After our epic border crossing day yesterday, it was nice to start seeing some of this country. Khujand is one of the oldest cities in Central Asia, dating back about 2,500 years. It is situated on both sides of the Syr Darya River at the mouth of the Fergana Valley. The population of the city is about 150,000 and is the capital of the northernmost province of Tajikistan, now called Sughd. Being home to famous scientists, writers, and musicians, Khujand preserv...

Today was a day of travel from Kyrgyzstan to Tajikistan via TWO border crossings. With the border between these 2 countries currently closed due to political tensions we had to do a detour via Uzbekistan. An early start saw us reach the first border at Dustlick before 8 am but it was still busy. We were greeted with gravel and dust but our trusty guides assisted us through the first checkpoint. Has to say farewell to our gorgeous student guide. This has been her...

Today started with us saying farewell to our guide Oksana as we boarded a flight to Osh. After a nail-biting one-hour flight we arrived to be met by our new guide and his 2 student guides. Osh is the oldest city in Kyrgyzstan (estimated to be over 3000 years old) and the second largest in the country. The town is situated at the crossroads of the ancient trading routes that became known as the Silk Road - halfway between China and Europe. Our first stop was at...

Today involved a long day on the bus along bumpy, dusty roads with a few intermittent stops as we head to the capital of Kyrgyzstan, Bishkek. Suddenly we see a lonely tower amidst the fertile fields of the Chuy Valley. The Burana Tower (also known as Kara Khanids Minaret). Once it stood at the center of the flourishing Silk Road city of Balasaghun. Nowadays it's a fascinating museum complex that includes the tower itself (24.6 meters, original height used to b...

Welcome to Kyrgyzstan - the land of celestial mountains. A rugged country with the Tien Shan mountain range covering approximately 95% of the whole territory. The population is about 6 million people most of whom are Turkic-speaking Muslims. An interesting fact - The flag of the Kyrgyz Republic is a powerful symbol of the nation's identity and heritage. The Tunduk, the wooden top of the yurt, is prominently displayed in the center of the flag, surrounded by a su...