Synopses & Reviews
From the blue-tiled splendor of Tamerlane's Samarkand to the holy city of Bukhara, and beyond to the desert-girdled khanate of Khiva, Uzbekistan lays claim to a breathtaking architectural legacy. Bound by sand and snow, fed by meltwater from the Roof of the World, these fertile oases have attracted travelers and conquerors along the fragile threads of the Silk Road throughout history. This groundbreaking guide focuses on the wealth of sites and colorful legends along Central Asia's golden road.
Informative insights into the history, religion and culture of Uzbekistan
Special topics include the disappearance of the Aral Sea, and the life and death of Tamerlane the Great
Up-to-date practical information for the traveler, covering visas, customs and travel agencies
Hints for business visitors
Environmental issues
Useful maps, together with detailed plans of principal sites
108 color photos, 23 maps
Review
The best guidebook to bring is in the Odyssey series....a joy to read whether or not you are planning a trip. (New York Times)
Review
Quite excellent. No one should visit Samarkand, Bukhara or Khiva without this meticulously researched guide. (Peter Hopkirk, author of The Great Game)
Review
The best guidebook on Uzbekistan available. Land in Tashkent without it at your peril. (Tom Bissel, author of Chasing the Sea: Lost Among the Ghosts of Empire in Central Asia)
About the Author
Calum Macleod and Bradley Mayhew graduated in Oriental Studies (Chinese) from Wadham College, Oxford University. Macleod has traveled extensively through Russian and Chinese Central Asia, China and Indochina. He contributes regularly to a range of publications. Mayhew has traveled and trekked across Chinese and Russian Central Asia, Tibet, Iran and Ladakh. He has led adventure tours along the Silk Road and is the author/co-author of numerous Lonely Planet guides, including Pakistanandthe Karakoram Highway, Tibet, The Indian Himalaya and Southwest China. MacLeod lives in Beijing, China. Mayhew lives in Montana, USA when not "on the road."