This week I took my travels to the region of Central Asia. I was
able to do a variety of different activities while I explore the area. I first
traveled to the country of Tajikistan, after visiting the area for some time I decided
to visit the towering mountainous region of the Himalayas. So, here is what I
did!
Tajikistan:
The first stop I had to make while visiting Tajikistan was the
beautiful Glacial lake located in Tajikistan’s Sughd Province. The lake is named
Iskanderkul, also known as Lake Alexander, the lake itself lies at an altitude
of 2,195 meters of the northern slopes in the Gissar Range of the Fann
Mountains. The lake’s glassy, blue surface is truly an eye-opening site to
witness, something you might see out of a mythical dream!
The country of Tajikistan is a very mountainous region, much of
the land being taken up by it’s towering mountain ranges. There wasn’t a site in
the country that wasn’t truly magnificent. I continued my travels by seeing the
different mountain ranges that the country is home to. The Pamir Mountains – a junction
with the Himalayas and Tian Shan, Karakoram,
Kunlun, Hindu Kush, Suleman and Hindu Raj ranges. The Fann Mountains
(the first place I visited with Iskanderkul Lake).
My trip to Tajikistan allowed me to experience an environment like
no other, the trip was truly one to never forget, once again!
The
Himalayas:
Of course, one cannot simply visit Central Asia without seeing the
grand-daddy of all mountain ranges, the Himalayas! Although the Himalayas lie
mostly throughout the country of Nepal, the mountain range is in junction with
many other ranges throughout Central Asia. The Himalayas form a barrier between
the Plateau of Tibet to thee North and the Alluvial plains of the Indian
subcontinent to the south. As you may already know, they are the highest
mountains in the world, with over 110 peaks reaching elevations of 24,000 feet
or more!
Not only are the mountains filled with snowy glaciers and
mind-boggling heights, but they are in fact inhabited by 52.7 million people –
spread across five countries being Nepal, India, Bhutan, China, and Pakistan.
Since we were to visit the Central Asian countries this week, I spent my time
exploring the region along the border of China. Being able to see the variety
of cultures throughout the Mountain Range was an experience to never forget.
Each tradition that these cultures holds has its similarities, but each are still
so different! Yet another trip of a lifetime!