Hearing the name Silk Road evokes images of ancient times when merchants, traders, missionaries, pilgrims and nomads traversed an extensive interconnected network of trade routes that joined Ancient China to other great civilizations in Tibet, Persia, India, Egypt, Arabia, Rome and the Mediterranean. For close to 3,000 years, these routes saw the passage of a wide variety of goods, such as silk (for which these trading routes were named) and other beautiful fabrics, perfumes, spices and precious jewels, and allowed for the sharing of cultures and knowledge, which laid the foundations for the world we know of today.
At present, interest in the Silk Road has been revived by special tours (recently featured in our special travel deals) that trace some of these overland routes, bringing travelers to exotic places that have been left relatively untouched by time. One such tour follows the continental Silk Road from present day Uzbekistan passing through Kyrgyzstan en route to China.
Immerse yourself in the history, the mystery and the magic of the Silk Road by checking out these selected locations you’ll see when you travel the Silk Road.
Mustakillik, Tashkent, Uzbekistan
Once a part of the Soviet Union, the small country of Uzbekistan still preserve many of its great architecture that existed during its occupation by Russia. One of these is Mustakillik, once the largest city square in the Soviet Union. Sadly though, the tallest statue of Lenin (with a height of 30 meters) has long been demolished. Still, Mustakillik remains an important city center, a great starting point for trips to other interesting sites in Tashkent.
Sher-Dor Madrassah, Samarkand, Uzbekistan
Samarkand is one of the oldest cities in the world and once served as the capital of the great Empire of the conqueror Timur (also known as Tamerlane). One of the carefully preserved edifices in Samarkand is the grand Sher-Dor Madrassah, a prestigious Muslim academy.
Gur-Emir Mausoleum, Samarkand, Uzbekistan
The Gur-Emir Mausoleum represents one of the finest examples of Timurid architecture, characterized by a simple exterior, but with a lavish interior of mosaics. It is here where the great military leader Amir Temur is buried with his sons and one of his grandsons.
Ak Sarai Palace, Shakhrisabz, Uzbekistan
Being the birthplace of Timur, it certainly is no surprise that many of Shakhrisabz’s landmarks are related in some way to the great leader. Foremost among them is Ak Sarai — also known as the White Place — the greatest palace of Timur. It even boasts of a statue of the legendary leader himself.
The Shahkhristan, Bukhara, Uzbekistan
An UNESCO World Heritage Site, Bukhara is considered one of the holiest cities in the Islamic world. Once home to 365 mosques — one place of worship for every day of the year — there are still many sites of interest. One good example is the Shahkhristan, which is also called The Ark.
Mir-i-Arab Madrassah, Bukhara, Uzbekistan
Bukhara is home to another famous Muslim academy, the Mir-i-Arab Madrassah.
Kalyan Minaret, Bukhara, Uzbekistan
With a height of 46 meters, the Kalyan Minaret was once one of the tallest minarets in the Islamic world. A part of the Po-i-Kalyan mosque complex, the Kalyan Minaret is Bukhara’s most prominent landmark. Many travel the silk road just to see this wonderful architectural site
Kyzylkum Desert, Uzbekistan
The Kyzylkum Desert is a picturesque location situated between Bukhara and Khiva. Although a hot and arid region, the desert’s beauty lies in its shifting red sands.
Khodja Minaret, Khiva, Uzbekistan
Another UNESCO World Heritage site, Khiva is characterized by edifices with domed roofs and some of the tallest minarets in the entire country of Uzbekistan. One of these is the Khodja Minaret (built in 1910) with a height of 45 meters.
Tash Khauli, Khiva, Uzbekistan
Tash Khauli Palace was once a lavish harem. To this day, the palace remains one of the most well-visited architectural attractions in Khiva because of its painted wood and carved marble façade and intricate mosaic ceramic tiles in the interior.
Osh Bazaar, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
Considered the Switzerland of Central Asia, around 90 percent of Kyrgyzstan is situated 1,500 meters and more above sea level. Its capital of Bishkek remains a center of trade, much like in the ancient times when a merchant would travel the Silk Road. Bishkek’s most famous market is the Osh Bazaar, which offers a wide variety of goods as well as regional delicacies.
Issyk-Kul Lake, Kyrgyzstan
Spectacular Issyk-Kul Lake is the second largest alpine lake in the world (with South America’s Lake Titicaca being the largest). Besides not only having the interesting characteristic of never freezing despite such a high altitude, the lake is rich in minerals, which gives Issyk-Kul its healing properties. Recent archeological dives into the lake’s depths have revealed ruins of the ancient trade city of Chigu dating back to the 2nd century BC.
Karakorum Highway
One is seized by wonder by the fact that Karakorum Highway was actually constructed in such an elevated and rugged terrain. Considered as the world’s highest paved international road, connecting Pakistan and China through the Khunjerab Pass in the Karakorum Mountain Range, it could arguably be called the world’s most scenic highway with its majestic views of towering, snow-capped mountains.
Karakol Lake
One of the most beautiful sites along the Karakorum Highway is Karakol Lake. Situated at the foothills of Muztagata Mountain, the calm waters of the lake often mirror the magnificent mountains that surround it. It is this kind of surreal scenery that drive people to travel the Silk Road.
Gaochang Ruins & Jiahoe Ruins, Turpan, Xinjiang, China
Turpan is most famous for its numerous ruins. One of these is the Gaochang ruins, which was once a capital city and an important Silk Road trading center during the rule of the Han Dynasty in 2nd century BC.
The ruins of the ancient city of Jiahoe are located 11 kilometers west of Turpan. Jiahoe existed between 640 AD and the 9th century AD, serving as an important county for the Tang Dynasty and one of the key cities along the Silk Road. The city was eventually abandoned in the 13th century following the onslaught of Genghis Khan and his mighty army.
Karez Irrigation System, Turpan, Xinjiang, China
Considered an engineering marvel by modern standards, the 2,000-year old Karez irrigation system once served to supply water to the desert town of Turpan. The system consists of deep wells that are linked together by underground channels, which then bring water to the surface.
Emin Minaret, Turpan, Xinjiang, China
A prominent Muslim landmark in Turpan, the 44-meter high Emin Minaret was built in 1778.
Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves, Turpan, Xinjiang, China
Situated in the Flaming Mountains, the Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves consists of 67 caves filled with Buddhist cave paintings. Sadly, many of these cave paintings have deteriorated over time, but preservation efforts are in the planning stages.
Mogao Caves, Dunhuang, Gansu, China
An important pilgrimage site of the Buddhist faith, the Mogao Caves is a valuable repository of ancient Buddhist manuscripts, statuary and wall paintings, encompassing nine ruling Chinese dynasties from the 4th to the 14th century.
Mingsha Shan Sand Dunes, Dunhuang, Gansu, China
While the Mingsha Shan Sand Dunes offer a desert landscape with a sunset view, the main attractions of this desert are its sand dunes. On windy days, the sand sweeping over the dunes produce a rumbling sound akin to rolling thunder. It is a spectacular location best seen AND heard! You’ll have to travel the Silk Road with all your senses alert.
Jade Gate Pass, Yumengguan Pass
Considered a part of the Great Wall fortifications, the Jade Gate Pass was so named for the jade caravans that passed through this imposing edifice from Hotan and other regions. Just as so many others have seen these gates on their own travel the Silk Road journey, so will you.
The Takla Makan Mummies, Xinjiang Regional Museum, Urumqi, China
The capital of Xinjiang Autonomous Region, Urumqi was the Chinese city least affected by Muslim influences. Still, proof of its significance as a Silk Road trading center is evident with the unearthing of 3,000 to 4,000-year old mummies from an excavation site at Loulan in the Takla Makan Desert. The mummies — one of them a woman dubbed “The Loulan Beauty” — possessed reddish blond hair and blue eyes, clearly identifying them as travelers to the region. These mummies and other valuable archeological finds are on exhibit at the Xinjiang Regional Museum
Tian Chi Lake, Urumqi, China
Capping off a travel the Silk Road tour is a visit to Tian Chi Lake. Located 2,000-meters above sea level along the foothills of the Heavenly Mountains, Tian Chi — romantically known as the Lake of Heaven — must have presented an awe-inspiring vista of snow-covered peaks, sparkling waterfalls, and lush green meadows to travel-weary traders from the Silk Road. Even today, Tian Chi is a perfect way to end what was a remarkable trip through the ancient locales along the legendary Silk Road.
Photo Credits: tow.jablona, wikimedia, insmu74, lensfodder, J-P Keskinen, upyernoz, Wikimedia Commons, lensfodder, gusjer, conalmma2, neiljs, celichowster, lapin.lapin, robert thomson, sandandtsunamis, swamibu, oddsock, tsc_traveler, sandandtsunamis,andreaqi, tsc_traveler, Public Domain, tsc_traveler
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Great round-up of Silk Road sights and photos. It’s such a beautiful region that is often overlooked, yet it holds so much history. Another few sights to add to this list are in Turkmenistan – Merv and Konye-Urgench. Turkmenistan is sometimes harder to get a visa for, but it’s a fascinating country and you’ll have these sights to yourself.
Good ones, Audrey. There really is something for everybody on this route – incredible!
Gorgeous pics!!! I’m totally sold! Silk Road here I come.
What a wonderful post! So many places to see and so little time, but these exotic “Stans” are high on my list. And since I’m off to china in September, I’ve bookmarked this post so I can refer to it as I plan my itinerary. Thank you!
Save travels, Barbara.