With Burma around the corner, Laos is one of the most beautiful landlocked countries in Southeast Asia. Known as the Land of the Million Elephants, Laos is filled with forested landscapes, and rugged mountains all through. The climate here is tropical, and rains happen between May and November. It is part of the Golden triangle, since it is a country where Opium is grown here.
With economy on the upward slide, tourism is the major source of income in Laos. People come here to explore the hidden terrains, learn more about their culture, unique language, and style of dressing. Buddhism is the predominant religion here and so don't be surprised to see all those temples strewn across. Keep in mind, these five things that you must see when holidaying in Laos.
A large spiritual cave dug into the limestone cliff that is facing the river is what makes Pak Ou caves so popular. The caves are filled with images of Buddha in various styles and shapes, but the most beautiful is the Luang Prabang model of standing Buddha. There are tours conducted almost on a daily basis to this place, and the only means of transport is by boat from Ban Pak Ou.
Plain of Jars is another popular destination with tourists staying in Laos. The only reason the place is called Plain of jars is because through the coastal region, there are huge jars strewn all over the place. There are three places which are open to public, of which one of them has the most number of jars. Most of these jars are nearly 2000 years old, and the mystery behind them is that they are all filled with bones, or food remains and has no other information on them. Some of the jars are as heavy as 6 tonnes, and made of stone, which was not very common in this area.
Known to be the largest waterfall in all of Asia, Khone Phapheng is beautiful and breath taking. It is located in the south side of Si Phan Don. If you are lucky, you could get to see plenty of dolphins around this region.
A place that is very special to residents of Laos is the Pha That Laung. This is where one sees Budhhism and Lao sovereignty go hand in hand. The monument looks like a missile from afar, and when getting close, one sees that it is a tall structure with small windows on the sides. A major festival happens here every year in November, which is the highlight of the place.
A small structure, which is very tiny when compared to the Angkor era sites, Wat Phu is a monument that is very unique. The ornate shiva sanctuary, and the crocodile stone are what make the place so enigmatic and popular amidst visitors. A three day Buddhist festival takes place here every year, when worshippers make their way up the Wat Phu Champasak, and also leave offerings.
Often referred to as the Switzerland of Asia, Kyrgyzstan is very different from the other countries. It comes with its own share of customs, and surprises, filling the mountainous landscape. Compared with the dry and hot plains of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, this place is quite refreshing. Even though it does not have a long running history, the natural beauty of this place makes up for all the drawbacks. People here are very friendly and helpful, so travelling here is that much easier.
When making a trip out into this wilderness, remember to carry a local guide and the list of five places that you must see, which will make it that much more fun.
The capital city of Kyrgyzstan is Bishkek, a friendly city, which is most welcoming for the tourists. It is the place where most people begin their journey from. With a population of nearly 1million people, the central region has heavy influences of the Soviet. One can see the beautiful Soviet styled architecture on all the buildings around the central region. The city is renowned for being one of the greenest in the world, which is due to all the parks and alleys in it.
The second largest city in Kyrgyzstan, Osh is nearly 3000 years old. There are artefacts discovered by archaeologists which go back to the 5th century BC. In one of the greatest epics around this region, belonging to the Kyrgyz people, called Manas, there is a mention of this vast land. Right in the centre of this region is the Solomon Too, which is the other name for Solomon Mountain. There is a path around the mountain, which makes for an interesting exploration.
A little town in the valley called Talas; it is cut off from the rest of Kyrgyzstan thanks to the large looming mountain ranges. If one wants to get here, they need to take the route through the Tuu Ashuu pass. This land is also called the Land of the Manas, since it is said to be the birth place of the legend. There are various mausoleums in this valley, and all of them are ancient sites filled with historical significance.
A lake that lies in the bottom of drainage has no way of getting out, and so is a one of a kind closed lake. Mountains surround the huge Issyk Kul Lake. This is the largest lake in Kyrgyzstan, nearly 180 kilometers long and 668 meters deep, making it the fifth deepest lake in the world. It is also referred to as the pearl of the Tien Shan, and there was a time when swimming was banned in this lake, but no more.
The Ala Archa Canyon is a gorge in the middle of nowhere is a state nature reserve park, which offers plenty of opportunities for people to walk around in. There are hikes to the glaciers nearby and for those serious about hiking, the highest peak is around the corner.
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