In Bukhara, a Hauz is outside… Photo Allan Grey In Persian culture, a Hauz is a pond. In Bukhara, which we visit on the Central Asia Rally, the Lyab-i Hauz is the area around the one of these ponds, famed for its tranquility and architecture. It reveals a taste of Silk Road life from many […]
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The Perfect Central Asian Feast
These are the essential dishes for the perfect Central Asian feast. Central Asia may not be especially famous for its cuisine, but we certainly enjoy it. After a long day driving on the Central Asia Rally, there’s nothing better than settling down to a selection of delicious local favourites. Here are what we reckon […]
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Central Asia Rally 2017: Sary Mogol to Bishkek
The final recap from the Central Asia Rally 2017. On Days 12, 13, 14 of the Central Asia Rally, participants saw some of the most stunning scenery of the trip. In particular, they had the chance to camp by the beautiful, remote Lake Song Kul. Then of course, came the final celebrations in Bishkek. […]
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The Central Asia Rally: Dushanbe to Khorog
Our favourite photos from Days 8 and 9. The Central Asia Rally 2017 is over, but we still have some incredible stories to tell and brilliant photos to show. Here are our favourite images from Day 8, when teams drove from Dushanbe, capital of Tajikistan, to Tavildara and then Day 9, when participants travelled onwards […]
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Kyrgyzstan: The Furthest Country From Any Ocean
Kyrgyzstan is far from everywhere, it seems, including the ocean. When you picture the country furthest from any ocean, you might well imagine somewhere dry and uninteresting, comprised of arid desert and not much else. You’d be wrong. The country furthest from any ocean is actually Kyrgyzstan, famous for its scenery: dramatic mountains, rich […]
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Why We Love Markets in Central Asia
Be prepared to bargain hard at markets in Central Asia. On the Central Asia Rally, you will travel in the footsteps on the ancient Silk Road. You’ll drive on the route’s scenic mountain passes, and stay in historic cities which grew rich from trade. The most authentic Silk Road memory, though, are the markets and bazaars, […]
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The Pamir Highway: Everything You Need To Know
The Pamir Highway is an adventure traveler’s dream, if you have a head for heights! Driving the Pamir highway is one of the highlights of the Central Asia Rally. In fact, it’s one of the highlights of travelling anywhere. It’s the second highest international road in the world, with epic scenery and an almost spiritual remoteness. It’s […]
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Guest Post: Tony’s Central Asia Rally Story
A guest post by Tony Thorndike, Central Asia Rally veteran. Tony Thorndike is a Travel Scientists regular, who completed the Central Asia Rally in 2014. He drove all the way from Britain to Bishkek and, even more impressively, back again! He recently wrote about his experiences on the Caucasian Challenge. He can’t resist the charms of […]
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Reasons You Should Visit Central Asia
There are so many reasons you should visit Central Asia Mountains, lakes, and valleys as picturesque as anywhere on earth. Seeing once magnificent ancient cities. Driving the Pamir Highway. The knowledge that most people won’t have heard of half the places you’ve been. These are just some of the reasons you should visit Central Asia. […]
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Why You Should Visit Song-Kul Lake in Kyrgyzstan
Song-Kul Lake in Kyrgyzstan is a must-see spot in Central Asia… if you can reach it! Against the backdrop of distant mountains, Song-Kul Lake in Kyrgyzstan, an alpine lake right in the center of the country, is gloriously tranquil. Famed for its sensational sunrises, sunsets, and the richness of star-filled night’s sky. With an area of […]
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10 Things You Didn’t Know About Kazakhstan
How much do you know about Kazakhstan? And, no, having seen Borat does not count, as the movie did really small favor to the image of the country outside. This land of warriors and horses has many interesting curiosities, so to throw a little bit of light over the matter, here are ten funny/witty/interesting […]
Continue ReadingVisa-Free Kazakhstan: 5 Reasons to Visit
After a successful pilot program, Kazakhstan recently announced its plan to expand its visa free travel program for even more countries. Citizens of 19 states will be able to visit Kazakhstan for up to 15 days without any visa hassle. Since the Central Asian country is still off the radar for many travelers, here are […]
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