Life is a journey

The Central Asian country of Kazakhstan shot to fame for all the wrong reasons when Sacha Baron Cohen’s Borat hit cinema screens all over the world, but as anyone who has visited will tell you, as amusing as the character may have been, to say he didn’t do the country justice would be something of an understatement. Here are ten of many, many awesome things to do and see, from skating mountainous ice rinks to snapping extraordinary architecture. 1. Medeo High-Mountain Skating Rink There’s always something magical about ice skating outdoors, but ice skating in the mountains takes it to a whole new level. Located 1,700 metres above sea level, the Medeo High-Mountain Skating Rink is the highest in the world. The ice rink, which is found near Kazakhstan’s former capital, Almaty, used to be a training centre for Soviet Union Olympic skaters, and still holds some exciting winter sport events. 2. Kolsai Lakes Whilst you’re in the Almaty area it would be worth taking in the sce...

Himalayas: An Intrepid Itinerary Tej Parikh outlines an alternative itinerary for the curious, cultured and intrepid backpacker With its vast and lofty presence crowning the Indian sub-continent, the Himalayas have shaped the character of its people. Its ethereal geography allures not just for its scenic prowess, but also for the deeply preserved and authentic cultures that still thrive tucked away in its creases. Day 1: Kathmandu, Nepal Navigate the maze of chaotic streets to the pagodas of Durbar Square , turning wherever the scent, hum and sight allures you. After sampling a Thali for lunch, journey further out from the frenzy, and hike up to the soothing Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple) to get a panorama of the eclectic Nepalese capital. End the day sipping chai on a rooftop in the hippie hubs of Thamel . Day 2: Kathmandu to Thimphu, Bhutan Ten minutes after takeoff, witness a clear sight of Mount Everest to your left and bask in ‘roof of the world’, before a rollercoaster-es...