CENTRAL ASIA: Silk Road-2 Adventure
Kyrgyzstan • Uzbekistan • Tajikistan in 20 Days of Mountains, Ancient Cities & Timeless Memories: (18 May – 6 June 2026)
Day 02 (19 May 2026) Tashkent Airport @10.50 → Bishkek Manas Airport @13.10 (1h20m)
Day 03 (20 May 2026) Bishkek → Issyk Ata Waterfall → Chon Kemin
Day 04 (21 May 2026) Chon Kemin → Cholpon Ata
Day 05 (22 May 2026) Cholpon Ata → Karakol
Day 06 (23 May 2026) Karakol → Jeti Oguz → Karakol
Day 07 (24 May 2026) Karakol → Altyn Arashan
Day 08 (25 May 2026) Altyn Arashan → Karakol
Day 09 (26 May 2026) Karakol → Jyrgalan → Barskoon
Day 10 (27 May 2026) Barskoon Waterfall → Tosor → Tong
Day 11 (28 May 2026) Tong → Bishkek
Day 12 (29 May 2026) Bishkek → Tashkent by Centrum Air
Day 13 (30 May 2026) Tashkent → Samarkand by train
Day 14 (31 May 2026) Samarkand → Day trip by train to Bukhara
Day 15 (01 Jun 2026) Samarkand's ancient monuments
Day 16 (02 Jun 2026) Samarkand → Day trip to Tajikistan's 7 Lakes
Day 17 (03 Jun 2026) Samarkand → Tashkent by train
Day 18 (04 Jun 2026) Exploring Tashkent
Day 19 (05 Jun 2026) Tashkent to KLIA1
Day 20 (06 Jun) KLIA1 @ 10.30am
The 10 backpackers: Chan Hew Ley, Chew Leng Soon, Chia Kok Bin, Ching Neng Bin, Clara Leong Sook Wah, Joanne Tan Pheck San, Law Chew Siah, Nancy Ho Siew Cheng, Ng Yoke Ping, Ronnie Chin Keng Kok.
Together, we will experience breathtaking mountain scenery, ancient caravan routes, vibrant bazaars, rich cultural traditions, and the warm hospitality of the peoples of Central Asia. Along the way, friendships will deepen, stories will be shared, and memories will be created that will last a lifetime.
CENTRAL ASIA: SILK ROAD-2 ADVENTURE
Kyrgyzstan • Uzbekistan • Tajikistan
20 Days of Mountains, Ancient Cities & Timeless Memories
18 May – 6 June 2026
By Ching Neng Bin
PREFACE
Travel has always been an important part of my life.
For me, travelling is not simply about visiting famous places, staying in comfortable hotels or taking photographs to show friends. Travel is about discovery. It is about leaving behind familiar surroundings and opening one's eyes to a different world.
Over the years, I have travelled to many countries, climbed mountains, trekked through forests, crossed rivers, travelled by trains and explored places far away from home. Every journey has left behind memories, friendships and stories.
But some journeys are more special than others.
My Central Asia: Silk Road II Adventure in 2026 was one of them.
From 18 May to 6 June 2026, ten Malaysian backpackers travelled through three fascinating countries—Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan.
For 20 days, we travelled through a world of snow-covered mountains, deep valleys, ancient cities, turquoise lakes, remote villages and historic Silk Road routes.
We followed roads through landscapes that had been travelled by nomads, merchants and explorers for centuries. We visited legendary cities whose names had appeared in history books—Samarkand and Bukhara. We travelled through the magnificent mountains of Kyrgyzstan. We crossed into Tajikistan to explore the beautiful Seven Lakes.
And along the way, ten travellers from Malaysia shared meals, laughter, long journeys, unexpected experiences and unforgettable adventures.
This book is my attempt to preserve those memories. Because journeys eventually come to an end. Photographs fade with time. Details slowly disappear from memory. But when we write down our experiences, the journey can continue. This is the story of our twenty unforgettable days in Central Asia.
THE TEN MALAYSIAN BACKPACKERS
Our adventure would not have been the same without the people who travelled together.
The ten Malaysian backpackers were:
- Chan Hew Ley
- Chew Leng Soon
- Chia Kok Bin
- Ching Neng Bin
- Clara Leong Sook Wah
- Joanne Tan Pheck San
- Law Chew Siah
- Nancy Ho Siew Cheng
- Ng Yoke Ping
- Ronnie Chin Keng Kok
We came from Malaysia, carrying our backpacks and travelling thousands of kilometres from home. During the journey, we would become more than simply members of a travel group. We would become travelling companions sharing one extraordinary experience.
10 Malaysian backpackers.
3 countries.
20 days.
1 legendary Silk Road adventure.
PART ONE
KYRGYZSTAN - THE LAND OF MOUNTAINS, HORSES AND NOMADS
CHAPTER 1
DAY 1 – 18 MAY 2026
KLIA Terminal 2 to Tashkent – The Adventure Begins
Every great journey begins with a departure. For our group of ten Malaysian backpackers, the departure point was Kuala Lumpur International Airport Terminal 2. The excitement of a new adventure is always something special.
Before every major journey, there is preparation—checking passports, confirming tickets, packing clothes, arranging travel documents and making sure that nothing important has been forgotten.
But once we arrive at the airport, the planning is finally over. The adventure begins. Our destination was Central Asia. For many travellers from Malaysia, Central Asia remains a mysterious part of the world. It is not as frequently visited as Europe, Japan, Australia or neighbouring Southeast Asian countries. Yet Central Asia has always fascinated me.
- It is a land of ancient civilizations.
- It is the land of the legendary Silk Road.
- It is a place where East and West once met.
For centuries, merchants travelled across these lands carrying silk, spices, gold and other valuable goods. Along with trade came ideas, religions, cultures and knowledge. Now, centuries later, we were travelling towards the same part of the world.
Our first flight took us from Kuala Lumpur towards Tashkent, Uzbekistan. As the aircraft left Malaysia behind, I looked forward to the next twenty days. Ahead of us were three countries.
Kyrgyzstan. Uzbekistan. Tajikistan.
We did not yet know every detail of what we would experience. But perhaps that is one of the greatest attractions of travel. The unknown. A journey becomes an adventure when we leave our familiar world behind and step into something new. The Silk Road II Adventure had officially begun.
CHAPTER 2
DAY 2 – 19 MAY 2026
Tashkent to Bishkek – Entering the Land of Mountains
After arriving in Tashkent, our journey continued towards Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan. We were now moving deeper into Central Asia. The flight from Tashkent to Bishkek was relatively short, but the change in scenery and atmosphere was significant.
Kyrgyzstan is a country famous for its mountains. Much of the country is covered by the magnificent Tian Shan mountain system. Snow-covered peaks, deep valleys, rivers and highland pastures dominate the landscape. For travellers who enjoy the outdoors and adventure, Kyrgyzstan is a paradise.
After arriving at Manas International Airport, we began our introduction to the country. Bishkek was our first encounter with Kyrgyzstan. The city provided a contrast to the wilderness that awaited us in the days ahead. Soon we would leave the capital behind. We would travel through valleys. We would visit waterfalls. We would follow the shores of Issyk-Kul Lake.
And eventually, we would experience one of the roughest and most exciting mountain roads of our entire journey. But for the moment, we were simply happy to have arrived. The Central Asian mountains were waiting.
CHAPTER 3
DAY 3 – 20 MAY 2026
Bishkek → Issyk-Ata Waterfall → Chon Kemin
Our real road adventure began today. Leaving Bishkek behind, we travelled into the countryside towards Issyk-Ata Waterfall. The further we travelled from the city, the more Kyrgyzstan revealed its natural beauty. The landscape opened before us. Mountains appeared in the distance. Rivers flowed through valleys. Villages were surrounded by open countryside.
Kyrgyzstan immediately gave us a feeling of space. There was so much land. So much sky. So much mountain scenery.
At Issyk-Ata, we enjoyed the refreshing environment and the beauty of the waterfall. A waterfall has a special attraction for travellers. The sound of rushing water. The cool mountain air. The surrounding forest and rocks. For those of us coming from the tropical climate of Malaysia, the mountain environment felt completely different.
After spending time at Issyk-Ata, we continued towards Chon Kemin. The road took us through increasingly beautiful countryside. This was only our third day, but already we could feel that this journey would be something special. We were beginning to understand the character of Kyrgyzstan. It was a country shaped by nature. The mountains were everywhere. And for the next several days, they would become our constant companions.
CHAPTER 4
DAY 4 – 21 MAY 2026
Chon Kemin → Cholpon-Ata
Morning in the mountains has its own special atmosphere. The air feels fresh. The scenery appears calm. And the day begins with the promise of another journey.
We left Chon Kemin and continued towards Cholpon-Ata, located near the shores of the famous Issyk-Kul Lake. The journey itself was part of the experience. In Central Asia, travelling by road is not simply a way of moving from one destination to another. The road is part of the adventure. Every kilometre brings new scenery. Villages appear. Mountains change shape. Valleys open before us. And occasionally, we simply sit quietly and look through the window.
Eventually, we reached the magnificent Issyk-Kul region. Issyk-Kul is one of the great natural treasures of Kyrgyzstan. The enormous lake is surrounded by spectacular mountains. Standing near its shores, it was easy to understand why travellers are attracted to this region. The combination of water and mountains created a beautiful contrast. The lake seemed endless. The mountains stood proudly in the distance. Our journey around Issyk-Kul Lake had begun.
CHAPTER 5
DAY 5 – 22 MAY 2026
Cholpon-Ata → Karakol
Today we continued our journey along Issyk-Kul Lake towards Karakol. By now, the group had settled into the rhythm of travelling together. Morning breakfasts. Loading luggage. Getting into the vehicle. Stopping for photographs. Enjoying meals. Checking into accommodation. Then repeating the process again the following day. This is the rhythm of a long journey.
But every day was different because every destination had something new to offer. The scenery between Cholpon-Ata and Karakol was magnificent. Issyk-Kul Lake remained one of the dominant features of the landscape. Beyond the lake, mountains rose towards the sky.
Karakol would become an important base for our next adventures. We knew that some of the greatest experiences of the Kyrgyzstan section were still ahead. The famous Jeti-Oguz Valley. The Seven Bulls. And, of course, the legendary road to Altyn Arashan. We had heard about the road. Soon, we would experience it ourselves.
CHAPTER 6
DAY 6 – 23 MAY 2026
Karakol → Jeti-Oguz → Karakol
Today we visited one of the most famous natural landscapes in Kyrgyzstan—Jeti-Oguz. Jeti-Oguz is famous for its dramatic red sandstone formations. The most well-known formation is called the Seven Bulls, a remarkable series of red cliffs rising from the surrounding landscape.
The name Jeti-Oguz means “Seven Bulls.” Standing before these enormous formations, we could understand why the place had become one of Kyrgyzstan's best-known natural attractions.
But Jeti-Oguz was much more than a single rock formation. The entire valley was beautiful. We travelled deeper into the countryside, following the Jeti-Oguz River. Green valleys stretched towards the mountains. Snow-covered peaks appeared in the distance. Rivers flowed through the landscape. It was the kind of scenery that makes a traveller stop and simply appreciate the beauty of the world.
For me, places like Jeti-Oguz represent the real attraction of adventure travel. There is no need for artificial entertainment. Nature provides everything. A mountain. A river. A valley. A road. And the freedom to explore. After our adventure in Jeti-Oguz, we returned to Karakol. Tomorrow, an even greater adventure awaited us.
CHAPTER 7
DAY 7 – 24 MAY 2026
Karakol → Altyn Arashan
The Roughest Road of Our Journey
Today was one of the great adventures of the entire Silk Road II journey.
Our destination was Altyn Arashan. The road to Altyn Arashan has become famous among adventurous travellers. It is only about fourteen kilometres long, but distance means very little when the road is steep, rocky and deeply rutted. This was not an ordinary road. It was an adventure.
We travelled in specially equipped four-wheel-drive vehicles. From the beginning, we knew that this journey would be different. The vehicles climbed slowly into the mountains. The road became increasingly rough. Rocks appeared everywhere. Deep ruts shook the vehicles. Mountain streams had to be crossed. Every twist and turn brought another surprise. The ride was undoubtedly one of the bumpiest journeys many of us had ever experienced. At times, everyone inside the vehicle was being thrown from side to side. But nobody could deny that it was exciting.
This was exactly the kind of experience that becomes a great travel story. A smooth highway may be comfortable. But nobody remembers a smooth highway. Everyone remembers the road that challenged them. As we climbed higher into the mountains, the scenery became increasingly spectacular. The rough journey was gradually forgotten. The mountains surrounding us were magnificent.
Eventually, we reached Altyn Arashan. The difficult journey had been worth it. Sometimes, the most beautiful destinations are not easily reached. And sometimes, the road itself becomes part of the destination.
CHAPTER 8
DAY 8 – 25 MAY 2026
Altyn Arashan → Karakol
Saying Goodbye to the Mountains
After our unforgettable experience in Altyn Arashan, it was time to return to Karakol. But returning meant travelling once again along the famous rough mountain road. The journey down was another adventure. The same rocks. The same deep ruts. The same river crossings. And the same unforgettable bouncing ride.
By now, we had become veterans of the Altyn Arashan road. We knew what to expect. Or at least, we thought we did. Every rough section still managed to surprise us. There was plenty of laughter. There were plenty of photographs. And there were plenty of stories to tell.
Eventually, we returned safely to Karakol. Although we were tired, everyone carried the satisfaction of having completed one of the most exciting parts of our journey. Altyn Arashan was more than just a destination. It represented the adventurous spirit of the entire trip. We had travelled into the mountains. We had accepted the challenges of the road. And we had been rewarded with unforgettable scenery.
CHAPTER 9
DAY 9 – 26 MAY 2026
Karakol → Jyrgalan → Barskoon
Our journey continued through the eastern part of Kyrgyzstan. Today, we travelled towards Jyrgalan, a remote mountain village surrounded by magnificent scenery. Jyrgalan had a peaceful atmosphere. After the excitement of the Altyn Arashan road, the quiet beauty of the village provided a different kind of experience. The mountains seemed endless. The valleys stretched into the distance. Life appeared slower and closer to nature.
For travellers, remote villages often provide some of the most memorable experiences. They remind us that the world is much larger than the cities where most of us live. There are still places where mountains dominate the horizon. Where people live close to the land. Where the rhythm of life follows nature.
From Jyrgalan, we continued towards Barskoon. The journey once again took us through beautiful Kyrgyz landscapes. Every day seemed to reveal another side of the country. Kyrgyzstan had already given us waterfalls, lakes, valleys and mountains. And the adventure was still continuing.
CHAPTER 10
DAY 10 – 27 MAY 2026
Barskoon Waterfall → Tosor → Tong
Today we visited the beautiful Barskoon Waterfall. Waterfalls always bring a sense of freshness to a journey. The sound of water and the cool mountain environment provided another memorable experience.
The Barskoon region is also associated with one of humanity's greatest achievements in exploration—the journey into space.
A monument in the area commemorates Yuri Gagarin, the first human to travel into space, who had connections with this beautiful region. It was interesting to think about the contrast. Here we were, travelling through remote mountain valleys. And nearby was a reminder of humanity's journey beyond the Earth itself.
From Barskoon, we continued through Tosor and towards Tong. The road carried us along more of the spectacular Issyk-Kul region. By now, we had travelled extensively around the lake. Over nine days in Kyrgyzstan, we had covered approximately 1,183 kilometres.
But the distance was only part of the story. The real story was what we had seen. The mountains. The rivers. The valleys. The villages. The unforgettable roads. Kyrgyzstan had been a true adventure.
CHAPTER 11
DAY 11 – 28 MAY 2026
Tong → Bishkek
Completing Our Kyrgyzstan Circuit - Today we began our journey back towards Bishkek.
In many ways, this was a day of reflection. We had completed a remarkable journey around the Issyk-Kul region. Looking back, it was difficult to believe how much we had experienced. We had started in Bishkek. Travelled to Issyk-Ata Waterfall. Stayed in Chon Kemin. Visited Cholpon-Ata.
Continued to Karakol. Explored Jeti-Oguz. Conquered the rough road to Altyn Arashan. Visited Jyrgalan. Travelled through Barskoon. And continued through Tosor and Tong.
Kyrgyzstan had exceeded our expectations. It was a country of magnificent natural beauty. But our Silk Road adventure was not over. A completely different experience was waiting for us. Tomorrow, we would leave the mountains and return to Uzbekistan. The ancient cities of the Silk Road were calling.
PART TWO
UZBEKISTAN
THE ANCIENT HEART OF THE SILK ROAD
CHAPTER 12
DAY 12 – 29 MAY 2026
Bishkek → Tashkent
Today we said goodbye to Kyrgyzstan and travelled by air from Bishkek back to Tashkent. The change represented more than simply crossing from one country to another. We were also moving from one world into another. Kyrgyzstan had been dominated by nature. Mountains. Lakes. Valleys. Nomadic landscapes.
Uzbekistan would introduce us to the great cities of Central Asian history.
Tashkent was our gateway. For centuries, Central Asia was connected by the Silk Road. Caravans moved across deserts and mountains. Cities became centres of commerce and learning. People from different civilizations met and exchanged ideas. Uzbekistan stood at the heart of this historic world. And soon we would visit two of its greatest cities. Samarkand. Bukhara. Names that had fascinated travellers for generations.
CHAPTER 13
DAY 13 – 30 MAY 2026
Tashkent → Samarkand by Train
Today we travelled by train from Tashkent to Samarkand. The train journey took approximately three hours and twenty-five minutes. Travelling by train has a special attraction. Unlike flying, the journey becomes part of the experience. We could watch the landscape passing outside the window. Villages appeared and disappeared. Open countryside stretched across the horizon. It gave us time to relax and reflect.
Then we arrived in Samarkand. For anyone interested in the history of Central Asia, Samarkand is one of the world's great legendary cities. For centuries, it stood as one of the major centres of the Silk Road. Merchants travelled through its streets.
Scholars studied there. Architects created magnificent buildings. Rulers built monuments to demonstrate their power and vision. Now, centuries later, we had arrived as travellers from Malaysia. Walking through Samarkand gave us the feeling that history was no longer simply something we read about. We were standing inside it.
CHAPTER 14
DAY 14 – 31 MAY 2026
Samarkand → Bukhara
A Journey to Another Legendary Silk Road City
Today we travelled from Samarkand to Bukhara for a day trip by train. Bukhara is another legendary name from the history of the Silk Road. For centuries, it was an important centre of trade, religion and learning.
The journey to Bukhara gave us another opportunity to experience Uzbekistan from the railway. When we arrived, we entered a world of ancient architecture and historic streets. Walking through Bukhara was like walking through a living museum. Mosques. Madrasas. Old buildings. Traditional streets.
Everywhere there were reminders of the past. It was easy to imagine what the city might have been like hundreds of years ago. Caravans arriving after long journeys. Merchants selling goods. Travellers resting before continuing towards another destination.
The Silk Road connected the world. And cities such as Bukhara were among its great crossroads. For us, visiting Bukhara was one of the highlights of the Uzbekistan journey. After exploring this remarkable city, we returned to Samarkand. We were tired after a long day. But our minds were full of history.
CHAPTER 15
DAY 15 – 1 JUNE 2026
Exploring the Ancient Monuments of Samarkand
Today was dedicated to exploring more of magnificent Samarkand. The city contains some of the most beautiful examples of Islamic architecture in Central Asia.
One of our memorable visits was to Shakhi Zinda. The historic complex is famous for its beautiful architecture and colourful decorative tiles. Walking through the site, we were surrounded by centuries of history. The buildings reflected extraordinary artistic skill. Patterns. Colours. Geometric designs. Every detail seemed carefully created.
We also visited Konigil Tourist Village, where traditional crafts continue to be demonstrated and preserved. One particularly interesting experience was visiting the Meros Paper Mill. Here we learned about the traditional production of Samarkand paper. Paper may seem like an ordinary object today. But centuries ago, the production of high-quality paper was an important technology.
The Silk Road was not only about silk and spices. It was also about the movement of knowledge. Ideas travelled. Skills travelled. Technologies travelled. And paper helped preserve human knowledge.
Standing in Samarkand, it was easy to appreciate how important this region had been to world civilization. The past was everywhere. Yet Samarkand was not a dead city. It was alive. People continued their daily lives. Children played. Families walked through the streets. Shops and markets continued to operate. The past and present existed together. That was one of the things I loved most about Samarkand.
PART THREE
TAJIKISTAN
THE MOUNTAIN KINGDOM AND THE SEVEN LAKES
CHAPTER 16
DAY 16 – 2 JUNE 2026
Samarkand → Tajikistan's Seven Lakes
Another Country, Another Adventure
Today we added a third country to our journey. From Samarkand, we travelled towards the border with Tajikistan. Our destination was the famous Seven Lakes, known locally as Haft Kul.
We crossed the border through the Jartepa Border Crossing and continued towards the Panjakent region. Crossing an international border always brings a feeling of excitement. On one side is one country. On the other side is another world.
Tajikistan immediately gave us a different landscape. Mountains once again dominated the scenery. The roads carried us deeper into valleys surrounded by rugged peaks. Then we reached the Seven Lakes. The lakes are known for their beautiful colours and spectacular mountain surroundings. During our journey, we visited five of the lakes:
Mizhgon.
Soya.
Gushor.
Nofin.
Khurdak.
Each lake had its own character. The changing colours of the water, combined with the mountains and valleys, created scenes that seemed almost unreal. We stopped frequently to admire the scenery and take photographs. For me, this was another reminder of the extraordinary geographical diversity of Central Asia.
Only a few days earlier, we had been walking through the ancient cities of Uzbekistan. Now, we were surrounded by the rugged mountains of Tajikistan. By the end of the day, we returned to Samarkand. It had been a long journey. But it was another unforgettable adventure.
CHAPTER 17
DAY 17 – 3 JUNE 2026
Samarkand → Tashkent by Train
Today we said goodbye to Samarkand. We boarded the train and travelled back towards Tashkent. The journey gave us time to think about everything we had experienced. Twenty days can pass very quickly when every day brings something new. Our journey had taken us from Malaysia to Central Asia.
From airports to mountain roads. From waterfalls to enormous lakes. From remote villages to ancient cities.
From Kyrgyzstan to Uzbekistan. And briefly across the border into Tajikistan. As the train moved towards Tashkent, I reflected on the friendships created during the journey. Travelling together is different from travelling alone.
There are always shared experiences. Someone remembers something that another person has forgotten. A photograph brings back a joke. A difficult road becomes a story. A long day becomes something to laugh about later. These shared memories are among the greatest rewards of group travel.
CHAPTER 18
DAY 18 – 4 JUNE 2026
Exploring Tashkent
Today we spent our final full day in Central Asia exploring Tashkent. After travelling through mountains and ancient cities, Tashkent gave us another perspective on the region. It was a modern capital city. But like many Central Asian cities, history was never far away.
Tashkent represented the meeting of old and new. Modern buildings stood alongside traditional architecture. Busy streets existed alongside peaceful public spaces. Markets continued traditions that had existed for generations. For us, it was also a day to relax and prepare for the journey home.
The great adventure was slowly coming to an end. There was a feeling of satisfaction. We had completed what we came to do. We had travelled through three countries. We had followed part of the legendary Silk Road. And we had created memories that would remain with us for years.
CHAPTER 19
DAY 19 – 5 JUNE 2026
Tashkent → Kuala Lumpur
Goodbye, Central Asia
Eventually, every journey reaches its final day. Today it was time to leave Tashkent and begin our long journey home. There is always something emotional about leaving a country after a long adventure.
At the beginning of the journey, everything is unfamiliar. The streets. The language. The food. The people. But after several days, these unfamiliar things gradually become part of everyday life. Then suddenly, it is time to leave. As we travelled towards the airport, memories began to return. The mountains of Kyrgyzstan. Issyk-Ata Waterfall. Issyk-Kul Lake. The Seven Bulls of Jeti-Oguz. The unforgettable road to Altyn Arashan. The peaceful village of Jyrgalan. The ancient cities of Samarkand and Bukhara. The beautiful Seven Lakes of Tajikistan.
Twenty days.
So many places.
So many experiences.
And now it was time to go home.
But the adventure was not truly finished.
One final day remained.
CHAPTER 20
DAY 20 – 6 JUNE 2026
Arrival at KLIA – Home Again
- After our long journey from Central Asia, we finally arrived back in Malaysia.
- We had come home.
- Twenty days earlier, we had gathered with our backpacks, full of excitement and curiosity.
- At that time, Central Asia was still largely an unknown adventure waiting ahead of us.
- Now it had become part of our personal history.
- We had travelled thousands of kilometres.
- We had crossed international borders.
- We had travelled by aircraft, train, cars and four-wheel-drive vehicles.
- We had explored mountains, valleys, lakes and ancient cities.
- And we had done it together.
- Arriving home always brings mixed feelings.
- There is happiness in returning to family, familiar food and familiar surroundings.
- But there is also a feeling of sadness.
- The adventure is over.
- The daily discoveries have ended.
- Tomorrow, ordinary life will begin again.
- But something has changed.
- We are not exactly the same people who left Malaysia twenty days earlier.
- Travel changes us.
- Perhaps not dramatically.
- Perhaps quietly.
- It gives us new memories.
- New perspectives.
- New friendships.
- And a greater appreciation of the enormous and beautiful world in which we live.
EPILOGUE - THE JOURNEY CONTINUES IN OUR MEMORIES
Looking back on our Central Asia: Silk Road II Adventure, I realize that this journey was much more than a holiday.- It was a journey through history.
- It was an adventure through nature.
- It was an opportunity to experience different cultures.
- And most importantly, it was a journey shared with friends.
- Kyrgyzstan gave us mountains, lakes, waterfalls and adventure.
- Uzbekistan gave us the magnificent history of the Silk Road.
- Tajikistan gave us rugged mountains and beautiful alpine lakes.
- Together, these three countries created one extraordinary journey.
- But the Silk Road carried more than silk.
- It carried ideas.
- Cultures.
- Religions.
- Knowledge.
- And human connections.
- Centuries later, travellers continue to follow these ancient routes for different reasons.
- We travel to discover.
- We travel to learn.
- We travel to experience the world.
- And sometimes, we travel simply because there is another road waiting ahead.
- The photographs will help us remember.
- The stories will help us remember.
- The laughter inside a bouncing four-wheel-drive vehicle.
- The silence while looking at a mountain.
- The excitement of entering a new country.
- The conversations during a long train journey.
- The friendships created over twenty days of travelling together.
- These are the memories that make travel special.
10 MALAYSIAN BACKPACKERS
3 COUNTRIES - 20 DAYS - ONE LEGENDARY ADVENTURE
KYRGYZSTAN - Mountains • Valleys • Lakes • Adventure
UZBEKISTAN - Samarkand • Bukhara • Ancient Silk Road Cities
TAJIKISTAN - Mountains • Valleys • The Seven Lakes
“The journey is the destination.”
- The roads of Central Asia are now behind us.
- The mountains are far away.
- The ancient cities continue their lives without us.
- The lakes remain quietly among the mountains.
- But the memories remain.
- And they will remain with us forever.
- Because an adventure may end.
- But a great journey never truly disappears.
- It continues every time we look at a photograph.
- Every time we tell a story.
- Every time we remember the friends who travelled beside us.
- And every time we begin to dream about the next adventure.
What an incredible adventure! I thoroughly loved reading about your experience. The sites you visited appear to be breathtakingly gorgeous and fascinating. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing. Sure, a lot of planning is required, but enjoy it to the utmost. Continue to travel and enjoy.
ReplyDeleteP/S: Just a few days ago, I told myself that I hadn't heard from you in a long time about your travels and activities.
Thank you, Mr. Ching, for sharing. Your trip was incredibly affordable and lots of adventure.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Ching, for sharing. I have followed your travels for years.
ReplyDeleteTake care. Regards, Tham.
Ching! I admire your journalistic approach to our Central Asian adventure. Very interesting, educational, informative, and most importantly, inspirational.
ReplyDeleteHello, Mr Ching.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing. Wow, such a fantastic Silk Road adventure. You clearly understand how to make the most of life and travel. What an incredible adventure. Continue discovering and creating beautiful experiences.
I wish you all the best in your future experiences!
Thank you again.
Christine
Congratulations, bro Ching.
ReplyDeleteAnother milestone on your adventure. Happy and safe travels! If you bring in new travelers, please share details about your next adventure trip.
Cheers
Annie Watt
Hello, Ching.
ReplyDeleteAmazing to see you keep going, brother! Happy to see you're healthy and adventurous as always! 🙏
Regards,
Suney
Hi Mr Ching,
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your travel adventures! Do let me know if you’re planning your next trip and would like to join your group.
Thanks,
Sue.
Dear Ching,
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your great adventure .
Regards,
MINDERJIT KAUR | PARTNER
MINDERJIT & CO. | ADVOCATES & SOLICITORS
Address: No. 10A, Pesara Ipoh 1, Ipoh Garden, 31400 Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia.
Mob: (+60)12-5730429 | Tel & Fax: (+60)5-5482482
Operating hours: Monday – Friday from 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (except on Federal & Perak state public holidays).
Hello, brother. I admire you. Keep it up. For many, this kind of travel is a dream. Once again, congrats.
ReplyDeleteHarban Singh 0127271918
P.S. Maybe I should follow you someday.
Thank you for the information. Fantastic, Mr. Ching. You visited bustling cities, rural towns, and remote regions. Truly viewing the world.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your extraordinary sharing.
ReplyDeleteBe the best, do the best, and anticipate the greatest blessing from the Almighty.
ReplyDeleteFantastic! Thank you very much for sharing your trip stories; we appreciate them! Cheers...
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing. Continue to enjoy your travels and adventures.
ReplyDeleteBest regards.
I appreciate your kind sharing. I appreciate it very much. You are absolutely great!!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for the email—I loved reading it! Central Asia is a dream trip for me, and seeing your plans has really gotten my wheels turning.
ReplyDeleteSejarah seorang pengembara yang pada tahap fizikal, mental dan spiritual yang terbaik - Mr. Ching Neng Bin.
ReplyDeleteTahniah.!