Bradt Travel Guides
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Landlocked between Russia and China, and surrounded by the shimmering Caspian Sea shores and the Altai and Tian Shan mountains, a trip to the exotic wilds of Kazakhstan will erase any association Westerners may have with the film Borat. Visit in May and find the slopes of the Tian Shan carpeted with tulips, base yourself in cosmopolitan Almaty and daytrip to the nearby mountains and forest (where the pious may encounter the legendary Buddhist kingdom of Shambala), or sample a glass of kumiss at a Kazakh dastarkhan. Now updated with more detail, Kazakhstan provides in-depth explanation of the rich and unique Kazakh traditions and nomadic heritage. The most comprehensive guide available, it's invaluable for anyone visiting or living in Kazakhstan.
NOTE: This edition of Turkmenistan was published in 2005 so some of the information particularly concerning practicalities should be treated with caution. Also note that many of the prices quoted in this edition are likely to have risen since 2005; however, you will find they are still useful for comparative purposes.
Turkmenistan is one of the few countries of any size left on the globe which is not the subject of a dedicated travel guide in English. Yet, lying as it does at the heart of the Silk Road route, it is a historically and culturally rich land; and travellers can gain insight into the heritage with the clear itineraries supplied of the major archaeological sites of Merv and Konye Urgench and coverage of Turkmen pilgrimage shrines. For travellers looking to explore further afield, this guide spans the whole country comprehensively, including little-known sites such as the Yangakala canyon and the flaming crater at Darvaza. Turkmenistan is currently one of the safest countries in the Central Asia region, particularly where personal safety is concerned.
Turkmenistan is one of the few countries of any size left on the globe which is not the subject of a dedicated travel guide in English. Yet, lying as it does at the heart of the Silk Road route, it is a historically and culturally rich land; and travellers can gain insight into the heritage with the clear itineraries supplied of the major archaeological sites of Merv and Konye Urgench and coverage of Turkmen pilgrimage shrines. For travellers looking to explore further afield, this guide spans the whole country comprehensively, including little-known sites such as the Yangakala canyon and the flaming crater at Darvaza. Turkmenistan is currently one of the safest countries in the Central Asia region, particularly where personal safety is concerned.