This week in Around the World with HOLR we will be visiting Central and Southern Asia. More precisely Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan, Nepal and India.

Pakistan

130 kilometres south of the city of Bahawalpur, the 40 squat bastions of Derawar Fort stand guard over the empty plains of the Cholistan Desert as they have since medieval times. You will need to get special permission to enter the fort and you will need to pay a pretty penny for a tour, all this said and done, it is well worth the leg work. You will be blown away by the beauty of the fort and the amazing views.

Kazakhstan

The Singing Dunes in Altyn Emel National Park is one of nature’s greatest wonders. These naturally occurring sand dunes are 150 metres high and 1.5 kilometres long. What is truly extraordinary about these sand dunes is that when the wind skims across the sand it puts out a whistling sound somewhat like a symphony.

Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan is home to the highest number of mud volcanoes in the world, 350 to be exact. The best-known volcano, Garasu Volcano, has been known to spew mud over 1,000 metres into the air. The first mud volcano was said to erupt in Azerbaijan 25 million years ago, and many visitors say that Garasu Volcano looks like the surface of the moon.

Kyrgyzstan

If you are a lover of the outdoors and learning about the nomadic lifestyle is of interest to you, then travelling to Krygyzstan is the place for you! One of the best ways to do this is to stay in a yurt camp. Many people in Kyrgyzstan still live a semi-nomadic lifestyle.

Nepal

Nepal is the land of trekking. Home to Mount Everest it is famously known for its climbing escapades. Nepal is known to have some of the best trekking routes in the world. Offering treks for the extremely experienced and for those who are just starting out.

India

One of the Seven Wonders of the World and one of the most famous places to visit in India is the Taj Mahal. Commissioned in 1632 by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan to house the tomb of his favourite wife, Mumtaz Mahal; it also houses the tomb of Shah Jahan himself. Made of ivory-white marble, this mausoleum is located on the southern bank of the river Yamuna in the city of Agra.

If getting down with nature is calling your name, then Central and Southern Asia is the place for you. Make sure to pack your hiking boots and a backpack!

Published by HOLR Magazine.