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Three Day Kyoto and Osaka Itinerary
Japan’s Kansai Region represents the country in a nutshell. Home to atmospheric temples and colorful flashing billboards, the beautiful region on Honshu Island contains both the modern comforts and culinary delights of urban Japan, as well as the nostalgic charm of the country’s hinterland. Kansai’s two largest cities—Osaka and Kyoto—offer the perfect introduction to Japan. Together, the cities reveal a country of quirks and contrasts, while showcasing the rich history and modern impulses that contribute to Japan’s layered and widespread appeal. Though I only had a short weekend to spend…
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The Taroko Gorge in Taiwan: A Day Trip Itinerary
Taroko National Park is one of Taiwan’s top tourist destinations. A spectacular area containing marble-walled canyons, emerald vegetation and picturesque shrines, the park is a dream destination for lovers of hiking, culture and splendid scenery. The national park’s massive mountains are awe-inspiring. They tower over the chiseled Taroko Gorge, concealing temples and rivers and waterfalls. The national park—speckled with pagodas and surrounded by green forests—is a scenic wonderland that is worlds away from the bright city lights of Taiwan’s urban centers. Bisecting this emerald wonderland is the Taroko Gorge–a masterpiece…
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Three Day Taipei Itinerary
Taipei’s beauty lies in its blend of ancient history and modern design. A living museum of East Asian civilization, Taiwan’s capital city boasts intricate temples, bustling markets and innovative architectural feats. Currently a de facto independent state with a functioning government but limited international recognition, Taiwan has a long history of occupation by vying empires. As a result, Taipei is a curious fusion of Japanese anime curiosities, deep-rooted religious tradition and foodie flair. The city’s temples buzz with the pious; its Japanese-era houses have been restored to their former glory;…
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Pamir Highway Road Trip Itinerary
The Pamir Highway is a high-altitude road that bypasses some of the most dramatic mountain scenery in Central Asia. Traversing the Roof of the World, this spectacular ribbon of pavement winds between craggy peaks, past glistening lakes and through lunar landscapes. Formally known as the M-41, the Pamir Highway extends from Osh in Kyrgyzstan to Mazar-i-Sharif in Afghanistan. Driving along the Pamir Highway is an ultimate road trip adventure for lovers of culture and off-the-beaten path wilderness. PAMIR HIGHWAY: PLANNING AND LOGISTICS After two weeks in Kyrgyzstan and southern…
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Things to See near Kyrgyzstan’s Lake Issyk Kul
Boasting turquoise alpine lakes, cow-studded pastures, craggy mountain ridges and dramatic windswept rock formations, Kyrgyzstan is a country defined by its beauty. Kyrgyzstan’s wild and unspoiled scenery remains raw and relatively untouched by mass tourism. Mountains cover eighty percent of the country’s surface area and beckon hikers with dramatic vistas and abundant photo opportunities. Nestled at the heart of this dramatic wonderland, lies crystal-clear Lake Issyk Kul–the world’s second-largest high-altitude lake and the center of Kyrgyzstan’s burgeoning tourism industry. There are endless things to do around Lake Issyk Kul. In…
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The World Nomad Games: A Celebration of Nomadic Life
The World Nomad Games is an event unlike any other. Sometimes referred to as the ‘Olympics of the Nomads,’ the week-long celebration of Central Asian athletics is a stunning display of epic proportions. Since its inception in 2014, the popularity of the nomadic competition has soared. After all, where else can you see such a dizzying array of people from countries whose names you can’t even pronounce? Or watch men on horseback sling headless goat carcasses into hoops? Or cheer on Team USA as it tries to compete with falconers…
