The Wakhan Corridor could hardly be more remote Photo via Flickr The Central Asia Rally specialises in the discovery of remote places, and each year teams on our event see places that most travellers would never even dream of. Even for us, though, the Wakhan Corridor, a thin slice of Afghanistan than separates Tajikistan […]
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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, […]
Continue ReadingThe 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 […]
Continue ReadingGuest 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 […]
Continue ReadingSilk Road Cities Visited by the Central Asia Rally
The essential guide to the ancient cities visited by the Central Asia Rally. The Central Asia Rally provides an incredible driving experience, with teams following a route over breathtaking mountain passes, through vast deserts, stopping at picturesque lakes and glorious valleys. Participants see at first hand the many vibrant cultures of the region, and stay […]
Continue ReadingNASA Images of Central Asia
Just recently, NASA has released a whopping three million images taken of our Earth since 1999. They have covered almost 99% of the Earth’s surface, and the reason for their research was to discover why geological events occurred in order to be able to prepare for them. Photo Credit: AsterWeb NASA’s satellite, called […]
Continue ReadingMelmastia and the Principle of Central Asian Hospitality
As a teenager I saw a movie that made a great impression on me. The Beast (or The Beast of War) was an OK B-movie, but not grandiose or original enough to make cinematic history. Still, what it taught me about Central Asian hospitality and honor makes me remember it to this day. Image: […]
Continue ReadingBuzkashi – The Ancient Sport is on the Rise Again
What are your thoughts when you think about buzkashi? Well, you probably don’t, because it’s a game that’s hardly known outside of Central Asia. It’s a shame though, this game could hardly be any more exotic in a powerfully bizarre way. Fierce riders fighting over a goat’s 30-50 kilo carcass, using strategic planning, fighting […]
Continue ReadingAfghanistan: The Other Stan
The black sheep of the Central Asia, Afghanistan is often left off the map when the region is talked about in a travel context. The country is more poignantly known for its ongoing war and militant Islamism dominated by the Taliban, however, there is more to this off-the-beaten track country than what makes it into […]
Continue ReadingWakhan Corridor: The Other Side of Afghanistan
Afghanistan conjures up images of barren country torn up by war, but it’s pretty quiet in the northern part of the country skirting the Tajik border.
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