#centralasia

#aprilblooms This Russian Orthodox Church in Bishkek is such a peaceful and visually stunning place to visit — especially in spring when fresh flowers are placed all around the interior. The church is pretty big and filled with detailed religious art. What makes it extra special is that many of the icons have relics of saints, including a rare one of St. Nicholas! The painted walls, the calm atmosphere, and the scent of fresh flowers create a serene vibe that makes you want to just sit and soak it all in. Whether you’re religious or not, this spot is definitely worth a quick stop while exploring Bishkek. Why You Should Visit: ✔ Impressive interior with saint relics and beautiful icons ✔ Peaceful vibe and tons of spring flowers 📍Address: 497 Jibek Jolu Ave, Bishkek 720033, Kyrgyzstan #Bishkek #Kyrgyzstan #SpringVibes #RussianChurch #CentralAsia

The Kalon ensemble of architecture is a key site to visit in Bukhara. In this part of Old Bukhara you will come across the Kalon Mosque, the Kalon Minar and the Mir-I Arab Madrassa. Meaning the “Great Mosque,” Kalon Mosque was built in 1514 after the golden era of Amir Timur’s reign. Built on the former foundation of an 8th century mosque, which was wholly destroyed when Genghis Khan raided Bukhara (more below on Genghis Khan), this mosque had grand visions for its religious role in Bukhara. It is the biggest mosque in Bukhara and can host over 10,000 worshippers during the Ramadan. When it was built, the city of Bukhara had about 10,000 males in its population. There are a total of 208 columns, 288 domes and 28 arches in the courtyard. The sight is stately there. By this hour of the morning, the sun has blessed us with generous daylight. We savored the elegant views at the heart of sacredness in Bukhara. At the far end, the blue dome called Kok Gumbaz sits above an unusual octagonal structure “designed to improve the building’s acoustics, amplifying the voice of the imam as he speaks his Friday sermon.” Meaning the “Great Minaret,” the Kalon Minar was built in 1127. At the time, it was thought to be the tallest free standing tower in the world. When Genghis Khan came in the early 13th century, he was very impressed by the tower, spared it but destroyed everything else besides it and all else in Bukhara too. Over the centuries, earthquakes have destroyed some parts of the tower, especially in the top. It is said that the Uzbeks used to throw prisoners tied in sacks from the top of this tower as punishment, and the practice continued for centuries. Access to the long stairs inside the tower is no longer allowed for common tourists. Mir Arab, meaning “Arab Emir,” was born in Yemen. He abandoned his throne when he was 22 years old, and turned to serious studies of science and education in Samarkand. He then met the emir of Bukhara, and became the mentor for many scientists in this city full of intellectual heritage. Construction for the Mir-I Arab Madrassa began in 1530 and completed in 1536, but after Mir Arab has died. “With the exception of a 21 year period of closure from 1925-1946, the madrassa has remained fully functional, including throughout the Soviet period” (Bradt 239) and continuing to this day in fact. The 120 students here attend a demanding four-year program in Arabic and Qu’ranic studies, as the beginning of their journey to becoming imams. There are also general subjects for study. Over this long history of education provision, the Mir-I Arab Madrassa has trained both historic and contemporary Islamic scientists. The Kalon Mosque ensemble is lit in the evening and makes fantastic night photographs. #uzbekistan #centralasia #uzbekhistory #uzbekarchitecture #kalonmosque #bukhara #mosque #islam

The Zindan Jail is very close to the Ark of Bukhara and it stands for haunting memories of torture, horror and incarceration. It is however very much worthwhile to visit, as in every culture there are expressions of the darkest strands of human nature. Uzbekistan is no exception and the Zindan Jail keeps it all real for us as tourists. Despite its similarity in appearance with the Ark, the Zindan jail is relatively modern as an 18th century structure. Now a museum, the Zindan Jail has the official name of The Museum of History of Law and Court System of Bukhara. In Persian, the word “Zindan” means “dungeon.” Inside this prison is the infamous “Bug Pit,” the Fourth Cell, a space below ground that was dark, damp, infested with bugs, rodents and even snakes. Some sources say that these tortuous creatures were dropped by the Uzbeks into the pit. Known as the “kanakhona,” the 6.5-meter deep pit was “covered with an iron grill. Accessible only via a long 6-meter rope, the Bug Pit was reserved for the least favorite” of prisoners. It is said that in those conditions prisoners only stay alive for about three days. The Bug Pit was where the two British soldiers, Stoddart and Connolly, that angered the Emir, were kept, tortured and horrified, before they were executed in the Registan before the Ark. Other than the two famous British prisoners, the prisoners that ended up in the Zindan Jail were debtors and those that failed to practice religion. The serious offenders were thrown into the Bug Pit. #bukhara #uzbekistan #uzbekhistory #zindanjail #theark #emir #centralasia #bugpit #historicallandmarks#历史古迹

In the mornign we reached the Gur-i-Amir (meaning Lord’s Tomb, the Mausoleum of Amir Timur). Of the sights that we visited in Samarkand, Gur-i-Amir was perhaps more “down to earth” in its appearance as compared to others. Being the resting place for many royal members of the Timurid dynasty, however, the Gur-I-Amir’s interior was the grandest of all that I have seen in the places I visited this time in Uzbekistan. Perhaps the key learning about Amir Timur at his mausoleum is the fact that this was in fact not the place of his own choice in terms of a burial. He had wanted to be buried in his hometown, Shakhirsabz, and in a single tomb. The Gur-I-Amir was actually built for his grandson in 1404. Muhammad Sultan, who Amir Timur had named as the successor, died preceding Amir Timur’s own death. When Amir Timur died in 1405, his remains could not be carried to the mausoleum in Shakhirsabz due to snow. Therefore he had to be buried in Gur-I-Amir. Thereafter, the Gur-I-Amir became the site for dynastic burial. A few of the Timurid royalties, including Amir Timur’s sons Shah Rukh and Miran Shah, and his other well-known grandson, Ulug Bek, lied in rest here. Amir Timur’s learned grandson Ulug Bek, who was a well-reputed astronomer, saw through the completion of Gur-I-Amir. He acquired a large plaque of jade from Mongolia. This piece of jade was rumored to be the largest one-piece jade in the world. This jade slab contains an inscription in Arabic, “When I Rise, the World Will Tremble.” It covered Amir Timur’s coffin. The words felt like a mighty curse and history might have proven it so as well. According to Sophie Ibbotson, a Persian invader Nadir Shah took the jade slab to Persia in 1740. Thereafter all kinds of misfortunes befell him and his son, so severely that his advisors demanded that he return the jade slab to Uzbekistan. On June 22, 1941, a team of Russian scientists exhumed Amir Timur’s remains for scientific inquiry. Within hours, the Nazis came into Soviet Union territory. No matter how unbelievable these stories sound, Amir Timur possessing a strong postmortem spell of the spirit is perhaps not so surprising, given the strong will that enabled him to stare down the whole world with mounted archery. #mausoleum #samarkand #uzbekistan #uzbekhistory #centralasia #guriamir #amirtimur #ulugbeg #travel#museums

Its sheer size might be deceiving. Lake Aydarkul is actually an artificial lake, and properly considered, it is truly a Soviet-era wonder. According to the Feel the Orient website, “The entire system occupies an area of 4 thousand square kilometers and consists of three brackish lakes – Aydarkul, Arnasay and Tuzkan.” Meaning “turquoise seas in the sand,” the Aydarkul truly does live up to its name. The lake has induced some changes to the ecosphere in Uzbekistan. The main and most notable change has been its effects on the replenishment of water in the Aral Sea, which will be discussed in a later entry. Suffice to say, the water being brackish in this lake (as opposed to being saline), it has “high rates of evaporation, prompting a moist summer microclimate, often attracting rain clouds,” this in turns drives the rehydration of the North Aral Sea (Wikpedia). The Aydarkul is a behemoth of a manmade phenomenon. In 1969, a raging flood descended upon the area and created the necessity to tame the water. According to the Wikipedia, “between February 1969 and February 1970 almost 60% of the Syr Darya’s average flow (21 km3) was drained from the Chardarya Reservoir into the Arnasay lowland. In such a way new lakes were made. Since 1969 the Aydar Lake has regularly received the waters of the Syr Darya River when they overflow the capacity of the Chardarya Reservoir. This has gradually filled up the natural cavity of Arnasay lowland to create the largest lake of Central Asia excluding its long western border, the Caspian Sea.” #aydarlake #uzbekistan #manmadelakes #uzbekhistory #sovietunion #centralasia #naturalwonder #natural

We went up to the Nur Fortress to see what was supposedly a military installation built at the command of Alexander the Great around 329-327 BC. There was also a mosque that was newly built in its vicinity. Nur, meaning “light” and “ota,” meaning father, together the name Nurota means “light father.” It refers to a meteorite event that occurred and the tale was passed down by the local folkloric tradition. It was said that a meteorite fell into this spot 40,000 years ago. Yet the founding of this town was traced back to the times of Alexander the Great, who commanded a general to build a fortress here, before he would go on to his conquest of Bactria and Sogdiana. Eventually, Alexander the Great would make it to Bukhara himself from Nurota. But what was Alexander the Great doing in Uzbekistan? He spent two years in Uzbekistan raging a campaign against the Achaemenid Persian Empire. His campaign would take him to far places in this part of the world. At one point he did seize Samarkand, and he had also established his stronghold in modern-day Tajikistan. His warfare in this part of Asia was not always so smooth, however. That is because the tribal troops here engaged in nomadic warfare, to which the great historic warrior had to develop new tactics. He was, still, by and large successful. #nurota #nurfortress #alexanderthegreat #uzbekhistory #uzbekistan #centralasia

We rose early. The hike of the day will be a full 7-hour hike onto the peak of the Nuratau Mountains Range. The ascent is between 900 meters to 1690 meters, almost 700 meters of altitude to climb. We would see wonderful aerial views of the desert, the flatlands, and the mountains. This hike at the Nuratau Mountains has the advantage of requiring no stairs. All of the ascent was done on slopes, and they were mostly gentle. The most difficult was actually the windiness on the mountains. The wind was so strong I almost couldn’t breathe. It was fortunate that I brought enough clothing to cover my head and my face. On our way, we did see some really nice wildlife. In the first part of the hike, there was a lot of wild rhubarb. Without knowing how it tasted, I sucked the juice, and it was incredibly sour. I could see it as a great source of hydration though, in case anyone did not bring enough water for the hike. The descent was rather strenuous with a whole lot of unclear paths. I thought the descent was harder than the ascent.

The Russian invasion and exertion of power over Uzbekistan took place in the mid-19th century. In 1865, the Russian Empire had already taken Tashkent and made it the capital of Russian Turkestan. At the cusp of Russia’s invasion of Bukhara, which took place in that same period, the various regions of Uzbekistan were ruled by khanate kingdoms. This part of Uzbek history was known as the Khanate era. Throughout the 1860s or so, the Russians have waged their wars in Bukhara, and in 1866, the Bukharans were defeated. In 1868, the Emir accepted vassal status after the defeat in the Battle of Zerabulak. It was at that time that the Emir ceded Samarkand to the Russians as well. At this point, it could not be said that the Russians were ruling Bukhara yet. Rather, the Emir still retained power in the administration and control of Bukhara and other territories. Bukhara was yet to be incorporated into the Russian Empire formally. Built in 1911, the Sitorai Mokhi Khosa stands testament to a watershed in Bukharan and Uzbek history. Its name meaning “Palace Like the Stars and the Moon,” the Sitorai Mokhi Khosa was built by Russian engineers for Emir Alim Khan in 1911, “as an inducement to get him out of the Ark fortress and safely ensconced in a strategic and cultural no-man’s land on the edge of town.” (Calum Macleod) The architecture shows prominent and grandiose eastern European features. At first glance, it certainly conveys the sense of luxury to which the royalty of Bukhara felt entitled. According to the descriptions on site, the exterior of the Sitorai Mokhi Khosa was that of Russian architecture, but the interiors were fitted with traditional Bukharan elements. #sitoraimokhikhosa #uzbekhistory #uzbekistan #bukhara #russia #russianarchitectue #uzbekarchitecture #centralasia #uzbkeheritage #historicallandmarks #museum #历史古迹#博物馆

The Bolo Hauz Mosque was built in 1712. This was where the Emir would head over from the Ark on a red-carpet-laid path on every Friday for his Friday prayers. Its resemblance to the Djome Mosque at the Ark is certainly no accident, as these two structures were indeed contemporaneous with each other. The Bolo Hauz Mosque was the only historic structure that survived the onslaught of the early Soviet rule in this part of Bukhara. All other historic structures in this area of town were destroyed in the early 20th century. During the Soviet rule, the Bolo Hauz Mosque was a working men’s club. The most eye-catching aspects of the Bolo Hauz Mosque are the super tall, and seemingly thin pillars that support its enormous and decorated high wooden eaves. Sophie Ibbotson says that those “12m-high pillars, 20 in all, that support the aivan are so slim that they look like super-sized chopsticks” and I agree with her completely. They are “made from elm, poplar and walnut wood.” (Sophie Ibbotson). The 20 pillars show varying sets of patterns in their carved adornment at the bottom, and also varying stalactites at the top parts that support the eaves. There is also a minaret right by the Bolo Hauz Mosque, completing the whole layout for a religious structure in Uzbekistan. #uzbekistan #bukhara #emir #bolohauzmosque #历史古迹 #islamicarchitecture #mosque #islam #uzbekhistory #centralasia

The great Uzbek warrior statesman Amir Timur ruled via the puppet khans in the khanate kingdoms in which he managed to consolidate his power. This was because Amir Timur himself was not a descendant of the Genghis Khan. Without this lineage he could not become the Khan. He became qurkan to the Khan’s family, meaning the “son-in-law,” by his marriage with his chief consort Saray Mulk Khanum. Saray Mulk Khanum, now known commonly as Bibi Khanym, meaning “the elder wife,” was the wife of Amir Timur’s predecessor, Amir Husayn of Balkh. After Amir Timur defeated and killed Amir Husayn, he married Saray Mulk Khanum, a daughter of Qazan Khan. She was a descendant of Genghis Khan. And this is the beginning of Bibi Khanym’s legacy in Samarkand. The group of monuments that bear her name originally consisted of three complexes. There was the madrasa, the Bibi Kanym Mosque, and Bibi Khanym’s Mausoleum. The Bibi Khanym madrasa was built to a very grand scale, but the structure was destroyed by Nadir Shah’s Persian troops when they invaded in 1740. By commissioning the madrasa, Bibi Khanym had intended to be the patron of education for Samarkand and the kingdom. Bibi Khanym is the chief consort of Amir Timur. The fact that she had access to the resources required to construct these three significant monuments (the mosque was built during his absence in Samarkand when he raged his military campaigns) that were named after her already suggests her influence in Amir Timur’s royal court. She oversaw not only his harem but also the affairs of the state. There is an interesting story about Bibi Khanym’s effort to build the mosque. She had intended the mosque to be a surprise for Amir Timur upon his return. The mosque’s architect fell deeply in love with her, and when she urged him to hurry to complete the work he demanded he be allowed to give her a kiss. The kiss left a permanent stain on her cheek; Timur saw it on his return and had the architect executed for his insolence. Legend has it that Bibi Khanym was beheaded too, but in fact she outlived Timur by four years. #bibikhanym #amirtimur #uzbekhistory #samarkand #uzbekheritage #uzbekistan #centralasia #madrasa #mosque

Formerly the National Museum of Turkestan, The State Museum of History of Uzbekistan in Tashkent was first founded in 1876. It was also known as the Lenin Museum during the Soviet times, as it was built to commemorate the centennial of Lenin’s birthday in 1970. The building showcases concrete grilles on the exterior walls with traditional Uzbek patterns called Panzhara. This architectural feature is considered a rare example of Soviet architecture incorporating explicit non-Soviet, multicultural elements. The museum presents the most comprehensive overview of Uzbekistan’s long history, from early neolithic settlement all the way to the formal establishment of its modern statehood (independence) in 1991. Here is what the museum had to say as a welcome introduction to visitors: Lying on the crossroad of great routes of the east, the Uzbekistan civilization was interacting with the advanced cultures of the east and the west. The first world religion – Zoroastrianism – was formed here, and other world religions – Buddhism and Christianity – have found a fertile field here. The highest level of Uzbekistan civilization has been manifested by the great contribution made by its representatives… in the strengthen of Islam as the world religion. A defining modern event in the history of Uzbekistan is the Earthquake of 1966 in Tashkent. The museum featured a clock that was broken by the earthquake at the very moment that the earthquake struck. The 5.2 magnitude earthquake devastated Tashkent, destroying much of the city’s existing infrastructures. 300,000 of its residents were rendered homeless. The beautiful metro stations in Tashkent were part of the effort to restore the city from the earthquake. In the next three years, reconstruction of the whole city managed to restore life back to normalcy for the people. Fast forward to September 1, 1991, Uzbekistan finally declared independence as a republic after the final demise of the Soviet Union. It has since maintained a close relationship with its Central Asian neighbors, and was very much within Russia’s zone of influence as well. The former President Islam Karimov was the Secretary of the Communist Party of Uzbekistan at the time of independence. He declared Uzbekistan an independent state following the attempted coup in Moscow in 1991. Uzbekistan was the second in the Central Asian nations to declare independence, after Kyrgyzstan. President Islam Karimov remained in power until his death on September 2, 2016. He was the authoritarian ruler of Uzbekistan for a full 25 years, despite explicit constitutional provisions that limited presidential terms to two only. His third term of presidency was extended by the means of a referendum. #uzbekistan #centralasia #uzbekhistory #tashkent #statemuseumofhistory #leninmuseum #sovietunion #independence #statehood #statehistoricalmuseum #museum #artgallery #uzbekarchitecture

The Karakalpakstan State Museum of the Arts was named after Savitsky as the Savitsky Art Museum. Located in Nukus, which is the capital for the semiautonomous region of the Republic of Karakalpakstan, the Savitsky Art Museum is simply known as the Nukus Museum of Art. It is a crown jewel of the Republic of Karakalpakstan, although in a different way from the Chilpik Kala. The museum boasts being “the Louvre in the sands,” as having one of the largest collections of Russian Avant Garde and Central Asian applied art. Having visited this museum, I would say it was slightly exaggerated to call it “the Louvre in the sands,” as its scale is not comparable to the Louvre. However, it does present a rich collection of interesting paintings in the Central Asian themes, and for that I was surely very thankful. We found it eye opening to see some of the works of Uzbekistan, created both by local artists and overseas (mostly Russian) artists. Igor Vitalievich Savitsky (1915-1984) was the founder of the Nukus Museum of Art. His dedicated work in this region of Uzbekistan has both inspired him to create his own and enabled him to collect an enormous number of locally created artworks, which formed the foundation of this museum. It was Igor Savitsky’s initiative to found the Nukus Museum of Art in 1966. During the Museum’s earlier years, it was the hub for relatively unknown artists to explore their creativity, especially in Avant Garde artworks. Because this part of Uzbekistan was off bounds to foreigners then, the Soviets left the museum alone. As such, a lot of the forward-thinking artists that were dubbed dissidents in the Soviet regime found refuge here in this art museum. Over the years, Savitsky has also kept his collection secret. It was only upon his death in 1984 that the well-preserved artworks of a whole Soviet era met the light of the day. #karakalpakstan #uzbekistan #uzbekart #artmuseum #nukusmuseumofart #savitsky #centralasia

#mountainhike #centralasia Is this mountain hike involving more than 1000m elevation worth it? Central Asia is a hiker’s dream, and Kol Tor Lake is the best place to experience this. Kol Tor Lake, located in the beautiful mountain range of Kyrgyzstan, is DEFINITELY a sight to behold. With its vibrant blue, green and turquoise waters surrounded by majestic peaks and the green grassland, it offers a stunning backdrop for anyone looking to connect with nature. 😍 Getting there involves a long hike (5 hours+) that’s just as enjoyable as the lake itself, featuring breathtaking views and a variety of wildlife along the trail. It is a great spot for picnics, photography. So to conclude, if you ask me if the hike is worth it? I would say without a heartbeat, YES! Kol Tor Lake is the perfect getaway if you are looking to find some scenic and tranquil hikes! 🌲✨

#chillandthrill Kazakhstan’s nature is truly diverse and breathtaking. The landscapes were so varied, each one offering a completely different vibe. Although I’ve only explored a small part of this country, I’ve already seen a great variety of landscapes. From modern Soviet-style buildings to untouched nature, such as snowy mountains, lakes, canyons, and wilderness, this country has it all. As the largest landlocked country in the world, Kazakhstan is truly blessed with the gifts that Mother Nature has given it. Can’t wait to come back to explore more of what this country has to offer 😁🤞 📍Almaty Region, Kazakhstan #travel #centralasia #almaty #kazakhstan

#getgoing2025 Taking the train from Almaty to Tashkent was a wonderful way to see Central Asia's diverse landscapes. The journey took me through the rugged mountains of Kazakhstan and into the rolling plains of Uzbekistan. The train itself was comfortable, and I spent hours watching the changing scenery. Along the way, I shared stories with fellow travelers and locals, and we all marveled at the beauty outside the window. It was a peaceful and scenic way to explore this part of the world. 📍Central Asia #kazakhstan #uzbekistan #centralasia #trainjourney

🇰🇬Kyrgyzstan is also famously known as the Switzerland of Central Asia, and they are not wrong. With an average elevation 2,600m, the country is scattered full of beautiful, and untouched nature. We travelled Kyrgyzstan during September 2024, and here are our tips. Day 1: Explore Bishkek Bishkek is the capital city with a population of 1 million people. Explore: - Ala Too Square - Victory Square - Osh Bazaar Day 2-3: Take in the largest lake in Kyrgyzstan - Issyk Kul Head on down to the south of Issyk Kul lake. Why not stay in a yurt camp on the lake? Bokonbeyvo, or Tong could be good place to rest. Here you can explore: - Golden Eagle Hunting 🦅 - Skazka Canyon Day 4: Karakol - the base for the next few days Karakol is the second largest city in Kyrgyzstan and is also a great base for few hikes around the area. Day 5-7: Ala Kul Lake OR Altyn Arshan 🥾 If hiking is your thing, why not hike to one of the most beautiful lakes, with a distance of 50km over 3 days, it is tough but well worth it. OR stay in a guesthouse or yurt camp in Altyn Arshan, to really enjoy the nomadic life and the picturesque green windows backdrop. Day 8-10: Naryn and the Kel Suu Lake 🏔️ Naryn can be your base to head to Kel Suu Lake (or you can also join a tour from Bishkek). Stay in a yurt camp along the Kok-Kiya Valley and head to Kel Suu Lake to witness a beautiful blue turquoise lake against dramatic grey cliffs. Day 11-13: Horse ride around Song Kul Lake 🐎 Horse trek around Song Kul Lake and stay in truely nomadic yurt camps, unplugged for 3 whole days. This is truly an experience. Day 14: Head back to Bishkek and say see you next time to Kyrgyzstan! ✈️ 📲 For more information, check out our YouTube channel/Instagram page with the same name @RLontheRun, and of course ask any questions! #travelguide #traveldiaries #itinerary #kyrgyzstan #kyrgyzstantravel #吉尔吉斯斯坦 #centralasia

Khujand, one of Tajikistan's oldest cities, is a vibrant blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Nestled at the confluence of the Syr Darya River and the mountains, this city is rich in Silk Road heritage and offers visitors a unique glimpse into Tajik life. Khujand, known as the ancient city of Alexandria Eschate, boasts a fascinating history that dates back over 2,500 years. Key sites like the UNESCO-listed Khujand Fortress provide insight into its storied past, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The historical museum is also worth a visit for its extensive collection of artifacts. The city is alive with culture, especially in its bustling bazaars. The Panjshanbe Bazaar is a sensory delight, where you can find everything from fresh produce to traditional crafts. Engaging with local artisans and trying regional dishes, such as manti and kebabs, enhances the experience. Khujand is surrounded by picturesque mountains, making it a great base for outdoor activities. Nearby lakes and parks, like the Kayrakum Reservoir, provide opportunities for hiking, picnicking, and enjoying the serene environment. Getting There:Khujand is accessible by road from Dushanbe, with several transport options available, including shared taxis and buses. Best Time to Visit:The best time to explore Khujand is from April to October, when the weather is pleasant for outdoor activities. Accommodation: A range of accommodations, from budget guesthouses to comfortable hotels, is available to suit different preferences. Khujand is a captivating destination that beautifully showcases Tajikistan's rich history and culture. Whether wandering through ancient sites, savoring local cuisine, or enjoying the stunning natural landscapes, Khujand promises an unforgettable travel experience. #bazaar #culture #yathra #gowithtrip #tajikistan #asia #centralasia #Khujand

Panjakent, a hidden gem in the heart of Tajikistan, offers a unique blend of history, culture, and breathtaking natural beauty. Known for its ancient ruins and vibrant local life, this city is a must-visit for any intrepid traveler. Panjakent, founded in the 5th century, was once a thriving city on the Silk Road. The nearby ruins of ancient Panjakent showcase the remnants of a rich cultural heritage, including stunning frescoes and architectural marvels. Visiting the ruins is like stepping back in time, providing insight into the Sogdian civilization. The local bazaars are vibrant and lively, filled with colorful textiles, handmade crafts, and delicious street food. Engaging with the locals can offer a deeper understanding of Tajik culture and traditions. Don’t miss trying traditional dishes like plov and samsa. Surrounded by the majestic mountains of the Fann Range, Panjakent is a paradise for nature lovers. The nearby Iskanderkul Lake is a perfect spot for hiking and enjoying picturesque views. The crystal-clear waters and stunning landscapes create a serene environment for relaxation and exploration. -Getting There: Panjakent is accessible by road from Dushanbe, the capital of Tajikistan. Consider hiring a local guide to enhance your experience. The ideal time to visit is from April to October when the weather is mild and suitable for outdoor activities. Options range from guesthouses to hotels, providing a glimpse into local hospitality Panjakent is a captivating destination that combines history, culture, and stunning natural landscapes. Whether you're exploring ancient ruins or enjoying the warmth of local hospitality, this city will leave a lasting impression on your travel journey.#asia #centralasia #travel #tajikistan #culture #bazaar #Panjakent

How to reach : haft kul from Dushanbe to Panjakent to Marguzar (its nearest village seventh lake ) have private taxi it’s cost under 600-800som or share it’s under 150som taxi stand located on panjakent bazaar down Taxi Rider :+992 926044083 he is good person I met#Seventhlakes Nestled in the stunning Fann Mountains of Tajikistan, the Seventh Lake, known as Haft-Kul, is a breathtaking destination that offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and tranquility. The lake is surrounded by towering peaks and lush valleys, creating a picturesque backdrop. The vibrant turquoise water contrasts beautifully with the rugged mountains, making it a photographer’s paradise. The peaceful atmosphere allows for moments of reflection and appreciation of nature's splendor. The trek to reach the Seventh Lake is both challenging and rewarding. The path is well-marked, leading you through diverse landscapes, including meadows filled with wildflowers and rocky terrain. Along the way, I encountered friendly locals who shared stories and insights about the area, enriching the experience. The region is home to a variety of wildlife, including birds and possibly some elusive mountain goats. The flora is equally impressive, with many endemic plants dotting the landscape. Birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts will find plenty to explore. While there are limited accommodations directly at the lake, nearby villages offer guesthouses that provide a cozy place to stay. The hospitality of the locals adds a special touch to the experience. It’s advisable to bring your own supplies, as amenities are minimal. Visiting the Seventh Lake of Haft-Kul was a highlight of my trip to Tajikistan. Its untouched beauty and serene environment make it a must-visit for anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Whether you’re an avid hiker or just looking for a peaceful retreat, this hidden gem is sure to leave a lasting impression. #gowithtrip #yathra #tajikistan #travel #centralasia #asia

#ancienttown Renowned as one of the oldest and ancient city in the world, Samarkand which located in Central Asia become one of the most historical site in the world. And it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site. A brief history of Samarkand, known for its mosques and mausoleums. It's on the Silk Road, the ancient trade route linking China to the Mediterranean. If you happened to visit Samarkand, the best area to stay is around Registan Square, which is famous among the tourist. Here in Registan Square, you will find this exciting site and you can go explore by entering the Registan Square area. It is great location to take many pictures for memory and learn the history of the city during your exploration. Registan Square has awesome architecture to admire 😍 It is easy to get there. If you come visit Uzbekistan through airplane, you will first landing in Tashkent and continue with a train ride to goto Samarkand. You can either use a Fast Train or Local Average Train. Even the Fast Train is affordable price, so I highly recommend you to take this so you can have more time exploring Samarkand. 📍Samarkand, Uzbekistan 🇺🇿 #100waysoftravel #samarkand #uzbekistan #city #ancient_city #centralasia

Do you want to have an off-the-beaten trip for enjoying winter vacations? Kazakhstan is the perfect answer! Kazakhstan is located in Central Asia Region, bordering with Russia in North. It’s the 9th largest country in the world, but it’s also one of the world’s most sparsed country with its total population of 19 million people. Because of this, Kazakhstan’s nature is still untouched, and bot so many people yet to come to this destination. If you want to come here, I recommend you at least have 5 days to explore Kazakhstan, ranging from nature, culture, or even history. Here is my recommended itinerary Day 1: You will arrive in Almaty by night. And if you arrive in Almaty before sunset, you could see this beautiful mountain range from above! So, have a great rest because tomorrow, the snow capped mountain is waiting for you! Day 2: Head to Shymbulak Mountain Resort. You could use online taxi or bus to go to this place. Enjoy the beautiful snow capped mountains and don’t forget to play skis if you like! Day 3: Take A Day Tour to Kolsai Lake, Kaindy Lake, along with Charyn Canyon. This trio will give you a sense on how beautiful and diverse Kazakhstan’s nature truly is! Day 4: Explore the city. Almaty is a small city, but there are several landmarks that you could visit. Take a walk at Zhibek Zholy and see how the locals activity look like. Then, Head to Zenkov Cathedral to see the Russian-style Church along with chilling in the garden. Lastly, don’t forget to try the Soviet-style Almaty Metro. Central Asia was also a part of the famous silk road, so the culinary scene is so diverse! You could try Plov, Shashlik, Lagman, or if you like to try something exotic, try a horse meat! I’m not joking, the Soviet Metro is not just a regular public transport, it’s also an art! I recommend you going to Zhibek Zholy and Baikonur Station! Day 5: It’s your last day in Kazakhstan, don’t forget to buy souvenirs for you, friends, and families! That’s all from me, hope you enjoy it! #kazakhstan #centralasia

#timetotravel #registan #samarkand #Uzbekistan #ulianatravels #silkroad #centralasia Registan Square, Samarkand. If you could only visit one place in Uzbekistan without a doubt it should be Samarkand. The capital of Tamerlane’s empire, it’s the cultural center of Central Asian states, with unique, interesting and complicated history. Samarkand is an oasis in the desert and it was one of the most important centres on the Silk Road. Today Samarkand is a safe and easy to get to destination with many international flights and the comfortable bullet train from Tashkent, Uzbekistan’s capital.

In Kyrgyzstan there’s a lot of lakes and trail to choose, we passed bu Kochkor after our trip to Lake song-kul, and saw this small little lake on the maps, and decided to pay a visit here. It’s a 22km hike with elevation of 1200m to hike from kochkor to lake kol ukok, we hired a taxi to send us 7km in to the start of the trail, there’s a yurt camp to stay if u want to make it a 2 days trip. We choose to do it in one day, so it’s about 12 hours of hiking time for this round trip. But we get to find at least 4 cute marmots along the route, it’s fun to carefully look into every rocks we passed by to find the cute little fella inside. #lake #travel #centralasia #awesomepic

Issyk-Kul is the seventh-deepest lake in the world, the tenth-largest lake in the world by volume and the second-largest saline lake after the Caspian Sea. There’s a lot of town surrounding it, we choose and went Bokonbayevo, where we can swim and watching eagle hunt demonstration. Eagle hunting is a tradition in Kyrgyz, the hunting season will be on winter, spring and summer is the time for the wild animal to have babies. We went there in June, so we can only see eagle hunting demonstrations, but still it’s very cool to touch this giant creature. #lakes #centralasia #eaglehunters #kyrgyzstan

My adventures in a land where every turn feels like a painting #centralasia #kyrgyzstan #autumn

The sandstorm cleared up a bit but we still wanted to save the touring for another brighter day. In the afternoon we decided to visit a teahouse in Bukhara.It seemed to us that the Silkroad Teahouse, which is on the way to the Kalon Mosque ensemble, is a very popular choice locally and for tourists. On this gloomy afternoon the teahouse was quite full. Tea drinkers hover their heads over a steamy cup of tea, enjoying the sensory pleasures of a spicy, tangy potion that comes with a distinctly Central Asian character. Yet one can also sense the resonation of a steady energy in this space, as the roof openings let in whatever sunshine there was in this gloomy day. There were the sounds of hushed chit chats humming in the air. At that point I knew that we found the right place for a late afternoon respite. Many of the teahouses in Bukhara are family-run businesses and the Silkroad Teahouse is no different. The owners of Silk Road Spices claim to have been in business since 1400, and they also run the Silkroad Teahouse. Tea drinking has had a long history in Bukhara, and it is said that coffee is finally making its way into the café culture there. The Silkroad Teahouse has embraced this trend. It offers Turkish coffee with cardamom, which really is an Uzbek take on coffee. All of the items for order at the Silkroad Teahouse come in a set. Each tea set costs 500,000 SOM. There is unlimited refill of hot water for your big tea pot. There are the regular teas such as black tea, mint tea and green tea. I chose the cardamom and saffron tea. The selection of spiced tea certainly is a novelty for a non-local like myself. On the side is a full platter of delightful sweets. I particularly liked the sesame collection, which is something that I am familiar with. The sesame treats did taste like what I have back home in Hong Kong. Their Silkroad Confection, which is the unique menu item at the Silkroad Teahouse, was not really my cup of tea. I find them to be too sweet for my liking. Finally, there is also a plate of walnuts with raisins and I liked the nuttiness that went very well with the pungency of the spiced tea. #tea #teatime #silkroadteahouse #bukhara #uzbekculture #uzbekistan #centralasia #travel

The Uzbeks consider the puppet show to be a national craft, and Bukhara is the center of production and show for the puppets. The Uzbeks also like to collect these puppets as decorations in the home, as they are still carefully handcrafted today. The puppets are dressed in the national costumes of Uzbekistan and usually represent literary figures. The other Central Asian countries also have some form of puppet theater, but Uzbekistan’s is believed to be the oldest and it is also the most-studied theater form. There is a work station at the Puppet Museum demonstrating how this traditional craft is made. The heads of the puppets are paper mâché. There is a mould to start with, then the puppet craftsman pastes layers and layers of paper scraps to form a head. A total of exactly 12 layers are wrapped around the mould. Any more paper would weigh down the head and make it droopy. Then comes coloring and glazing. Three layers of colors are applied and it is water color. Finally, a layer of lacquer is painted onto the face to seal the colors. There are two kinds of puppets: string and gloves. The puppets featured in the Bukhara Puppet Museum are the glove puppets, which are relatively easier to maneuver. The staff at the Puppet Museum demonstrated how to animate the puppets. We laughed as we saw the puppets came to live, it was a comical moment. Of course, that is a demonstration only. In a real theater, there will be accompanying music and also narration. In a traditional performance, the music features Uzbek traditional music with the instruments syrnay, karnay and nagora. The Bukhara Puppet Theater features four genres for puppetry performance: satire, local, portrait of local artists, and animals and mythologies. #puppets #puppetshow #puppetworkshop #bukhara #uzbekhistory #uzbekcraft #uzbekistan #centralasia #uzbekculture

The Ismail Samani Mausoleum is the site of burial for the founder of the Samanid dynasty, a period of time considered to be one of the most glorious throughout Uzbekistan’s antiquity. The Samanids were Persian aristocracy with origin from Iran. The reign lasted between 819-1005 A.D. Ismail Samanid, the great-grandson of Saman-Khuda, was the one that strengthened the ruling of the Samanids by uniting all the Samanid states into one empire. Under the Samanids, the capital of Bukhara and the city of Samarkand became the centers of Persian culture, as the Samanids were patrons of science, literature, the arts and religion. It is said that Bukhara under the Samanid rule had a glory that rivaled that of Baghdad. Unlike so many of the monuments in Uzbekistan, the Ismail Samani Mausoleum did not have to go through a complete reconstruction in the modern times. For many of Uzbekistan’s monuments, the near-wholesale destruction of the original structure by wars or earthquakes necessitated a complete rebuilding. The reason being that, when the Mongols invaded Bukhara in the 13th century, the Ismail Samani Mausoleum was buried both far in the ebbs of time and also in the depths of the Bukharan desert. The powerful forces of nature saved the Ismail Samani Mausoleum from the traumas of human-originated disasters. As such it is the oldest Islamic monument in Bukhara, constructed in the early 10th century. Although it may have looked a bit plain at first glance, the Ismail Samani Mausoleum presents an aesthetics that is miles apart from all the other historic structures that we saw in Uzbekistan. There was no adornment in this firebrick structure. The Ismail Samani Mausoleum was truly different from the elaborate colors that grace the traditional Uzbek monuments with turquoise domes and mosaic-laden iwans — much less anything that resembled the somewhat contrived efforts to implant Russian-styled architecture like that of the Sitorai Mokhi Khosa. It was a very nice change of scenery for us. The lack of colors and mosaics does not stop one from appreciating the beauty of Ismail Samani Mausoleum. The intricacy lies in the fascinating layout of the brickwork, in perfectly uniform geometrics. #uzbekistan #uzbekhistory #samanid #ismailsamanimausoleum #mausoleum #bukhara #centralasia #travel

Afsona Restaurant is very popular in Tashkent and it is highly recommended on quite a few online platforms. We sat down for our final lunch in Uzbekistan and we were excited. But we made the wrong decision to order their fish as our entrée. Coming from Hong Kong, we are accustomed to fish done right and the fish at Afsona fell far below our expectations. We drooled over the things that other patrons ordered, but our soup and appetizers and everything else were all very good. #asfona #uzbekcuisine #uzbekfood #uzbekrestaurant #uzbekistan #tashkent #centralasia #foodie

Meaning “Friday Mosque,” the original Juma Mosque had been in existence since the 10th century. This was one of the structures that was razed down by the Mongols during the Mongolian Invasion of the 13th century. In the late 18th century, the Juma Mosque underwent a reconstruction, and the structure has since stood to this day. A one-story building, the mosque prides 213 supporting pillars in perfect alignment. They are what makes it an amazing experience for tourists to walk through the mosque. In every different angle you see the crisscrossing of wooden pillars. With the natural daylight illuminating the space in between, the view of the internal architecture was at once serene and textured in different shades of glow — as if God’s commanding presence could be felt inside. The central pillars in the Juma Mosque are in fact the very original, and as such they had stood there for more than one thousand years. Those were the only of the original mosque that remained at the time of reconstruction. #jumamosque #fridaymosque #khiva #centralasia #uzbekistan #uzbekhistory #mongols #historicallandmarks