinerary: Pamir Highway: Tajikistan Loop
CHINA
Mogao Caves or Thousand-Buddha Caves
As the best known of the Silk Route countries, the northern reaches of China also boast some of its most spectacular scenery. Indeed, away from bustling, rapidly modernizing cities like Beijing and Xi’an and blockbusting attractions such as the Great Wall, this is a China that remains largely unexplored by most foreign visitors. The route passes through the province of Gansu, where traders used to stock up on camels, food and guards at the town of Dunhuang for the journey across the Taklamakan Desert. The Mogao Caves, also known as the Thousand Buddha Grottoes or Caves of the Thousand Buddhas, form a system of 500 temples 25 km southeast of the center of the town. From there the route progresses into the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, a fascinating place of rugged mountain ranges and deserts with a distinct Islamic flavor.
Highlights: Dunhuang’s Mogao Caves, X'ian’s city wall, terracotta warriors, and muslim quarter
Where to stay: Ritz-Carlton Xi'an, Peninsula Shanghai and Aman at Summer Palace, Beijing
Suggested itinerary: China's Silk Road
#TAKEMETOREMOTELANDS
AS FEATURED IN
The Wall Street Journal • Town & Country • Departures • Travel + Leisure • Forbes • Condé Nast Traveler • BusinessWeek • National Geographic Traveler • Palm Beach Post • Chicago Tribune • Financial Times • BBC • Fox Business News • The New York Times
REMOTE LANDS, INC.
120 East 56th Street, Suite 1600 PH, New York, NY 10022 USAPhone: +1.212.518.1618
Email: [email protected]
REMOTE LANDS (THAILAND) CO., LTD
9/F Mahatun Plaza, 888/94-95 Ploenchit Rd., Bangkok 10330 ThailandPhone: +66.2651.5401
Email: [email protected] Copyright © 2024 REMOTE LANDS, INC.
You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.
|