Soles of a Nomad

Khiva is one of the most intact Silk Road cities in Central Asia, a place where massive mudbrick walls still enclose a living old town. This nuts-and-bolts guide covers when to go, how to get there, where to stay, what to eat, and how much time to spend—so you can slow down, wander the Itchan Kala, and experience Khiva at its best.

Everything you need to know about taking the overnight train from Tashkent to Khiva: comfort, cabins, sleep, and whether it’s worth it.

Two travelers argue: is Komodo better for dragons or diving? In this post, I break down the essentials—how to get there, what to do, and how to make the most of your trip, with tips shaped by personal experience (and a few Komodo-sized crowds).