My Middle East / Near East / Central Asia trips
57 Days in Central Asia & the Balkans: Epilogue
Both the Silk Road and the Balkans have long been on my wish list. Finally I have come to see these two fascinating regions. Comparing with my 72- day overland journey to nine West African countries earlier this year, this 52-day trip to ten countries in Central Asia and the Balkan Peninsula is smooth, … Continue reading
Central Asia (11) Turkmenistan September 20 -24, 2012
30- day Overland: Day 28 – 30
Central Asia (10) Turkmenistan September 20 -24, 2012
30-day Overland: Day 26-27 Turkmenistan with 80% of its territory covered in the Karakum (Black Sand) Desert has the world’s fourth largest natural gas reserve. The world famous pure blood Akhal-Teke horse (known as ‘blood sweat horse’ in Chinese) comes from this region. It has three World Heritage Sites including Merv – an oasis-city on … Continue reading
Central Asia (9) Uzbekistan 2012
30-day overland trip: Day 25-26
Central Asia (8) Uzbekistan 2012
30-day Overland trip: Day 22-24 Kalon Minaret & Kalon Mosque
Central Asia (7) Uzbekistan 2012
30-day overland trip: Day 18-21
Central Asia (6) Uzbekistan September 9 – 20, 2012
30-day overland trip : Day 16 -17 Uzbekistan, the most populous country in Central Asia with 29 million people, is rich in history. Its native son Amir Timur(1336-1405) established the first empire in the region in 1395. Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva, key cities of the ancient Silk Road are all World Heritage Sites for their … Continue reading
Central Asia (5) Kazakhstan September 7- 9, 2012
30-day Bishkek – Ashgabat overland: Day 13 – Day 15 Kazakhstan is the ninth largest country in the world as well as the world’s largest land-locked country. I reached Kazakhstan before noon on September 7 and left its border before 4pm two days later. What have I done in 52 hours in Kazakhstan? I spent … Continue reading
Central Asia (4) Kyrgyzstan September 1 – 6, 2012
30-day Bishkek – Ashgabat overland: Day 6 – Day 12
Central Asia (3) Kyrgyzstan August 26 – 31, 2012
30-day Bishkek – Ashgabat overland: Day 1 – 5 My 30-day overland journey from Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan to Ashgabat, Turkmenistan started when I met up with my group on August 26. The first 12 days were spent leisurely in exploring the northern and eastern part of Kyrgyzstan. I had a lovely time in the Chong Kemin … Continue reading