The Pamir Highway, the world’s second highest roadway, and a part of the ancient Silk Road, is a section of the M41 going from Osh in Kyrgyzstan, to Termez in Uzbekistan via Tajikistan through the Pamir mountains. Central Asia Rally’s path joins it for some of the most breathtaking views to be had anywhere. […]
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Fergana Valley, Kyrgyzstan: the Core of Central Asia
As you approach the destination of your Central Asia Rally on day 11, your path will take you past the very core of Central Asia – the Fergana Valley. We don’t just mean this in terms of geography: the valley, enclosed by the the Gissar-Alai range to the south and Tian Shan Mountains to […]
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Anzob Tunnel, Tajikistan: Not For the Fainthearted
The purpose of any tunnel is to get you from one place to another, preferably still breathing. But this perilous, dark, damp one is making no promises in that regard. Photo by Julian-G. Albert Can’t wait to go already. How long is it? Five kilometers. This stretch of hollowed-out asphalt, dubbed The Tunnel of […]
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Tomb of Rudaki, Father of Persian Poetry, Tajikistan
Hidden in the Fan mountains in the northwest of Tajikistan is the resting place Rudaki, the father of Persian poetry. Born around 860, he is one of the foremost historical figures of post-Soviet Tajikistan, strongly shaping the national identity as an icon of not just artistic achievement but also as a cultural touchstone for […]
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Sarez Lake, Tajikistan: Created by the Largest Dam in the World
And now something only for the Indy-grade dauntless amongst you, who’ll leave no nook of land uncharted when they hear of it, however remote it may be. Adventurer, meet the extra challenge of your Central Asia Rally, The Sarez Lake, created by the largest dam in the world. Photo by Tim Griffin It must […]
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Tash Rabat, Kyrgyzstan: An Isolated Silk Road Caravanserai in the Back of Beyond
Say “Silk Road” and most of us see soft focus pictures of camels, flowing garments, and romantically drifting sand dunes, perhaps with a bit of low-key throat singing in the background. But this romanticized portrayal airbrushes out the real dangers that the journey entailed, for the Silk Road crossed some of the most treacherous […]
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Dos and Don’ts for Before Your Central Asia Rally
So you’ve spun your globe and marked your aim, booked your flight and written that cheeky out-of-office auto reply – now here you are, poised to pounce on your Caucasian Challenge, starting in Istambul, Turkey and winding up Yerevan, Armenia via Georgia. Oh, lands of breath-taking landscapes, ancient Silk Road citadels and, well, Borat. Actually, […]
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Off-Roading Tips for the Fearless
Being excited to go on a rally is one thing, but you also have to prepare yourself for the long ride. So, we compiled some tips and tricks that’ll help you get ready for off-roading through Central Asia. Photo Credit: PopularMechanics Know Your Vehicle… … and be aware of its limits. Once you know […]
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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Central Asia Border Crossing Survival Guide
Central Asia has a mountain of red tape when it comes to border crossings, and crossing in a car can also complicate things. If you’re coming with us on the next Central Asia Rally, here are some tips on surviving Central Asia border crossings around the Stans! Be Patient. Crossing the borders in these […]
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Tips for Driving in Central Asia
Central Asia might be a place tucked away at what feels like the end of the world, but it’s a vast place. Kazakhstan alone is one of the largest landlocked countries in the world, and Uzbekistan itself is no shy and small place either. With vast and varying lands, ancient cultures and being one […]
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