Central Asia
Tourism is booming in this developing country, but its airport hasn’t caught up
Visitor numbers have tripled, but if you’re passing through this airport expect long waits at immigration and security, and bring a book.
- Jenny Hewett
More than 1600 metres above sea level, this beach is 2000km from a coast
The shores of the world’s second-largest alpine lake seem like any other beach, until you notice the snow-capped mountains surrounding it.
- Andrew Bain
Don’t want to rough it? You can now do this intriguing part of Asia in style
With more and more travellers interested in this Central Asian region, better facilities and upgraded infrastructure are a godsend.
- Rob McFarland
- Opinion
- My happy place
Despite attracting celebrities, my remote happy place remains relatively unknown
It may have attracted high-profile travellers since the days of Sir Edmund Hillary, but you won’t find tour groups or selfie-takers here.
- Nina Karnikowski
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
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
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