Seven countries whose names end in the Persian -stan, "land of" - from the Caspian steppe to the Khyber Pass.
Olive groves, old harbours, and a sea every empire wanted. Country by country around the rim.
Where Europe frays into Asia - three republics, four breakaway territories, and toasts that last all evening.
Explore Xinjiang, a vast autonomous region in northwest China known for its dramatic landscapes and diverse cultures. Trek through the Tianshan Mountains (home to the stunning Heavenly Lake and glaciers), visit the ancient city of Kashgar (with its Sunday livestock market and 1,000-year-old Id Kah Mosque), see the Flaming Mountains and Turpan Depression (one of the hottest places in China, famous for grapes and the Karez irrigation system), and discover the remote Altai Mountains and Kanas Lake (legendary for its mysterious lake monster and pristine forests).
Visit Chechnya, a region in Russia known for its mountainous landscapes, rich history, and cultural heritage.
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