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My most significant trip started May 30 2005, on my son's birthday. I already made first camp on the shore of the Issyk Kul Lake, prepared my food on a fire and swam in the cold Issyk Kul water.

From Russia to India (part II: Travel Notes from Central Asia)

Alex Mumzhiu
2006-03-22 19:21:14

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It is my forth attempt. First was in 2001 and failed because of 911. Second was in 2003, but my bicycle frame was broken in Mongolia and I returned. Third, was last year, but I canceled it because I wanted to travel with my son, during the Russian part of his round-the-world trip.

Why I am so attracted to this area: Central Asia, Tibet, Xinjiang, Ladakh? I already wrote about this before. These areas were the place of the "Great Game" between the Russian Empire and British Empire in the 19th century. Famous Russian Explorers such as Przhevalski and Semenov Tian Shanski as well as painter Roerich made their expeditions through these places. Semenov Tian Shanski lived right across the street from my home on Basil Island in Saint Petersburg, Russia. Many geographical names from these areas, such as Takla Makan Desert, Kun Lun, Djyngaria, Karakorum I read on the memorial boards on my way from my elementary school to the home. Members of Russian Academy of Science used to live in the big house located in the area, and places they had visited during their geographical expeditions were mentioned on these memorial boards.

My trip partially goes along the Silk Road but Silk Road does not mean much for me personally. My route repeats considerable pieces of Przhevalski and Roerich expeditions, and this is the most exiting thing for me. My proposed route from Altay through Northern Xinjing (former Djyngaria) to Urumqi and Turpan coincides with Przhevalski and Roerich expeditions. Both of them also traveled around Takla Makan Desert. But nobody thought of crossing the "Desert of no Return" at that time. Now Chinese built an automobile road across the desert and I will be probably the first folding bicyclist to cross it. Kashgar and Kashgaria have always attracted Western travelers. Some lost their heads there. Roerich went from Kashgar to Ladakh over Tibet. Now this route is closed because China and India both claim this area their own. I will go to Ladakh ...