http://www.mir-dmc.com/blog-news daily 0.75 2024-08-26 http://www.mir-dmc.com/blog-news/2024/8/26/agent-fam-to-uzbekistan-experience-the-heart-of-the-silk-road monthly 0.5 2024-08-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/b11a91d8-54a3-46df-85b7-5cac6347f597/FAM+TRIP+NEWSLETTER+FOR+TRO%281%29.png Blog - Agent FAM to Uzbekistan: Experience the Heart of the Silk Road - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. http://www.mir-dmc.com/blog-news/2024/7/26/3-ways-to-travel-to-the-south-caucasus monthly 0.5 2024-07-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1722015835587-RX63FMJDG5XAQ5V0RJ7I/3+ways+to+explore+central+asia+silkroad+DMC+newsletter+NL+for+Serandipians.png Blog - 3 Ways to Travel to the South Caucasus - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/6491327d-e071-4406-bdce-c90c2f67aa42/3.png Blog - 3 Ways to Travel to the South Caucasus - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/f6e46446-4908-4a94-ab5a-ba2b1840670c/1.png Blog - 3 Ways to Travel to the South Caucasus - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/ec59a461-3f0e-483c-ab89-7f08397b7411/2.png Blog - 3 Ways to Travel to the South Caucasus - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. http://www.mir-dmc.com/blog-news/2024/7/24/3-ways-to-travel-the-silk-road-1 monthly 0.5 2024-07-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/18ee70fe-31ba-4378-ae6b-0720c3bc4281/5-2.png Blog - 3 Ways to Travel the Silk Road - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/e5c8bf49-ebe9-40bb-9bd2-530c3eca686e/2-2.png Blog - 3 Ways to Travel the Silk Road - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/7dc09dd0-bed9-4ac1-a64e-63e030e6d868/1-2.png Blog - 3 Ways to Travel the Silk Road - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/0ad6d810-8192-4fa1-bf9a-e298d920b913/5-Ways-to-Explore-Central-Asia-NL-Newsletter.png Blog - 3 Ways to Travel the Silk Road - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. http://www.mir-dmc.com/blog-news/2021/3/23/travel-inspiration-whats-new-in-uzbekistan monthly 0.5 2021-05-03 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1616524576700-IRUU9D89VD8TSKWV2OSU/TashkentMetro-Behar1.jpg Blog - Travel Inspiration: What's New in Uzbekistan - The cosmonaut station of the Tashkent metro Photo credit: Michel Behar https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1616524675531-BE8CAREXMHVU812AQWCP/TashkentMetro-Behar3.jpg Blog - Travel Inspiration: What's New in Uzbekistan - Waiting for the metro, Tashkent, Uzbekistan Photo credit: Michel Behar https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1616524633612-7RS77PP4ZJ53Y7N3Y0GY/TashkentMetro-Behar2.jpg Blog - Travel Inspiration: What's New in Uzbekistan - A hall in the Tashkent metro Photo credit: Michel Behar https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1616525735490-MXXUCZ38F903F24INV9O/PlovSamarkand-Samadov.jpeg Blog - Travel Inspiration: What's New in Uzbekistan A traditional meal of plov in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. 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Qedeli Village https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1614803631446-5YW1VAG1B85NK30H33RU/Archeology_Cube__3_-Georgia-LostRidge-LivingRoots.jpg Blog - Travel to Georgia: Reserve Your Own Private Village - Lost Ridge at Qedeli Village, Georgia. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1614803574875-HKYO6YAYTSLQZ2LE5MO0/IMG_4312-Georgia-LostRidge-LivingRoots.jpg Blog - Travel to Georgia: Reserve Your Own Private Village - Lost Ridge at Qedeli Village, Georgia. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1614803576009-6BOKGDZ8HP1KEQUWAFY9/IMG_9909-Georgia-LostRidge.jpg Blog - Travel to Georgia: Reserve Your Own Private Village - Lost Ridge at Qedeli Village, Georgia. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1614803576473-TI14RBFL38STO7VUYXRM/Room-N8-Georgia-LostRidge-LivingRoots.jpg Blog - Travel to Georgia: Reserve Your Own Private Village - Lost Ridge at Qedeli Village, Georgia. http://www.mir-dmc.com/blog-news/2019/7/9/lovin-the-pamirs-tajikistans-other-half monthly 0.5 2019-07-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1562713324931-FLSVKG5U9E4F9DHO1J29/Yamchun-Tajikistan-October-2010-6-JSmith-CU-fort-618-pixels.jpg Blog - Lovin' the Pamirs: Tajikistan's Other Half - Pamir Mountains 2,000-year-old Yamchun Fort guards the major China-Afghan caravan route Photo credit: Jake Smith https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1562713499059-VIGI3WLTBNJT26XASGW6/Ishkashim-October-2010-JSmith-fields-618-pixels.jpg Blog - Lovin' the Pamirs: Tajikistan's Other Half - Pamir Mountains Plains, poplars and grains in Ishkashim, Tajikistan Photo credit: Jake Smith https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1562713718595-PD1FBSJZ0WYFGKJILG4X/Panjakent-and-Surrounding-Area-May-2011-JSmith-sweetened.jpg Blog - Lovin' the Pamirs: Tajikistan's Other Half - Pamir Mountains The view for miles in Penjikent, Tajikistan Photo credit: Jake Smith https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1562779881572-1E7LIB9G5BD8JJ75U5EA/GBAO-May-2007-59-Tajikistan-Murgab-old-man-in-akkalpak-JSmith-618-pixels.jpg Blog - Lovin' the Pamirs: Tajikistan's Other Half This man in Murghab, Tajikistan wears a Kyrgyz “akkalpak,” or white hat Photo credit: Jake Smith https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1562781847762-WM6I9W8DJ15SMLBS3C1J/Khorog-to-Dushanbe-September-2013-2-Tajikistan-aerial-view-of-village-JSMith-618-pixels.jpg Blog - Lovin' the Pamirs: Tajikistan's Other Half Although just miles apart, this aerial view of Tajikistan’s topography shows how isolated villages can be Photo credit: Jake Smith https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1562780340906-T4IZBH1JTS5AJZ6KRUHN/To-Langar-November-2006-41-Shia-shrine-ibex-JSmith-618-pixels.jpg Blog - Lovin' the Pamirs: Tajikistan's Other Half Revered horns of ibex and Marco Polo sheep at Ismaili Shi’a religious shrine Photo credit: Jake Smith https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1562780382560-3ZMDK0P2UHTWA6CAOQXQ/Badakhshan-Tajikistan-September-2011-31-house-interior-JSmith-618-pixels.jpg Blog - Lovin' the Pamirs: Tajikistan's Other Half Typical Pamiri home interior, with pillars symbolizing first five imams in Shi’ite Islam Photo credit: Jake Smith https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1562781408325-9LP7MHOXWA8Z7IKHKSZ8/GBAO-May-2007-57Tajikistan-JSmith-schoolkids-in-Murgab-618-pixels.jpg Blog - Lovin' the Pamirs: Tajikistan's Other Half Schoolchildren in Murghab, Tajikistan sport traditional scarves and baseball caps Photo credit: Jake Smith https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1562781697200-JF6Y021PBPDJ31D0L45S/Tajikistan-Jake-Smith-on-hill-JSmith-618-pixels.jpg Blog - Lovin' the Pamirs: Tajikistan's Other Half Jake Smith, perched high on a hill in his former home of Tajikistan Photo credit: Jake Smith https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1562711757622-LY45M4M1W6JUHZUX9XK5/Near-Ishkashim-Pamirs-Tajikistan-Jake-Smith-profile-highway-618-pixels.jpg Blog - Lovin' the Pamirs: Tajikistan's Other Half The Pamir Highway is a road well traveled by MIR’s Jake Smith, who once called Tajikistan home Photo credit: Jake Smith https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1562777884311-5Y4RYOPRF2IQWWFQMLVZ/Khorugh-Tajikistan-October-2010-JSmith-Afghan-market-618cropped.jpg Blog - Lovin' the Pamirs: Tajikistan's Other Half - Daily LIfe Once a week Afghans – like this man – can sell their goods at the Horog market Photo credit: Jake Smith https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1562776979657-5QJPSJZJ3CKB0737KN2L/GBAO-May-2007-60-JSmith-Murgab-group-618-pixels.jpg Blog - Lovin' the Pamirs: Tajikistan's Other Half - Daily Life Murghab villagers sell yak milk in recycled soda bottles Photo credit: Jake Smith https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1562776818700-LHLAYOZNHSNYEAUZ9YVL/GBAO-May-2007-29-Tajikistan-plains-oxen-yoke-JSmith-618-pixels.jpg Blog - Lovin' the Pamirs: Tajikistan's Other Half - Daily Life Oxen are still yoked to all-wooden ploughs in the Tajik Pamirs Photo credit: Jake Smith https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1562776819241-R3JHUKJQDBNPMNDBLB60/Badakhshan-Tajikistan-September-2011-15-JSmith-mother-girl-618-pixels.jpg Blog - Lovin' the Pamirs: Tajikistan's Other Half - Daily Life Wakhi mother and daughter in Badakhshan, Tajikistan Photo credit: Jake Smith https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1562776819561-O8FXHLZVX6KJSQ6QFJKL/GBAO-May-2007-48-Tajikistan-caravanserai-Afghan-JSmith-618-pixels.jpg Blog - Lovin' the Pamirs: Tajikistan's Other Half - Daily Life Looking from Tajikistan into Afghanistan: a working caravanserai in the Wakhan Corridor Photo credit: Jake Smith https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1562779368218-W2L13NVDA2OMR5EJMFA4/GBAO-May-2007-20-Tajikistan-JSmith-All-countries-618-pixels.jpg Blog - Lovin' the Pamirs: Tajikistan's Other Half In the foreground is Tajikistan, then Afghanistan, and finally Pakistan’s snow-capped mountain crests Photo credit: Jake Smith https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1562776452612-4M6952QE15DXFE9W08XN/GBAO-May-2007-14-Tajikistan-JSmith-camels-618-pixels.jpg Blog - Lovin' the Pamirs: Tajikistan's Other Half Bactrian camels wander across the river between Tajikistan and Afghanistan Photo credit: Jake Smith https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1562781594172-GPVZKDQP6TNOWD4TI35H/Shughnon-October-2010-JSmith-seasonal-colors-618-pixels.jpg Blog - Lovin' the Pamirs: Tajikistan's Other Half Shifting of seasons near Shughnon, Tajikistan on the Ghunt River Photo credit: Jake Smith http://www.mir-dmc.com/blog-news/2019/6/6/unesco-uzbekistan monthly 0.5 2019-07-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1560454702795-0PYM8V1S17GZF3A66LO3/PLOV-IN-SAMARKAND-1-10-2017-12-59-002-ASamadov-800-1.jpg Blog - Insider's Guide to the Top 8 UNESCO Sites & Experiences in Uzbekistan A plate of plov is elegantly presented for a holiday celebration Photo credit: Abdu Samadov https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1560352236495-2RBI5TTC2WYP1TFA1VAL/07220011-Khiva-sunset-PGuttman-800.jpg Blog - Insider's Guide to the Top 8 UNESCO Sites & Experiences in Uzbekistan The ancient UNESCO-listed Silk Road city of Khiva is often called a “living museum” where history is lived in, even now Photo credit: Peter Guttman https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1560460817739-U4HAYTWHBR1WQDK3DYQF/Khiva.jpg Blog - Insider's Guide to the Top 8 UNESCO Sites & Experiences in Uzbekistan - Juma ("Friday") Mosque 200+ carved wooden pillars support Khiva’s oldest mosque Photo credit: Bill Thornton https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1560460816624-IR17E40ZR5YRSH4538VQ/98530099-Khiva-walls-PGuttman-800.jpg Blog - Insider's Guide to the Top 8 UNESCO Sites & Experiences in Uzbekistan - Walls of Khiva Adobe brick walls surround the Old Town, up to 30 feet tall and 20 feet wide Photo credit: Peter Guttman https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1560460816609-L45QOC1AF7L7LAIRYLW3/FIVE-STANS-PHOTOS-185-of-229-web-BillFletcher-800.jpg Blog - Insider's Guide to the Top 8 UNESCO Sites & Experiences in Uzbekistan - Tash-Hauli Palace Khiva’s massive royal palace took 10 years to complete Photo credit: Bill Fletcher https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1560553529849-YNKFCH0GDPV2H2OEGJ04/BIBIHANUM-COMPLEX-SAMARKAND-UZ-9-11-2017-2-02-17-PM-exterior-ASamadov-800.jpg Blog - Insider's Guide to the Top 8 UNESCO Sites & Experiences in Uzbekistan - Bibi-Khanum Mosque It’s said that 95 elephants were used in building this marble-laden mosque Photo credit: Abdu Samadov https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1560553529835-A097QLQ2P14B4CJ5U5QQ/GURI-EMIR-SAMARKAND-UZ-10-31-2018-5-37-20-dome-ASamadov-800.jpg Blog - Insider's Guide to the Top 8 UNESCO Sites & Experiences in Uzbekistan - Gur-Emir Mausoleum Beneath this gilded fluted dome of magnificent muqarnas, Tamerlane was laid to rest Photo credit: Abdu Samadov https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1560553529338-XN1J38BTCVS2RKY6WFR3/Samarkand-Shah-i-Zinda-8-ws-DonovanWong-800.jpg Blog - Insider's Guide to the Top 8 UNESCO Sites & Experiences in Uzbekistan - Shah-i-Zinda The massive blue-tiled necropolis of royalty is also an Islamic place of pilgrimage Photo credit: Donovan Wong https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1560536978912-IOUQ73MW920NRBA2EN6E/DSC02749-Shahrisabz-Statue-JGorman-800.jpg Blog - Insider's Guide to the Top 8 UNESCO Sites & Experiences in Uzbekistan Tamerlane towers over the ruins of his most ambitious project, Ak Saray Palace Photo credit: Jered Gorman https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1560361550655-XMLDQS5V5OYTTYHNZTRJ/Samarkand-Registan-24-women-UlugBekMadrassah-DonovanWong-800.jpg Blog - Insider's Guide to the Top 8 UNESCO Sites & Experiences in Uzbekistan For centuries, the Registan has been a gathering place for local residents as well as sojourners on the Silk Road Photo credit: Donovan Wong https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1560467056651-G68UC32ZXY9TPLBHKXEI/IMG_2336-Uzbekistan-silk-ikat-MGilboy-618.jpg Blog - Insider's Guide to the Top 8 UNESCO Sites & Experiences in Uzbekistan Uzbek ikat silk fabrics are bold in color and complex in design – truly treasures of the Silk Road Photo credit: Megan Gilboy https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1560376219376-SWV758G5TC0Y4MM7GVIU/BUKHARA-LABI-HAUZ-20-09-2015-09-07-00.jpg Blog - Insider's Guide to the Top 8 UNESCO Sites & Experiences in Uzbekistan Bukhara’s Lyabi-Hauz is an oasis within a Silk Road oasis, for centuries a place to meet, eat, and relax Photo credit: Abdu Samadov https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1560451517552-V2XE24SL0YPVH3XIQADG/IMG_0786-Uzbekistan2008-plov-woman-HHolter-618-1.jpg Blog - Insider's Guide to the Top 8 UNESCO Sites & Experiences in Uzbekistan A favorite Uzbek dish, UNESCO-listed plov is mounded high for a festive luncheon in Tashkent Photo credit: Helen Holter https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1560528713342-WHYMFHYT62R0FI7C4S39/Foto-11-04-15-15-48-35-Margilan-silkcocoons-MBehar-800.jpg Blog - Insider's Guide to the Top 8 UNESCO Sites & Experiences in Uzbekistan Silkworm cocoons are boiled, unraveling like spools of thread Photo credit: Michel Behar https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1560528712767-N0QHQ51FRUX8EABAWQZL/MARGILAN-IKAT-CENTER-UZ-4-7-2017-11-04-05-AM-3-men-ASamadov-800.jpg Blog - Insider's Guide to the Top 8 UNESCO Sites & Experiences in Uzbekistan Creating a single ikat is labor-intensive – often taking months to complete Photo credit: Abdu Samadov https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1560528712975-6LMSHUJQ7ZP3RKW1BW8E/IMG_6979.jpg Blog - Insider's Guide to the Top 8 UNESCO Sites & Experiences in Uzbekistan Ikat is first dyed before woven on the loom Photo credit: Marina Karptsova https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1560535011769-GZDP6T3U1K9IIU713G8M/IMG_6937-Margilan-weavers-MKarptsova-sweetened.jpg Blog - Insider's Guide to the Top 8 UNESCO Sites & Experiences in Uzbekistan Silk is threaded on to the loom and woven, using a warp-and-weft process Photo credit: Marina Karptsova https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1560528711817-G0PWJJPUU9IOYM0I58MC/img_0766-Uzbekistan-silk-ikat-weaving-Richard-Fefjar-618.jpg Blog - Insider's Guide to the Top 8 UNESCO Sites & Experiences in Uzbekistan Ikat designs are often cloud-like and colorful Photo credit: Richard Fejfar https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1560528711926-IK0HE0FFY9YXDFLVCMH3/P9120605.jpg Blog - Insider's Guide to the Top 8 UNESCO Sites & Experiences in Uzbekistan The Uzbek art of silk-weaving is passed down from generation to generation Photo credit: Martin Klimenta https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1560540117110-3ZB8EQW3DKNCMZLSOEQB/Shakhirsabz-34-HazratiImam-DonovanWong-800.jpg Blog - Insider's Guide to the Top 8 UNESCO Sites & Experiences in Uzbekistan - Hazrati Imam Complex The complex’s Jahangir Mausoleum contains the crypt of Tamerlane’s young son Photo credit: Donovan Wong https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1560540116918-R2D7FS4JP96LUZ5M0C89/DSC_5096-Shahrisabz-wedding-PhilKidd-800.jpg Blog - Insider's Guide to the Top 8 UNESCO Sites & Experiences in Uzbekistan - Shahrisabz's Future The town’s ancient buildings are a popular backdrop for newlywed photos Photo credit: Phil Kidd https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1560540116913-AVTKXQABVLCBKTU1Z7WQ/DSC02766-Shahrisabz-KokGumbaz-JGorman-800.jpg Blog - Insider's Guide to the Top 8 UNESCO Sites & Experiences in Uzbekistan - Kok Gumbaz Mosque Ulug Bek built this holy place to honor his father, Tamerlane’s son Photo credit: Jered Gorman https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1560526869083-ROELERY4S7SF1992NDM1/788A1265_edited-3-loom-SureshMehta-cropped.jpg Blog - Insider's Guide to the Top 8 UNESCO Sites & Experiences in Uzbekistan A silk loom stretches from wall to wall in Margilan, heart of Silk Road silk-making Photo credit: Suresh Mehta https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1560359807824-75UR025W5HM0EU4V5KXM/SAMARKAND-REGISTAN-SQUARE-20-02-2015-10-36-25-ws-ASamadov-800.jpg Blog - Insider's Guide to the Top 8 UNESCO Sites & Experiences in Uzbekistan With its three madrassahs – Ulug Bek, Tillya-Kori, and Shir-Dor – the Registan is arguably the iconic symbol of all Central Asia Photo credit: Abdu Samadov https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1560359082635-FTRN2AEVNQX0GAD0IMJN/Uzbekistan-Bukhara-12-two-men-LFincher-800.jpg Blog - Insider's Guide to the Top 8 UNESCO Sites & Experiences in Uzbekistan Central Asian faces are diverse – even exotic Photo credit: Lindsay Fincher https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1560280662973-PG61BPSYKY8A4RWR16UI/00056_s_r13ajrxlmry0056-Uzbek-women-smiles-PGuttman-800.jpg Blog - Insider's Guide to the Top 8 UNESCO Sites & Experiences in Uzbekistan Uzbeks share their legendary friendliness and hospitality Photo credit: Peter Guttman https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1560364718038-13BVU2BEDN5YCAA9EK34/P9030096.jpg Blog - Insider's Guide to the Top 8 UNESCO Sites & Experiences in Uzbekistan It’s a Silk Road tradition to warmly welcome travelers Photo credit: Michel Behar https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1560453949201-K0Z97WPROZAGODRDMB7H/ICHAN-KALA-KHIVA-UZ-4-28-2018-7-34-28-PM-ASamadov-800.jpg Blog - Insider's Guide to the Top 8 UNESCO Sites & Experiences in Uzbekistan Sunlight highlights the magnificent blue majolica entrance portal of Muhammad Rahim-Khan Madrassah Photo credit: Abdu Samadov https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1560545759178-28FD0C9UO23T3UTX9ZUB/UZ-2006-JTCA-AF-456-Uzbek-group-AFilonov-800.jpg Blog - Insider's Guide to the Top 8 UNESCO Sites & Experiences in Uzbekistan Uzbekistan’s Silk Road generations, young and old Photo credit: Ana Filonov https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1560380293621-CB4J3062OO1PEW5417GA/BUKHARA-KUKELDASH-MEDR-20-09-2015-17-10-34.jpg Blog - Insider's Guide to the Top 8 UNESCO Sites & Experiences in Uzbekistan - Kukeldash Madrassah This sacred Muslim madrassah was once a Soviet museum of atheism Photo credit: Abdu Samadov https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1560444812699-SGWZ5BDCTUIQTWXV5AE9/IMG_7691-Bukhara-Khanaka-TLow-800.jpg Blog - Insider's Guide to the Top 8 UNESCO Sites & Experiences in Uzbekistan - Khanaka Nadir Divan-Begi Intricate brickwork stands out on this 400-year-old khanaka Photo credit: Tia Low https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1560444838963-4K8YV8V0K7D1EKRA44HG/IMG_0479.jpg Blog - Insider's Guide to the Top 8 UNESCO Sites & Experiences in Uzbekistan - Nadir Divan-Begi Madrassah The grand portal is tiled with mythical phoenix, deer, and a sun Photo credit: Abdu Samadov https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1560368552535-LQ29YWFZ11VVXV0Y3U6Q/backstreets-and-bazars-trip-with-caroline-eden-113-web.jpg Blog - Insider's Guide to the Top 8 UNESCO Sites & Experiences in Uzbekistan Spontaneous street dancing at Navruz Photo: Abdu Samadov https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1560368569465-9LPPFHKGC7FPG2MCBH96/NAVRUZ-WITH-LOCALS-IN-BUKHARA-UZ-3-20-2018-12-15-51-PM-karney%2C-doira-ASamadov-800.jpg Blog - Insider's Guide to the Top 8 UNESCO Sites & Experiences in Uzbekistan Musicians perform on traditional Uzbek instruments Photo credit: Abdu Samadov https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1560368594019-9Q4LA45UUMUNFF9YA7S9/CELEBRATING-NAVRUZ-IN-SAMARKAND-05-11-2014-14-58-45-ASamadov-618.jpg Blog - Insider's Guide to the Top 8 UNESCO Sites & Experiences in Uzbekistan Colorful, joyful Navruz dance performances Photo credit: Abdu Samadov https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1560368647467-6PBBWEGSRFYVY6RJ6QEO/img_0377.jpg Blog - Insider's Guide to the Top 8 UNESCO Sites & Experiences in Uzbekistan Plates of plov served up for communal sharing Photo credit: Richard Fejfar https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1560368693949-RB1LRQONLUNHBMYYLFT2/DSCF9103-800.jpg Blog - Insider's Guide to the Top 8 UNESCO Sites & Experiences in Uzbekistan Young girls dressed in their best for Navruz Photo credit: Regina Mnatsakanian https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1560368793807-NWDBNN998EDV7CCCDDH3/NAVRUZ-WITH-LOCALS-IN-BUKHARA-UZ-3-20-2018-11-28-36-AM-e1556925300932.jpg Blog - Insider's Guide to the Top 8 UNESCO Sites & Experiences in Uzbekistan Navruz feasts feature special dishes and breads made just for this holiday Photo credit: Abdu Samadov https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1560365965237-CU5AXG7F1VPYOE46QPYR/COSTUME-NAVRUZ-IN-BUKHARA-UZ-3-23-2017-12-35-28-PM-ASamadov-800.jpg Blog - Insider's Guide to the Top 8 UNESCO Sites & Experiences in Uzbekistan Intricately detailed Uzbek costumes – worn here for Navruz – are often handed down from mother to daughter Photo credit: Abdu Samadov https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1560375910679-JP85986QFZQJYPEYMXI8/96730057-Bukhara-3-men-MBehar-800.jpg Blog - Insider's Guide to the Top 8 UNESCO Sites & Experiences in Uzbekistan Older Bukharans converse in typical Uzbek style: often cross-legged, seated on Central Asian carpets Photo credit: Michel Behar https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1560462707620-LFUS6LQNY21V9H3YVHKL/IMG_0532-Khiva-KaltaMinaret-AnneCarideo-800.jpg Blog - Insider's Guide to the Top 8 UNESCO Sites & Experiences in Uzbekistan - Kalta Minor This squat 95-foot minaret was intended to be 262 feet tall Photo credit: Kristin Anne Carideo https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1560462730673-KQEOYJVIC0ZB76WJ82V6/DECORS-ICHAN-KALA-KHIVA-UZ-10-27-2018-10-58-09-AM-KunyaArk-domes-ASamadov-800.jpg Blog - Insider's Guide to the Top 8 UNESCO Sites & Experiences in Uzbekistan - Kunya Ark Dazzling entrance to the royal residence and citadel, originally built in the 12th century Photo credit: Abdu Samadov https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1560463015717-O4NI0CYKRSA9B18QILUT/ISLOM-KHOJA-MINARET-changed.jpg Blog - Insider's Guide to the Top 8 UNESCO Sites & Experiences in Uzbekistan - Islam Khodja Minor Sky-high, 187-foot-tall Islam Khodja is Uzbekistan’s tallest minaret Photo credit: Abdu Samadov https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1560439635089-01W385W35Z0MQ44W3ARV/20140318_102319-800.jpg Blog - Insider's Guide to the Top 8 UNESCO Sites & Experiences in Uzbekistan - Growing wheatgrass for sumalak Used in sumalak, this sprouted wheatgrass spells out Navruz Photo credit: Regina Mnatsakanian https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1560374342571-CNSZP20B8XL0LRG21QKW/5-navruz-800.jpg Blog - Insider's Guide to the Top 8 UNESCO Sites & Experiences in Uzbekistan - Stirring a vat of sumalak It takes hours of stirring the pot to make sumalak Photo credit: Islom Nizomov https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1560374426306-JXA7NFYZUF3LMQ2R38HP/IMG_1493-Adbu-Samarov.jpg Blog - Insider's Guide to the Top 8 UNESCO Sites & Experiences in Uzbekistan - Sweet, sacred dessert of Navruz Sumalak is often served with tea and bread Photo credit: Abdu Samadov https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1560537572127-351HWNK8BT5ZM2CNMUDF/Shahrisabz-Residenz-Ak-Sarai-Jens-Frank-X-800.jpg Blog - Insider's Guide to the Top 8 UNESCO Sites & Experiences in Uzbekistan Once 65 meters tall, only parts of the blue, gold, and white mosaic Ak Saray Palace gate towers remain Photo credit: Jens Frank https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1560362221142-JG11YITUYU81QI7IU2JT/DSC_0425-Uzbekistan-Samarkand-Registan-DGrimes-618.jpg Blog - Insider's Guide to the Top 8 UNESCO Sites & Experiences in Uzbekistan - Ulug Bek Madrassah Stars-and-sky motif adorn the Registan’s first madrassah Photo credit: Douglas Grimes https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1560798699997-7HGVBJ10F4D13FPQGL3G/Uzbekistan-Samarkand-295-LFincher-sweetened.jpg Blog - Insider's Guide to the Top 8 UNESCO Sites & Experiences in Uzbekistan - Shir-Dor ("Lions") Madrassah Resembling tigers, lions chase deer with Mongolian suns looking on Photo credit: Lindsay Fincher https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1560363323367-EG3JAI8YGKBU30XUNZP1/Samarkand-Registan-4-Tillya-Kori-DonovanWong-800.jpg Blog - Insider's Guide to the Top 8 UNESCO Sites & Experiences in Uzbekistan - Tillya-Kori Madrassah This madrassah was ordered built to complete the harmony of Registan Square Photo credit: Donovan Wong https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1560452154730-RQY7A695GCU33M4LPT71/Uzbekistan-Bukhara-255.jpg Blog - Insider's Guide to the Top 8 UNESCO Sites & Experiences in Uzbekistan Heads of garlic are added to the plov concoction Photo credit: Lindsay Fincher https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1560452217899-EW2O548EJ0046QAOWJLP/Plov-IMG_6460-618.jpg Blog - Insider's Guide to the Top 8 UNESCO Sites & Experiences in Uzbekistan Adding carrots, onions, cumin, coriander, and meat Photo credit: Marina Karptsova https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1560454555844-UNW1DUMBOEOP6V6WN8IZ/P1020410.jpg Blog - Insider's Guide to the Top 8 UNESCO Sites & Experiences in Uzbekistan A local family cooks up plov on their terrace Photo credit: Jan & Allen Gerstenberger https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1560452361424-6J9XSMNOTS2KIRI8HH49/Doug-Instagram-plov-618.jpg Blog - Insider's Guide to the Top 8 UNESCO Sites & Experiences in Uzbekistan Giant caldrons are used to make massive quantities of plov Photo credit: Douglas Grimes https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1560544486126-23ANT0D5XHYENUAO20UF/Uz_4-11-08370014-Uzbekistan-musicians-singers-PGuttman-800-1.jpg Blog - Insider's Guide to the Top 8 UNESCO Sites & Experiences in Uzbekistan Fusing vocals and instrumentals, shashmaqom music has been performed for more than 1,000 years Photo credit: Peter Guttman https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1560378798354-O2AQIJ9PH5WUZTZITPMO/BUKHARA-ARK-WALLS-21-10-2015-11-28-42-ASamadov-800.jpg Blog - Insider's Guide to the Top 8 UNESCO Sites & Experiences in Uzbekistan - Ark Citadel Home to the emirs, the original royal citadel dates back 2,000 years Photo credit: Abdu Samadov https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1560444597673-E1RDC2Q63BR2EI9C67AE/540-Bukhara-Kalon-Minaret-CLawrence-cropped.jpg Blog - Insider's Guide to the Top 8 UNESCO Sites & Experiences in Uzbekistan - Kalon Mosque & Minaret The Kalon’s 150-foot-tall Tower of Death minaret has a dark history Photo credit: Charles Lawrence https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1560378841442-S0KSN7AUAFHDZE5AJGCC/BUKHARA-CHORMINOR-15-06-2015-19-19-46.jpg Blog - Insider's Guide to the Top 8 UNESCO Sites & Experiences in Uzbekistan - Chor Minor ("Four Minarets") Each turquoise dome has its own unique style and motif Photo credit: Abdu Samadov http://www.mir-dmc.com/blog-news/2019/6/20/krygyzstan-why-i-love-this-unfamiliar-frontier monthly 0.5 2019-07-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1561482287912-ZJZRRSESN2QD1MG9SR3F/Crafts-14-.jpg Blog - Krygyzstan: Why I Love This Unfamiliar Frontier - Kochkor Handmade Felt Water, heat, and pressure are part of the felt-making process Photo: Christine Z. Anderson https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1561486057457-QLR1J1DC3E9VPMJRFSWC/IMG_6601.jpg Blog - Krygyzstan: Why I Love This Unfamiliar Frontier - Kochkor Handmade Felt Decorative scrollwork is a popular felt motif Photo credit: Paul Schwartz https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1561482287739-8X7F069D1H0SIBP5DWGJ/Vlad_Ushakov-photo-2.jpg Blog - Krygyzstan: Why I Love This Unfamiliar Frontier - Kochkor Handmade Felt Kyrgyz felt crafts, made by hand Photo: Vlad Ushakov https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1561482287627-Y9TYXCUOKQPAY22Q47DO/Felt-26.jpg Blog - Krygyzstan: Why I Love This Unfamiliar Frontier - Kochkor Handmade Felt Kyrgyz felt footwear Photo credit: Vlad Ushakov https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1561488551496-F0148MA6M6XJW6F0EP8J/Tash-Rabat3.jpg Blog - Krygyzstan: Why I Love This Unfamiliar Frontier - Tash Rabat It’s believed Tash Rabat was once a 10th-century Nestorian Christian monastery https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1561489655312-BPD33CEKL5SOVNLIPE78/KGTash-Rabat-nomads-MBehar-sweetened.jpg Blog - Krygyzstan: Why I Love This Unfamiliar Frontier - Tash Rabat Kyrgyz nomadic family offers a warm welcome Photo credit: Michel Behar https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1561480375914-BCIU4MWJVN7RVEX5GO4Q/Tash-Rabat-Kyrgyzstan-May-2017-34.jpg Blog - Krygyzstan: Why I Love This Unfamiliar Frontier - Tash Rabat Modern-day sojourners overnight in Kyrgyz yurts Photo credit: Jake Smith https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1561496238263-VAWGC5RN8XD3QCJXOK4X/P1060566-Karakol-HolyTrinity-MKlimenta-sweetened.jpg Blog - Krygyzstan: Why I Love This Unfamiliar Frontier Built in 1895, Karakol’s Russian Orthodox Holy Trinity Cathedral is made from wood and corrugated iron Photo credit: Martin Klimenta https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1561569162406-8XA1E16EU5XGW3WRMO0Q/image3-800-Supara-Chunkurchak-DGrimes-sweetened.jpg Blog - Krygyzstan: Why I Love This Unfamiliar Frontier A winter visit to Supara Chunkurchak Photo: Douglas Grimes https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1561483723836-XWEFYZ41D4OLN0BKAE4K/Felt-making-demonstration-Kochkor-9-Willis-800.jpg Blog - Krygyzstan: Why I Love This Unfamiliar Frontier It takes patience and precision to lay out the felt pattern Photo credit: Willis Hughes https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1561496704644-K7B57NVTY3TBCST8QKLD/LakeIssykKul-photo.kg-4-.jpg Blog - Krygyzstan: Why I Love This Unfamiliar Frontier - Lake Issyk-Kul Boats and beaches abound Photo credit: Vlad Ushakov https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1561496704642-ZO65O6OSABKMHK6OTSCI/LakeIssykKul-photo.kg-24-.jpg Blog - Krygyzstan: Why I Love This Unfamiliar Frontier - Lake Issyk-Kul An isolated sandy beach Photo credit: Vlad Ushakov https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1561496685794-FWN553A8WUCV0M5RSF72/DSC03471.jpg Blog - Krygyzstan: Why I Love This Unfamiliar Frontier - Lake Issyk-Kul Saturated blue hues dominate the alpine lake Photo credit: Vlad Ushakov https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1561499321285-JOK2E2YFYG8NK44P3OEL/Burana-TowerFS-1-of-1-JGorman-sweetened.jpg Blog - Krygyzstan: Why I Love This Unfamiliar Frontier The Burana Tower minaret was once 44 meters tall; damage from earthquakes has reduced it to 25 meters Photo credit: Jered Gorman https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1561131518052-63Q11IX5B73RJAPO6D9S/Tash+Rabat%2C+Kyrgyzstan%2C+May+2017+-+46-JSmith.JPG Blog - Krygyzstan: Why I Love This Unfamiliar Frontier MIR President and co-founder Douglas Grimes loves his travels along Central Asia’s Silk Road, seeking memorable places and life-changing experiences for MIR travelers. Kyrgyzstan is a Silk Road country with plenty of both. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1561573996188-0DOB6KUYTHU0QIQTM1KC/kids2-nomadic-family-Prashant-Ashoka-sweetened.jpg Blog - Krygyzstan: Why I Love This Unfamiliar Frontier - Kyrgyz Hospitality Nomadic family at Son Kul Lake Photo credit: Prashant Ashoka https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1561581905324-JLQT5ZY7STHV08Q9GYNI/naryn-horse-riding-KyrgyzConcepts-sweetened.jpg Blog - Krygyzstan: Why I Love This Unfamiliar Frontier - Kyrgyz Hospitality Greetings from horse riders in Naryn Photo credit: Kyrgyz Concepts https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1561572568647-U6H4SPBIUCJY0KSVGK1P/Martin-276.jpg Blog - Krygyzstan: Why I Love This Unfamiliar Frontier - Kyrgyz Hospitality Market vendors – all ages – in Bishkek Photo credit: Martin Klimenta https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1561573776575-H4L47AE2AQZ7B0Z8IHTI/yurt-17-VUshakov-sweetened.jpg Blog - Krygyzstan: Why I Love This Unfamiliar Frontier - Kyrgyz Hospitality Setting up a Kyrgyz yurt for visitors Photo credit: Vlad Ushakov https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1561572987625-3MQHXCPWP4XD5UISZTD9/KG-Bishkek-Behar170-young-boys-sweetened.jpg Blog - Krygyzstan: Why I Love This Unfamiliar Frontier - Kyrgyz Hospitality Young boys in Bishkek Photo credit: Michel Behar https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1561571897576-NN2ZB3CSEGH8INRHCAD5/Bukasi-7-Kyrgyzstan-Christine-Z-Anderson-800-sweetened.jpg Blog - Krygyzstan: Why I Love This Unfamiliar Frontier Competitors tussle in a lively Kyrgyz horse game similar to polo Photo credit: Christine Z. Anderson https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1561500917663-P6YKYL72W4D22CPRXQQ3/%D0%90%D0%B2%D1%82%D0%BE%D1%81%D0%BA%D0%B8%D0%B5-%D0%BF%D1%80%D0%B0%D0%B2%D0%B0-%D0%92%D0%BB%D0%B0%D0%B4-%D0%A3%D1%88%D0%B0%D0%BA%D0%BE%D0%B2-photo.kg-21-6181.jpg Blog - Krygyzstan: Why I Love This Unfamiliar Frontier - Burana Tower Horses of the Silk Road and their riders at Burana Tower Photo credit: Vlad Ushakov https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1561502631022-HXQV2I85WWKL1YIGTK4J/Bal-bal-stone-Burana-YuriyKim-sweetened.jpg Blog - Krygyzstan: Why I Love This Unfamiliar Frontier - Burana Tower Ancient carved bal-bals honor departed ancestors Photo credit: Yuriy Kim https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1561563583562-ESJMFZW5S3MU4GZKIXD2/Burana-Tower-3-ruins-cropped.jpg Blog - Krygyzstan: Why I Love This Unfamiliar Frontier - Burana Tower Balasagun ruins, viewed from the tower https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1561132824606-CY7EKZZPHWTRA9BTC9HY/DSCF3002-Kyrgyz-TorugartPass-DGrimes-sweetened.jpg Blog - Krygyzstan: Why I Love This Unfamiliar Frontier Douglas Grimes at the Torugart Pass border crossing between Western China and Kyrgyzstan https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1561574269832-WQICBU0KWBQ7ER1NVSIS/Photo-11-04-14-11-17-07-6181-Kyrgyz-woman-MBehar-sweetened.jpg Blog - Krygyzstan: Why I Love This Unfamiliar Frontier A warm welcome awaits those who venture to Kyrgyzstan Photo credit: Michel Behar https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1561576890751-829NZ0P4W3VACE7NHXGW/broken+heart.jpg Blog - Krygyzstan: Why I Love This Unfamiliar Frontier From valleys to mountains, hiking is a popular activity, including this trail to Broken Heart near Karakol Photo credit: Kyrgyz Concepts https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1561582893962-H1SBI24N8YF576FSDGHS/IMG_5524.JPG Blog - Krygyzstan: Why I Love This Unfamiliar Frontier The light-brown, pillow-shaped bread bites on the left are boorsok, a ubiquitous Kyrgyz bread Photo credit: Jessica Clark https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1561480722066-17DGD3Q4P1KR9AX6V7UM/DSC_0486.jpg Blog - Krygyzstan: Why I Love This Unfamiliar Frontier The stone Tash Rabat caravanserai welcomed weary sojourners in Silk Road days Photo credit: Douglas Grimes https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1561568060242-KF524VEMXCXEKAXQ628T/DSC_0503-618.jpg Blog - Krygyzstan: Why I Love This Unfamiliar Frontier Traditional yurts dot the Kyrgyz highlands in summertime Photo credit: Douglas Grimes https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1561140232118-EZ7SNT31VW6JC1MFZG68/Torugart-Pass-1-800-sweetened.jpg Blog - Krygyzstan: Why I Love This Unfamiliar Frontier - Torugart Pass Remote, steep-sided, and stunning border crossing Photo credit: Christine Z. Anderson https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1561393018175-5DE6C4I5HD1UBJWAOP9M/Torugart-Pass-Kyrgyzstan-2-eagle-CU-sweetened.jpg Blog - Krygyzstan: Why I Love This Unfamiliar Frontier - Torugart Pass A concrete eagle stands watch at the pass Photo credit: Willis Hughes https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1561391292729-ASXFT7RLBUX5C1BXJH8D/Torugart-Pass%2C-China-Kyrgyzstan%2C-May-2017---3-red-hill-JSmith-sweetened.jpg Blog - Krygyzstan: Why I Love This Unfamiliar Frontier - Torugart Pass Even at 12,000 feet, herds of sheep graze at the pass Photo credit: Jake Smith https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1561140498222-KTYQZ7I8YXSKF5DCJLSO/Torugart-Pass%2C-China-Kyrgyzstan%2C-May-2017---8-motorcyclist-sweetened.jpg Blog - Krygyzstan: Why I Love This Unfamiliar Frontier - Torugart Pass A lone motorcyclist is dwarfed by the Tien Shan Mountains Photo credit: Jake Smith https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1561577524314-Z6NMNYY4L3IKXCM3MQTP/DSC_0553-618-Kyrgyzstan-donkey-man-DGrimes-618-pixels.jpg Blog - Krygyzstan: Why I Love This Unfamiliar Frontier Sometimes donkeys are still used to travel the high roads of Kyrgyzstan Photo credit: Douglas Grimes https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1561562780363-8WI0BUODBIR3985GILJL/%D0%90%D0%B2%D1%82%D0%BE%D1%81%D0%BA%D0%B8%D0%B5-%D0%BF%D1%80%D0%B0%D0%B2%D0%B0-%D0%92%D0%BB%D0%B0%D0%B4-%D0%A3%D1%88%D0%B0%D0%BA%D0%BE%D0%B2-photo.kg-%28113%29-cropped2.jpg Blog - Krygyzstan: Why I Love This Unfamiliar Frontier Sunrise greets fishermen on high-altitude Lake Issyk-Kul Photo credit: Vlad Ushakov https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1561567042159-69IL9WFC12NPSFQ4DDU1/DSC_0825-Kyrgyzstan-Chon-Kemin-exterior-DGrimes-800-sweetened.jpg Blog - Krygyzstan: Why I Love This Unfamiliar Frontier - Kyrgyz Hospitality Homey, rural feel, complete with stone bal-bals Photo credit: Douglas Grimes https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1561567086295-IZ8MRCZ252DMAY7XJ7T7/DSC_0831-Kyrgyzstan-Chon-Kemin-Douglas-Grimes-618.jpg Blog - Krygyzstan: Why I Love This Unfamiliar Frontier - Kyrgyz Hospitality MIR President Douglas Grimes in this sun-filled guesthouse Photo credit: Douglas Grimes https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1561578111008-R1182LCIDY84J5NL1I7X/%D0%90%D0%B2%D1%82%D0%BE%D1%81%D0%BA%D0%B8%D0%B5-%D0%BF%D1%80%D0%B0%D0%B2%D0%B0-%D0%92%D0%BB%D0%B0%D0%B4-%D0%A3%D1%88%D0%B0%D0%BA%D0%BE%D0%B2-photo-Jyrgalan-horse-sweetened.jpg Blog - Krygyzstan: Why I Love This Unfamiliar Frontier Taking a water break in the stunning Jyrgalan Valley Photo credit: Vlad Ushakov https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1561490506784-5W9K0TB35T7VDEBMOWDY/lake_issyk_kul2008-MKlimenta-sweetened.jpg Blog - Krygyzstan: Why I Love This Unfamiliar Frontier Impressive numbers: Lake Issyk-Kul is 180 km long and 60 km wide in places, located at 1,606 meters elevation Photo credit: Martin Klimenta http://www.mir-dmc.com/blog-news/2019/6/17/remote-turkmenistan monthly 0.5 2019-07-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1560980626483-YW4TU21DO76E2ZPZQOUC/Foto-18-04-18-08-57-06.jpg Blog - Remote Turkmenistan: 7 Surprising Ways to Go Off-the-Beaten-Path Gonur-Depe shares many similarities with civilizations in Mesopotamia and the Indus Valley Photo credit: Michel Behar https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1560898570326-UFGM8X8IO8OTE1UC4Y72/Kunya-Urgench-2.jpg Blog - Remote Turkmenistan: 7 Surprising Ways to Go Off-the-Beaten-Path Mesmerizing geometric patterns of Turabek Khanym’s inner dome represent the heavens, radiating from 12 star-like medallions Photo credit: Donovan Wong https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1560890729313-AMSNJQ7YBULR2MH9OEU9/CentralAsia-277.jpg Blog - Remote Turkmenistan: 7 Surprising Ways to Go Off-the-Beaten-Path Peering into the depths of Darvaza Gas Crater, one of Turkmenistan’s most unusual sights Photo credit: Justin & Crystal Barnes https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1560889982413-Y8IIUZ61IJ4ENGC9DOTU/DSC_1047.jpg Blog - Remote Turkmenistan: 7 Surprising Ways to Go Off-the-Beaten-Path Originally built by the Sassanians in the 7th century, the Great Kyz Kala was used as residences for the aristocracy Photo credit: Douglas Grimes https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1560979263125-8PCZSCTPX8H1Q27TBHKG/Yangikala2.jpg Blog - Remote Turkmenistan: 7 Surprising Ways to Go Off-the-Beaten-Path - Yangykala Canyon Hikers are dwarfed by weathered cliffs, some towering more than 300 feet https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1560979263260-69T0CT6NWPZ0MIIVZX03/Yangikala-4-683x1024.jpg Blog - Remote Turkmenistan: 7 Surprising Ways to Go Off-the-Beaten-Path - Yangykala Canyon Rock folds and striations, caused by centuries of erosion and windstorms https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1560979262799-TOUSCFAN11JT5MJJ8G5Q/Yangikala16.jpg Blog - Remote Turkmenistan: 7 Surprising Ways to Go Off-the-Beaten-Path - Yangykala Canyon Sunset illuminates reddish hues and stripes of Yangykala’s rock formations https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1560895791279-DRVWP6ZYXO8C35LWVKU5/Kunya-Urgench-Il-Arslan-Mausoleum-web.jpg Blog - Remote Turkmenistan: 7 Surprising Ways to Go Off-the-Beaten-Path - Il-Arslan Mausoleum Turkmenistan’s first mausoleum with a zigzag brick pattern on its 12-sided dome https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1560895791072-3NV8UE7OK0IHDGK2IZ0F/Kunya-Urgench-6-683x1024.jpg Blog - Remote Turkmenistan: 7 Surprising Ways to Go Off-the-Beaten-Path - Kutlug-Timur Minaret The nearly 200-foot tall minaret is all that remains of the ancient mosque Photo credit: Donovan Wong https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1560895790583-70L1TXEBUJE63ZAQLC9E/Foto-17-04-18-09-27-51.jpg Blog - Remote Turkmenistan: 7 Surprising Ways to Go Off-the-Beaten-Path - Turabek Khanym Mausoleum 365 mosaic sections adorn the interior, considered the most beautiful in Turkmenistan Photo credit: Michel Behar https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1560970178031-S8DFP4RMFYBB5HL0LGO5/Nohur7-wbe.jpg Blog - Remote Turkmenistan: 7 Surprising Ways to Go Off-the-Beaten-Path Gravestones in Nohur are often decorated with sheep horns, a traditional symbol of prosperity https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1560983161549-9ZDCDDOQRLWLEN6V5FWK/Kugitang-Dinosaur-Print.jpg Blog - Remote Turkmenistan: 7 Surprising Ways to Go Off-the-Beaten-Path A human shoe is dwarfed by a dinosaur’s footprint on the Dinosaur Plateau https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1560891771561-AA34LRFGIVJUVM8J87AY/AAC_9308.jpg Blog - Remote Turkmenistan: 7 Surprising Ways to Go Off-the-Beaten-Path - Darvaza Gas Crater Far from the glittery city lights Photo credit: Russ Cmolik & Ellen Cmolik https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1560891771022-LW83EC08RFT3KRVTJ55W/Darvaza-Gas-Crater-6.jpg Blog - Remote Turkmenistan: 7 Surprising Ways to Go Off-the-Beaten-Path - Darvaza Gas Crater Setting up camp at crater’s edge Photo credit: Donovan Wong https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1560891770817-6JMCUG1NH6W1YP1NH08P/Darwaza-camping-6.jpg Blog - Remote Turkmenistan: 7 Surprising Ways to Go Off-the-Beaten-Path - Darvaza Gas Crater It’s almost dinnertime in the desert https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1560891771360-DUCNC3AU9FYC44WA4715/Darwaza4-web.jpg Blog - Remote Turkmenistan: 7 Surprising Ways to Go Off-the-Beaten-Path - Darvaza Gas Crater Perpetual campfire https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1560892013938-3MSOAMLP9G9JPZU2OAFE/DSC_1181-Turkmenistan-Darvaza-crater-moon-DGrimes-618-pixels.jpg Blog - Remote Turkmenistan: 7 Surprising Ways to Go Off-the-Beaten-Path - Darvaza Gas Crater Stark nighttime contrasts Photo credit: Douglas Grimes https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1560888855767-S7S94IBOJSONVZNZLL39/Charly.jpg Blog - Remote Turkmenistan: 7 Surprising Ways to Go Off-the-Beaten-Path Turkmenistan’s remote deserts are filled with rare experiences, such as meeting semi-nomadic villagers https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1560969497957-HFSO6X3GHRE3IZOO6ZF3/Nohur5-web.jpg Blog - Remote Turkmenistan: 7 Surprising Ways to Go Off-the-Beaten-Path Villagers in remote Nohur, where their tribal culture and traditions remain intact https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1560982596886-7X5SLBIEZUZ5W5HSRNUA/Kugitang-Landscape.jpg Blog - Remote Turkmenistan: 7 Surprising Ways to Go Off-the-Beaten-Path Mountains and valleys of the Koytendag Nature Reserve, located at the easternmost edge of Turkmenistan https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1560980355555-I7FZDKHFMDZ8H7A9218O/Gonur-Depe-Behar-54800107.jpg Blog - Remote Turkmenistan: 7 Surprising Ways to Go Off-the-Beaten-Path The ancient site of Gonur-Depe (“Gray Hill”) was recently discovered, buried in the Karakum Desert sands Photo credit: Michel Behar https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1560971542931-U7WFF58MGKVXL6HDYZU8/Yangikala-Canyons-Western-part.jpg Blog - Remote Turkmenistan: 7 Surprising Ways to Go Off-the-Beaten-Path The difference that millions of years can make: Yangykala Canyon was once the bottom of an ancient seabed https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1560889160575-575HT02LL2149HHY8NBK/Merw-Sultan-Sanjar-Mausoleum-web.jpg Blog - Remote Turkmenistan: 7 Surprising Ways to Go Off-the-Beaten-Path The Turkish government assisted in restoring the 12th-century Sultan Sanjar Mausoleum, one of the finest remaining structures of the once-mighty Seljuk Empire https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1560972952761-38EQ8L66TI2E9XARH8MM/DARWAZA-TK-6-3-2017-8-13-08-PM-8832x3882.jpg Blog - Remote Turkmenistan: 7 Surprising Ways to Go Off-the-Beaten-Path Even in daytime, Darvaza Gas Crater is a jarring sight in the desert Photo credit: Donovan Wong https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1560969983767-DCYYBH8XAZ3SBWOCTL76/Nohur9.jpg Blog - Remote Turkmenistan: 7 Surprising Ways to Go Off-the-Beaten-Path A local Nohuri weaver demonstrates how she fashions silk textiles in the traditional way, handed down from generation to generation https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1560894869815-TF2CR0P27VD9KG4VV1TQ/KONYE-URGENCH-TK-6-3-2017-3-23-15-PM-4032x3024.jpg Blog - Remote Turkmenistan: 7 Surprising Ways to Go Off-the-Beaten-Path The 12th-century Turabek Khanym Mausoleum is one of the best preserved buildings in old Kunya-Urgench Photo credit: Abdu Samadov https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1560983336145-LH66WSNLZEXF34N9SXU4/CC1_0096.jpg Blog - Remote Turkmenistan: 7 Surprising Ways to Go Off-the-Beaten-Path Turkmen women typically wear long, patterned dresses with hair pulled back around an elongated metal dome, then covered with a brightly colored scarf Photo credit: Bill Thornton http://www.mir-dmc.com/blog-news/2019/1/31/mirs-favorite-unesco-sites-in-georgia-armenia-and-azerbaijan-videos monthly 0.5 2019-07-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1549385130544-OBE43WQVXQOJAGZLWQDH/Carpet-Museum-Baku-Azerbaijan-October-2014-18-JSmith-618.jpg Blog - MIR's Favorite UNESCO Sites in South Caucasus Countries (videos) Baku’s Carpet Museum showcases the finest examples of Azerbaijan’s prized carpets Photo: Jake Smith https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1549492847431-983OAF5XBH1DEBAHBNNY/Lake-Sevan.jpg Blog - MIR's Favorite UNESCO Sites in South Caucasus Countries (videos) ARMENIA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1549491375031-DNJ0P4RBGLAC3NFSJASJ/18A_0021.jpg Blog - MIR's Favorite UNESCO Sites in South Caucasus Countries (videos) GEORGIA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1549491374885-ZLPL955D9TKL0KQD6ZC3/Truso-5.jpg Blog - MIR's Favorite UNESCO Sites in South Caucasus Countries (videos) GEORGIA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1549491376141-1AWCSUH1TN3508K3C88I/Baku-Behar-2013.jpg Blog - MIR's Favorite UNESCO Sites in South Caucasus Countries (videos) AZERBAIJAN https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1549492969772-6ZXCZFO5ONRETD48KPY5/Ramana-Fortress-Baku-Azerbaijan-October-2015-4-800.jpg Blog - MIR's Favorite UNESCO Sites in South Caucasus Countries (videos) AZERBAIJAN https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1549492180911-LYUTEZ8JJLUZH3D8D6Q9/IMG_4204-Armenia-Garni-singers-DConnolly-618-cropped2.jpg Blog - MIR's Favorite UNESCO Sites in South Caucasus Countries (videos) ARMENIA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1549323652717-2M98A2976I06W599LTIR/IMG_0119-Bread-lady-outside-Geghard-Monastery-DConnolly-618.jpg Blog - MIR's Favorite UNESCO Sites in South Caucasus Countries (videos) A bread vendor outside Geghard Monastery in Armenia Photo: Devin Connolly https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1549319764009-0IREPQ8WLOLT87U8ON6B/Alaverdi-Qvevri-WInemaker-Georgia-John-Wurdeman-618-pixels.jpg Blog - MIR's Favorite UNESCO Sites in South Caucasus Countries (videos) A Georgian winemaker dips into a qvevri, a UNESCO-listed ancient method of making wine Photo: John Wurdeman https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1549311554890-W0HLYPT291F8D6IH171C/20140513_165605-Georgia-Mtskheta-cathedral-IBelova-618.jpg Blog - MIR's Favorite UNESCO Sites in South Caucasus Countries (videos) UNESCO-listed Svetitstkhoveli Cathedral in Mtskheta, Georgia Photo: Inga Belova https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1549322146102-0ZNTK1JPMGD3YA2N6SAY/Photo-12-09-13-13-20-04-Georgia-food-lots-Michel-Behar-618.jpg Blog - MIR's Favorite UNESCO Sites in South Caucasus Countries (videos) A Georgian table, full of delicacies with Iranian and Turkish influences Photo: Michel Behar https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1549322668856-4ZLZRJO0T2PL0F2Q4JEC/img_7708-Armenia-Zvartnots-ruins-Richard-Fejfar-618.jpg Blog - MIR's Favorite UNESCO Sites in South Caucasus Countries (videos) 7th-century ruins of UNESCO-listed Zvartnots Cathedral in Armenia Photo: Richard Fejfar https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1549320546670-VSNZWFZK2KDLRFHOK0DD/Ushguli-20-Georgia-watchtowers-PSchwartz-618.jpg Blog - MIR's Favorite UNESCO Sites in South Caucasus Countries (videos) Hundreds of medieval watchtowers dot the remote landscape of Svaneti Photo: Paul Schwartz https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1549384413976-VIUA9SCKZB3AOAQYKT60/AZ_DSC6178-Gobustan-petroglyphs-PGuttman-618.jpg Blog - MIR's Favorite UNESCO Sites in South Caucasus Countries (videos) Quarry workers discovered Gobustan’s rock carvings by accident in the 1930s Photo: Peter Guttman https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1549383152321-CUFK74VCDBG8EBIY26FZ/Geghard-Monastery-Armenia-October-2015-26-kachkars-JSmith-618.jpg Blog - MIR's Favorite UNESCO Sites in South Caucasus Countries (videos) About 40,000 kachkars still exist in Armenia – some more than 1,000 years old Photo: Jake Smith https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1549384015383-RR6QC1XKU9ZV3OBIJNSD/img_5306-Azerbaijan-Baku-Maiden-Tower-Richard-Fejfar-618.jpg Blog - MIR's Favorite UNESCO Sites in South Caucasus Countries (videos) Built in the 12th century, Baku’s legendary Maiden Tower is rooted in ancient folklore and mystery Photo: Richard Fejfar https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1549386198155-0X2HJZ0G1KA1HXSX2KB6/Heydar-Aliev-Center-Baku-Azerbaijan-October-2015-11-lute-CU-JakeSmith-618.jpg Blog - MIR's Favorite UNESCO Sites in South Caucasus Countries (videos) Exquisite detail of a handmade stringed instrument played in traditional Azeri music Photo: Jake Smith https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1549323336067-XTX2X2KI0EZC6R572DMK/SAM_1616-Armenia-Sanahin-MKlimenta-618.jpg Blog - MIR's Favorite UNESCO Sites in South Caucasus Countries (videos) Armenia’s Sanahin Monastery and its companion, Haghbat Monastery, are UNESCO World Heritage Sites Photo: Martin Klimenta https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1549385679836-2X22EBQ4SPNTQ9B3GEPN/IMG_9443-Azerbaijan-bread-2-women-DConnolly-618.jpg Blog - MIR's Favorite UNESCO Sites in South Caucasus Countries (videos) As in many other countries, this Azeri boat-shaped bread is baked in an earthen or stone oven Photo: Devin Connolly https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1548979336735-T6ZK9S58HYYGVPH8GV25/South-Caucasus-map-Google-618.jpg Blog - MIR's Favorite UNESCO Sites in South Caucasus Countries (videos) Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan are wedged between the Black and Caspian seas Map credit: Map Data © 2017 Google https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1548979867147-C1PF20U4115QP2JEGQCP/Gelati-Frescoes-Georgia-Paul-Schwartz-618.jpg Blog - MIR's Favorite UNESCO Sites in South Caucasus Countries (videos) Dozens of brilliantly colored frescoes adorn the walls and ceilings of Gelati Monastery Photo: Paul Schwartz http://www.mir-dmc.com/blog-news/2019/2/5/insiders-guide-to-the-south-caucasus-georgias-wine-country monthly 0.5 2019-07-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1549391604079-IK1P28PYULGH42Y0S032/DSCF0496-800.jpg Blog - Insider's Guide to the South Caucasus: Georgia's Wine Country Georgian shepherds tend their flocks Photo: Mariana Noble https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1549391604377-S04JARDPH65Q0YUQ6EGO/Georgia-Kakheti.jpg Blog - Insider's Guide to the South Caucasus: Georgia's Wine Country In this region, every home has a garden with grapevines Photo: Martin Klimenta https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1549391603675-0TOQN9T9PBHJZA3WB511/IMG_0356-800.jpg Blog - Insider's Guide to the South Caucasus: Georgia's Wine Country Kakheti market spices: fenugreek, marigold petals, and salt blends Photo: Mariana Noble https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1549395292373-U0AV5MQUBVOMW5ZHUG7Q/DSCF0338-760.jpg Blog - Insider's Guide to the South Caucasus: Georgia's Wine Country Feasting and toasting at Pheasant’s Tears Winery Photo: Mariana Noble https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1549398096437-ZK4W9P70HVMKLWDDA118/Evening-at-Pheasants-Tears-Wine-Restaurant-Georgia-John-Wurdeman-618-pixels.jpg Blog - Insider's Guide to the South Caucasus: Georgia's Wine Country Evening at Pheasant’s Tears Restaurant in Signagi, Georgia Photo: John Wurdeman https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1549396800238-SW5I4WGC7ISQWJ7O5O5Y/Terrace-Dinner-at-Pheasants-Tears-1024x768-brightened.jpg Blog - Insider's Guide to the South Caucasus: Georgia's Wine Country Enjoying an al fresco Georgian Table feast at Pheasant’s Tears Winery Photo: John Wurdeman https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1549396799662-PB9SMNGWKPANM94BBSKS/Pheasants-Tears-Qvevri-.jpg Blog - Insider's Guide to the South Caucasus: Georgia's Wine Country Clay qvevri vessels for organic wine-making at Pheasant’s Tears Winery https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1549396799581-GJ2177HAX8F7K3XK35HK/Pheasants-Tears-wine-cellar-800.jpg Blog - Insider's Guide to the South Caucasus: Georgia's Wine Country Wine cellar with buried qvevri vessels at Pheasant’s Tears Winery https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1549495550823-VRB9DLAIN0HEGGQZ0LRX/GA-Tuscheti-Village.jpg Blog - Insider's Guide to the South Caucasus: Georgia's Wine Country The little South Caucasus country of Georgia is a gorgeous place, boasting fabulous food, music and mountains. Its warm Mediterranean climate, deep black soil, saw-toothed mountains and Black Sea coast combine to make Georgia a Garden of Eden, overflowing with wine and rich in culinary flair. It’s everything you could wish for in a destination. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1549393311428-L9YL3NF7ISV8R06DXH46/Alaverdi-Cellar.jpg Blog - Insider's Guide to the South Caucasus: Georgia's Wine Country - Qvevri wine vessels Qvevri are huge earthenware vessels used in making Georgia's natural wines Photo: John Wurdeman https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1549393311019-TFH46RIFKA1T6EPL9P41/Schuchmann-Winery-Telavi-Georgia-October-2015-5-JakeSmith.jpg Blog - Insider's Guide to the South Caucasus: Georgia's Wine Country - Telavi's Schuchmann Winery Telavi’s Schuchmann Winery specializes in organic red and white wines Photo: Jake Smith https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1549393594713-DTBU1US4SZAIA0EUEDZH/3-TastingAlaverdiMonasteryKakheti-MN-11.jpg Blog - Insider's Guide to the South Caucasus: Georgia's Wine Country - Alaverdi Monastery wine-tasting Tasting Alaverdi Monastery’s wines, made by monks Photo: Mariana Noble https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1549391180220-EJ07AZ9L8U5Y0E4H4V84/Alaverdi-Grapes-kakheti-TourDep_DSC_6140.jpg Blog - Insider's Guide to the South Caucasus: Georgia's Wine Country Lush vineyards in Georgia’s Kakheti region Photo: Caucasus Travel https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1549390488710-QMD8P68MBDLJRN821RQA/DSCF0327-800.jpg Blog - Insider's Guide to the South Caucasus: Georgia's Wine Country Georgian wine has been made in qvevri for thousands of years Photo: Mariana Noble https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1549395437909-OKUSI39CJDEVCL3T3252/DSCF0252.jpg Blog - Insider's Guide to the South Caucasus: Georgia's Wine Country The hilltown of Signagi in Georgia's wine country Photo: Mariana Noble https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1549399874434-3HWTNNG0NO6584M0UCZE/DSCF0351-cropped.jpg Blog - Insider's Guide to the South Caucasus: Georgia's Wine Country “Gaumarjos!” – Cheers! Pheasant’s Tears winemaker John Wurdeman offers a vineyard toast in Signagi, Georgia Photo: Mariana Noble https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1549392132833-W0Q3NSFQCXNH75KGIIWH/Viticulture-Research-Station-1818.jpg Blog - Insider's Guide to the South Caucasus: Georgia's Wine Country One of 500+ grape varieties in Georgia Photo: Kees Sprengers https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1549392133202-A04TN0W8Y6GWVGM9A605/WINE-MAKERS.jpg Blog - Insider's Guide to the South Caucasus: Georgia's Wine Country Harvesting grapes in Georgia’s Kakheti region https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1549392133253-8LREUGUYL9AN73ICTDKG/IMG_7519.jpeg Blog - Insider's Guide to the South Caucasus: Georgia's Wine Country Savoring Georgian wine, straight from the source Photo: Norman Leaper https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1549392530975-XP6T1W2WN292IEYF27A0/Vine-coleection-at-Alaverdi.jpg Blog - Insider's Guide to the South Caucasus: Georgia's Wine Country New vines at Alaverdi Monastery, near Telavi, Georgia Photo: John Wurdeman http://www.mir-dmc.com/blog-news/2019/1/23/up-and-coming-uzbekistan-7-reasons-why-a-local-recommends-you-visit-now monthly 0.5 2019-06-20 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1548441146279-K2NLOH7K1UJWI9Q9TGLF/CELEBRATING-NAVRUZ-IN-SAMARKAND-05-11-2014-14-58-45-ASamadov-618.jpg Blog - Up-and-Coming Uzbekistan: A Local's 7 Great Reasons To Visit Now Dancing in Samarkand during the springtime Central Asian celebration of Navruz Photo credit: Abdu Samadov https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1548441265451-68O62HSZPLC6C4VXENOO/backstreets-and-bazars-trip-with-caroline-eden-127-web+%281%29.jpg Blog - Up-and-Coming Uzbekistan: A Local's 7 Great Reasons To Visit Now Navruz parades announce the arrival of spring Photo credit: Abdu Samadov https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1548441147570-XVENZSAK18B8I2DYNDHN/BUKHARA-NAVRUZ-FESTIVAL-13-03-2015-09-54-55-web.jpg Blog - Up-and-Coming Uzbekistan: A Local's 7 Great Reasons To Visit Now Laying out a celebratory table for Navruz, the Central Asian New Year Photo credit: Abdu Samadov https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1548349473729-OKWRZBKALTE2JQ8PY82Z/YANGIKAZGAN-CAMP-IN-NURATA-19-09-2014-06-47-41.jpg Blog - Up-and-Coming Uzbekistan: A Local's 7 Great Reasons To Visit Now - Central Asian yurts Used for centuries by nomads on the Central Asian steppes, traditional yurts are made from a lightweight wooden frame and covered with animal skin or felt Photo credit: Abdu Samadov https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1548349473099-3JW7KG51Q6MRK41QL5Y7/IMG_1158.jpg Blog - Up-and-Coming Uzbekistan: A Local's 7 Great Reasons To Visit Now - Hiking the Gissars Hiking gentle green hills in the Gissar Mountains Photo credit: Abdu Samadov https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1548349472962-ECAA8NHIYSIKF5HHADVM/Nuratau-Vohid-Camp-Music-Evening-30-08-2016-21-04-01.jpeg Blog - Up-and-Coming Uzbekistan: A Local's 7 Great Reasons To Visit Now - Desert campfire Yurt campers gather around a blazing campfire in the Kyzyl Kum Desert Photo credit: Abdu Samadov https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1548350617975-0F5YCDKOR6N9G8O2QC6I/IMG_9390-web.jpg Blog - Up-and-Coming Uzbekistan: A Local's 7 Great Reasons To Visit Now Hello from a spice vendor in Bukhara Photo credit: Abdu Samadov https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1548274330824-6K9GKB81V9EP6K1NCO88/IMG_7899A.jpg Blog - Up-and-Coming Uzbekistan: A Local's 7 Great Reasons To Visit Now Ornate mosaics decorate the Registan in Samarkand, Uzbekistan Photo credit: Ana Filonov https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1548875456834-8AASAF0DQFCO0TPA77WY/IMG_0496.jpg Blog - Up-and-Coming Uzbekistan: A Local's 7 Great Reasons To Visit Now Born and raised in Samarkand, Abdu Samadov is an “insider’s insider” when it comes to knowing every corner of his native country, Uzbekistan. Fluent in English, Farsi, and Russian, he studied in England and works with MIR to guide travelers throughout Central Asia, and enjoys sharing his knowledge with other travelers. Here, Abdu describes some of the progressive changes that have started to take shape in his home country, and offers seven reasons for why travelers should experience Uzbekistan now, before the rest of the world catches on. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1548274860523-ZZI6OGXODAUFWX3LMFM6/Uzbekistan-Khiva-103-800.jpg Blog - Up-and-Coming Uzbekistan: A Local's 7 Great Reasons To Visit Now A walk though Ichon-Qala as the sun sets in Old Town Khiva, Uzbekistan Photo credit: Lindsay Fincher https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1548274859937-B58OLOH7TDA4GBE4IOLL/RISHTON-POTTERY-AND-CERAMICS-11-09-2016-11-46-02.jpg Blog - Up-and-Coming Uzbekistan: A Local's 7 Great Reasons To Visit Now The skills to create Uzbek ceramics have been handed down from father to son for generations Photo credit: Abdu Samadov https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1548274860040-DGR3U5MIW4T9KAHBUP3V/IMG_1254.jpg Blog - Up-and-Coming Uzbekistan: A Local's 7 Great Reasons To Visit Now A Bukharan baker preps her non breads, giving them a signature stamp before they hit the oven Photo credit: Abdu Samadov https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1548443479777-RLV8XAIX33DR3P2ZVDV7/bukhara10.jpeg Blog - Up-and-Coming Uzbekistan: A Local's 7 Great Reasons To Visit Now - A giggly hello! Locals burst into smiles in Bukhara Photo credit: Michel Behar https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1548442084852-VR6FEACQ311ZPC1F33JY/FredLundahl-IMG_6121.jpg Blog - Up-and-Coming Uzbekistan: A Local's 7 Great Reasons To Visit Now - Tourist police hello! A warm greeting from Uzbekistan's new “Tourist Police,” helping visitors around town Photo credit: Fred Lundahl https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1548442439755-G3RGRNLDYO91QSRBKPAN/Photo-21-04-13-06-03-03.jpg Blog - Up-and-Coming Uzbekistan: A Local's 7 Great Reasons To Visit Now - A face-to-face hello! A heartfelt greeting in a country known for its legendary warmth and open-handed hospitality Photo credit: Michel Behar https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1548287565753-047PYCSKEBV0SQZHNZBS/Khiva-98-Jered.jpg Blog - Up-and-Coming Uzbekistan: A Local's 7 Great Reasons To Visit Now An early morning biker in Khiva Photo credit: Jered Gorman https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1548271563408-6UV5L7LNP3NKT8BZ6CYS/Foto-24-08-18-14-58-59.jpg Blog - Up-and-Coming Uzbekistan: A Local's 7 Great Reasons To Visit Now Recent reform-minded policies enacted by the Uzbek government are giving everyone a reason to smile Photo credit: Michel Behar https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1548287408993-4F2HFJTK1OY2WY89GIFE/IMG_1926-e1547492075672-cropped.jpg Blog - Up-and-Coming Uzbekistan: A Local's 7 Great Reasons To Visit Now Clean, comfortable interior on the Afrosiyob high-speed train Photo: Jessica Clark https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1548348473343-JWJGKBM0008RGZWWKIM1/IMG_9060.jpg Blog - Up-and-Coming Uzbekistan: A Local's 7 Great Reasons To Visit Now Locals at Shah-i-Zinda Photo credit: Abdu Samadov https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1548275433275-2X7NSCKSYCJIBYEU4VG2/IMG_1925.jpg Blog - Up-and-Coming Uzbekistan: A Local's 7 Great Reasons To Visit Now The Afrosiyob high-speed train is an efficient and affordable way to travel between Tashkent and Samarkand Photo credit: Jessica Clark https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1548800821148-6GZ5EREQSMP41YJCW6SB/FIVE-STANS-PHOTOS-81-of-229-BillFletcher_Samarkand.jpg Blog - Up-and-Coming Uzbekistan: A Local's 7 Great Reasons To Visit Now Vibrant blue tiles are a ubiquitous backdrop in Samarkand Photo: Bill Fletcher https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1548800820395-5642GOL4UKP8S96JGDBT/MARGILAN-IKAT-FACTORY-AND-WORKSHOP-11-09-2016-15-18-03.jpg Blog - Up-and-Coming Uzbekistan: A Local's 7 Great Reasons To Visit Now Waterfalls of silk in Margilan Photo credit: Abdu Samadov https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1548800820329-3OP0B0ZJ0TOB147QUDH2/DSC_5139.jpg Blog - Up-and-Coming Uzbekistan: A Local's 7 Great Reasons To Visit Now Friendly smile from a market vendor Photo credit: Phil Kidd https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1548801057055-UALOY8E5IDXYVKACFE6X/788A2819_edited-2-Uzbekistan-Suresh-Mehta.jpg Blog - Up-and-Coming Uzbekistan: A Local's 7 Great Reasons To Visit Now Uzbek dancers swirl in traditional costumes, decorated with intricate embroidered motifs Photo credit: Suresh Mehta https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1548349072900-M5DOG1MPVI459E8GOL1X/IMG_4768.jpg Blog - Up-and-Coming Uzbekistan: A Local's 7 Great Reasons To Visit Now Many hiking trails surround tiny Hayat Village in Uzbekistan Photo credit: Abdu Samadov https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1548441612613-A8B3F1L2POE48H9KPSZX/backstreets-and-bazars-trip-with-caroline-eden-101-web.jpg Blog - Up-and-Coming Uzbekistan: A Local's 7 Great Reasons To Visit Now Smiles galore as Abdu Samadov (kneeling) joins travelers and local children for a Navruz photo Photo credit: Abdu Samadov https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1548350266595-C8EGO83OB4GTNRKF7RH3/UZ-2006-JTCA-AF-456.jpg Blog - Up-and-Coming Uzbekistan: A Local's 7 Great Reasons To Visit Now Friendly smiles greet travelers in Bukhara, Uzbekistan Photo credit: Ana Filonov https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1548273588590-X9OYBNK6VU48KY4X1KCM/IMG_20181115_162143.jpg Blog - Up-and-Coming Uzbekistan: A Local's 7 Great Reasons To Visit Now Gorgeous, tiled mausoleums line the alleyways in Samarkand's Shah-i-Zinda complex Photo credit: Matt Robertson https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1548273709739-NOZWKRJYNVZ4IXFP8KQF/BUKHARA-ARK-15-06-2015-18-56-00.jpg Blog - Up-and-Coming Uzbekistan: A Local's 7 Great Reasons To Visit Now The walls of Bukhara's Ark Citadel have stood here since the 5th century Photo credit: Abdu Samadov https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1548273588276-8BH05PTBATAWEPKHUHQF/ICHAN-KALA-STREET.jpg Blog - Up-and-Coming Uzbekistan: A Local's 7 Great Reasons To Visit Now Locals enjoy a sunset stroll in Old Town Khiva, Uzbekistan Photo credit: Abdu Samadov http://www.mir-dmc.com/blog-news/2019/1/9/secrets-of-samarkand monthly 0.5 2019-06-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1548455480050-0FGA628CKB2Z0AQZJFFX/IMG_0528.jpg Blog - Secrets of Samarkand Exquisite painted plasterwork (known as ganche) inside the Museum of Local Lore Photo credit: Abdu Samadov https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1548455441352-WB8KN8ZWIS6E6RUVZX5X/IMG_0533.jpg Blog - Secrets of Samarkand Filled with photos and artifacts, the Museum of Local Lore showcases the unique history of Samarkand's Jewish community Photo credit: Abdu Samadov https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1548455372458-XC4PXL4I1AWESRIM26OJ/IMG_0544.jpg Blog - Secrets of Samarkand Located in Samarkand's Colonial Quarter, the Museum of Local Lore is housed in the historic home of a Jewish merchant Photo credit: Abdu Samadov https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1547141168197-JZ2W5QWLDHKS75UK7Z1W/IMG_7425.jpg Blog - Secrets of Samarkand Many Samarkand postcards depict the city’s most famous landmarks, such as the Registan and Gur-Emir Mausoleum Photo credit: Abdu Samadov https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1548874676713-HEV8981A5FIJ8EUF0Z8W/2015_KHIVA_PHOTOS-88-Adbu-Samarov-1024x962.jpg Blog - Secrets of Samarkand Abdu Samadov is a Samarkand native with a treasure trove of knowledge about his hometown and about Uzbekistan. Abdu studied in England and the U.S. and is fluent in English, Farsi, and Russian. He guides MIR travelers throughout Central Asia and enjoys sharing his insights and experiences with others. Here, Abdu offers his insider tips on exploring the legendary oasis city of Samarkand like a local. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1547140717453-XOSX09CGYOH3IZOEPUS0/Samarkand-Silk-Paper-Factory-6.jpg Blog - Secrets of Samarkand Handmade paper from Samarkand is carefully polished with shells or stone to create a smooth surface Photo credit: Willis Hughes https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1548456265170-6HSDOGFM7BA5V7GZRI1N/DSC_0583.jpg Blog - Secrets of Samarkand - Urgut Market The Urgut Market is one of the best places to find authentic textiles and suzani Photo credit: Douglas Grimes https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1548456265314-M904EDMPR69PMVBAM55W/DSC_0588.jpg Blog - Secrets of Samarkand - Market stands Shopping the vendors’ stands at the Urgut Market Photo credit: Douglas Grimes https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1548456310065-UB5WKNVEUIEARAJGPIS7/DSC_0576.jpg Blog - Secrets of Samarkand - Suzani shopping Shopping for sumptuous suzani at the Urgut Market Photo credit: Douglas Grimes __________________________________________ https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1547137996985-SYX5NHR62KHCWIHDQ9T0/IMG_5527.jpg Blog - Secrets of Samarkand Gissar’s otherworldly rock formations were eroded over time by water and wind Photo credit: Abdu Samadov https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1547140245388-0VILQFOVCIYH2S05MQTN/Samarkand-Registan-Sunrise-3.jpg Blog - Secrets of Samarkand The sky blushes pink during a Samarkand sunrise Photo credit: Willis Hughes https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1548454804904-C5DN17P685EX9MT3J11S/IMG_0491.jpg Blog - Secrets of Samarkand Tree-lined avenues of Samarkand’s Russian (or Colonial) Quarter Photo credit: Abdu Samadov https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1548455859503-WTAA3FMFW5ER26AUF8G9/Photo-09-05-13-11-03-21.jpg Blog - Secrets of Samarkand St. Aleksey Church is the heart of Samarkand’s Eastern Orthodox community Photo credit: Michel Behar https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1547140845516-I1N0ZUMCRL6Y0UCXQ1KS/IMG_7428.jpg Blog - Secrets of Samarkand Stacks of postcards in Central Asia Photo credit: Abdu Samadov https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1547140199577-6JXS5DKSGXK02RHFKHSH/DSC_0614-e1528921820359.jpg Blog - Secrets of Samarkand Moonrise over the majestic Registan Photo credit: Douglas Grimes https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1547140063388-45YRP8JHQQDRC1BIKTZV/IMG_6631.jpg Blog - Secrets of Samarkand A peaceful brook in the Gissar Mountains Photo credit: Abdu Samadov https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1548801846433-9KHUKCR62I6MF5MTU22G/Samarkand-Silk-Paper-Factory-5.jpg Blog - Secrets of Samarkand - Water-powered paper mills These paper mills, which pound mulberry bark into pulp, are powered by water Photo credit: Willis Hughes https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1548801846761-AQ9RZUKHN26GCB37KC4H/Samarkand-Silk-Paper-Factory-3.jpg Blog - Secrets of Samarkand - Making paper A master artisan demonstrates how he crafts handmade paper in Koni Gil, near Samarkand Photo credit: Willis Hughes https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1547077070743-WVI937YTI9L07F5Z8X2T/Foto-22-10-14-15-39-45.jpg Blog - Secrets of Samarkand Everyday life at the graceful Registan in Samarkand Photo credit: Michel Behar https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1548458655820-KSC7IM066O7BYL40B18Y/IMG_1158.jpg Blog - Secrets of Samarkand Hiking through glorious greenery in the Gissar Mountains Photo credit: Abdu Samadov https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1548447774794-ZGM23K1GPYAIKIBH1BYG/IMG_9060.jpg Blog - Secrets of Samarkand Locals gather at Shah-i-Zinda Photo credit: Abdu Samadov https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1547137324606-0ZZEHNJ7VCIJLV3SFYRR/DSC_0582.jpg Blog - Secrets of Samarkand The entrance of Urgut Market Photo credit: Douglas Grimes https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1547078157930-OT1CV701P9U669BSCFRU/BLENDING-WITH-LOCALS-BY-SHAHI-ZINDA-COMPLEX-05-10-2015-15-30-04.jpg Blog - Secrets of Samarkand Visitors mingle with locals at Shah-i-Zinda Complex in Samarkand, Uzbekistan Photo credit: Abdu Samadov https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1547137861746-7O7KWR77Q8OJCJAAAW60/DSC_0585.jpg Blog - Secrets of Samarkand Colorful textiles at the Urgut Market Photo credit: Douglas Grimes https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1548802379384-O7FSJL6LOFYI9NQFFVCD/Samarkand-Silk-Paper-Factory-2.jpg Blog - Secrets of Samarkand Workers strip the mulberry bark, an early step in the paper-making process Photo credit: Willis Hughes https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1548802290088-CJSHDMRZDRR8S41ERLVJ/Samarkand-Silk-Paper-Factory-9.jpg Blog - Secrets of Samarkand The mulberry bark is boiled for five hours and softens, then pounded and washed to remove excess dirt and fibers Photo credit: Willis Hughes https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1548802237456-NRGUNYQRHQQ7I9L5A0IY/Samarkand-Silk-Paper-Factory-10.jpg Blog - Secrets of Samarkand Once the pulp has dried, it's put under a press for 24 hours Photo credit: Willis Hughes https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1548448942523-OW0RRNFBUSG8XMCMH1D0/SAMARKAND-SHAHI-ZINDA-LOCALS-18-09-2015-03-37-50.jpg Blog - Secrets of Samarkand - Counting steps Locals count each step descending from Shah-i-Zinda, hoping to count the same number as they did ascending to the complex – said to bring good fortune Photo credit: Abdu Samadov https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1548448948584-DY85JOXT46TIQ9N58V7Q/SAMARKAND-SHAHI-ZINDA-COMPLEX-01-06-2015-15-37-20.jpg Blog - Secrets of Samarkand - Turquoise and lapis tilework Turquoise and lapis tilework on a mausoleum at Shah-i-Zinda Photo credit: Abdu Samadov https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1548448944246-UOGCLR749NH70FKENQN1/Foto-10-04-18-08-37-41.jpg Blog - Secrets of Samarkand - Prayerful chanting Locals chant during a morning prayer session at Shah-i-Zinda Photo credit: Michel Behar https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1547079395189-0ZUZT2HERSG1HNLFHHSJ/IMG_0497.jpg Blog - Secrets of Samarkand The Colonial Quarter is a popular hangout for local university students, and full of unique turn-of-the-century buildings Photo credit: Abdu Samadov https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1547140296474-4T1O482KDK96BS5PP8UO/Samarkand-Gul-Emir-Masoleum-5.jpg Blog - Secrets of Samarkand Golden sunset over Samarkand’s Gur-Emir Mausoleum Photo credit: Willis Hughes https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1548446520352-O3ZUBL76DHM67G63Y2IT/Foto-20-05-18-07-53-08.jpg Blog - Secrets of Samarkand - Timurid tilework Intricately detailed Timurid tilework at the Registan in Samarkand Photo credit: Michel Behar https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1548446519273-213WX48YVJ3RE72X13D1/IMG_1019.jpg Blog - Secrets of Samarkand - Shah-i-Zinda complex Awe-inspiring Shah-i-Zinda mausoleum complex in Samarkand, Uzbekistan Photo credit: Abdu Samadov https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1548446519232-X4PQWKMNJH4JVGNIZWGG/Photo-24-10-13-10-55-09-featured.jpg Blog - Secrets of Samarkand - Bibi Khanum Mosque Ribbed dome of the Bibi Khanum Mosque in Samarkand Photo credit: Michel Behar https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1547140359748-OHGT9KFZNM5OQJHHJB6A/SAMARKAND-BIBIHANUM-MOSQUE-15-03-2015-11-01-028.jpg Blog - Secrets of Samarkand Samarkand’s 15th century Bibi Khanum Mosque was a marvel of structural engineering for its time Photo credit: Abdu Samadov https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1548454860169-V19XV5PRV0PQNWRNA1TR/IMG_0506.jpg Blog - Secrets of Samarkand St. John the Baptist Church in Samarkand’s old Colonial Quarter Photo credit: Abdu Samadov https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1548448180391-8NSO976DVQV7YC1KGOTI/FIVE-STANS-PHOTOS-99-of-229-.jpg Blog - Secrets of Samarkand Shah-i-Zinda, or “Place of a Living King,” is a stunning avenue of mausoleums containing the tombs of Samarkand’s royal and noble elite Photo credit: Bill Fletcher https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1547140135515-TJVCJUZHGJS95OHTTD9O/IMG_6932.jpg Blog - Secrets of Samarkand The Registan is even more beautiful during the “blue hours” of twilight Photo credit: Abdu Samadov https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1548457393110-ISREB2WK34W6AIND6IJI/IMG_9070.jpg Blog - Secrets of Samarkand Shah-i-Zinda is more than a tourist site; it's also an important place of pilgrimage for faithful Uzbek worshippers Photo credit: Abdu Samadov https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1548457704153-1RMYJIXUDKHRT0UE12N0/SAMARKAND-SHAHI-ZINDA-18-09-2015-03-46-14.jpg Blog - Secrets of Samarkand The Shah-i-Zinda necropolis consists of more than 20 buildings, with the earliest constructed in the 11th century Photo credit: Abdu Samadov https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1548457392406-NFXUEJZP8SYQY27EQ8JZ/Foto-09-04-18-08-37-45+%281%29.jpg Blog - Secrets of Samarkand Local people and visitors stroll among the tombs and crypts at Shah-i-Zinda Photo credit: Michel Behar http://www.mir-dmc.com/blog-news/2019/1/10/the-timeless-appeal-of-the-republic-of-georgia monthly 0.5 2019-06-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1548794728444-3W47SW2LBGRGLXY5U6GY/Georgia-Tbilisi-view-800.jpg Blog - The Timeless Appeal of the Republic of Georgia - Views from Narikala Fortress The captivating view from Narikala Fortress in Tbilisi Photo: Martin Klimenta https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1548794728269-1TPAQEEZFMXJKZEKLVST/Tbilisi-architecture-2-800.jpg Blog - The Timeless Appeal of the Republic of Georgia - Balconies in Tbilisi Colorful balcony architecture in Tbilisi Photo: Martin Klimenta https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1548794735062-6CH152L12YPDQYHQ6P8T/IMG_9517A-Ann-Schneider.jpg Blog - The Timeless Appeal of the Republic of Georgia - Narikala Fortress Narikala Fortress looms over Tbilisi’s Old Town Photo: Ann Schneider https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1547144563131-MVLG52OAC7VXXYN7OALA/Tbilisi-Freedom-bridge-800.jpg Blog - The Timeless Appeal of the Republic of Georgia The Bridge of Freedom in Tbilisi, Georgia Photo: Martin Klimenta https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1548793753153-IC3HU6NQ9ZO5JD9HK5FP/18A_0021.jpg Blog - The Timeless Appeal of the Republic of Georgia Ananuri Fortress was once a strategic stronghold along the famous Georgian Military Highway Photo: Martin Klimenta https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1547142306549-K254F8LGIAV8AYXJ1I9C/DSC_0118-Georgia-AnnieDoug-DGrimes-618-pixels.jpg Blog - The Timeless Appeal of the Republic of Georgia Annie Lucas with MIR President and co-founder Douglas Grimes in Annie’s favorite country, Georgia Photo: Douglas Grimes https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1548715564237-5T652V3L7ZZM6NOXD1FF/DSCF0351-800.jpg Blog - The Timeless Appeal of the Republic of Georgia A cheerful toast with natural wines in Signagi, Georgia Photo: Mariana Noble https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1548715731261-8REPXHYLJR2L20CS6CAL/Vineyards-in-Imeriti.jpg Blog - The Timeless Appeal of the Republic of Georgia A stroll through the vineyards in Georgian wine country Photo: John Wurdeman https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1548715730184-HALY1QH5DECZRTYAXZAN/DSC_0515-1-Doug.jpg Blog - The Timeless Appeal of the Republic of Georgia Natural amber Georgian wines Photo: Douglas Grimes https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1548793870669-LXNNGZB7K48NM9DH4YEQ/Signagi-mariana-atog-1-618.jpg Blog - The Timeless Appeal of the Republic of Georgia - Hilltown of Signagi The hilltown of Signagi in Georgia's wine country Photo: Mariana Noble https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1548793890593-9KKU3DNJVOQEMQNZXTKR/Truso-5.jpg Blog - The Timeless Appeal of the Republic of Georgia - Summertime landscape in Truso Truso is “Big Sky Country” in Georgia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1548793890706-TSEAB6R98ENQZPI90VLP/TSUGRU-11.jpg Blog - The Timeless Appeal of the Republic of Georgia - Tsughrughasheni Church Tsughrughasheni Church, set in the stunning Bolnisi District of Kartli, Georgia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1547143853658-50Z6CHNHW93CU8778TE9/IMG_1385-Georgia-Svaneti-singing-MNoble-618.jpg Blog - The Timeless Appeal of the Republic of Georgia UNESCO-listed polyphonic singing is a prelude to this Georgian feast in Svaneti Photo: Mariana Noble https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1548716826423-A9WBOJTZRXHHPIXTCCZN/IMG_4986.jpg Blog - The Timeless Appeal of the Republic of Georgia - Making khinkali Making batches of khinkali – juicy meat dumplings – for a festival in Tusheti Photo: Shota Lagazidze https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1548716826786-TODVPRPUMN4384NCA4AR/IMG_2028-800-768x1024.jpg Blog - The Timeless Appeal of the Republic of Georgia - Tasty Georgian fare Delicious Georgian fare, based on 19th-century recipes from the Barbarestan Restaurant in Tbilisi Photo: Annie Lucas https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1548718994513-ZSDCNS17YEA9BYIJP7EK/DSC_0247.jpg Blog - The Timeless Appeal of the Republic of Georgia - Enjoying a Georgian feast Georgian Table feasts are famous for their bountiful food and celebratory atmosphere Photo: Douglas Grimes https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1547143794174-BNQH56JL8DVEZO6RTO8O/000035.jpg Blog - The Timeless Appeal of the Republic of Georgia Toasting at a traditional Georgian Table Photo: Michel Behar https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1548795109840-FQGVM3WWNF338GLJMWOL/Tbilisi-Georgia-October-2015-9-JakeSmith.jpg Blog - The Timeless Appeal of the Republic of Georgia - A bridge in Tbilisi Tbilisi’s beauty shines through, even on a cloudy day Photo: Jake Smith https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1548795109843-QJ4WGWGIFQC3RTHYUXOX/METEKHI-Tbilisi-800.jpg Blog - The Timeless Appeal of the Republic of Georgia - Metekhi Church of the Virgin Metekhi Church of the Virgin, with ancient stone walls in the background https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1548795110398-E750P230PCHXM90XHTTR/img_5962-800.jpg Blog - The Timeless Appeal of the Republic of Georgia - Art nouveau detail Fanciful art nouveau in Tbilisi, Georgia Photo: Richard Fejfar https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1548713579052-HM1Y33A2TW76RPJ4DOHN/WINE-MAKERS-800-682x1024.jpg Blog - The Timeless Appeal of the Republic of Georgia - One of 500 varieties of Georgian grapes Harvesting grapes in a Kakheti vineyard, an area renowned for its wines https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1548713578957-OP8XS6HE3JARIDZYF7Y8/IMG_1562-800-768x1024.jpg Blog - The Timeless Appeal of the Republic of Georgia - Georgian food fave: Adjaran khachapuri Boat-shaped Adjaran khachapuri laden with a cargo of eggs, cheese, and butter Photo: Mariana Noble https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1547144941726-D2P7YUP6KZXPFBDTGMZ0/ExploritasTC2010-Martin023-Georgia-bread-MKlimenta-618-pixels.jpg Blog - The Timeless Appeal of the Republic of Georgia Baking fresh bread in a ceramic oven call a tone Photo: Martin Klimenta https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1547144007303-VZAZUUK3C7SJQC8UL8HV/JTC_Kazbegi_TsmindaSameba_021010-Peter-Guttman-618.jpg Blog - The Timeless Appeal of the Republic of Georgia Third largest in Georgia, Mount Kazbek towers over the 14th century church of Tsminda Sameba Photo: James Carnehan https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1547142513925-B5I08C4ALJH8JLPM1X4M/00035_s_r13ajrxlmry0035-Georgia-Tsminda-Sameba-PGuttman-618-pixels.jpg Blog - The Timeless Appeal of the Republic of Georgia This view of Georgia's Tsminda Sameba Church is unforgettable Photo: Peter Guttman https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1547142417764-1IFEF5JDNGXU42XS0UQW/South-Caucasus-Map-blog-800.jpg Blog - The Timeless Appeal of the Republic of Georgia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1547142688778-U7YN1BYQP8LPZ2Z7EI9K/Alaverdi-Qvevri-WInemaker.jpg Blog - The Timeless Appeal of the Republic of Georgia A winemaker checks on his product, which ages to perfection in an underground qvevri Photo: John Wurdeman https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1547143013690-TSF90BCJCT9YM3L75293/DSC_0729-1.jpg Blog - The Timeless Appeal of the Republic of Georgia Setting up for a Georgian dinner table, known for dozens of delicious dishes, countless toasts and a festive atmosphere Photo: Douglas Grimes https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1548792797920-RI2BYP8TAZ8JTW6GD3S1/Hiking-in-Georgia-800.jpg Blog - The Timeless Appeal of the Republic of Georgia Horse trekking in the Caucasus Mountains of Georgia Photo: Georgia Tourism Board https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1548792797176-5KLGAQHBMD9TUX8ZJX0U/Cavetown-of-Vardzia-2.jpg Blog - The Timeless Appeal of the Republic of Georgia Climbing around Vardzia cave-town https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1548792798640-S7FTKTJROGJEJ5Q5X910/Ushguli-20-800.jpg Blog - The Timeless Appeal of the Republic of Georgia Watchtowers in Ushguli dot the remote, mountainous Svaneti Region Photo: Paul Schwartz https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1548792797059-X34PZJ9XSM2L98KXITFQ/IMG_4837.jpg Blog - The Timeless Appeal of the Republic of Georgia Tiny mountain village in Tusheti, Georgia Photo: Shota Lagazidze https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1548798760781-6XV5K5N7BSJY1XL71GX0/F1070030.jpg Blog - The Timeless Appeal of the Republic of Georgia - Sweet treats! A local merchant offers a sample of dried fruit to a visitor Photo: Michel Behar https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1548798586261-RJ8464480D4SMZOD9K1P/img_7074-Richard-Fejfar-Georgia.jpg Blog - The Timeless Appeal of the Republic of Georgia - Guamarjos! Guamarjos! An often-heard toast in Georgia Photo: Richard Fejfar https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1548798584813-QVVUYKEAFE9QEMPK9TIF/DSCF0532-800.jpg Blog - The Timeless Appeal of the Republic of Georgia - Warm smiles Warm smiles in Tbilisi, here at the Dry Bridge Market Photo: Mariana Noble https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1548799369301-CIXS47J8ZL9BJSGTWW0A/DSC_0510-1-800.jpg Blog - The Timeless Appeal of the Republic of Georgia MIR’s Annie Lucas with a new Georgian friend Photo: Douglas Grimes http://www.mir-dmc.com/blog-news/2019/1/10/interview-with-carla-capalbo-award-winning-author-of-tasting-georgia monthly 0.5 2019-01-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1547148658791-WRQTDM52CMMBYJBDYUT3/Iagos-Winery-1892.jpg Blog - Interview with Carla Capalbo: Award-Winning Author of "Tasting Georgia" Making juicy Georgian meat dumplings, khinkali Photo: Kees Sprengers https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1547149873368-65FQKPJE4IBE8A1PA7DI/Photo-12-09-13-14-16-57-Georgia-MBehar-Georgian-table-618-pixels.jpg Blog - Interview with Carla Capalbo: Award-Winning Author of "Tasting Georgia" A stirring performance at the Georgian table Photo: Michel Behar https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1547149526820-M1DMLRPTG6DPPCDC3O7K/Ajarian-Khachapuri-John-Wurdeman-618-pixels.jpg Blog - Interview with Carla Capalbo: Award-Winning Author of "Tasting Georgia" Khachapuri is Georgia’s most famous cheese bread, baked into many shapes Photo: John Wurdeman https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1548807153080-LURO7D0CP881E6W3AL2Z/Chateau-Mukhrani-3881.jpg Blog - Interview with Carla Capalbo: Award-Winning Author of "Tasting Georgia" Garden-fresh greens add a pop of color to this Georgian mushroom dish Photo: Kees Sprengers https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1548807152359-JKL7Y9KJ7QUYS7E825CK/SATSIVI-Georgia-no-credit-618-pixels.jpg Blog - Interview with Carla Capalbo: Award-Winning Author of "Tasting Georgia" Satsivi, sauce made from ground walnuts https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1548807153075-4QMOOSG79S1JH4KNWX6D/Pursulane-at-Pheasants-tears-web.jpg Blog - Interview with Carla Capalbo: Award-Winning Author of "Tasting Georgia" An herb-rich purslane salad at Pheasant's Tears Winery, Georgia Photo: John Wurdeman https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1548865587863-AR3WIAGVOS5BHNAB5MZ9/DSC_0169-800.jpg Blog - Interview with Carla Capalbo: Award-Winning Author of "Tasting Georgia" Sitting down to a lively Georgian Table feast Photo: Douglas Grimes https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1548865588163-JIDZ6A837PNMMLALM8ZK/Tushetian-Feast.jpg Blog - Interview with Carla Capalbo: Award-Winning Author of "Tasting Georgia" A mountain feast in Tusheti Photo: John Wurdeman https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1548865588798-SFGQPPGF7MVAYPQCCAF3/DSC_0550-1-Doug.jpg Blog - Interview with Carla Capalbo: Award-Winning Author of "Tasting Georgia" A festive Georgian Table Photo: Douglas Grimes https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1547147829813-Y5ALFY292JWWEML9SRD6/Zedashe-having-Fun-in-the-Vineyards.jpg Blog - Interview with Carla Capalbo: Award-Winning Author of "Tasting Georgia" Celebrating life in a Georgian vineyard Photo: John Wurdeman https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1547149307557-NX0P8AUW1ZHJUFUZBWV1/Tasting-at-Kakha-Berishvilis.jpg Blog - Interview with Carla Capalbo: Award-Winning Author of "Tasting Georgia" A cheese tasting in the Georgian countryside Photo: John Wurdeman https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1547147439029-H5JYNKS0XV8YXGF92KJY/Alaverdi-Grapes-kakheti-TourDep_DSC_6140.jpg Blog - Interview with Carla Capalbo: Award-Winning Author of "Tasting Georgia" Visitors can sample wines from grapes grown in these vineyards of Georgia’s Alaverdi Monastery https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1547147696790-VKW9CCQCHX81ZZ16C8HW/Koreti-Winemaker-1648.jpg Blog - Interview with Carla Capalbo: Award-Winning Author of "Tasting Georgia" Sampling rich food and wine at a Georgian Table feast Photo: Kees Sprengers https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1547150396922-OMT8Q63YCZLEJCQ1UEPX/JW_082216_0055_800-JeremyWoodhouse.jpg Blog - Interview with Carla Capalbo: Award-Winning Author of "Tasting Georgia" Hillside panorama of old and new Tbilisi Photo: Jeremy Woodhouse 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Story https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1471561899132-18L7TZ4METSHFXAFTTGB/image-asset.jpeg The MIR Story https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1470870005648-RK20HQSVXZAPKJMSLB2Z/image-asset.jpeg The MIR Story https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1471561844095-PYPT834VM5WEE79RDN0U/15670017-2000.jpg The MIR Story http://www.mir-dmc.com/contact daily 0.75 2024-07-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1470870748325-6D79XL5C7HOBQUV2EAII/07930035-2000.jpg Contact Us http://www.mir-dmc.com/destinations-1 daily 0.75 2024-03-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1710871034096-E80JQ6C1G5935H1RWYG3/4.png Where we Go The Silk Route: Central Asia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1471560066432-63OUWLIIGAKRV8OIR19D/Georgia-Stepantsminda-church-view-2000.jpg Where we Go The South Caucasus 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Click on map to view detail. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1471561246065-QTJZ7RVBM6JX0WPDMT3K/image-asset.jpeg Where we Go Overland Expeditions https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1471561078576-FTGBTO4O4ROH7NZE8GGZ/TsarBall000011-1800.jpg Where we Go Incentive Travel http://www.mir-dmc.com/new-page daily 0.75 2016-08-12 http://www.mir-dmc.com/silk-route-central-asia daily 0.75 2024-07-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1570834888946-ATL5RBE2FDWXV245CJM3/Central-Asia-2020-Map-web.jpg Silk Route: Central Asia Click on map to show detail https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1471374242309-TEPLWVO8GS4NSBZ9YX9T/Bukhara-89-2000.jpg Silk Route: Central Asia - Tilework in Uzbekistan Photo credit: Jered Gorman https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1471374225490-D63REIZK4Z7SBB1GIBHR/788A2949_edited-1-2000.jpg Silk Route: Central Asia - Camel in Uzbekistan Photo credit: Suresh Mehta https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1471374238379-9QEBTSW841YR921AQWO6/07930027-2000.jpg Silk Route: Central Asia - Uzbek ceramics Photo credit: Peter Guttman https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1471374230542-N09L6LP8NA7DFAXCO7R5/07220001-1500.jpg Silk Route: Central Asia - Uzbek woman Photo credit: Peter Guttman https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1471374237814-5S5GMEDE9Z4JT1KR98FC/91670003b-2000.jpg Silk Route: Central Asia - Khiva camel - Uzbekistan Photo credit: Peter Guttman https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1471374241524-FR1X94TIEFD20I6O0PDY/DSC_0486-2000.jpg Silk Route: Central Asia - Tash Rabat caravanserai - Kyrgzystan Photo credit: Douglas Grimes https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1471374232076-MCEI97LPX2INVA88KG26/07930006-2000.jpg Silk Route: Central Asia - Bukhara, Uzbekistan Photo credit: Peter Guttman https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1471374269193-R8OFGTU6QSF9KXCZSZKV/UZ-2006-JTCA-AF-425-2000.jpg Silk Route: Central Asia - Samarkand, Uzbekistan Photo credit: Ana Filonov https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1471374257665-YHNVTFYIYW5UO27QZ9TD/Kyrgyz_photokg24-2000.jpg Silk Route: Central Asia - Eagle hunter - Kyrgyzstan Photo credit: Vlad Ushakov https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1471374239678-OBQMQ9608F3IMKSK2UYZ/98530094-2000.jpg Silk Route: Central Asia - Uzbek bread Photo credit: Peter Guttman https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1471374249285-MCBHZ2U14KR3AITAJ7J1/img_2904-1-2000.jpg Silk Route: Central Asia - Uzbek hats Photo credit: Richard Fejfar https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1471374236299-JCX7SBJZGS3C73CIA7ZU/34130006-1500.jpg Silk Route: Central Asia - Kazakh music Photo credit: Michel Behar https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1471374250151-FHTJJWN7UNXJZHZPUNCY/IMG_0061A-2000.jpg Silk Route: Central Asia - Kipchak Mosque - Turkmenistan Photo credit: Ann Schneider https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1471374260749-UD126UHAW1JCDOU8GV87/P1060591-2000.jpg Silk Route: Central Asia - Burana Tower - Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan Photo credit: Martin Klimenta https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1471374266962-IRBADYJ91DJBXIOYQZZ4/UZ-2006-JTCA-AF-421-2000.jpg Silk Route: Central Asia - Shah-i Zinda - Samarkand, Uzbekistan Photo credit: Ana Filonov https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1471374261782-KMF5AOZX9PFWOSYORQA7/TK-2006-JTCA-AF-022-2000.jpg Silk Route: Central Asia - Ashkabat, Turkmenistan Photo credit: Ana Filonov https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1471374263105-M1IC71RT6Y4NZ11IQ675/ushakov-photo-2000.jpg Silk Route: Central Asia - Setting up a Kyrgyz yurt Photo credit: Vlad Ushakov https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1471374268973-6B86569PKNR8CMCX87JR/Uzbekistan-Samarkand-70-moresky-2000.jpg Silk Route: Central Asia - Registan Square - Samarkand, Uzbekistan Photo credit: Lindsay Fincher https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1471556157209-ZM45KMSOK8F8JYGZ6R0Z/07930029-1500.jpg Silk Route: Central Asia - Camel at the gate - Khiva, Uzbekistan Photo credit: Peter Guttman https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1471556154748-LERN6V3GDBAU6DYIQSEN/07930030-2000.jpg Silk Route: Central Asia - Kalon minaret - Bukhara, Uzbekistan Photo credit: Peter Guttman https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1471556158941-5GTJ1G5AY5CFZYET0P83/07930035-2000.jpg Silk Route: Central Asia - Tilework in Uzbekistan Photo credit: Peter Guttman https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1471556158308-XKRWG0UFJN44VUPRMSVB/34130002-2000.jpg Silk Route: Central Asia - Instrument merchant - Almaty, Kazakhstan Photo credit: Michel Behar https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1574446199440-1V2BRP8C1G4KCRZJ5TXG/AAC_9308.jpg Silk Route: Central Asia - Darvaza Gas Crater – Turkmenistan Photo credit: Russ Cmolik, Ellen Cmolik https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1471556163144-1I97NSP19JT95XHMBQZW/KGSusamyr-game-2000.jpg Silk Route: Central Asia - Horse games in Kyrgyzstan https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1471556162190-DW2CN1Z7764T5YPNSQ38/98530104-2000.jpg Silk Route: Central Asia - Kyrgyz yurt Photo credit: Peter Guttman https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1471556163111-5ST75PKU4MHFNOGWSIYM/TK-2006-JTCA-AF-015-2000.jpg Silk Route: Central Asia - Turkmen musician Photo credit: Ana Filonov https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1471556167386-CBPXH78BMN2GVWZH1UHK/TM-Ashkabat-Behar-54800115-2000.jpg Silk Route: Central Asia - Ashkabad, Turkmenistan Photo credit: Michel Behar https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1471556164164-ILPGSSC6R4CWTX7KQBUJ/UZ-2006-JTCA-AF-435-2000.jpg Silk Route: Central Asia - Samarkand, Uzbekistan Photo credit: Ana Filonov https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1471556164907-E1K9LXI7TZCVUORR2AHL/UZ-2006-JTCA-AF-548-2000.jpg Silk Route: Central Asia - Registan - Samarkand, Uzbekistan Photo credit: Ana Filonov https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1471553908202-VBJADCPJLWN0CIY9G5O3/DSC_1386-2000.jpg Silk Route: Central Asia http://www.mir-dmc.com/incentive-travel daily 0.75 2024-04-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1471387532289-693X5PYBY4DKYZ2OJMZA/incentive7.jpg Incentive Travel - Samarkand - Uzbekistan Photo credit: Liz Tollefson https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1471387531887-T0VWHIE5MG6XHRSVQOEQ/incentive8.jpg Incentive Travel - Samarkand - Uzbekistan Photo credit: Martin Klimenta https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1471551985051-3NLZK330JJHEFT16SAT9/IMG_3390-2000.jpg Incentive Travel - Banquet room - Almaty Kazakhstan Photo credit: Liz Tollefson https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1712612137885-4RRFX7B5B3FK7886374M/1.png Incentive Travel - Vineyards of Georgia Alazani Valley, Kakheti, Georgia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1712612311191-88NU07D6WNIYJXLT2H0O/2.png Incentive Travel - Sighnaghi Overlooking the Alazani Valley https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1471553678432-HGKSENW5UGJZTR9O2USZ/IMG_5401-2000.jpg Incentive Travel http://www.mir-dmc.com/the-south-caucasus daily 0.75 2024-04-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1471382805441-3Q71YFYBGM0TDIG4Q6ZV/00294_s_r13ajrxlmry0294-2000.jpg The South Caucasus - Flame Towers - Baku, Azerbaijan Photo credit: Peter Guttman https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1471382807982-VFW5BYLTXYZHXUCIJNOK/_Gergeti___2-2000.jpg The South Caucasus - Kazbegi, Georgia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1471559319368-NJCG5WX5GGRVAHYZ146U/img_5870-2000.jpg The South Caucasus - Svan music - Telavi, Georgia Photo credit: Richard Fejfar https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1471382806202-Q2Q759Y5BEELJ7BRKSBL/26010090-credit-Michel-Behar-2000.jpg The South Caucasus - Georgian gold - Tbilisi, Georgia Photo credit: Michel Behar https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1471544725365-UWCMAIFCHU8K4BVMB632/20140519_114329-2000.jpg The South Caucasus - Armenian bread Photo credit: Inga Belova https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1471544721238-FR9KWAFLTKRCK9ZEIYE3/Armenia-Khor-Virap-w-Mt-2000.jpg The South Caucasus - Khor Virap, Armenia Photo credit: Martin Klimenta https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1471382806749-D24362O7S9HJWR6NEFGM/AR-DudekPlayer-Behar030-2000.jpg The South Caucasus - Armenian folk performance Photo credit: Michel Behar https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1471544722482-0OU4LI7ZYMEES6HDFKTS/DSCF0285-2000.jpg The South Caucasus - Signagi, Georgia Photo credit: Mariana Noble https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1471382809155-05X4F3FH0BRO6XNF09VZ/IMG_4424-2000.jpg The South Caucasus - Svaneti horsemen - Georgia Photo credit: Gotita Bukhaidze https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1471382810041-MHDGCX1YSKJA9E7LDBSR/Matenadaran-2-2000.jpg The South Caucasus - The Matenadaran Book Repository - Yerevan, Armenia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1471544727683-RRW6GUTQFEA1D9875SRV/Uplistsikhe%2C-Georgia%2C-October-2015-14-2000.jpg The South Caucasus - Georgian singers - Uplistsikhe, Georgia Photo credit: Jake Smith https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1471382809854-LCHDEC1ZU7NK85S5NRAZ/XINKALI-800.jpg The South Caucasus - Georgian khinkali https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1471544725399-X8633YFK9MBBFSH1NB7J/IMG_1450-chefat-the-culinarium-2000.jpg The South Caucasus - Georgian chef Photo credit: Annie Lucas https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1471544725951-PCO104YIULGMVB4NDHFE/Photo-09-09-13-09-45-55-2000.jpg The South Caucasus - Baku, Azerbaijan Photo credit: Michel Behar https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1471544726106-GL7LD65F9SO3NDB9V5E4/img_5322-2000.jpg The South Caucasus - Azeri dancer - Baku, Azerbaijan Photo credit: Richard Fejfar https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1471544723429-Y55UVFU6KRDKKUPFSN29/DSCF0367-2000.jpg The South Caucasus - Vineyards near Signagi, Georgia Photo credit: Mariana Noble https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1471544727373-AZH0MDG3E6V611PQ4MXN/Ushguli_Swanetie-2000.jpg The South Caucasus - Medieval watchtowers - Ushguli, Georgia Photo credit: Georgia Tourism Board https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1471381794695-7FELL9MS2XMJITQCJJM6/image-asset.jpeg The South Caucasus Click on map to view detail https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1471382749859-D9ZAI4EX1S9N73WHN0IE/tb-2d-2000.jpg The South Caucasus http://www.mir-dmc.com/overland-expeditions daily 0.75 2024-04-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1471386637093-4LP0OMYKDMPCY2Z55WTU/DSCF2717-2000.jpg Overland Expeditions - Re-enactment of the Great Race Photo credit: Douglas Grimes https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1471386634997-S0XRMAMLFOC8JCTDPVAK/BPRsupportvehicle-1200.jpg Overland Expeditions - Support vehicle - Belarus https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1471386640316-YTL5YALMAWJTCXNAORLU/Silk-Road-2012-31-2000.jpg Overland Expeditions - The Pamir Highway Photo credit: Russ & Ellen Cmolik https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1471386633394-DV4T5XT3C2F97M87XTFT/BPRRunner-1300.jpg Overland Expeditions - Blue Planet Run - Russia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1471386637222-23T9NVB0QI55TM7CXUQU/P6130062-2000.jpg Overland Expeditions - Globeriders - Russia Photo credit: Martin Klimenta https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1471549020765-BU9SFD3ES9H1S13O7TJO/BPRStaffroadsign-500.jpg Overland Expeditions - Blue Planet Run - Belarus https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1471549021305-B7PIURS69KRPMVDN2MSX/DSC_0032-2000.jpg Overland Expeditions - Camping on the steppe - Mongolia Photo credit: Douglas Grimes https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1471549022660-OI8OLXH0JI4Z8QB75HAU/DSC_0116-2000.jpg Overland Expeditions - Driving in the Gobi Desert - Mongolia Photo credit: Douglas Grimes https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1471549025546-WXBYS9MK82RUY8O9UNT3/DSC_0184-2000.jpg Overland Expeditions - Ger camp - Mongolia Photo credit: Douglas Grimes https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1471549023839-FIYK4WAUZPL4YHUIMLAH/DSC_0287-2000.jpg Overland Expeditions - Fording a river on the Mongolian steppe Photo credit: Douglas Grimes https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1471549026225-V21G57PA6XEEGYCKD4HJ/P6230193-2000.jpg Overland Expeditions - Globeriders on a Russian ferry Photo credit: Martin Klimenta https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1471549026832-Z2E3CLDJOCFEIX3ZQKDA/P6240213-2000.jpg Overland Expeditions - Globeriders near the Black Sea Photo credit: Martin Klimenta https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1471620721644-1YQ9SX5ZQHMSEJMTRJLI/DSC_0116-2000.jpg Overland Expeditions http://www.mir-dmc.com/blog daily 0.75 2024-08-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57ab8ac6ebbd1abd4fd4e424/1471638624137-C3WPGVU7QL5D454I3VBI/01-SAMARKAND-abdu-1500.jpg Blog http://www.mir-dmc.com/partners daily 0.75 2025-05-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52a74d9ae4b0253945d2aee9/1390409437321-Q9EZYDA52XWMFWJIQRU6/logo-2.jpg Partners https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52a74d9ae4b0253945d2aee9/1390409437266-8DADKO4VSI8O9JEYQ58I/logo-4.jpg Partners https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52a74d9ae4b0253945d2aee9/1390409437284-U9500QOC95REDBT90G9L/logo-1.jpg Partners https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52a74d9ae4b0253945d2aee9/1390409437242-8SZY5F04GD012C425QZ6/logo-3.jpg Partners https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52a74d9ae4b0253945d2aee9/1390505394162-W51WFS0M8F9TXWY7LPDY/chambers-10.jpg Partners http://www.mir-dmc.com/take-action daily 0.75 2025-05-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52a74d9ae4b0253945d2aee9/1390597413198-XUEB2J3138YBEXDCIMC0/tumblr_migjb4LxOB1rkz363o2_1280.jpg Take Action http://www.mir-dmc.com/read-me daily 0.75 2025-05-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/52a74d9ae4b0253945d2aee9/1390928870858-4D9B6T9WGP8017NSS9W3/topography.jpg Read Me