With epic scenery and a history to match, Central Asia’s vast ancient trading trail has re-captured travellers interest – as its placement on our Reader Travel Awards prove. Here are the best ways to take in its treasures.
1 LOSE YOURSELF IN BUKHARA’S OLD TOWN
Bukhara, Uzbekistan
The historic city of Bukhara boasts Central Asia’s most intact and interesting old town, and it’s a great place to randomly explore. The dense network of back streets hides a scattering of madrassas (religious schools), Sufi shrines, traditional courtyard-style guesthouses and even a synagogue (home to Bukhara’s once thriving Jewish community). After a day of sightseeing, relax over a pot of tea at the poolside Lyab-i-Hauz architectural ensemble or book a soak and a scrub at the 14th-century Bozori-Kord bathhouse
NEED TO KNOW: Bukhara is worth a couple of days, to visit the ark (fort) of the former emir, the graceful 10th-century Samani Mausoleum and the 46m-high Kalon minaret that impressed even Genghis Khan.
ALSO TRY: Kashgar, Xinjiang – Kashgar’s old town has faced modernisation drives in recent years, but what remains is still fascinating.
2 OVERNIGHT IN A CONVERTED MADRASSAH
Khiva, Uzbekistan
The medieval walled town of Khiva is one of the best preserved on the Silk Road. In a full day you can explore the khan’s former palace, the jail and the former slave market, before watching the sun set over the desert from the top of the Islam Khoja minaret and retiring to Central Asia’s most atmospheric accommodation. The Hotel Orient Star is housed in the 19th-century Mohammed Amin Khan Madrassah (religious school), with rooms converted from the original student cells.
NEED TO KNOW: To get to Khiva, take an overnight train or flight to nearby Urgench, or take a shared taxi from Bukhara across the Karakum desert.
この記事は Wanderlust Travel Magazine の April 2019 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です ? サインイン
この記事は Wanderlust Travel Magazine の April 2019 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です? サインイン
Vermont, USA
The Wanderlust team relocated to New England for part of this issue, as we explored a lush state filled with outdoor escapes, historic towns... and lashings of maple syrup
Unique North America
See a side to the USA and Canada beyond the big cities and discover incredible stories and special wildlife with our pick of the trips
The call of the Rockies
From historic ski lodges to rustic backcountry cabins and a mock-Scottish castle, we pick the stays in Canada's Rocky Mountains that make the most of their setting
A new dawn for the Garifuna community
When the Garifuna people settled in Belize, they had to carry their traditions and culture with them; now a new trail is inviting visitors to explore this heritage through local communities
On the edge of history
In south-west Colorado lies the largest archaeological preserve in the USA, a series of vast cliff dwellings whose residents 'vanished' overnight. But was the answer to their disappearance in plain sight?
Tigers burning bright
As India celebrates 50 years of its Project Tiger conservation scheme, we visit the reserves of Madhya Pradesh to see how its success has impacted a tiger population that once looked in danger of disappearing
SEASON'S GREETINGS
From fiery fall foliage to art fairs and harvest festivals, opens up a wealth of across the USA and Canada autumn experiences
Waking a sleeping GIANT
A slow drive along the North Wales Way, from the English border to Anglesey, reveals not only a land of incredible local food and castles, but a region that is slowly reimagining itself
The rebirth of old JEDDAH
As efforts to restore Al-Balad, Jeddah's historical district, take hold, we get an exclusive peek at how art and culture are taking centre stage
Star-studded escapes
Wilderness, history and wildlife combine at some of Britain's most iconic stargazing sites, as more and more travellers are looking to the heavens
