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Trading goods and exchanging ideas
must have provided conversations one can only imagine at
ruins of caravansersais, the ancient rest stops
for massive caravans seeking respite, eleven centuries ago.
A critical crossroad for over three
millennium, layers of antiquity provide archaeological wonders
from Oxus Treasure to Buddhist relics, to magnificent mosques
and to mausoleums and medieval fortresses. Walk in the path
of conquerors who left their mark: Cyrus and his Persian
Empire, Alexander the Great and Genghis Khan.
Central Asia is still a source of
conflict and many nations vie for control of the area. Witness
today's version of the Great Game with poppy fields supporting
the ubiquitous drug trade and armament check points. Drive
along the Panj River bordering Afghanistan, visit the second
highest botanical garden in the world and gaze at turquoise
lakes.
Cross the border into China for destination
Kashgar, a strategic city boasting a rich tapestry of cultures
and customs for more than 2,100 years. The colorful Sunday
Bazaar, the Livestock Market and Qiasha Alley in the Old
City put you in touch with people. These are mostly Uighurs,
who continue to struggle to maintain their traditional ways.
Return through Kyrgyzstan, also deceiving
in its bucolic splendor and fields of petroglyphs. Don't
miss this spectacular route via the Pamir Highway which
Marco Polo described in the 11th century as "perhaps
the highest place in the world" and one of "perilous
passes."
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