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Khao Lampi-Hat Thai Mueang National Park

Khao Lampi-Hat Thai Mueang National Park  is on the Northern Andaman Coast, Thailand, one hour north of Phuket, 30 min south of southern Khao Lak.

History
Khao Lampi-Hat Thai Muaeng National Park, formerly known as "Lampi Waterfall" and "Lampi Forest Park" was assigned to be managed and controlled by the National Park Division of the Royal Forest Department in Apr 1986. It is the 52nd national park of Thailand and covers an area of 72 km² or 45,000 rais.

Geography
Lampi Mountain - Thai Mueang Beach National Park is on the Andaman coast of Thailand. It consists of first, Tai Mueang Beach and second, the Lampi mountain range. To the west, Tai Mueang Beach ends at the Kham Bay Peninsula (Naa Yak or "giant face" mountain), and to the east there is a brackish water canal fed from the Lampi mountain range, covered by a fertile tropical rainforest. The Lampi range is comprised of several mountains with heights ranging between 40-100 m above sea level. The highest mountain is Kanim Mountain, in the north part of the park with a height of 622 m.

Climate
The park’s climate is defined by the southwestern monsoon wind which is strong between May-Oct. This wind brings moisture from the Indian Ocean and frequent rain during the green season. The park is not affected by the northeastern monsoon wind because the mountain range acts as a protective barrier reducing the wind speed. In Nov, the strong currents of the northeastern monsoon wind occasionally bring heavy rainfall. From Dec-Apr the park has a dry season with few clouds, little rain, and higher temperatures. The best time to visit the park is Dec-Apr.

Landscape
The national park has six distinct ecosystems:

1. Sandy beach: The main element of the sandy beach ecosystem is the shoal area which serves as the primary habitat for several small marine animals, such as sea slugs and sand worms. These animals are essential to the ecosystem serving as a primary food source in the local food chain as well as to migratory birds, which flock to the area during the migratory season (Dec-Apr). Cover plants critical to the area include Goat’s foot creeper, Aeluropus lagopoides; some of the bush plants include Scaevola taccada and Pandanus.

2. Mangrove forest: The mangrove forests can be found along the brackish canals feeding the Andaman Sea. These forests connect many different ecosystems, providing a high production of biomass and supporting an abundance of life forms. These forests act as a barrier between the open sea and the inland, exhibiting this protective role during the 2004 tsunami by dissipating wave energy. Furthermore, they filter water that comes from higher ground, providing a safe nursery for sea life and preventing significant amounts of silt and nutrients from making it to the open sea. This protects both the sea from algae blooms and the coral reefs from silt damage. Several plant species include Rhizophora mucronata, Rhizophora apiculata, Parviflora, and Bruguiera cylindrica.

3. Beach forest: The beach forest ecosystem develops from the sandy beach eastwards, from the park headquarters to Naa Yak Mountain. The forest thrives on the sea shore in the non-salty soil behind the high tide line and on seaside hills that have slightly brackish soil due to sea spray. Most plants growing in this area are salt-tolerant and shaped by the force of the wind. The forest helps reduce the amount of salty spray reaching the inland. The variety and composition of species and habitats occupying this ecosystem is unique. Many plants grow here, examples of which are: cassuarina equisetifolia, terminalia catappa, derris indica, and Barringtonia.

4. Swamp forest: Behind Thai Mueang Beach, swamp forests extend inland along the old sand dunes at the coastline. Thai Mueang is one of the few places along the Andaman coast with this type of ecosystem. The specific physical features and chemical substances in the swamp have forced the indigenous flora and fauna to make interesting adaptations in order to survive, giving rise to several rare and unique species.

5. Coral reef: The extensive coral reef system off the coast of Thai Mueang Beach is a newly discovered natural resource. The reef lies 400–700 m from the shore in 6–10 m of water. There are two distinct sections, the first measuring 1.7 km², and the second 1 km². The vast reef supports a diverse selection of over 100 types of coral, including species that have never been discovered elsewhere in Thailand Some of the more prevalent species of coral found in the area are Acropora and Porites.

6. Tropical rainforest: This rainforest is found in the mountainous areas of the park, where the waterfalls are located. It houses a diversity of flora and fauna and has created a number of economic opportunities for the people of the area, contributing to their sustainable ways of life. Several plant varieties include Dipterocarpus, Anisoptera costata, Hopea odorata, Bullet wood, rattan, and bamboo.

Fauna
1. Birds: 188 species identified including: the black-thigh falconet, oriental honey-buzzard, heart spotted woodpecker, white bellied woodpecker, yellow nape, spotted dove, jungle fowl, black shouldered kite, the grey headed fish eagle, wild rooster, old world quail, black capped kingfisher, cormorant, and sandpiper, making the park perfect for bird watching.

2. Mammals: 64 species identified including: the black tipped squirrel, palm civet, smooth coated otter, long tailed macaque, civet cat, monkey, sea lion, and nurse whale. Several rare and endangered species include: the Malayan tapir, serow, hylobates, and Malayan sun bear.

3. Reptiles: 57 species identified including: the monitor lizard, ground lizard, and cobra. 26 endangered species have been identified such as: the leatherback, olive ridley, green, and hawksbill turtles.

4. Amphibians: 57 species identified including different types of frogs, 2 of which are endangered.

5. Fish: 31 freshwater and 315 saltwater and reef species identified. Freshwater fish include: the mystus wykii, nieuhof's walking catfish, and blue panchax. Salt water fish include: the parrot fish, moray eel, and ribbon eel.

Get in
The turnoff to the park is at km820 on Rte 4.

By plane Since the park is 63 km from Phuket, it is easiest to fly into Phuket and then rent a car or get a taxi up Rte 4 past Thai Mueang town to the park. From the airport, it is 57 km to Thai Mueang's central market and then 6 km further to park headquarters.

By car Follow Rte 4 past Thai Mueang town and take the right turn at about km820. This road will lead you to the park entrance.

By bus Any bus from Khao Lak-Phuket or the reverse will take you past the turnoff to the park. Ask the conductor to let you off there. Then be prepared to hike to the park HQ.

Fees and permits
The entrance fee for foreigners is 100 baht. For Thais the price is 40 baht.

Get around
It is easy to get around the park grounds. The park has ATVs for rent. Also, the park has canoes to get around the mangrove forest and speed boats to get out to the reef off of Thai Mueang Beach.

Do
ATV Take one of the park ATVs on an off-road adventure through one of the Savannah’s many trails.

Bird watching Enjoy one of the nature trails with a park ranger and get to know the local birds.

Canoeing Take the canoes out through the mangrove forest to see this vital ecosystem firsthand learn about its crucial functions.

Hiking Explore the lush jungles and forests of Thai Mueang by going on a short or long hike through its diverse ecosystems.

Mangrove planting Give back to the region by helping rebuild the mangrove forest during your visit.

Scuba Diving Let the national park organize a scuba trip for you on Thailand’s widest coral reef. Swim among nurse sharks, parrot fish, moray eels, and maybe sea turtles if you’re lucky. Snorkelling Explore Thailand’s widest coral reef and swim with parrot fish, moray eels, and nurse sharks.

Turtles Come out and celebrate the birth of these creatures at the Sea Turtle Conservation Festival every March first. Join a park ranger for a night patrol to find sea turtle nests and help with egg relocation.

Eat
Right outside the park and along the beach there are many seafood restaurants serving Thai dishes and local delicacies such as ostrich, frog, and deer.

Sleep
The park has air conditioned bungalows on its grounds. These bungalows have bathrooms with hot water, satellite TVs, and refrigerators. The price is 1,000 baht a night. Reservations can be made by calling the park office.

Tents are available for 200 baht a night.


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Khao Sok National Park

Khao Sok National Park (pronounced "cow soak") is a jungle reserve in Southern Thailand. It is one of the most beautiful wildlife reserves in Thailand.

Understand
There are 2 main sections of Khao Sok National Park. The west entrance is where Park HQ is located along with the main hiking trails. The east entrance is where Ratchaprapha Pier is located where you go to get to the floating rafthouses. The 2 entrances are 65 km apart and over 1 hour of driving, so please take that into consideration when planning your trip.

“Khao Sok” is used as a catch-all term to describe the general area where the park is located. This usually includes the area from Ratchaprapha Pier west to the Surat Thani -Phangnga border, along Highway 401. “Khao Sok Village” is the 2km stretch of road from Highway 401 to Park HQ. “Khlong Sok” is both the name of the river in the area as well at the administrative subdistrict (ตำบล คลองศก).

History
The Royal Forest Department declared Khao Sok the 22nd national park of Thailand on 22 Dec 1980.

Landscape
The park has a total area of, which covers parts of the Khlong Yee and Khlong Pra Sang forests as well as portions of the Krai Son and the Khao Pung sub-districts in the district of Ban Ta Khun and the Khlong Sok and Panom sub–districts in the province of Surat Thani.

By plane
The closest airport is Surat Thani International Airport (URT). There are multiple flights daily from Bangkok ( and ) and Chiang Mai.

Domestic

Once you arrive in Surat Thani, there are buses or minivans to Khao Sok with Phantip Travel. Only buy the tickets directly from operator you are using. There is a Tourism kiosk at the airport, but they sell bus, minivan, and ferry tickets at inflated prices.

 * Surat Thani (Airport) – Ratchaprapha Dam (1.3 hrs, 250 baht)
 * Surat Thani (Airport) – Khao Sok (2 hrs, 250 baht)
 * Surat Thani (Airport) – Khao Sok (2 hrs, 250 baht)

Car rentals are also available at the airport. See the Surat Thani wikivoyage page for more information.

By train
The closest major train station is the Surat Thani Railway Station in Phunphin district.

Once you arrive in Surat Thani, there are minivans to Khao Sok with Phantip Travel.

 * Surat Thani (Train Station) – Khao Sok (3 hrs, 200 baht)
 * Surat Thani (Train Station) – Ratchaprapha Dam (3.3 hrs, 200 baht)
 * Surat Thani (Train Station) – Ratchaprapha Dam (3.3 hrs, 200 baht)

By bus
From Surat Thani:

Minibus service: departure every hour from 07:30 till 17:30 (but the last one can be cancelled).

 * Surat Thani (Town) – Ratchaprapha Dam (2 hrs, 250 baht)
 * Surat Thani (Town) – Khao Sok (2.5 hrs, 250 baht)
 * Surat Thani (Town) – Khao Sok (2.5 hrs, 250 baht)

Bus running approximately every hour. Transit time is about 2.5 hours. Price: about 120 baht.

 * Terminal 22: Suratthani – Khao Sok
 * Terminal 22: Suratthani – Khao Sok

From Bangkok:

"By night bus: There is only one night bus from Bangkok per day stopping at Khao Sok. In Bangkok, it seems that the only way to book and buy it is to go directly to the southern bus station in Bangkok (booking any other night bus sold by agencies is not recommended). In Khao Sok, it is possible to book and buy it in the local agency or at your hotel (ask for the real VIP bus, direct from Khao Sok to Bangkok).

From Ko Lanta, Ko Jum or Ko Phi Phi:
 * 650-700 baht for Ko Lanta or Ko Jum;
 * 550-600 baht for Ko Phi Phi.

From Krabi: "Only one minibus per day, starting from Krabi at about 11:00; starting from Khao Sok at 08:30. Transit time is 3 hours. Price: 300-350 baht.

From Phuket or Khao Lak:
 * There is a bus service (approximately one bus per hour; the last one starts from Phuket around 14:00). Transit time is 4 hours from Phuket and 2 hours from Khao Lak (including a 20 min stop in Takua Pa that you may use to visit the local market). Price: about 160 baht from Phuket and from Khao Lak about 120 baht. The same bus service can be used when leaving the park but sometimes they switch to one bus per two hours without prior notice so you might end up waiting longer than you expected.

Fees and permits
Foreigners: 300 baht for adults, 150 baht for children; Thais: 40 baht for adults, 20 baht for children.

Upon presentation of a Pink Thai ID Card/Yellow Tabien Baan or Thai Work Permit, the fee may be reduced to the Thai rate at the gatekeeper's discretion. A Thai Driver’s Licence is no longer valid ID at national parks but you may still be able to get the Thai rate with it.

Buy your admission at the park entrance. Tickets are valid for 24 hours only. If you plan on visiting Park HQ and the lake on the same day, keep your admission ticket so you don’t have to pay the entrance fee again. Some tours will include the park entrance fee in the tour package, something to take into consideration when choosing a tour.

Get around
Walking is the primary mode of transportation, as the road to the park is 2 km and the farthest one can walk into the park is about 20 km.

There are motorbike and bicycle rentals available near Park HQ if you want to explore the surrounding area.

Western Track
The Western Track is also known as Route 1: Bang Hua Rat Waterfall - Ton Kloi Waterfall Nature Trail or the Wide Trail. The route covers 9 km which visitors can walk on their own. The trail is usually closed past Wang Yao, yearly from 1 June - 14 December, due to the rainy season (ie. dangerous conditions). You may be able to hire a guide to go further.

Northern Track
The trail is usually closed past San Yang Roi, yearly from 1 June - 14 December, due to the rainy season (ie. dangerous conditions). You may be able to hire a guide to go further.

Do
Tours can include tubing down the river, caving, kayaking, and zipline riding in the forest canopy. Many tours will include drinks, food, and/or basic accommodation. Ask your guide in advance about dietary concerns (vegetarian or in Thai, "jay", for example), if lunch is to be provided for you on the tour.

Doing any 2-4 day tour in the national park will easily please any traveler. Your guesthouse or local tour company can easily help set you up. Choosing a tour that involves at least one night in a floating raft house in the national park lake is an unforgettable experience.

Suggested itinerary

Khao Sok 4 Days/3 Nights

Day 1: Leave for the area around Khao Sok National Park headquarters in the morning from Phuket, Khao Lak, Krabi, or Surat Thani. Visit the elephant camp and explore nature by canoeing down the Sok River. In the evening, enjoy the sounds of the rain forest.

Day 2: Visit the jungle cave temple. Go hiking in the national park by yourself or by hiring a local guide. The trails inside the park are well marked and there are several waterfalls on the way. In Jan-Feb it's possible to find the world's biggest flower, the Rafflesia blossom.

Day 3: Continue to Chiew Lan Lake about 70 km away and depart from the Rajjabrapa pier. On the way to the raft houses, sail amidst spectacular rock formations and make a detour for Gulin of Khao Sok, a scenic place on the lake. Check into a simple bamboo raft house. Paddle a canoe to explore the lake and look for wildlife. Take a bamboo raft to a newly discovered drip stone cave. This tour can also be arranged from your resort. Morning Mist Resort offers a lodging discount when you book an activity.

Day 4: Value your stay in the wilderness. Get up with the sun. Take a canoe or arrange with the boat driver to go for a safari to scan the banks. Morning is the time of day when the animals are most active and if a branch in the canopy flicks from one side to the other, it is often a group of monkeys searching for their first meal of the day. Take a swim in the lake and head back to the pier by longtail boat. Transfer to ongoing destinations can be arranged.

Buy
Souvenirs are limited to the gift shop at the park entrance and a few items at convenience stores. Sundries, snack foods, soy milk, and cold drinks can be found in the shops as well.

Eat
Most guesthouses have a restaurant. Meals are usually 70-100 baht; cuisines are limited to Thai and European dishes. The standard of hygiene across all establishments is high, however if you are concerned look for places displaying the Clean Food, Good Taste sign. This appellation is bestowed by the government on restaurants that maintain a high standard of cleanliness and food preparation.

All restaurants have fresh fruit and fruit juices or shakes (fruit blended with ice). Convenience stores often sell bananas and other fresh fruit outside their establishments. Depending on the season, you will see in the trees and for sale a variety of fruit, including rambutan, longan, pomelo, mango, mangosteen, a few varieties of banana, papaya, and guava.

Drink
There is one main road in Khao Sok where all of the guesthouses and bars are located. They all serve similar cocktails and drinks at similar prices, so just pick the one that has the best atmosphere for you.

Inside Park HQ
There are several kinds of accommodations through the National Park available at Park Headquarters. You can book via the Visitor Center onsite or through the DNP website.

 * Bungalow rentals: 800-1,000 baht per unit
 * Tent rentals: 150 - 600 baht per tent
 * Youth Hostel: 100 baht per person
 * Campsite Rental: 50 baht per person (bring your own tent - 30 baht for campsite + 20 baht for overnight fee = 50฿ baht)

Near Park HQ
There is one main road in Khao Sok where all of the guesthouses are located. They all offer similar style accommodation (mainly bungalows). Price: 200-2,500 baht. Most have restaurants, bars, Internet, and a travel agency. Even in peak season it shouldn't be difficult to find accommodation.

Cheow Lan Lake
There are also many floating raft houses which offer accommodation on the lake. This ranges from simple bamboo and thatched roof accommodation provided by the Thailand Department of National Parks, to luxurious floating wooden cottages. Reservations can be made through tour companies, but it is also possible to hire a longtail.

Stay safe
Don't go off trail without a local guide or a ranger.

Do not explore the "Namtaloo" or "Through" Cave (a cave with a river running through) if it is raining or if you think it is going to rain. Rain is frequent and can come on fast. Unfortunately people have died as a result of this. If you are with an experienced guide he will not take you if he even suspects a chance of rain.

Connect
Several places in town have Internet for 1-2 baht/minute. Some have headphones and Skype.

Go next
Walk to the main highway (opposite end is the park entrance). Mini buses on the corner head left to Surat Thani. Across the street and to the right, a giant "Bus Stop" sign serves as a stopping point for buses heading to Khao Lak and Phuket. Tickets in advance are not needed. Buses come by every hour during the day.

license: Creative Commons - Attribution Share-Alike - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/

title: Khao Sok National Park


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Khao Yai National Park

Khao Yai National Park is a national park in Southern Isaan, Thailand.

Understand
The park is often visited by travellers from Isaan, Bangkok and beyond. There are per-day fees for visitors and vehicles.

History
Established in 1962, Khao Yai was Thailand's first national park. Today it is the third largest national park in Thailand and, in 2005, the area along with the surrounding Dong Phaya Yen mountains was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Flora and fauna
Tropical moist evergreen forest covers the central area of Khao Yai National Park. The rich diversity of plants (about 2,000 species) astound the new-comer. Towering trees draped in mosses, climbers and epiphytes, tangled trunks of the strangling figs, drooping lianas and spiny rattan palms, delicate ferns, multicoloured lichens and an ever-changing array of fungi. There is always something new to discover in the forest. The park has a diverse plant community of five main vegetation types:

Dry evergreen forests: These forests cover the lower slopes of Khao Yai. There are a number of important plant species found within this type of forest, including Dipterocarps and Hopia. Bamboo is also often found in drier forests.

Dry deciduous forests: These forests also cover the lower slopes of Khao Yai. The most important plant species found within deciduous forests include Afzelia, Xylia and Lagerstroemia.

Tropical moist evergreen forest: Tropical Moist Evergreen Forest covers around 70% of the park, including its central area. Dipterocarps are an important species found within these forests.

Hill evergreen forests: This forest type grows above 1,000 m. In hill evergreen forests, the trees are smaller and ferns, mosses and epiphytes abound. Lithocarps and Catanopsis are among the most important species found here.

Grasslands: These areas are a unique habitat, and provide a grazing area year – round for some of the parks animals. Grassland provides a welcome relief to all the forest. The park mange (burn annually) the grassland to prevent trees from invading and to provide year-round grazing for deer, elephants and guar. Wildlife is plentiful (70 mammal species, at least 74 species of herptile and thousands of invertebrates) but often hard to see. Sambar (large, grey-brown, often in groups) and barking deer (smaller, red-brown, usually in pairs or alone) are frequently seen in the grasslands or on spotlighting tours.

Khao Yai's forests are teeming with wildlife and birds. Look up and down and form side, tread softly, and listen carefully to discover the real movers and shakers in the forest. Gibbons provide an excellent morning wake-up call with their mournful hoots. Quiet, patient walkers may catch a glimpse of these tree-living apes. Macaques are often seen on the roadsides. Elephants are sometimes spotted at salt-licks or on the road in the evenings and lucky (?) tourists may spot a tiger in the grasslands during the evenings.

Civets, squirrels, porcupines, and wild pigs add a bit of variety. Snakes and lizards usually make their presence known by a rustle in the undergrowth as you are walking. If you see a snake, treat it as dangerous unless you know otherwise! Geckos are frequently seen catching insects on building walls and ceilings. Cicadas never stop their scratchy hum. Look up and down and from side to side to spot the real movers and shakers in the forest - the insects and invertebrates. A few Siamese crocodiles (Crocodylus siamensis) have been found within the park- some believe the crocodiles were released there while others believe they may indeed be a genuine wild population as this species can be present at higher elevations (such as the Cardamom Mountains of Cambodia.) This species is not aggressive towards humans and rarely grows larger than 3 metres (10 feet.)

Birds: They have lots – over 320 species have been recorded. To the non-expert, birds are often just mysterious whistles, trills and calls, or a flutter of wings and a glimpse of colour. Patience is needed, good binoculars and a bird guide help. Roadsides, the old golf course, grasslands and the watching towers are good places to start. Hornbills are quite easy to spot, and hear the "gak gak gak" laugh of the Indian Pied (often seen in big flocks near Nong Pak Chi Tower in the evenings), or the deep resonant "gok...gok" of the Great Hornbill (usually seen in pairs or alone, the biggest of Khao Yai's hornbills)

Bats: Nearly 1 million insect eating bats live in a cave on the edge of the Park. Drive about 3 km to the north of the Park Chong entrance gate and take a small track on the left-hand side just past a temple. A few hundred metres up here take a right-hand turn and follow the track to the end. You can climb the hill to the cave. Please do not enter the cave - you will disturb the bats. Allow them to come out for about 3 minutes before taking any flash photography.

Climate
The lower regions of the park are around 350 m in elevation. Even at this modest elevation and in general throughout the park, you will find a more attractive climate than in nearby Bangkok. The average daily temperature throughout the year is around 23°C.

Like most areas in Thailand the year is split into three seasons: hot, rainy, and cold.

The hot season lasts from Mar-Apr. Daily temperatures can be a bit above the annual average, but it is still very pleasant due to the higher altitude.

The hot season is followed by the rainy season. This lasts from May–October. Average daily temperatures are still high and humidity increases.

The cold season lasts from Nov-Feb. During this time daily temperatures are pleasantly in the low twenties. Nighttime temperatures might require a sweater as temperatures drop.

Get in
Khao Yai is on the route from Bangkok to Nakhon Ratchasima (Korat). The nearest town is Pak Chong, which can be reached either via most Bangkok-Korat trains or via most buses to Korat. Once in Pak Chong, hire or share a songthaew to the park's main northern entrance.

The south entrance is about 13 km north of Prachinburi. Head north from the roundabout on Rte 3077.

Fees and permits
Thais:
 * Adults: 40 baht (2022)
 * Children under 14: 20 baht

Foreigners:
 * Adults: 400 baht (2022)
 * Children under 14: 200 baht

Others:
 * Bicycles: 10 baht
 * Motorcycles: 30 baht (2022)
 * Cars: 50 baht

The entry fee must be paid on each day that you enter the park. If you depart the park and return the same day, the entry fee does not have to be paid again.

Get around
One of the best ways to see the park is renting a car or motorbike in Pak Chong and staying one night in the park. If you don't have your own transport it is quite difficult to get to the park information centre as the bus from Pak Chong usually takes you to the ticket office and the natural park centre is about 10 km away. A lot of people hitchhike and park rangers are usually quite willing to take anyone as long as they contract their services for the day. If you have energy, you can actually walk from the ticket office to anywhere in the park, as the road has an area of grass on each side. Cyclists are common (both road cyclists and touring cyclists), rent a bicycle before the ticket office as there is no rental inside the park.

Most trails are not loops, so even if you have a vehicle you will need to walk or hitchhike back. When you hire a guide, the tour ends at the end of the trail.

There is a single road through the park from the Pak Chong side to the Nakhon Nayok side. The road is sealed and in good condition throughout the 60 km journey, though there are some winding stretches of road. There is a 60 km/h speed limit in the park, and there are numerous speed bumps to remind drivers to slow down. Animals (especially macaques) are likely to be encountered on the road, so caution is advisable at all times. There don't seem to be any petrol stations in the park (March 2022).

There are a number of lookouts along the road where photographs of the scenery can be taken.

See

 * Night-time "wildlife spotlighting" is available via pick-up trucks in the early evening. Possible animal sightings include deer, civets, nightjars, porcupines, and occasionally even elephants and other nocturnal creatures.
 * Observation towers at Nong Pak Chee or Mo Sing. Early morning is the best time to view the great hornbills, gaur, and sometimes elephants. Gibbons are most active in the early morning.
 * About 17:30 a wrinkled lipped bat colony (population estimated at 2 million bats) emerges from a cave 3 km outside the northern gate to begin night time feeding. The bats fly in a ribbon pattern across the sky normally heading into the wind.
 * Slide shows at the visitor center are available on weekends and public holidays.

Do

 * There are over 50 km of hiking trails. From easy to hard, one hour to three days. The trails on the map from the visitors center will only have the easier trails. Maps come with English instructions. A guide is recommended for most trails if the tourist has no experience. Trail number 1 is easy, it is paved so it has no mud nor leeches. Having a guide is not strictly required for trail numbers 1, 2 3, 4, 5, 7.

 * Kayaking and rafting services are available in Prachinburi, in the far southeast of the park.
 * Klong Pa Kang-Wang Haew-Dinosaur Footprint. Four-day trek to see a dinosaur footprint.
 * Meeting rooms are available with audiovisual equipment for seminars and workshops.

Waterfalls
Visit some of the spectacular waterfalls. They might not be the largest you have seen but the scenery is simply stunning. During hot season some waterfalls might be almost dry. The rainy season is the best time to see spectacular falls. During the months of Jun-Aug streams have plenty of water. Under these wet conditions flora also will be at its best.

 * Heo Narok Waterfall - The Haew Narok waterfall is the largest waterfalls in the park. It is a three-tiered structure that extends 150 m from the top tier to the basal lake. The waterfall is about 10 km from the south gate along the central road through Khao Yai.
 * Heo Suwat Waterfalls - This waterfall runs over a 20-m cliff into a large pool below. It is about 8 km to the east of the visitors center and can be visited easily by car along one of the main easterly roads. It can also be reached by an 8 km hike from the visitor center (walk number 4) which takes about 4–7 hours. It is made up mainly of multiple layers of sandstone conglomerates with large interbeds of basalt.
 * Heo Sai Waterfalls - Haew Sai Waterfalls are 700 m north of the Haew Suwat Waterfalls. It is 8 km east of the visitor centre and can also be reached via car or hiking.
 * Heo Prathun Waterfalls - Smaller waterfall that is about 1 km north of Haew Sai waterfall.

Buy
At Zone 1 in the Visitor Centre there is a small souvenir shop selling souvenirs from Khao Yai National Park: bags, T-shirts, and most important, leech socks to wear while you're hiking in the jungle to prevent these creatures from getting under your clothing. The shop doesn't seem to have set opening hours, so don't assume it will be open when you visit.

You can book guides and night safaris at the Visitor Centre.

Eat
At Zone 1 there are small food stalls and a restaurant where visitors can order a variety of Thai food and drinks. Get there before 18:00.

The restaurant at the Lam Tha Kong camping ground has friendly staff. This one shuts its doors at 17:30 though on Fridays and Saturdays they usually close later.

Drink
Don't assume the stalls and restaurants will be open when you visit: take plenty of water with you.

Sleep

 * Camping is permitted in camping zones.
 * Lodges and cabins are available for singles and groups. Reservations are required. Some park lodges are only available on weekends.

There are also accommodations in the nearby town of Pak Chong.

Stay safe
Do not swim in the rivers and waterfalls, there may be crocodiles.

It is easy to get lost because animal paths often look like trails, and also because fallen trees often hide parts of the trail. There are many signs but they are only visible when going the right way (all trails are one-way). OpenStreetMap has all of the numbered trails.

title: Khao Yai National Park


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Kharagpur and Midnapore

Kharagpur (Bengali: খড়গপুর Khad̂agpur) and Midnapore (Bengali: মেদিনীপুর Medinīpur) are two cities in the southwest region of West Bengal, at the opposite banks of the Kangsabati River, locally called Kansai (কাঁসাই Kām̐sāi).

Understand
Kharagpur (KHAW-rrohg-poor) is a planned industrial city and home to the first Indian Institute of Technology (IIT). Kharagpur was once a part of the Hijli Kingdom and ruled by Hindu Odia rulers under the Gajapati kings of Odisha. Till 1886, the Hijli Kingdom covered parts of present-day West Bengal and Odisha.

Midnapore (MEHD-nih-poor) is the headquarters of Paschim Medinipur district.

Climate
Summers start in March and are hot and humid, with average temperatures close to. They are followed by the monsoon season which sees about of rain. Winters are brief but chilly, lasting from December to mid-February, with average temperatures around. Total annual rainfall is around.

By plane
The nearest commercial airport is Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata.

By train
Kharagpur and Midnapore are served by three railway stations, including Kharagpur Junction, Midnapore and Hijli.

See and do

 * {{see
 * name=BNR Garden | alt=Railway Garden | url= | email=
 * address= | lat=22.33378 | long=87.33336 | directions=S of {{station|Kharagpur|city=india|SER}}
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 * image=BNR garden Kharagpur (walk).jpg
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 * content=A park and a picnic spot, frequented by people of all ages. It offers toy train rides within the park.

Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur

The first Indian Institute of Technology in 1951, IIT Kharagpur was previously a detention camp during the British Raj to imprison Indian independence activists.

The detention camp building, which was later renamed Shaheed Bhavan, was built on the Neo-Byzantine style of architecture. In 1990, the building was converted into a museum called the Nehru Museum of Science and Technology. The museum has many indoor exhibits, which include technical models collected from various institutes and organisations across India. The park outside the museum contains 14 open-air demonstrations and outdoor exhibits. The outdoor exhibits include a Hawker Hunter Mk 56 and a steam locomotive. The museum has an archive room showcasing documents relating to the history of IIT Kharagpur and Southwest Bengal.

Buy
It is not uncommon for shops to open late and close during the hours of the afternoon in the hotter months of the year. Also, shops can close for tea and sporting events such as cricket and FIFA World Cup.

Eat
More than 50 restaurants are present all over Kharagpur with delicious food. Tea shops and paan stalls abound and there is a high concentration of sweet-shops. Here you can find one of the very notable sweets in Bengal – 'Khirayer Gogjaa'. The shanty restaurants in Bogda bus stand are always ready with cooked food, comprised of coarse rice, watery dal, etc. The owner will welcome you in such a fashion that they have been waiting for you only for a long time with their culinary expertise.

Drink
Mahua from Santhal women on the way to Bhosraghat.

Connect
Cell phone coverage is excellent with all major mobile service providers offering their services in the city. The area dialing code for Kharagpur is 3222. From overseas dial +91 3222 XXX XXX, from within India dial 03222 XXX XXX. For mobile phones, dial +91 XXXXX XXXXX. Internet cafes are also available in plenty and charges between 10-25/hour.

Go next

 * Jhargram
 * Jaleswar
 * Balasore

title: Kharagpur and Midnapore


text:
Kharga Oasis

Kharga (Arabic الخارجة) is an oasis in the Western Desert of Egypt.

Towns and villages

 * (Arabic: الخارجة) – The main town and transport hub. It is entirely modern but has visitor facilities, and the district is dotted with ancient sites, the best being the Temple of Hibis and the necropolis of El Bagawat. References on this page to Kharga mean this town and vicinity unless "Kharga oasis" is specified.
 * (Arabic: باريس) – The other town, 86 km south and separated by a strip of desert. The main sight is the Roman-era temple at Qasr Dush, and there's also the weird modern shell of the Hassan Fathy village. Baris lacks facilities so most visitors day-trip from Kharga.
 * – 8 km north of Baris is one of several 20th C villages across Egypt created by re-imagining traditional adobe styles, under the tutelage of architect Fathy (1900-1989). Construction began in the 1960s but halted on the outbreak of war in 1967; the project was abandoned and the buildings were never used.
 * – A village with a Roman adobe ruin.
 * – A settlement 35 km north of Kharga town, with a Roman fort. You will need an off-road vehicle.

Understand
Kharga is the largest of the five western oases, 160 km long and from 20 km to 80 km wide. The main town is also called Kharga, separated by a desert strip from Baris to the south. The reason to visit is the antiquities just north of Kharga town, and the string of Roman forts set up to control Darb El Arbayin, the "Forty Days Road" bringing gold and ivory from Africa into Egypt.

Like the other western oases, the climate is hot desert, 40+°C summer and 10°C in winter. There is zero rainfall and all the oasis supply is "fossil water" extracted from the aquifer, a non-renewable resource.

Get in

Kharga has an airport but no flights, and trains no longer run here. The old narrow-gauge railway from the Nile valley was replaced in 1989 by a standard-gauge track all the way to Safaga on the Red Sea coast, intended to export phosphates from Kharga's deposits. But by the time it was completed the price of phosphates had dropped, the deposits were never mined, and the new line was abandoned. The track still lies alongside the highway between Kharga and Baris, and in parts along the Baris-Luxor road.

By bus
Buses run at least daily from Asyut, which is on the main Cairo-Luxor road and railway. They set off at 8AM and take 3-4 hr to Kharga. Some continue to Dakhla Oasis, another 3-4 hr. Along the road 2-3 hr out from Asyut, admire the melon field of Wadi Battish - the desert sand is dotted with limestone footballs or geodes. After another 40 km the road tops Kharga Pass to descend into the oasis.

By road
There is a direct highway from Luxor to Baris, at the south end of the oasis. There is no public transport along this route but it is a good highway for taxis and private vehicles.

A highway leads south from the oasis for mile upon aching desert mile, following the ancient caravan trail towards Darfur, before despairing of further progress and looping back north to Dakhla oasis. There is no crossing point into Sudan.

On foot
The principal sights of Kharga town are within a long walk on a cool day, but you do not want to be weary before you start, and then there is the getting back.

By taxi
Arrange a taxi to take you around the antiquities, the driver will know which dusty unsignposted turn-off to head down.

Several sights need a vehicle, and some are only for off-road vehicles with a guide.

By bus
Buses and minibuses ply between Kharga and Baris, taking an hour.

See

 * Seen on a hill east of the Temple of Hibis is the larger of the two temples of Nadura. They are both scrappy, so that is probably close enough.
 * North of the temple heading towards the Necropolis are remnants of a Roman Christian settlement at Ain el-Kharab and the monastery of Ain Gallal.
 * North of the temple heading towards the Necropolis are remnants of a Roman Christian settlement at Ain el-Kharab and the monastery of Ain Gallal.

 * Another km north of the Necropolis are monastic ruins of Ain Muṣṭafa Qashiff and Deir el Bagawat.
 * A further 2 km north is a collection of ruins around Ain Sa'af, Tahunat Hawa (with a tall tower), Burg el Hammam and Gebel el Teir (which has cave carvings).
 * A further 2 km north is a collection of ruins around Ain Sa'af, Tahunat Hawa (with a tall tower), Burg el Hammam and Gebel el Teir (which has cave carvings).

 * Other Roman forts to the north are at Muhammed Tuleib, El Sumeira and Qasr el Gibb.
 * Other Roman forts to the north are at Muhammed Tuleib, El Sumeira and Qasr el Gibb.

Do
Dig deeper into the subject. This page only covers sights of interest to the casual visitor, but far more is known, on top of the many unknowns that are sure to lie unexcavated. For more, click on the left sidebar to reach the German version, which runs to 36 pages and a level of detail to make all but a desert-hardened archaeologist break out in hives. For entirely different approaches to Egyptian scholarship, read The Egyptologists by Kingsley Amis and Robert Conquest (Random House 1965), or any "Oriental" murder mystery by Agatha Christie (who married a renowned archaeologist and traveled widely in these parts), or just hum the tunes from Aida.

Buy
There is a line of small stores for basics in the centre of Kharga and to a lesser extent along main drag in Baris. You do not come here for shopping, which is why the traders of antiquity just rested their camels before plodding onward to the fleshpots and markets of the Nile.

Eat
Kharga has a cluster of simple places in town centre all with similar fare. They will be delighted to see a Westerner, especially anyone with Arabic beyond "salaam" and with ready cash. Baris has a handful of similar places. There is nothing along the badlands roads beyond (the clue's in the word "desert"), so eat it all up and say shukran.

Restaurants mostly open only for dinner, and open around 19:00.

 * Hotel Sol Y Mar Pioneers also has a restaurant, they serve alcohol.

Drink
Mint tea is always a good choice, any time of day.

Sleep
Kharga is short on accommodation for being the biggest city in the New Valley and the surrounded by a wealth of archaeological sites. The cheaper places are very barebones and should be considered only if you really must save money.

Mid-range

Stay safe
See the warning on the Iraq article for information about the security situation.

Connect
There are four main carriers in Egypt. Reckon to get a signal for a call within 5 km of the two towns, but not 4G. Beyond the towns, zero—the desert is a cruel place.

Go next

 * Back to Asyut returns you to the Nile valley and thence to Cairo.
 * A direct highway cuts across the desert from Baris to magnificent Luxor. You need private transport to reach it.
 * 200 km west of Kharga is the oasis of Dakhla, reached by daily bus. From there you can journey through the other oases of the Western Desert to the Med coast.
 * Not Sudan or Libya alas. You may not cross these nearby borders.

title: Kharga Oasis


text:
Kharkiv

Kharkiv (Ukrainian: Харків, also transliterated Kharkov from Russian: Харьков) is a major city in the Kharkiv region of Ukraine and is the second largest city in Ukraine with a population of over 1.5 million inhabitants. The city is in the northeast of the Ukraine. The site of the city is a hilly plain — more than half of the area of the city is about 100m above sea level. It sits at the confluence of three rivers: the Lopan, the Udy and the Kharkiv. The city has 9 administrative districts.

Understand
In 1654 Kharkiv was founded on a hill between the Lopan and Kharkiv Rivers. Ten years later Kharkiv became a separate province. In 1689 the construction of the Holy Shroud Cathedral was finished, this is the oldest stone building that preserved in the city. The Holy Shroud Monastery was founded 30 years later. In 1765 became the centre of the Province of Sloboda Ukraine. In the 1780s the city development plan was conceived by architect P. Yaroslavky. In 1791 the first city theatre was opened. The Kharkiv Emperor's University starting operation 1800s. In 1816 the first magazines in Ukraine were published, the Kharkivsky Democrit, a magazine of satire and humor. In 1869 the first train arrived in Kharkiv, and in July regular traffic started along the Kursk-Kharkiv-Azov Railway. The first water system of the city was laid. The Kharkiv Technological Institute was opened for engineers for industry, mining and construction. At the end of the 1880s the first city state telephone station started. The first electric tram since 1906 worked. In 1917 Soviet power was proclaimed & Kharkiv was the first capital of Ukraine until 1934). In 1924 regular flights on the routes Kharkiv – Kyiv and Kharkiv – Odesa were launched. In 1927 built the Metallist Stadium, which became the main sporting arena of the city. In the 1930s the construction of the flagships of Soviet industry, including Tractor Plant, Turbine Plant, and Lathe Contraction Plant was finished.

Talk
Although Ukrainian is the official language, most locals in Kharkiv speak Russian as their first language. Only a few people who speak and understand English, mostly among the young.

Climate
Moderate continental weather. In winter, it is very changeable. The coldest months are January and February sometimes can so low as −15 or even −25°С, but the average is about −6°С in these months. The warmest and rainiest months are July and August. An average temperature of July is +20°С.

By train

 * Alongside electric commuter trains, rail buses have been introduced.
 * Alongside electric commuter trains, rail buses have been introduced.
 * Alongside electric commuter trains, rail buses have been introduced.
 * Alongside electric commuter trains, rail buses have been introduced.
 * Alongside electric commuter trains, rail buses have been introduced.
 * Alongside electric commuter trains, rail buses have been introduced.

By Metro

The Metro is the fastest and easiest way of getting around. Every day it carries nearly 1 million people; it is the most convenient public transport in Kharkiv. There are three metro lines (red, blue and green).

By tram
The Kharkiv tram network is one of the few left in Ukraine after the collapse of the Soviet Union. The number 12 tram line is very useful if you wish to visit the far northeastern part of the city.

Tickets
Single ride tickets in marshrutkas cost 10-20 грн. Metro, trams, trolleybuses and buses are free.

Schedules
Schedules are available on EasyWay and Google Maps.

By taxi
Taxi is the easiest way of getting around the city. Some popular taxi companies include:

Religious buildings

Further afield

Do

 * Watch football at FC Shaktar Donetsk, who play in the Premier League, the top tier of Ukrainian football. Traditionally based in Donetsk, since 2017 their home ground has been Metalist Stadium in Kharkiv, capacity 40,000. It's two km southeast of city centre, metro Sportyvna.
 * Watch football at FC Shaktar Donetsk, who play in the Premier League, the top tier of Ukrainian football. Traditionally based in Donetsk, since 2017 their home ground has been Metalist Stadium in Kharkiv, capacity 40,000. It's two km southeast of city centre, metro Sportyvna.
 * Watch football at FC Shaktar Donetsk, who play in the Premier League, the top tier of Ukrainian football. Traditionally based in Donetsk, since 2017 their home ground has been Metalist Stadium in Kharkiv, capacity 40,000. It's two km southeast of city centre, metro Sportyvna.
 * Watch football at FC Shaktar Donetsk, who play in the Premier League, the top tier of Ukrainian football. Traditionally based in Donetsk, since 2017 their home ground has been Metalist Stadium in Kharkiv, capacity 40,000. It's two km southeast of city centre, metro Sportyvna.
 * Watch football at FC Shaktar Donetsk, who play in the Premier League, the top tier of Ukrainian football. Traditionally based in Donetsk, since 2017 their home ground has been Metalist Stadium in Kharkiv, capacity 40,000. It's two km southeast of city centre, metro Sportyvna.
 * Watch football at FC Shaktar Donetsk, who play in the Premier League, the top tier of Ukrainian football. Traditionally based in Donetsk, since 2017 their home ground has been Metalist Stadium in Kharkiv, capacity 40,000. It's two km southeast of city centre, metro Sportyvna.
 * Watch football at FC Shaktar Donetsk, who play in the Premier League, the top tier of Ukrainian football. Traditionally based in Donetsk, since 2017 their home ground has been Metalist Stadium in Kharkiv, capacity 40,000. It's two km southeast of city centre, metro Sportyvna.
 * Watch football at FC Shaktar Donetsk, who play in the Premier League, the top tier of Ukrainian football. Traditionally based in Donetsk, since 2017 their home ground has been Metalist Stadium in Kharkiv, capacity 40,000. It's two km southeast of city centre, metro Sportyvna.
 * Watch football at FC Shaktar Donetsk, who play in the Premier League, the top tier of Ukrainian football. Traditionally based in Donetsk, since 2017 their home ground has been Metalist Stadium in Kharkiv, capacity 40,000. It's two km southeast of city centre, metro Sportyvna.
 * Watch football at FC Shaktar Donetsk, who play in the Premier League, the top tier of Ukrainian football. Traditionally based in Donetsk, since 2017 their home ground has been Metalist Stadium in Kharkiv, capacity 40,000. It's two km southeast of city centre, metro Sportyvna.
 * Watch football at FC Shaktar Donetsk, who play in the Premier League, the top tier of Ukrainian football. Traditionally based in Donetsk, since 2017 their home ground has been Metalist Stadium in Kharkiv, capacity 40,000. It's two km southeast of city centre, metro Sportyvna.
 * Watch football at FC Shaktar Donetsk, who play in the Premier League, the top tier of Ukrainian football. Traditionally based in Donetsk, since 2017 their home ground has been Metalist Stadium in Kharkiv, capacity 40,000. It's two km southeast of city centre, metro Sportyvna.
 * Watch football at FC Shaktar Donetsk, who play in the Premier League, the top tier of Ukrainian football. Traditionally based in Donetsk, since 2017 their home ground has been Metalist Stadium in Kharkiv, capacity 40,000. It's two km southeast of city centre, metro Sportyvna.
 * Watch football at FC Shaktar Donetsk, who play in the Premier League, the top tier of Ukrainian football. Traditionally based in Donetsk, since 2017 their home ground has been Metalist Stadium in Kharkiv, capacity 40,000. It's two km southeast of city centre, metro Sportyvna.
 * Watch football at FC Shaktar Donetsk, who play in the Premier League, the top tier of Ukrainian football. Traditionally based in Donetsk, since 2017 their home ground has been Metalist Stadium in Kharkiv, capacity 40,000. It's two km southeast of city centre, metro Sportyvna.

Holidays and festivals

 * New Year's Eve (31 December–1 January). Locals go out to dancing in Svobody Square, fire squibs and launch fire works. Christmas Trees are installed in many neighbourhoods of the city, but the one in Svobody Square is certainly the most beautiful and impressive.
 * Shrovetide or Carnival (it is an ancient Slavic holiday of seeing the winter off). This holiday usually occurs in late February to early March. This is the time for openair merrymaking in the Gorky Park, Shevchenko Gardens and in Svobody Square.
 * End of March, Kharkiv held the Za Jazz Fest what is a jazz festival on a variety of locations. At that time showing performances of world-famous musicians and young rising stars from many countries.
 * May 1, the International Workers’ Day. Locals spend these spring days out of town, having picnics with family and friends.
 * Victory Day, May 9, an openair exhibition of the WW II military equipment takes place. A solemn procession of veterans marches down Sumska Street to the Memorial of Glory in Lissopark (Woodland Park).
 * In mid July, there is the Pechenizke Pole (The Pecheneg Field) Ethnic Festival on the bank of Pecheneg Lake.
 * In Kharkiv City birthday on August 23 are especially festive and jolly. On this day, sports competitions and concerts are in Svobody Square, Konstytutsii Square and in the city gardens and parks.
 * The Independence Day is on August 24. This is the day for ceremonial laying of flowers to the Monuments of Independence of Ukraine, and finished with amazingly beautiful fireworks over Svobody Square.
 * In September take a big sci-fi festival, called Zirkovy mist (Star Bridge) macing here fans of this genre from many countries of the world.
 * The Kharkiv Assemblies International Music Festival organised in September. Peoples can enjoy musical masterpieces of the past.
 * Several weeks before the New Year is one of the most favorite holiday is the Christmas. The city is decorated with festive street lights, and the major Christmas Tree of the city is put on Svobody Square.

Drink
Buy beer from a kiosk and sit and drink in Schevchenko Park. It's what everybody does. If you drink beer in the park you may be fined by local police.

Sleep
There are plenty of hotels in Kharkiv, but the quality of them is very often far from what westerners expect. Most of hotels are not in the online reservation systems which makes it difficult to find them.

Go next

 * Dnipro
 * Donetsk
 * Kyiv
 * Poltava

title: Kharkiv


text:
Kharmang

The Kharmang Valley is a region in Baltistan in North-western Pakistan, an agricultural area with many small villages and a total population around 95,000. Olding is the largest and the most important village. Tolti is the district administrative centre.

The area is on the eastern side of Gilgit-Baltistan, on the disputed border with India, and is therefore of some military importance. Travellers should be cautious near the border.

Understand
The word Kahrmang is Balti; khar means "fort" and mang means "abundant".

The region was predominantly Buddhist, strongly influenced by Tibet, for centuries. Islam came into Baltistan via Sufi missionaries, starting in the 16th century, and today the region is mainly Shia Isn e Ashri Muslims.

For centuries, Baltistan consisted of small independent valley states that were connected to each other and to Ladakh through blood relationships of the rulers (rajas), trade, common beliefs and strong cultural and language bonds. These states were subjugated by force by the Dogra rulers of Kashmir in the nineteenth century.

title: Kharmang


text:
Khartoum

Khartoum (Arabic: الخرطوم Al-Khartum) is the capital of Sudan and is located where the Blue and White Niles merge to form the Nile. The huge, spread-out city is actually made out of three distinct cities (Khartoum, Khartoum North or Bahri, and Omdurman) which are divided by the Nile and its two arms. The Blue Nile flows between Khartoum and Bahri, the White Nile between Khartoum and Omdurman, and the merged Nile between Bahri and Omdurman. The confluence of the Blue and White Nile, known as Al-Mogran, lies just north of the bridge between Khartoum and Omdurman.

Khartoum proper is the seat of the Sudanese government and is the largest of the three cities. The older part of the city lies beside the White Nile while the newer parts, such as Al-Amarat and Khartoum Two, spread out to the south, across the railway line and the ring road, and around the airport runway. The city, both the old part and its newer extensions, is laid out mostly in a grid. Omdurman has a more Middle Eastern atmosphere with maze-like streets and is home to the huge Souq Omdurman. Bahri is largely industrial and residential.

By plane
Sudan's national carrier Sudan Airways links Khartoum and several African and regional capitals, and with Sudan's domestic airports at Port Sudan, Nyala, El-Fashir, Malakal, Juba, Dongola, Wadi Halfa and El-Obeid.

Go early as the airport can get a bit chaotic. Be prepared for long waits and queue cutting. Immigration checks and other security checks can also take a long time. No departure tax should be paid anymore, as it's included in a ticket price.

There is a bank facility to change money open during the night when there are flights.

Getting to town: the airport is located close to the city in Al-Amarat. Taxi fare from Khartoum airport to city was a fixed SDG 100 in 2015. You can also walk out to the main road about 200 m from the airport terminal and catch minibuses that cruise along the road. Alternatively you can book a metered taxi.

By bus
The chaotic Souq al-Shaabi used to be the main bus terminal for long distance south-bound buses in Khartoum, but a new terminal (Meena al Barre) has been built which is more orderly. Buses leave for Port Sudan, Wad Medani, Kassala, El-Obeid, Karima (8 hr, SGD 275), Gedarif (6 hr, SGD 275) and other cities. Again, there are no buses to southern Sudan.

Buses from Aswan travel 24 hours, 450 EGP.

Buses to Atbara depart from (also known as Shendi Bus Station).

By train
Rail services to Khartoum are limited, but investment have brought hopes of a rejuvenation of train travel. There is the daily Nile Express from Atbara as well as services three times per day from Wad Madani. Older, more infrequent trains run from Port Sudan, Wadi Halfa - for connections with ferries from Egypt - and even Nyala. There main station is.

By car
The main tarred road goes south from Khartoum to Wad Medani then east to Gedaref (for the Ethiopian border at Gallabat), Kassala (for the Eritrean border, which is closed) and then to Port Sudan. South from Khartoum, a road also goes to El-Obeid, which then continues west towards the Chadian border via Darfur, which is a bit dangerous to use. From the north, the road comes in from Wadi Halfa via Atbara.

There are no road links to southern Sudan. The only option is to fly.

By boat
There are no boat services along the Nile to destinations outside Khartoum.

Get around
Khartoum is both easy and difficult to get around. It is easy in that much of the city is laid out on a grid, with long straight roads and the airport and Nile as easy reference places. It is difficult in that the city (or indeed the 3 cities) are very spread out, making walking a long and tiring option.

Maps are hard to come by, but Google Earth offers some good high-resolution images.

By taxi
These come in three varieties; bright yellow and often beaten up Toyota Corollas Model 1977, small 6-seater minivans, and more modern metered taxis.

Fair "foreigner" prices for taxis are roughly: SDG 17.50 plus SDG 4.61 per km.

Crossing the river will usually double the price.

Most taxi drivers speak no English, can't read maps, and often can't read Arabic either; they often even have little idea about Khartoum's geography, especially about other parts of the city to where you pick him up.

By minibus
Minibuses are the cheapest way to get around Khartoum, especially between the three cities. There are easily thousands of minibuses and seeing all of them gather near the Great Mosque and Souk al-Arabi is a sight to behold. They are however quite complicated to use. None of them bear destination signs and you will have to be able to speak a little Arabic with their conductors to determine which minibus to take. They are also always packed to the brim. Fares are SDG 3-5 (June 2017).

Most of the minibuses leave from the square near the Great Mosque (Mesjid al-Kabir) or nearby in Khartoum proper.

By car
Describing Khartoum's traffic as chaotic is a bit of an understatement. The economic boom has put many more cars on the road, although driving attitudes have not changed, resulting in almost comical chaos at intersections. As Khartoum is laid out in a grid, there are many intersections for cars from all directions to barge in to fight for space. Having said that, the slow speed of vehicles ensures that they are very few major accidents, at least in the city. If you are not used to such driving conditions, it is better to resort to taxis.

Car hire is available and costs a bit above the African average. However if you want to head off in to the desert the costs mount further, as the 100 km is standard, and then there is an additional charge per kilometre. Fuel costs around SDG 27 (US$4.20) per litre (Nov 2016). ‘Limousine’ is the Arabic word for car hire – try along Airport Road or Ibed Khetim Road (east of the airport) for car hire places.

By three-wheeled taxis
Called "bajaj" (like in India) or "raksha", they are cheaper than taxis but more expensive than buses so less than SDG 5 per trip. They are best used for short trips within each of Khartoum's three cities. It is better to use taxis or minibuses if you have to cross the Nile to travel between the three cities.

By boat
There are no ferry services between the three cities as they are well connected by road bridges.

There is a ferry service between Khartoum proper and Tuti Island, a rural islet in the middle of the Blue Nile. In Khartoum, boats leave from the river bank along Nile Street opposite the Friendship Hall to the west of the city center. A ferry also runs between Tuti and Omdurman (except on Fridays)

Khartoum (الخرطوم)

 * Nile Street or Shari'a Al-Nilشارع النيل الخرطوم: Probably the prettiest street in Khartoum. With the Blue Nile on one side, the street is lined with pretty, albeit decaying-looking, colonial buildings, most of which are used as ministries, schools and even a hotel, the Grand Holiday Villa Khartoum. The Presidential Palace, also fronting the Blue Nile, is a pretty building but you will not be allowed to walk in front of it - the guards will ask you to cross the road and proceed behind and around the building. You will also see the modern side of Khartoum along this street - the egg-shaped, Libyan-owned Al-Fateh Tower; Chinese-built Friendship Hall. The National Museum is also along Nile Street. The road is tree-lined most of the way (except towards the west) and has a sidewalk, so walking is quite pleasant. Many people sit on the concrete walls along the river.
 * The Changing of the Guard: This is a ceremony held on the first Friday of every month, where the Black Guard and the White Guard of the Presidential Palace swap over. The ceremony is performed near the South Gate of the palace.
 * The Changing of the Guard: This is a ceremony held on the first Friday of every month, where the Black Guard and the White Guard of the Presidential Palace swap over. The ceremony is performed near the South Gate of the palace.

Clubs
There are many professional and international clubs spread around the three cities. Providing for sport, cultural activities or simply a place to meet, they are a lively remnant of British influence.

 * Greek club. Khartoum 2, entrance off Mak Nimir Ave. The hideout of Sudan's Greek community, it is open to the public and offers sports facilities (tennis, volleyball, basketball, football, running), a swimming pool (entrance fee SDG 30) and basic food and drinks.
 * Coptic club.
 * German club. Nothing especially German, a basketball court, a garden in the shade of trees and a swimming pool. It also serves as a hotel.
 * Indian club. Omdurman. The center of the capital's large Indian community social life, it organizes events for all important Indian festivals.
 * A wander around Tuti island is highly recommended if you want to see green rather than the brown of Khartoum. If you are heading to Omdurman, a good way of unwinding after the chaos of the souq is to catch the ferry across to Tuti from Omdurman (except Fridays) or take the Tuti Suspension Bridge. Aim for around 17:00-18:00 to enjoy Tuti in the early evening.
 * A Nile cruise, several boats moored by Tuti Bridge are available for cruises. A cruise on some of the smaller boats can cost you as little as SDG 15.

Cultural centers

 * Centre Culturel Français. Downtown, Ali Dinar St. Offers French courses, Sudanese Arabic courses, a library and cultural events (music, art, literature, conferences, movies). Ask for the program at: info@ccfkrt.org.
 * Goethe Institute. Downtown, Al Mak Nimir St. Offers German courses, cultural events (music, art, literature, conferences, movies). Ask for the program at: info@khartum.goethe.org or http://www.goethe.de/khartum.
 * British Council. Downtown, Abu Sinn St. Offers English courses, cultural events (music, art, literature, conferences, movies). Ask for the program at: info@sd.britishcouncil.org or http://www.britishcouncil.org/africa-sd-contact-us.htm.
 * Iranian Cultural Center. Al Amarat, corner of Airport Rd and St 27.

In the evening

 * Evening tea on Nile Avenue. With the extension of Nile Avenue to Manshia complete, the stretch of road between Mak Nimir and Manshia bridges has become the place to be of Khartoum's evening life. Innumerable tea ladies cater to the needs of the crowd enjoying the grass while watching the road and the river.

Music

 * Concerts. The Sudanese music scene is active. Artists of the moment play live in clubs, mostly on weekend evenings. Look for the Arabic posters that dot the city or ask the locals.
 * Weddings. It is common for Sudanese to hire star musicians to perform one or two of their favourite piece at wedding ceremonies. The footage of the performance usually ends up as an unofficial video clip on the Sudanese TV channels.
 * Creative events. Khartoum youth and amateur scene can be spotted at one of the numerous and often changing cultural events. Whether Wapi (British Council), Makaan, Space or Khartoum Open Mic', they offer a scene for young musicians, hip hoppers, dancers, slammers and poets. Most accurate information is to be found on Facebook.
 * Khartoum International Music Festival.

Movies

 * Cinemas. The last commercial cinemas closed in 2009 but the open air buildings of the Coliseum (Souk al Arabi), Halfaya and Watania(Khartoum North) or Watania (Omdurman) can still be spotted. Afra Mall movie theaters still shows movies, mainly Bollywood or Egyptian.
 * Film festivals. The European Union and the Embassy of Venezuela organize yearly film festivals. The French Cultural Center offers free weekly projections as does occasionally the Goethe Institute.

Buy
Most shopping is still done in street markets or souqs. The souqs here are not as attractive those in other Middle Eastern countries but are still interesting enough for a glimpse of Sudanese economics. And you can certainly buy everything you need, including handicrafts if you are a tourist, from these markets. Prices are not amazingly low due to transport costs for imported (mainly Chinese) goods, but cheaper than in Afra Mall or proper shops. Upmarket, Khartoum has only one shopping mall with a supermarket, several shops and food outlets.

Khartoum

 * Souq Arabi In the city centre, this is your classical chaotic market teeming with people. The market is divided in to several sections, each focussing on a certain product. There is even one block devoted to gold, although it certainly looks less sophisticated and organised than its counterpart in Dubai. However, this souq is a bit lacking in term of handicrafts and fresh foodstuff. You are better off going to Souq Omdurman (see below) for handicrafts.

Eat
Khartoum has a good sprinkling of restaurants, with new ones popping up every couple of months – other than restaurants attached to hotels there is little quality eating to be had in Khartoum’s city centre. Amarat hosts the majority of the better eateries, although Ridyah and Khartoum 2 also have some places. Omdurman and Barhi have a light sprinkling of simple restaurants. All restaurants have about 15% government tax and 3-14% service charge.

Drink
It's best to prepare yourself to be alcohol-free for your stay: there are places serving 'special tea' dotted around and non-alcoholic beers are available, but in general it's more hassle than it's worth to track down alcohol during a short visit. For long-termers, however, the market does exist - via diplomatic bags and other routes... apparently.

Sleep
A 5% tourism tax and 15% VAT may well be added to your bill - Khartoum's hotels are inconsistent in telling you about these taxes in advance, and (especially for cheaper hotels) inconsistent in paying this money to the tax authorities. Ask if there are any hidden extras before booking.

Registration and other legal requirements
All foreigners are required to register within three days of arrival.

To register, go to the at Shari'a Al Sahafa Zat, Khartoum, close to Sudan University for Science and Technology, with passport sized photos required and SDG 540 (as of November 2018), US$ not accepted. Registration can also be done at the airport departure terminal. The whole process takes less than 10 minutes.

The travel permit and the photo permit are no longer required as of 2018.

Embassies and consulates

 * 🇨🇦 Canada
 * 🇪🇬 Egypt
 * 🇫🇷 France
 * 🇬🇷 Greece
 * 🇲🇾 Malaysia
 * 🇷🇴 Romania
 * 🇺🇸 United States

Go next

 * Sabaloga Gorge: This gorge is also known as the 6th Cataract. It is 80-95 km (50 to 60 miles) north of Khartoum and can be reached in about 2½ hours.  It is essential that a 4-wheel drive vehicle be used, and it is wise, as is true in all cases in traveling outside Khartoum, to travel with at least two vehicles.  On arrival, visitors can stroll around a Sudanese village and inspect Ansar forts that once bombarded steamers on their way to relieve General Gordon.  It is advisable to take this trip in the cooler months.
 * Jebel Awlia: This dam was completed in 1937 and is 40-50 km (25 to 30 miles) south of Khartoum on the Jebel Awlia road. A 4-wheel drive vehicle is not required for this trip as the road is paved to the dam.  However, if you intend to cross the dam and travel on the other side, a 4 WD will be needed. The area around the dam itself has a number of large trees and flat grassy land which are ideal for picnics.   For those interested in bird watching, there are numerous birds to be seen, such as pelican, herons, kingfisher, wader, and plovers.  One of the fringe benefits of a trip to Jebel Awlia is a short drive up to the dam.  Here the fishermen sell their catch, which they have just brought in.  The prices are about half of what they might be in Khartoum.  Bring along suitable wrapping and ice and coolers for any fish purchased.
 * Meroe: This site is approximately 200 km north of Khartoum. There is also a hotel in Shendi (very basic) where one could be based.  The trip should be arranged with a tour agency unless someone in the party really knows his/her way around the desert tracks.  There are some paved roads to Meroe but you do have to drive off the main road on to some sandy areas. Four-wheel driver vehicles are a necessity for this trip.  The Pharaonic influence left its imprint in the hieroglyphic language, the religion of Amon, and  building of the pyramids, which were a simplified version of the Egyptian model with no rooms or corridors.  The Greek and Roman architectural influence is evident in the pillars of temples and the classical forms of the statues of men and women.  The Meroe ruins are a four-hour drive from Khartoum.  But there are various other sites in the area, so a two or three day trip should be contemplated, and a knowledgeable guide is essential for the best understanding of the ruins.  National Geographic’s book Splendors of the Past provides excellent background for such a trip.
 * Dinder National Park: (12°19'N 034°47'E) The Dinder National Park is said to be one of the most unique in the world. It is totally “unorganized,” and the visitor can truly see game in its natural state.  The site is about 480 km (300 miles) south of Khartoum on the Blue Nile near the Roseires Dam.  Travel by 4-wheel transportation from there to the park is recommended.  Inside the park there is a small tourist area consisting of round, grass thatched huts.  Inside these huts are beds, a chair and a table.  The huts are burned and rebuilt every year after the flood season.  This park is only accessible for a few months of the year from December through May.  It is essential that the visitor traveling to Dinder make thorough preparations for the trip.
 * The Red Sea Area - [Port Sudan]: The Red Sea is noted for its magnificent under water diving, the clearness of its water and the variety of marine species.  Visitors generally reach the area by flying Sudan Air.  Daily, one hour and a half flights are available, but you may drive on paved road to Port Sudan in about 12–14 hours.  Travelers should be completely self-sufficient with all fuel as well as food and water.  It is about 815 km (510 miles) to Port Sudan.  Visitors may want to stay at the Red Sea Hotel.  This hotel is booked for most of the year, and it is necessary to have reservations confirmed in advance.  The Hilton Hotel has opened in Port Sudan. It is located about half an hour drive from the airport, along the harbor.  Outdoor swimming pool, three restaurants, and a gymnasium, are some of the facilities available.  For more enquiries, call 31139810 or fax 31131183.
 * Erkowit: This area is 39 km southwest of Port Sudan, and it is the only developed summer resort in Sudan. The altitude is  above sea level.
 * Jebel Barkal Unesco World Heritage site - [Northern state]:Jebel Barkal or Gebel Barkal (Arabic: جبل بركل) is a very small mountain located some 400 km north of Khartoum, in Karima town in Northern State in Sudan, on a large bend of the Nile River, in the region called Nubia. Around 1450 BC, the Egyptian Pharaoh Thutmose III extended his empire to that region and considered Gebel Barkal its southern limit. There, he campaigned near the city of Napata that, about 300 years later, became the capital of the independent kingdom of Kush. The 25th Dynasty Nubian king Piye later greatly enlarged the New Kingdom Temple of Amun in this city and erected his Year 20 Victory stela within it.

The ruins around Gebel Barkal include at least 13 temples and 3 palaces, that were for the first described by European explorers in the 1820s, although only in 1916 were archeological excavations started by George Reisner under a joint expedition of Harvard University and the Museum of Fine Arts of Boston. From the 1970s, explorations continued by a team from the University of Rome La Sapienza, under the direction of Sergio Donadoni, that was joined by another team from the Boston Museum, in the 1980s, under the direction of Timothy Kendall. The larger temples, such that of Amun, are even today considered sacred to the local population.

For these reasons, the mountain, together with the historical city of Napata and other ancient sites, were considered by UNESCO, in 2003, World Heritage Sites.

Buses leave daily from Khartoum to Kerma, however the most comfortable and convenient way of getting there is by car. The route is tarmacked, but you will still require the best part of a day to get there.

title: Khartoum


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Khasab

Khasab (Arabic: خصب) is a city in the northwest Omani exclave of Musandam and home to about 18,000 inhabitants. It is the state capital of the Musandam peninsula on the coast of the Hormuz Strait between Iran, the United Arab Emirates and Oman.

Understand
Khasab was isolated from the rest of the region for a long time. In the 16th century Portuguese troops conquered the peninsula and established colonial structures. After Oman regained control, Khasab was controlled tightly due to its strategic position. The construction of the new road from the United Arab Emirates was started by the city to develop its infrastructure and encourage more tourism and investment. It is most popular to spend a weekend off from Dubai or to visit on your way to Muscat, taking the twice a day ferry-boat along the deserted and arid rocky coast of Musandam.

The city is the starting point to explore the little-known Musandam Peninsula and its special and unique traditions and culture. Travellers can enjoy great sights in and around the city that can be seen in two or three days cruising the region.

Climate
Khasab has a hot desert climate with very hot and humid summers and mild winters. Precipitation is low, and mostly falls from December to March.

Khasab is best visited in the winter, as it is one of the hottest places in Oman, with summer temperatures regularly climbing over 45°C. The world's highest minimum temperature (41.2°C, since broken) was recorded on the airport in 2011, and in 2017 the highest nighttime low temperature recorded (44.2 °C) was recorded.

Get in
Khasab is not easy to access, although you have a few transportation options, including daily morning flights from Muscat, a weekly ferry from Muscat or semi-weekly ferry from Dibba, or driving from the UAE through the Al Darah border post.

By cruise ship
Passengers disembarking at the will find free shuttle buses to take them to the city centre, as well as tour operators who charge considerably less than the cruise line for organised excursions.

By road
You can easily drive from Dubai or any of the other emirates by heading north on the E11 motorway towards Ras al Khaimah, and then on to the, after which the road becomes the very scenic 02, or the 'Khasab Coastal Road'. The road is in very good condition on the Omani side and the UAE RAK part is being upgraded.

If driving a hired car, be sure to inquire whether the company permits their cars to be driven into Oman, and if so which specific border crossings may be used, as not all crossings may be permitted. You should let the rental agency know at least a day beforehand, so that they can prepare the necessary documentation for the border officials. If you are driving your own car and do not have coverage for Oman, you can usually purchase third-party liability insurance on the Omani side of the border. This situation may change with little notice.

For the very adventurous, it is possible to take a taxi from Ras al Khaimah to the Al Darah border, but there are no taxis on the Omani side. Many trucks pass through this border daily, however, so you can ask an Omani police officer to get you a ride in one of these trucks and then hitchhike all the way to Khasab.

Get around
There are no taxis in Khasab; however most hotels offer free minivan transportation within the city. To go further afield, you'll have to have your own car, or hire one. Additionally a number of travel agencies in Khasab offer organized minivan city tours, for half- or full-day visits.

During the cooler months, it's possible to explore the city by foot, and to hike around nearby villages and the mountains. If by chance you live in the UAE and are visiting Khasab with your own car, you can bring along your bicycle. Dress conservatively if entering Bedouin or remote fishing villages.

Tour agencies
For exploring the coastline, or for those without a vehicle, there are a half-dozen agencies in town which offer tours with English-speaking guides. Excursions include dhow cruises, kayak tours, mountain safaris, and camping trips. The most established are listed below.

Several tour operators offer day-long or overnight dhow trips to the very isolated village of, where inhabitants speak Kumzari, the only Persian language native to the Arabian peninsula. Visitors to Kumzar must have a permit, which can be arranged in advance by the tour company.

Buy
There are quite a few options of different supermarkets full with normal groceries, bottled water etc. LuLu Market is by far the biggest and offers the biggest variety, but small supermarkets have local products and niche products.

Eat
Most supermarkets have freezers with several types of ice cream, which is very welcome in the extreme heat.

Unsurprisingly the local cuisine is based primarily on grilled meats and seafood, with some Persian influences. Although most hotels have their own onsite restaurants, it is worth seeking out the handful of local establishments listed below.

Drink
As elsewhere in the Gulf region, fruit juices and smoothies are a popular drink served in some restaurants. They are generally made with real fruit and often mixed with ice cream.

Black tea is the traditional tea from the region, served in all local restaurants; however nowadays it is usually Lipton Black Tea.

Alcohol is served only in a couple of licensed restaurants and bars attached to the Atana Khasab and the Atana Musandam Resort, and as it is imported, rather expensive (e.g. beer RO 3-4).

Sleep
Khasab has six hotels and limited capacities for travellers, and during the weekend hotels are usually sold out.

Bassa Beach (Bossa Beach), which is very popular with families, is an option for a single night of camping. The beach has only a toilet and no other facilities. It's directly on the road between Atana Khasab Hotel and Khasab and is very lively during the weekend. Non-Emirati/Omani travellers should expect to be seen as a tourist attraction with unwanted attention from kids or youths from the area.

Cope
Khasab city centre has a growing number of bank branches due to trading activities. Near the New Souq roundabout in the direction of the main square several banks operate ATMs, including, , and for international debit and credit cards.

Any of the banks in the city centre can exchange money during weekdays, and Western Union has a few agents in the city, most of them open daily.

Respect
When visiting nearby villages, it is especially important to dress appropriately and behave respectfully (i.e. do not photograph villagers without their permission). This is not Dubai! For most of the 2010s all visits to Kumzar were suspended following villagers' complaints about outsiders' behaviour; the village been reopened to visitors, but a special permit required (see details above under 'Tour agencies').

Go next
Twice weekly ferry-boat from Khasab to Muscat. Minivan service to the border with United Arab Emirates from where you can call a taxi to pick you up and take you to Ras al Khaimah.

title: Khasab


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Khatlon

Khatlon is the southwestern, largely lowland (by Tajikistan standards) region of Tajikistan.

Cities

 * (Kulab or Kulyab) — one of the largest cities in the region.
 * — a new city founded in 1960.
 * (officially Bokhtar, formerly Kurgan-Tyube) — capital of Khatlon region.
 * (officially Bokhtar, formerly Kurgan-Tyube) — capital of Khatlon region.

Other destinations

 * — the largest reservoir in Tajikistan
 * — the probable source of the Oxus treasure now on display at the Victoria and Albert Museum and British Museum.
 * Ajina-Teppa (8 km southeast from the city of Kurgan-Tiube) — the site of a 7th-century Buddhist monastery that was excavated during the Soviet period. A 13-m-long statue of a reclining Buddha, now exhibited at the National Museum of Antiquities in Dushanbe was discovered at Ajina-Teppa. Unfortunately there bus or Marshrutka goes there. Taxi drivers also don't know it. If you nevertheless found it there is nothing to see, no museum, no information plates, nothing. You can run around the ruins but that is all.
 * — a nature reserve at the board of Afghanistan. Its tugay (poplar) forests were added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2023.

Understand
During the Soviet era, Khatlon became one of the two main cotton regions in Tajikistan, along with Sughd. Collectivisation of agriculture was implemented aggressively in the early 1930s, to expand cotton cultivation in Tajikistan as a whole, with particular emphasis on the southern part of the republic. The process included violations against peasants, substantial expansion of the irrigation network, and forcible resettlement of mountain peoples and people from Uzbekistan to the lowlands.

A results of this policy is that the Tajik population identifies themselves either as Gharmis (resettled from the mountains) or Kulobis. These groups never merged, and fought against each other during the 1992-97 Civil War in Tajikistan. Khatlon oblast suffered the heaviest damage in Tajikistan.

Since the conflicts leading to the civil war were never really resolved, tensions in the region still exist.

Get in
Bokhtar International Airport in Qurghonteppa handles flights from Russia, Kazakhstan, and Dushanbe. Beyond that, driving or riding in a mashrutka or bus are probably the best options.

title: Khatlon


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Khatse

Katse is a tiny village in the Lesotho Highlands. It is near and gives its name to the Katse Dam, a huge manmade reservoir built to sell water to neighbouring South Africa.

See

 * Katse Dam This stunning 185m dam wall is part of a larger water scheme to sell water to South Africa's Gauteng province and produce electricity for Lesotho. The result is a huge man made reservoir which stores the water that is gravity-fed to South Africa. The beauty of this award-winning feat of engineering is eclipsed, however, by the surrounding mountains and rural countryside. Dependent on the mood of the guard on duty you may be asked to go to Katse village to get permission to see the dam from the top. The bottom of the dam is easier to access.

title: Khatse


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Khayelitsha

Khayelitsha is in South Africa.

Khayelitsha is situated next to the N2, which connects Cape Town with George. It's close to Cape Town International Airport.

Understand
Khayelitsha was created under the Apartheid's regime as a designated area for black laborers working in Cape Town. Since then it has been growing rapidly town that is one of the biggest townships of South Africa, today.

Get in
Metrorail runs commuter trains from central Cape Town every 30 minutes via its Central Line. Khayelitsha is at the eastern terminus of the line, journey time is just under one hour. Notice that trains along the Central Line suffers from extreme overcrowding, with commuters sometimes forced to sit on the roof or between carriages.

Get around
One way to get around in Khayetlisha are the taxi or mini buses. You can recognize them by the loud hooting. It's a cheap and fairly reliable way of transportation. Safety however is not always guaranteed as South Africa experiences many accidents on its roads caused by these taxis.

See

 * The Lookout Hill is one of Khayelitsh's main tourist attractions. It is the highest point in Khayelitsha from which the townships Khayelitsha and Mitchell's Plain, as well as the shoreline of the False Bay, can be seen. The wooden platform, built on the largest dune on the Cape Flats, sometimes lacks some planks but this does not dismiss the great view. The adjoined Look Out Centre hosts an information office of Cape Town Tourism as well as several locally owned art and craft shops. The community venue also has an exhibition room and amphitheatre for cultural events. The Look Out Hill complex is an often visited place by township tours. The area is comparably safe and the site well secured by professionals.

Do
Do stuff like jogging along Khayelitsha or things like Cycling. Your safety in Khayelitsha's cannot be guaranteed due to a high number of criminal activity

Buy
Buy what is called in IsiXhosa "Amagwinya"(Vetkoek) even chicken feet to fulfill your hunger when travelling in Khayelitsha and quench your thirst by buying cold Coke. If not fulfilled you can visit Khayelitsha Mall to buy your designated food but be careful when walking through the mall

Eat
Amagwinya from the highly known DADASE fast foods located in Ilitha Park to eliminate hunger or buy your meals in Khayelitsha Mall

Drink
Drink Coca-Cola from the Khayelitsha Mall if not, buy what is Called Ibhompi(Sucker) in the Shops of Khayelitsha

Sleep
Several township bed & breakfasts started to pop up in Khayelitsha to offer tourists the chance to experience this side of South Africa. They mostly are redecorated shacks to fit the basic norms of tourists.

Stay safe
Even though townships are often referred to as unsafe, people can visit the township of Khayelitsha without the risk of being violated. One should however evaluate the circumstances (night, day, in group) before planning a visit when uncommon with the area.

In Khayelitsha the streets are not mostly safe but they are promising the best visit on your trip

Go next
Go next to visit the streets of Ilitha Park

title: Khayelitsha


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Bolshekhekhtsirsky Nature Reserve

Bolshekhekhtsirsky Nature Reserve (Russian: Большехехцирский государственный природный заповедник) is in Khabarovsk Krai, Russia. It was established on 3, October 1963, its size is 439 hectares. The territory of forest-covered area is about 90 %.

Flora and fauna
The frost-free period lasts for 160 days on average.The area of the reserve comprises 1020 types of vascular plants, 120 types of moss, 148 types of lichen and 824 types of mushrooms. There are 6 types of amphibians, 8 types of reptiles, 224 types of birds, 45 types of fish and 50 types of mammals. The reserve is adjacent to Khabarovsk suburb.

Get in
The reserve is 15-20 km south of Khabarovsk, on the mountain Khekhtsir.

title: Bolshekhekhtsirsky Nature Reserve


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Khe Sanh

Khe Sanh is a small city in Central Vietnam. The area surrounding it saw some of the fiercest fighting during the American War.

Understand
Khe Sanh marine base features one of the best museums in the DMZ area.

The Americans made the same mistake at Khe Sanh that the French had at Dien Bien Phu about fifteen years earlier; they built a large base isolated in an area where the enemy controlled much of the surrounding countryside. In both cases, the Vietnamese attacked vigorously, wound up controlling the ground, and claimed they had won a major victory. However, the French at Dien Bien Phu surrendered, while the Americans at Khe Sanh only withdrew.

Get in
Mini buses depart Dong Ha for the border frequently, stopping at Khe Sanh on request.

Money
ATMs can be found throughout the town.

Eat

 * Khe Sanh Market – Head to stalls at the lower end of the market a rice dish with all the fixings for around 20,000 dong.

Sleep
There are quite a few hotels on the main street.

title: Khe Sanh


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Khimki

Khimki (Химки) is a mid-sized city in North Moscow Oblast, adjacent to Moscow, with a prominent historical role in the Soviet aerospace industry, some very large upscale shopping malls, and fast-growing residential districts for Muscovite commuters.

Understand
Khimki is part of the Moscow conurbation, on the banks of the Moscow channel and the Klyazma river, and one of the highest density rate in the region.

Before the city, there were several noble lands, which villages are still exist. During the late 19th century, the site of Khimki station became (and remains) the place of Muscovite dachas. Khimki was granted city status, and the Stariye Khimki development was completed. Since then, development programs have turned the countryside into an important city in the region.

Today, Khimki is not only a residential district, but also an important economic and trade center of the Moscow conurbation.

Districts

 * Stariye Khimki. The main part of the city with Stalinist architecture.
 * Khimki forest area. The quiet and remarkable side with classic Russian country houses and dachas.
 * Noviye Khimki. The residential district. Not the destination to explore.

Get in
Since Khimki is close to Moscow, has very high population density and a lot of development projects, the city is under blockade by Moscow to protect the capital's transport infrastructure from the flood of people and vehicles migrating in and out every day. There are no ways of comfortable and fast way to get the city.

By car
Khimki is accessible by car via Leningradsky Hwy from Moscow. The part of this highway from Moscow till end of Khimki city limits is the busiest road in Russia.

By public transport
By suburban train from Leningradskii station to Khimki station or Levoberegnaya platform (a district on the left bank of Moscow channel).

A lot of buses and marshrutkas run from Rechnoy Vokzal metro station, at the north end of the Green Line. You can also reach Khimki by marshrutka, bus or trolleybus from Planernaya metro station.

Get around
The most comfortable way to explore the city is to bike or take a car.

Architecture
Stariye Khimki is a great example of Stalinist architecture of the 1930s. There are several buildings on ulitsa Moskovskaya.

Buy

 * Levsha Flea Market, Saturdays and Sundays 06:00-20:00.

title: Khimki


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Khinalug

Khinalug  the highest (2250 m above sea level), most remote and isolated village in Northeastern Azerbaijan and among the highest in the Caucasus.

Understand
It has a population of about 2,000 people. Since its inclusion in Mark Elliott's guidebook, it is considered one of main attractions of Azerbaijan. The village inhabitants speak their own language, not spoken anywhere else.

Get in
It's 50 km from Quba, which can easily be accessed from Baku by bus (4 hr). The rest of the way requires hiring a car or a taxi.

By car
In 2006, the road was paved due to a visit from Azerbaijan's President. Now, a car can make the trip to Khinalig. Before paving an SUV was essential (but still recommended).

By Quba go straight on the main road from Baku, not crossing the river, after passing the roundabout look for signposts on Qəçrəş. The first 20 km is not that interesting, but it changes dramatically after entering the ravine. At km 41 from Quba there is a bridge, behind which you have to turn right, towards the village of Cek.

By taxi
Prices will be negotiable, but expect to pay around 40 manat from Quba. You may be quoted more, but haggling is acceptable.

By bus
No buses are available to this location.

Get around
Walk. There won't be many other options. It should not be a problem for a reasonably fit person though you might find yourself winded from the steep hills and high altitude. Khinalug is a very small settlement.

See
Surrounded by mountains and green valleys at summer, Khinalug offers fabulous natural scenery. Khinalug with surroundings and a path going to the southeast all the way to Pirsaatçay in south central Azerbaijan is a, named Cultural Landscape of Khinalig People and “Köç Yolu” Transhumance Route.

 * The houses in Khinalug are a visual example of the distinctive village. The houses are built like a staircase - each roof is another's house front door terrace. Pay attention to the cubes of dried fertilizer, serving as fuel in the winter. A half-hour walk among households should give a good impression of it.
 * Good views over the village can be seen from the old upper road.
 * Good views over the village can be seen from the old upper road.

Do
Khinalug boasts of some of the best hiking and camping in Azerbaijan. The surroundings of the village are wide open and include nearby caves with a waterfall. The water is actually filtering through the cliff rocks. More extensive hikes can be done by using a guide book or hiring a local guide. Horses can also be rented to carry gear and/or people.

Keep in mind that hiking is not considered a recreational activity for most Azerbaijani people, but Khinalugian people are more appreciative of the benefits of eco-tourism.

 * Hiking to the nearby village of Qalayxudat is possible via the old road connecting the two villages. Some shepherd roads branch off from this route, making for a good loop hike up the side of the mountain.  The area is near the Russian border, so border guards regularly patrol it and will very likely stop all hikers to check for permits.  Speaking Russian is advisable, as they're able to call their commanding officer to get you permission to continue.
 * Hiking to the nearby village of Qalayxudat is possible via the old road connecting the two villages. Some shepherd roads branch off from this route, making for a good loop hike up the side of the mountain.  The area is near the Russian border, so border guards regularly patrol it and will very likely stop all hikers to check for permits.  Speaking Russian is advisable, as they're able to call their commanding officer to get you permission to continue.

Buy
Buy some local products, such as socks or a hat. When someone offers you a tea, do not refuse, but expect that after finishing, the hosts will offer something for sale.

 * Shepherd's cap – Made from wool, these caps will keep your head toasty in the coldest conditions. The caps are very distinctive to this area. The caps come in several colours; from white to dark wool.

Eat

 * Mutton –: Khinalug is a vegetarian's nightmare. The high altitude won't allow many vegetables to grow.

Sleep
There is an official guest house but a number of local families offer home-stay arrangements from 5 manat. Either way, there will always be an option due the hospitality of the local population.

Connect
Spotty GSM connection exist in some parts of a town (at least Azercell provider works). No other internet options except for aforementioned GSM is available (2008).

Go next

 * Quba – Probably the place where you started from.

title: Khinalug


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Khir Ganga

Khir Ganga is a village in Central Himachal Pradesh.

Understand
Khir Ganga is a temporary village set up throughout the summers in Himachal Pradesh. It is only accessible by foot (2- to 4-hour hike). It is a beautiful day hike on a narrow cliff side path going by numerous waterfalls and few isolated villages. There are usually about 30-50 people at the village site during the high season.

Get in
From Manikaran take a bus or taxi to Bersani.

Get around
Foot, donkey, or horse. No vehicles are able to make it to this spot.

See
Sit in a natural hot spring and enjoy the dramatic scenery of the valley.

Visit the small temple by the hot spring.

Buy
Before start your trekking must buy trekking shoes, walking support stick, and Poncho (raincoat).

Sleep
Rooms are available without booking in advance and run about ₹200 a night.

title: Khir Ganga