Issyk-Ata Resort: Soviet Spas and Healing with Horse Milk One thing I really enjoy about Bishkek is the presence of so much nature and so many quirky trips within the Chuy Valley where the city is located. One of these highlights is the old Soviet-Era health resort at Issyk-Ata. There […]
Central Asia
Bishkek Daytrip to Ala-Archa National Park
I’ve been to Ala-Archa once before, of course, but it absolutely did not look like this. If my first journey to Ala-Archa National Park was characterized by herds of horses and Couchsurfers, this second trip was all about the snowfall and convivial Kyrgyz co-campers. Walking into the trail towards Ala-Archa […]
Kyrgyzstan Horse Games: An Introduction
Kyrgyzstan Horse Games: An Introductory Guide You know what I could legitimately do three times a week in Central Asia and never get bored with it? Sit around and watch horse games. By the time I FINALLY made it to the Bishkek Hippodrome on Victory Day, we’d missed all but […]
Wakhan Corridor Guide
The easiest way to reach the Wakhan is via shared-taxi from Khorog to Ishkashim. Several weekly busses leave from Ishkashim to Langar, at the other end of the Tajik Wakhan. Another option is to cross the border into Afghanistan from Ishkashim, at which point you can continue past Langar and […]
Pamir Highway: Road-Trip!
The Pamir Highway: The Great Pamiri Road Trip Guide In the greatest American tradition, I and 1-6 of my closest (proximal) friends hit the open road in vast expanse of the Tajik Pamirs. What does the Great Pamiri Road-Trip look like? Well, I’m glad you asked. The only real complaint […]
The Warm Embrace of Tajik Hospitality
Real, honest, open hospitality is a truly amazing thing. This tradition runs deep through the cultures of most of Central Asia, but in my experiences nowhere near as much as Tajikistan. Though there are some really well-run and welcoming homestays in Tajikistan’s Fan Mountains, they don’t quite cover the whole […]
Hey there! I'm Stephen, this is my travel blog, and that's me in the poofy hat.
I'm a photographer / writer traveling since 2008, and I've been doing my best to visit amazing places.
My current focus is Central Asia, because for a hiking and camping enthusiast it's as good as it gets.