Central Asia is surprisingly safe. Of all the places in the world the Travel Scientists organize events, Central Asia is the greatest unknown for participants. The feeling of mystery and adventure is part of what makes the region so exciting. However, first-time visitors may naturally be concerned that Central Asia is safe to travel. The answer is yes, but — like […]
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Countries on the Central Asia Rally
Have you heard of all these countries? The Central Asia Rally is an epic driving adventure, where you will journey to the heart of one of the world’s most remote and beautiful regions. In the course of two weeks we pass through six countries, each with their own unique highlights. These are the countries on the […]
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Central Asia: More Fun with Friends
It’s easy to have a good time on the Central Asia Rally. Participants on the Central Asia Rally tend to be adventurous, independent-minded, and capable. So, you might ask, why bother joining up with us, when they could make the journey themselves? Well, it turns out that there are plenty very good reasons, actually!
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Plov: The Centerpiece of Central Asian Cuisine
Plov is central to Central Asian cuisine. Photo by I. Ibrahimjon Let’s be honest, food probably isn’t the reason you visit Central Asia. Participants on the Central Asia Rally are more likely to be excited about visiting Silk Road cities or driving the Pamir Highway. However, if there’s one meal that you can be sure to enjoy on […]
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Kyzylkum: The Desert of Red Sand
We drive through the Kyzylkum Desert on the Central Asia Rally. Much of the Central Asia Rally is spent discovering the unexpected: glorious medieval cities, tranquil lakes, and incredible mountain passes. However, we also traverse less surprising Central Asian terrain: desert. The Kyzylkum, which in local Turkic languages means “red sand”, is one of the largest deserts […]
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Bukhara’s Beautiful Lyab-i Hauz
In Bukhara, a Hauz is outside… Photo Allan Grey In Persian culture, a Hauz is a pond. In Bukhara, which we visit on the Central Asia Rally, the Lyab-i Hauz is the area around the one of these ponds, famed for its tranquility and architecture. It reveals a taste of Silk Road life from many […]
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Samarkand’s Registan: The Original Public Square
Could Samarkand’s Registan be Central Asia’s most important historical sight? The Central Asia Rally travels all over Central Asia, through Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan. While Kyrgyzstan, home to glorious mountains, lakes, and of course mountain lakes, is a worthy final destination, the heart of the Silk Road is Uzbekistan. And at the heart of […]
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The Perfect Central Asian Feast
These are the essential dishes for the perfect Central Asian feast. Central Asia may not be especially famous for its cuisine, but we certainly enjoy it. After a long day driving on the Central Asia Rally, there’s nothing better than settling down to a selection of delicious local favourites. Here are what we reckon […]
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Central Asia Rally 2017: The Best Photographs
Our favourite photos from the Central Asia Rally. The Central Asia Rally 2017 is now long gone, but we thought we’d take one final look back at the best photographs from the event. If you were are a participant and you think you took better, you are welcome to send the best photographs of […]
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Central Asia Rally 2017: Sary Mogol to Bishkek
The final recap from the Central Asia Rally 2017. On Days 12, 13, 14 of the Central Asia Rally, participants saw some of the most stunning scenery of the trip. In particular, they had the chance to camp by the beautiful, remote Lake Song Kul. Then of course, came the final celebrations in Bishkek. […]
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Central Asia Rally 2017: Khorog to Sary Mogol
Our favourite photos from days 10 and 11 of this year’s event. As the Central Asia Rally 2017 continued, the views got even better. Here are some of the best photos (which, let’s be honest, don’t do justice to the real thing) of Day 10, from Khorog to Murghab, and Day 11, onward to […]
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The Central Asia Rally: Dushanbe to Khorog
Our favourite photos from Days 8 and 9. The Central Asia Rally 2017 is over, but we still have some incredible stories to tell and brilliant photos to show. Here are our favourite images from Day 8, when teams drove from Dushanbe, capital of Tajikistan, to Tavildara and then Day 9, when participants travelled onwards […]
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