Tajikistan, one of several former Soviet republics located along the Silk Road linking Europe and Asia, may be one of the least well known — and least visited — tourist destinations in Asia. Over several episodes touching on the central Asian nations colloquially known as ‘the Stans’ we’ve explored Tajikistan briefly, including an episode with Lonely Planet writer Bradley Mayhew about Central Asia. This week, we’ll chat with a man some consider the ‘World’s most traveled’ and we’ll put his knowledge of obscure Asian destinations to the test by talking with him about little-known Tajikistan
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What Scott and Trevor knew about traveling to Tajikistan beforehand:
Scott: Not a ton. It’s isolated, mountainous along the south I believe, has the famed high-altitude Pamir Highway, which weaves its way through Kyrgystan, Tajikistan, Afghanistan and another I think. I’ve heard it’s incredible for outdoor exploration and adventure and forms almost the start of the Silk Road which really starts to the east in Xijiang, China. I’d love to go!
Trevor: Honestly, I’m still a bit confused. I can tell you a variety of differences between Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan but I still get confused a bit between Turkmenistan and Tajikistan. After looking at a Google map, I believe Tajikistan was a destination you could, theoretically, combine with Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan on a motorcycle trip, which I believe you mentioned wanting to do and that Turkmenistan was the more… I don’t want to say reclusive, but even more curious in its culture and customs than Tajikistan, which I don’t remember a whole lot about except maybe natural beauty. So I’m looking forward to learning more.
About episode guest, Harry Mitsidis:
Harry Mitsidis was born in London, U.K. to a Greek father and a South African mother. He took an early interest in aviation and film but studied sociology in Greece and at the University of Oxford. After working as a lecturer in sociology and business in four countries, he decided that exploring the world was by far a better undertaking. Harry Mitsidis achieved his aim of visiting every country in the world, as defined by the United Nations, by the age of 36, with his last country being Equatorial Guinea. Since that time, Harry has continued his mission to travel, becoming what some consider, the World’s Most Traveled Man. He joins us today from Tallinn, Estonia.
Listen to Episode 195 to hear Harry’s answers to the following questions:
- Where are you originally from and where is your primary residence nowadays?
- Before we get specific about today’s topic: What elements might qualify you as the World’s Most Traveled Man?
- Assuming you were a child then: when did you first set foot in Asia and under what circumstances?
- When did you first travel to Tajikistan and why?
- What differentiates it from other Stans?
- Where did you visit there and what were your initial impressions?
- Have you returned since that first visit and why?
- What are your favorite things to do and/or see in Tajikistan?
- 1 Did you experience the Pamir Highway – what was that like?
- I’ve read that the majority of those who go to Tajikistan are mountain-climbers and trekkers: do you know any good ways for beginners (or non-experts, lets say) to experience this?
- What sorts of travelers should visit Tajikistan?
- What are some tips for others hoping to visit Tajikistan?
- What are some don’t miss sights, experiences, or even foods people should make sure to try?
- Any plans to return to Tajikistan and what would you like to do on that trip?
- What’s next for Harry?
- How can listeners learn more about you? – and thank him
Links
- Youtube about Harry
- NomadMania
- Harry’s website
- #181 – Myanmar to Holland by land with Edwin Briels
- #152: Travel to Turkmenistan with Tom Masters
- #136 – Central Asia with Bradley Mayhew
Learn more about Scott and Trevor