Ancient cities where brilliant aqua domes push towards bright blue skies, exotic and colourful markets, shared taxi adventures, cashless ATMs and black market negotiations, a fascinating history and locals who greet you with a gold-tooth smile. This is Uzbekistan and it is one of the most unique and unusual countries in the world. In September
The markets of Central Asia are colourful, fascinating and bursting with life and the markets of Uzbekistan are some of the best in the region. The fresh produce is astounding. From the famous pomegranates and melons to dried apricots, stuffed dates, nougat, halva, dried cheese and bread, bread, bread, and more bread. The markets of
Two days in Khiva is the perfect amount of time to explore what is often described as a museum city. This is my account of how I spent two wonderful days in this charmingly preserved Silk Road City. Travelling to Khiva In the desolate far western deserts of Uzbekistan stands the third and final Silk Road city
Buildings the colour of pale sand are clustered in the centre. The occasional facade covered in detailed and dramatic tile work of azure, cobalt and turquoise add a striking contrast. The afternoon light is golden. This is Bukhara and it is full of magic. The great caravan city of Bukhara was once the capital of
Samarkand is perhaps the ultimate Silk Road city. A city that once sat at the crossroads of multiple trades routes leading to exotic locations such as China, India and Perisa. A city whose name is full of magic, wonder and romance. A city where brilliant aqua domes push towards clear skies. A city with some
One of the most common ways of travelling in Kyrgyzstan is to travel by shared taxi. A shared taxi is a taxi, or sometimes a private car, which charges a set rate for each of the four seats. The taxi/car won’t leave for it’s destination until the car is full. The impressive mountains of Kyrgyzstan
As my guide and porter prepared lunch I sat and watched the sunlight dance and sparkle across the surface of the brilliant turquoise that is Lake Ala-Kol. It made me think of an extraordinary turquoise gem. The colour was stunning and the lake itself was huge with massive mountains surrounding it. At the far end
Organising, coordinating and actually getting visas is one the most problematic, time-consuming and frustrating things about traveling in Central Asia. My visa dramas started in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan. From the tranquil valley of Tash Rabat I headed to Bishkek to start organising my visas for the rest of my Central Asian travels. It
The Torugart Pass is the classic Silk Road route from infamous Kashgar in far western China into Kyrgyzstan. The pass is notoriously difficult as it is high in the Tian Shan mountains (3,752m) and sometimes snow closes the road. This border is also considered a special crossing. Meaning it has extra security needs and as a
In the months leading up to my travels in China the far western province of Xinjiang had been rocked by a number of attacks. From bombs to stabbings and more recently the killing of the iman outside his mosque in Kashgar. It was disturbing and concerning news. I was understandably nervous about travelling in the