The Silk Route & SEA 2012 The Johnsons

During my epic journey along the Silk route from Turkey to China in 2012, one country became the most EPIC journey of the whole trip. Tajikistan, and the unforgettable Ak-Baital Pass on the way to Karakul Lake just before the border with Kyrgyzstan where our first town was OSH.

This is a slightly longer than usual slideshow for me, but I did not want to cut the beauty and stunning scenery from any of it. When I look back at this part of the journey, I still am stunned at this World's natural beauty.

I Hope you do too!

About the Ak-Baital Pass
Ak-Baital Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.670m (15,321ft) above the sea level, located in the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region of Tajikistan. It’s the highest road pass in the former Soviet Union.

Set high in the Pamir Mountains, the road to the summit, also known as Pereval Akbaytal, is the defiant M41 road, known informally and more commonly as the Pamir Highway. At this altitude it's the highest point of this infamous route, sometimes referred to as “The Road from Hell”. This section of the road is barely passable. Throughout the area, the land is typically rugged and dry. Construction and maintenance levels vary substantially along the highway. The roadway is paved is some areas, but is mostly unpaved. The pass will get you closer to the moon than perhaps you’ve ever been, and not just because of the head-swimming altitude – the landscape is lunar barren and otherworldly, though a little wetter than the earth’s orbiting rock – beautiful blue water lakes bejewel the area, the best being the haunting deep of a lifeless Lake Karakul. Travelling through here is like a trip to a parallel world, where the landscape is bigger, bolder and infused with the eerie, all under the high, wide presence of a brilliant blue sky.

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In 2012 near the start of my journey along the Silk route between Istanbul in Turkey and China, I spent a month in Iran. A beautiful country and actually very hospitable people. Following the journey of Alexandra the Great to Persepolis, or next stop was the Lut desert to see the amazing sand formations known as "Kaluts". The Kalut is said to a sand mountain created by the effect of the dominant erosional agent in desert, i.e., wind making fascinating forms and shapes.

There are no threats, like scorpions or snakes, as the desert of Lut is an abiotic zone, which means that no single plant or creature can survive in such a harsh environment.

Rising from the sand dunes, these natural and astonishing sculptures are a real shock to your eyeballs and, while walking among them, you are likely to feel you are wandering around Mars or even better, a Star wars film set.

During my journey along the Silk Route to China, I was lucky enough to visit the Imam Asim Tomb in Jiya village, Xinjiang China. Set on the edge of the Taklaman desert, this shrine to the venerated Sufi imam and soldier who is said to have led the Muslim conquest of the region in around 1000 A.D. Serving under the khan of the Turkic Karakhanids, Imam Asim was part of any army that brought an end to the Buddhist kingdom of Hotan, ushering in an era of Islamic dominance of the oasis cities that ring the Taklamakan.

Sadly during my research of this place I am aware that the mosque and most of the holy banners and merits have been razed to the ground, around 2016. I have photos, I was there!! it did exist! (In 2012) and I was/am honoured to have been one of the few westerners to have made it to that destination.

I hope you enjoy these few images I have left of the mosque and surrounding area. They are all gone and all that is left is the mausoleum.

During my stay at Kashgar (China) in 2012, as part of my Silk Route journey, I visited as many sites as I could safely do so. This one was a sight of utmost reverence and people were so pleased to see us there.

With glazed tiles shining in the sun, its tower points to the azure sky. A masterpiece of Uigur architecture, this is Abakh Khoja Tomb, 17th Century family cemetery of the Kashgar area Islamic leader.

The Afaq Khoja Mausoleum is a mausoleum in Xinjiang, China; it is the holiest Muslim site in the region. located some 5 km northeast from the centre of Kashgar, in Haohan Village (浩罕村; Ayziret in Uyghur), which has is also known as Yaghdu.

The shrine is heavily patronized by sightseers and locals alike and has been designated as a tourist attraction by Chinese officials.

One of those places that you must visit! I took in a visit when on my way from Narin (in Kyrgyzstan) to Kashgar (in China) during my Silk Route Journey in 2012.

Tash Rabat is a historic caravanserai located in the At-Bashi District of Naryn Province in Kyrgyzstan. It is a well-preserved stone building that served as a resting place for travelers on the ancient Silk Road.

The Tash Rabat caravanserai is believed to have been constructed in the 15th century, although its exact origins and purpose remain somewhat uncertain. It is built in a remote and mountainous area, which suggests that it may have served as a shelter for merchants and travelers crossing the treacherous Tian Shan Mountains.

The structure itself is a large, domed building made of stone, with thick walls that provide protection from the elements and potential dangers. It consists of 31 rooms arranged around a central courtyard, with a smaller chamber on the second floor. The walls are about a meter thick, and the domed roof is supported by a central pillar. The design is characteristic of Central Asian architecture.

Tash Rabat is now a popular tourist attraction in Kyrgyzstan, attracting visitors who are interested in history, architecture, and the Silk Road. The surrounding area offers beautiful landscapes, and the site provides an opportunity to explore the ancient trade routes and imagine the lives of the travelers who once passed through this caravanserai.

Kashgar, also known as Kashi, is a city located in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region in northwest China. It is one of the oldest and most important cultural and commercial centers in the region. Here are some key points about Kashgar:

Location: Kashgar is situated in the westernmost part of China, near the borders with Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Pakistan. It lies at the foot of the Pamir Mountains and is surrounded by vast deserts and high mountain ranges.

History: Kashgar has a rich history that dates back over 2,000 years. It has been an important hub along the ancient Silk Road, facilitating trade and cultural exchange between China, Central Asia, and the Middle East.

Culture: The city has a diverse cultural heritage, with influences from various ethnic groups such as Uighurs, Tajiks, Kazakhs, and Uzbeks. The Uighur people, who are predominantly Muslim, form the largest ethnic group in Kashgar.

Old City: Kashgar's Old City, also known as the Kashgar Ancient Town, is a major attraction. It is one of the best-preserved examples of traditional Islamic architecture in Central Asia. The narrow streets, mud-brick houses, and bustling bazaars give visitors a glimpse into the city's vibrant past.

Id Kah Mosque: The Id Kah Mosque is the largest mosque in China and a significant religious site for Muslims in the region. Its construction began in the 15th century and has since undergone several renovations. The mosque can accommodate thousands of worshippers during religious festivals.

Modern Development: In recent years, Kashgar has undergone significant modernization and development efforts by the Chinese government. The city has seen infrastructure improvements, such as the construction of a modern airport, high-speed railway links, and new residential areas. These changes aim to boost economic growth and improve living standards in the region.

It's worth noting that the region of Xinjiang, where Kashgar is located, has also faced some controversies and international attention due to reported human rights issues and the Chinese government's policies regarding the Uighur population. These issues have raised concerns and prompted discussions on the treatment of ethnic minorities in the region.
This is only a short look at it when we were there in 2012, much has changed now we are informed.

During my time on the Silk Route in China, we were fortunate to get to Kashgar. Just outside is the ancient city of Hannuoy or Hanoi or Hanoiy. Info below.

The ancient city of Hanoi is one of the towns to which Kashgar belonged in ancient times.

On the Gobi Desert, about 30 kilometers northeast of Kashgar, is the abandoned ancient city of Hanoi. About 1500 years ago. The ancient city is the ruins of Buddhists in Shule Kingdom more than 1,000 years ago. It is about 3 kilometers long and 1 kilometer wide. There are abandoned karez under the hillside outside the city, indicating that the technology of karez well sinking and water diversion has been used in ancient times.

This ancient city was very prosperous during the Tang and Song Dynasties. It is said that it was the residence of some monarchs of the Lahan Dynasty when they came from the south. It is estimated that it was destroyed after the eleventh century.

There are the ruins of the Mogao Buddhist Temple on the northern hillside, and the abandoned ancient karez below the hillside.

In 2012 near the start of my journey along the Silk route between Istanbul in Turkey and China, I spent a month in Iran. A beautiful country and actually very hospitable people. Following the journey of Alexandra the Great to Persepolis, or next stop was the Lut desert to see the amazing sand formations known as "Kaluts". The Kalut is said to a sand mountain created by the effect of the dominant erosional agent in desert, i.e., wind making fascinating forms and shapes.

There are no threats, like scorpions or snakes, as the desert of Lut is an abiotic zone, which means that no single plant or creature can survive in such a harsh environment.

Rising from the sand dunes, these natural and astonishing sculptures are a real shock to your eyeballs and, while walking among them, you are likely to feel you are wandering around Mars or even better, a Star wars film set.

Located at the crossroads of Central Asia, the city of Karakol in eastern Kyrgyzstan is a fascinating gateway to the region's diverse history, cuisine, and nature. Many unique cultures contribute to the town's culinary history and cultural heritage: Kyrgyz, Tatar, Russian, Dungan, Uighur, Kalmyk, Uzbek, and more. And with both the Tian Shan Mountains and Lake Issyk-Kul nearby, you'll discover limitless outdoor adventure .

This video will show you through some of the more "local" things and places I visited whilst there. Bearing in mind this was photographed by me back in 2012.

I hope it gives you a flavour of the place....

CAREC Corridor 3 (Bishkek-Osh Road)

In 2012 I had an epic journey along the Silk Route to China and beyond.

In this video you see one of my favourite countries visited at that time. Nothing can prepare you for the sheer scale and beauty of the Valleys and mountains in Kyrgyzstan.

Arslanbob- This little mountain town is beautiful nestled below the biggest walnut forest in the World! It lies directly underneath the 4000m high mountains of Babash-Ata.

Shortly before Osh, you'll enter the Fergana Valley, meaning that the mountains disappear and the grassy hills and valleys are predominant. This scenery is very different from the landscape before but no less beautiful.

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Title: Destination Unknown by Ugonna Onyekwe