Central Asia
The 2250km, more diverse alternative to the Trans-Siberian railway
A journey through Mongolia on a Soviet-era train feels like a step through a time portal.
- Jamie Lafferty
Latest
This jewel of the Silk Road is still as impressive as it ever was
Some of the world’s most infamous conquerors established empires in this 3000-year-old city.
- Jenny Hewett
See this fascinating country before it changes (again)
In this Central Asian country with a complicated, engrossing and often violent history, change is constant – and now it’s on the cusp of a tourism boom.
- Carrie Hutchinson
The unlikely country that lives up to its Instagram reputation
Mentally prepared to be underwhelmed, we discover that this former Soviet country, where tourism is increasing, doesn’t disappoint.
- Amber Schultz
- Explainer
- Explainers
Beyond the eccentricities: Why the ex-Soviet ‘Stans’ are having a moment
Decades after independence, the five countries known as Central Asia are leveraging their unique heritage, resources wealth and geopolitical edge. Who wants in? And what might you find if you venture there?
- Angus Holland
What the travel brochures omit about ‘the world’s happiest nation’
Bhutan is often sold as a real-life Shangri-La. But what’s life really like beyond the postcard?
- Nina Karnikowski
Surreal and secretive, this Asian country is finally opening up
It’s considered the least Westernised, least visited and most secretive of Central Asia’s countries, but it’s set to become easier to visit.
- Billy Saxon
Once forbidden to foreigners, this remote place is now accessible
A new road will bring trade, and tourists, to the remote village of Ghami – a place that currently has the feel of a lost city.
- Nina Karnikowski
Ghost cities and stranded ships: Inside a country that doesn’t exist
Karakalpakstan has its own language, culture and history, but you won’t find it on any map.
- Joel Day
The site of a shocking royal massacre is now a tourist attraction
Inside these walls, built to keep common eyes away, we can all finally seen how Nepal’s most lavish family lived. And how it died.
- Andrew Bain