Ala-Kul Lake, nestled high in the Tien Shan mountains of Kyrgyzstan, is one of the region's most breathtaking natural wonders. Perched at an altitude of 3,560 meters (11,680 feet), the lake is renowned for its striking turquoise waters, which change hues with the shifting sunlight. Surrounded by rugged peaks and glaciers, Ala-Kul is accessible only via a challenging multi-day … [Read more...]
What to See in Karakol, Kyrgyzstan
Karakol, a small town in eastern Kyrgyzstan, is nestled between the towering Tien Shan mountains and the shores of Lake Issyk-Kul, one of the largest alpine lakes in the world. Originally founded as a Russian military outpost in the 19th century, Karakol has grown into a hub for travelers seeking both cultural experiences and outdoor adventures. Its unique blend of Kyrgyz, … [Read more...]
From Tashkent to Bishkek and Onward to Karakol by Bus
After some memorable adventures in Samarkand, Bukhara, and the Zaamin Mountains, our journey through Uzbekistan concluded in Tashkent. Now it was time to venture into neighboring Kyrgyzstan, with our sights set on the charming town of Karakol and the breathtaking Tian Shan Mountains in the country's eastern region. As a first step, we had to reach the Kyrgyz capital.Buses to … [Read more...]
One Day in Tashkent: Uzbekistan’s Monumental Capital City
Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, is a vibrant city blending Soviet-era architecture, Islamic heritage, and modern urban design. Known as a key stop along the ancient Silk Road, Tashkent has a rich history dating back over 2,000 years. Landmarks like the Khast Imam Complex, home to the world's oldest Quran, highlight its Islamic roots, while Soviet influences can be seen in … [Read more...]
Climbing to the Crater of Arenal Volcano
Arenal Volcano, standing at 1,670 meters (5,479 feet), is one of Costa Rica’s most iconic natural landmarks, located in the lush region of Alajuela Province. Once one of the world’s most active volcanoes, Arenal erupted regularly from 1968 until 2010, creating a dramatic landscape of hardened lava fields and fertile soil that supports an incredible array of biodiversity. The … [Read more...]
Our Adventure with Uzbekistan’s Outdated Hotel Registration System
On the last full day of our trip to Uzbekistan, we arrived at our booked hotel in Tashkent. It was still quite early, and we were quite excited to leave our stuff and head out to explore. However, our plans quickly unraveled, and the afternoon took an unexpected and unpleasant turn when, during check-in, the receptionist asked us for our hotel registration...I’m like: “Excuse … [Read more...]
From Zaamin to Tashkent, Uzbekistan
After two unforgettable visits to Samarkand and Bukhara, Uzbekistan’s Silk Road-era historical gems, we found ourselves in the remote Zaamin Mountains. Following a pleasant hike the previous day, it was now time to continue our journey through Central Asia to Tashkent.The taxi driver who had brought us from Samarkand two days earlier had given us his number, offering to drive … [Read more...]
Zaamin National Park: Our Trip to the Mountains of Uzbekistan
It was still the first week of our journey through Central Asia, and so far, we had visited only Samarkand and Bukhara. While we were mesmerized by the exotic grace of these ancient cities, the relentless August heat of the arid Uzbek lowlands left us fatigued and drained. Longing for a cooler climate, we were delighted to hear about Zaamin National Park.Located in Uzbekistan's … [Read more...]
From Bukhara to Samarkand by Bus
After two days of exploring Bukhara, it was time to return to Samarkand and continue on to Zaamin National Park. On our way from Samarkand to Bukhara, we took a shared taxi for 100,000 som per person. It was undeniably fast—perhaps a bit too fast. The driver’s reckless driving could give you a heart attack long before an actual crash occurred. So this time we opted to try the … [Read more...]
Two Days in Bukhara: Immersing in the Silk Road’s Legacy
Following Samarkand, we continued our Central Asia journey with two days in Bukhara. One of the most ancient cities in Uzbekistan, this is a treasure trove of history and culture that dates back over 2,500 years. Once a key hub on the Silk Road, it flourished as a center for trade, religion, and learning, with a skyline dominated by historic madrasas, mosques, and … [Read more...]
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