30-day overland trip: Day 18-21
The Registan, Samarkand - Ulugbek Medressa (L), Tilla-Kari Medressa (C), Sher Dor Medressa (R)
Central Asia (6) Uzbekistan September 9 – 20, 2012
30-day overland trip : Day 16 -17
Independent Square
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 cultural, historical and architectural significance. I had a wonderful time in Uzbekistan as there was no bush camping and I had more time to explore, sample Uzbek dishes and meet local people. Read more
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 most of the time in our truck which has covered some 600kms in distance. But I have hardly seen the country – and I didn’t even get to see their most famous son, Borat! Read more
Central Asia (4) Kyrgyzstan September 1 – 6, 2012
30-day Bishkek – Ashgabat overland: Day 6 – Day 12
 Our yurts, Song Kol Lake |
 Seven Bulls, Jeti-Oghuz |
Central Asia (3) Kyrgyzstan August 26 – 31, 2012
30-day Bishkek – Ashgabat overland: Day 1 – 5
Game of "ulak-Tartys" (goat polo)
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 Valley, Karakol, Jeti-Oghuz Valley and Lake Song Kul. Read more
Central Asia (2): Kyrgyzstan August 19 – 25, 2012
Ala-Archa National Park
My Central Asia journey started when I flew from Novosibirsk, Russia to Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan on August 19. I had a week on my own before joining a 30-day Central Asia Silk Road trip starting on August 26. I wasted three days in getting a visa for Uzbekistan and spent two lovely days in the Ala-Archa National Park. Read more
Central Asia Overland (1) August 19 – September 25, 2012
The ancient Silk Road
Russia (6): Altai Mountains August 13 – 19, 2012
Katun River, Altai
I first learnt about the beautiful Altai Mountains from Roech’s paintings while passing through Novosibirsk in September 2010. As my month long Russian tourist visa expired on August 19, I could only make a brief visit to Chemal on my way to Kyrgyzstan. The scenery is stunning and I plan to take a trekking trip in the Altai Mountains one day. Read more
Categories: My Russian trips
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Russia (5): Goreley Volcano & PKC August 11-13, 2012
 Goreley Volcano |
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Categories: My Russian trips, Trekking
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Russia (4): Mutnovsky Volcano August 10, 2012
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 Mutnovsky Volcano (full view from camp site) |
Categories: My Russian trips, Trekking
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