Remember our advice to explore on the Central Asia Rally with an open mind? Well, you’d better. It is the land of overflowing hospitality indeed. But the importance of showing respect to the Central Asian hosts has never been better illustrated, than now. Have you heard about how chuchuk, a type of Kyrgyz horse […]
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The necessary Tajik visa, GBAO and more
Once you have made the great decision of boarding the great adventure rally the Central Asia Rally is, let’s get prepared with what you will need to enter these amazing countries. Acquiring the necessary visa for these countries is fortunately something the Travel Scientists will happily help you with. Photo by upyernoz During the amazing […]
Continue ReadingWhy You Must See Samarkand
The Central Asian Rally takes you over the heart of the ancient cultures of Central Asia. This area surrounds the curious traveler with present and living history. Cities contemporaries to Babylon and Rome still stand and prosper. When Europe plunged into the darkest Middle Ages, ancient cities around the Silk Road were hubs for arts and enlightenment. And perhaps the most […]
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Baikonur – Where Man Conquered Space From
Not far from the route of the Central Asian Rally lies the legendary Baikonur Cosmodrome. A Russian enclave in Southwest Kazakhstan, a site that will always be historic monument for science and humanity. The first satellite, Sputnik was launched from Baikonur. This is also where the first human in space, Yuri Gagarin took off […]
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Melmastia 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: […]
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Hunting with Eagles in Kazakhstan – Qusbegi
Falconry is a respectable and spectacular tradition, and hunting with eagles is the top of that sport. Though hundreds of years past its peak in the Western world, if a handler appears in a Renaissance fair with his majestic bird of prey, he will definitely steal the show from even the best of fire-jugglers. People […]
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Kyrgyzstan – Best Destination for a Photo Tour
The readers of the Russian edition of National Geographic have definitely proven their taste for beauty and adventure: In a survey, in which more than 250 000 Russians have participated, they voted for Kyrgyzstan as “Best Destination for a Photo Tour”. With all its untouched mountain ranges, vast landscapes, high altitude lakes of the deepest […]
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Buzkashi – 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 […]
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The Ghost Ships of the Aral Sea
Driving through Kazakhstan during the Central Asia Rally you will stumble over something weird: ships. Old, abandoned ships in the middle of the desert with no water in sight up to the horizon. No, they are not remnants of the Great Flood, but you are standing on the bed of the former Aral Sea, once the […]
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What to Eat in Kyrgyzstan
The traditional lifestyle of the Kyrgyz people is nomadic, which has strongly influenced its cuisine. You will be served dishes heavy on meat dripping with fat, especially mutton, beef and horse, as well as on dairy products. The high fat content of most dishes might be unfamiliar for the average western stomach, but that shouldn’t […]
Continue ReadingVisa-Free Kazakhstan: 5 Reasons to Visit
After a successful pilot program, Kazakhstan recently announced its plan to expand its visa free travel program for even more countries. Citizens of 19 states will be able to visit Kazakhstan for up to 15 days without any visa hassle. Since the Central Asian country is still off the radar for many travelers, here are […]
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How to Travel Through Central Asia
Central Asia – the final frontier – is one of the world’s last destinations that still feels like it’s off the beaten track. One of the appealing factors of travelling to Central Asia’s is the challenge of enduring its crumbling stretch of roads and relying entirely on local hospitality from time to time. Whether your car […]
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