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Khabarovsk

Khabarovsk or Chabarovsk (Russian: Хаба́ровск, khah-BAH-ruhvsk) is a city on the Amur river in the Russian Far East, near the Chinese border. Often overlooked due to its proximity to Vladivostok, Khabarovsk could easily be a highlight in the long line of predominately dull cities along the Trans-Siberian Railway. But while most cities look their best when the sun is out, in few is the effect as profound as in Khabarovsk – attractive parks, beaches, outdoor beer tents with live music, and classic architecture await if the weather gods favour you. Even if you are unfortunate, it's not a loss to go indoors: the city also houses some of the best museums east of Moscow.

Understand
Overlooking the confluence of the Amur and Ussuri Rivers, Khabarovsk is the second largest city in the Russian Far East, approaching 600,000 residents and growing. It is also the capital of both Khabarovsk Krai and the Far Eastern Federal District. Unlike Vladivostok, the city has never been closed to foreigners, and retains a distinct international feel, rare for the Russian provincial centers – a feeling propped up by an increasing Asian presence with arrivals from Asian countries now numbering over a million each year. In turn, Asians come here to experience a piece of Europe close to home, with the fortunate effect that the city is spending huge swaths of money renovating the city, in which old classical buildings were spared much of the destructive effects of the 1917-23 civil war, to provide its visitors with just that feeling. From a European's perspective, Soviet city planning has unmistakably taken its toll, but it is still far more attractive than your average Siberian city.

Climate
The climate is temperate and monsoonal, with a cold, dry winter and a hot and humid summer. The average temperature for a full year is just 2°C, but covers over wide span of monthly averages ranging from a bone chilling −20°C in January to a quite warm +21°C average in July. The city sees an average of 686 mm precipitation in a year, but unfortunately the lions' share falls in the warm summer months. The number of sunny days per year is 70, which is higher than Moscow's 54. Climate-wise, end of May - early June or end of August - early September are the best time for a visit.

History
The lands near the confluence of the Ussury and the Amur, where today's Khabarovsk stands, have been populated for centuries by the indigenous Tungusic people. Chinese expeditions reached this area as early as the first half of the 15th century, and in the mid-17th century the Amur Valley became the scene of hostilities between the Russian Cossacks, trying to expand into the region, and the rising Manchu Qing Dynasty, bent on securing the region for itself. Nearly a century of skirmishes between the Chinese, Koreans and Cossacks followed, one of those involving Russian explorer Yerofey Khabarov, whose name the city later adapted. The Treaty of Nerchinsk (1689) brought the conflict to a close and made the area an undisputed part of the Chinese Qing Empire. According to French Jesuits mapping the Ussury and the Amur rivers in 1709, the future site of Khabarovsk was known to the Chinese as Yupi Dazi ("Fishskin Tartars").

In 1858, the area was ceded to Russia under the Treaty of Aigun. The Russians founded the military outpost of Khabarovka (Хаба́ровка), which subsequently became an important industrial centre for the region. The Russian Geographical Society then began founding libraries, theaters, and museums in the growing city. Since then, Khabarovsk's cultural life has flourished. Much of the local indigenous history has been well-preserved in the Regional Lore Museum and Natural History Museum and in places like near the Nanai settlement of Sikhachi-Alyan, where cliff drawings from more than 1,300 years ago can be found.

The Trans-Siberian first reached Khabarovsk from Vladivostok in 1897, while the complete railway to Moscow did not see completion until 1913. Three years later, the Khabarovsk Bridge across the Amur was completed, allowing Trans-Siberian trains to cross the river without using ferries. The city was occupied by the Japanese for much of the Russian Civil War, which may offer some explanation to the many old buildings still standing around the city center.

By boat
If you want to go to places upstream on the Amur river, the Meteor speedboats will often be your transport of choice, but only during the summer when the river is navigable. However, in 2008, the water level in the river was at a historic low, so that the Meteor traffic had to be stopped. If Meteor traffic functions normally, you can go some 1,000 km downstream to the Ul'chi municipal district (rayon), a region mostly inhabited by indigenous Ul'chi people.

 * Fuyuan – In spring and summer there are daily hydrofoil services to Fuyuan in northeastern China, departing from the ferry terminal facing the Amur river.
 * Komsomolsk – If you are heading for the BAM line up north, an interesting option is to take a hydrofoil cruising up the Amur river to Komsomolsk (6 hours), and catch a train from there.

Get around
The best thing to start with is to walk around the center of the city. Have a nice walk from Lenin Square to the Amur River via the main street, Muravieva-Amurski. You will find all sorts of shops and places to eat.

By tram
The city has a network of four tram lines (there is no line 3 or 4). The most useful section for visitors is the stretch of the network running from the main railway station along Amursky Boulevard, before making a left turn down Volochaevskaya St. (near the market), and crossing Muravyov-Amursky Street one block west of Lenina Square, it then continues south intersecting Lenina Street roughly at its halfway point, before a stop at the botanical gardens (Lines 1, 2 & 6). The remainder of the network mainly extends into the sleepy suburbs. Line 5 serves the North, Line 1 and 2 the South along Krasnorechenskaya St.

By bus
The electric trolleybuses also has a few useful sections for visitors, Line 1 runs between the Airport and Komsomolskaya Square (River promenade, Museum cluster) along Karla Marksa and Mureava Amursky streets.

The regular bus number 1, is a useful circle line. It starts at the Railway station, turns down Seryshev street (a block north of Amursky Boulevard) until it reaches the river park at Lenin Stadium. Turns down Komsomolskaya Street (and square) and runs south until Lenina Street. It then runs the entire length of Lenina street before north at the City History Museum and returns to the train station.

Major destinations

 * Airport 18, T1, T2, T4
 * Botanical Gardens' 9, 25, 29, 33, 54
 * City History Museum 1, 54, 56, 57, T5
 * Komsomolskaya Square 1, 9, 14, 19, 29, 34, 38, 55, 56, T1, T3
 * Lenina Square 14, 19, 21, 29, 34, 38, 55, 56, T1, T3
 * Railway Station 1, 6, 7, 11, 13, 20, 22, 24, 26, 34, 54, 57, T2, T5
 * Slavy (Glory) Square 1, 9, 29, 33, 34, 56

The Far Eastern Museums
There is a fantastic cluster of top notch museums along Shevchenko Street, just behind the tall blue-domed Church of Theotokos on Komsomolskaya Square towards the river and stadium. Not only are the museums some of the best in the far east, they also make their home in some impressive century-old buildings dating back to before the revolution. After a visit, the nice river promenade is just a short walk away, so you can wash all that new found knowledge away with some pivos in good company.

Tugged away just across the next street behind the military museum, you also find the Archeology Museum on Turgeneva street.

Do
In addition to these listings there are also a Drama Theatre and a Children's 'Theatre, but they are probably not of much interest unless you speak Russian. Nonetheless, the city has a fairly vibrant cultural life.

Buy

Eat
The local cuisine consists primarily of traditional Russian restaurants and different Asian-style places. Italian food is also common. However, there's a great variety of cheap fast-food outlets on the streets. Prices start from $3 for good snack to US$5–10 at the Golden Bird fast food chain. Meals in small restaurants are available for US$10–20. If money is not a concern, you can dine with a view of sunset and the Amur River at Hotel "Inturist" for US$50–100.

Drink

Locals will happily teach you how to drink Russian-style. People are very friendly, and in general you will find lots of locals who would love to practice their English. Don't miss an offer to visit a Russian banya (sauna) somewhere outside the city.

For the most part you should avoid the pubs and bars if weather permits, and indulge in the many beer tents instead. The River Promenade (Набережная Хабаровска) below the large cathedral is a lively place in the summer months, open air cafes in large tents, dot the promenade along the river. Most bars play different styles of music, and there is usually live music going on in one of the tents. Young crowd, and some establishments stay open till very late. This is also the starting point for a host of river boats, taking the party going crowd on short cruises down the river with loud music banging out the speakers. Dynamo Park (Парк Динамо) also has some beergarten style watering holes along long benches beneath coloured lanterns and Russian schlagers blasting out the speakers.

Coffee

 * Shokoladnitsa at Komsomolskaya street, 78 08:00-24:00. All-Russian brand cafes offering a variety of coffee and chocolate drinks.

Learn
The Pacific National University , formally a Polytechnic Institute, is now a full fledged university, with over 21.000 students enrolled. Has a single Masters programme in Computer Sciences in cooperation with a German university, which is taught in English.

The Far Eastern State University of Humanities offers a summer course in Russian language in July as well as courses during the academic year.

The Far-Eastern State Medical University is a major medical institution in Eastern Siberia.

The Far-Eastern State University of Railways being one of the largest universities includes the course of Russian-Americam Programme.

The Far-Eastern State Scientific Library is an old and beautiful Art-Nouveau building in the city's center and has American, German and Japanese centers.

Japanese Center in Khabarovsk offers course of Japanese language as well as participation in business seminars

Sleep
No hostels and not many unrenovated Soviet rooms, so accommodation is pretty steep — on the other hand, the situation is not much different from the rest of Russia. If the situation is desperate and you have a valid ISIC card, you could try to see if the university will hook you up with a room in their dorms — though call ahead instead of showing up on the day. If not, rooms can go as low as ₽1000 if you look around and book well ahead of arrival.

Phones
Khabarovsk has the usual set of Russian mobile operators:

GSM 900/1800:

CDMA:

4G (LTE):

Check roaming prices, especially for mobile Internet, before using any non-Russian SIM card. Some mobile connection standards are not supported in Russia, e.g. those for Japan and the United States.

If you're staying in Russia for a week or more, it's definitely worth it to buy a local SIM card, but be aware, that a passport is needed for that. The easiest way to refill a local mobile account is to use an ATM. Most ATMs have bilingual interfaces, allowing numerous kinds of payments, including those for mobile services by local operators. You can also do it through terminals spread all over the city - like Qiwi or mobile shops.

Post
The General post office at 28 Muravyov-Amurskiy St. If you plan on calling anyone, Khabarovsk is UTC +10 (or 7 hours ahead of Moscow).

The post-office at the railway station is located on 13 Leningradsky per. about 200 m from the station building.

Consulates

 * 🇨🇳 China
 * 🇯🇵 Japan

Go next

 * Bolshekhekhtsirsky Nature Reserve — the closest reserve of endemic plants and animals.
 * Bogorodskoye (Богородское) — the district centre of Ul'chi rayon, should be reachable within one day on the Meteor boat. However, be prepared that getting back is harder than getting there. Whereas you can easily book your ticket downstream in Khabarovsk, return tickets are available only on the vessel itself, they are sold on a first come - first serve basis. Bogorodskoye is starting to develop eco tourism. To get to the surrounding villages, you need to hire a boat, as many of them are accessible only through waterways. Please be respectful to the indigenous peoples, which have gone through a long history of marginalisation and oppression and many of whom still live in deep poverty nowadays. If you want to know more about indigenous cultures, you can also try to contact the Association of indigenous small peoples of Khabarovsk Kray, which has its office in the city of Khabarovsk, please look here for their current contact (search for "Хабаровск").
 * Sikachi-Alyan (Сикачи-Алян) — a national village inhabited by indigenous Nanai people, located some 70 km upstream on the Amur river. Close to the village you can find old petroglyphs, carved into stones on the banks of Amur, dating back some 20,000 years. If you don't find them, you might ask in the village for advice. Everyone should know them. Sikachi-Alyan also has a little museum, where you can learn much about indigenous culture, including shamanism, history and of course about the petroglyphs. However, you should probably know Russian or have an interpreter.
 * Center for rehabilitation of wild animals Utyos (Центр реабилитации диких животных Утёс) — in a couple of hours' distance from the city there is a place in taiga near a tiny village where people take care of wild animals who got in trouble. The tigers, Himalayan bears either found injured or starving as orphans are finally put in the Center and walking free in the area of several hectares in Sikhote-Alin natural memorial.
 * Sakhalin (Сахалин) — Khabarovsk is an important transfer point between the Trans-Siberian Railway and the railway line to Vanino, where ferries shuttles passengers across the Tartar strait to the fascinating Sakhalin island. From there you can continue your journey onwards to Japan with a weekly ferry in summer.

title: Khabarovsk


text:
Khabarovsk Krai

Khabarovsk Krai (Russian: Хаба́ровский край, khuh-BAH-ruhf-skee krigh) is a region in the Russian Far East, which borders Amur Oblast to the west, Magadan Oblast to the north, Sakhalin Oblast across the Nevelsky Straits to the east, Primorsky Krai to the southeast, and the Jewish Autonomous Oblast and China to the southwest.

Cities

 * — the capital and major regional center (population 570,000)
 * — a good sized city that is the steel center of Far Eastern Russia
 * — First Russian settlement in the Far East (17th Century) and former headquarters of Vitus Bering, discoverer of the Bering Strait and Alaska; located in the region's far north
 * — a small village of the Nanai people with a museum of local culture, opportunities for fine Nanai dining, and 13000 year old Nanai cliff drawings
 * — a village in the north of Krai established by Russian-American Company in 1843
 * — a small village of the Nanai people with a museum of local culture, opportunities for fine Nanai dining, and 13000 year old Nanai cliff drawings
 * — a village in the north of Krai established by Russian-American Company in 1843
 * — a small village of the Nanai people with a museum of local culture, opportunities for fine Nanai dining, and 13000 year old Nanai cliff drawings
 * — a village in the north of Krai established by Russian-American Company in 1843

Other destinations

 * – protects the basin of Anyuy River
 * — the northernmost reserve inhabited by the endangered Amur Tiger
 * (Буреинский заповедник), including the spectacular Bear Lake (Медвежье озеро)
 * , located miles and miles away from Komsomolsk, a native village of Negidals.
 * , located miles and miles away from Komsomolsk, a native village of Negidals.
 * , located miles and miles away from Komsomolsk, a native village of Negidals.
 * , located miles and miles away from Komsomolsk, a native village of Negidals.

Geography
Khabarovsk Krai occupies a long swathe of Russia's Pacific coastline, a full 2000 kilometers of it, going as far south as Sakhalin and north to Magadan Oblast. At nearly 800.000 km², it's Russias fourth largest province. In the north, taiga and tundra prevail, deciduous forests in the south, and swampy forests in the central areas around Nikolaevsk-on-Amur. As a testament to its size there are more than 50 thousand lakes to fish in, more rivers and streams than you would care to count, and several mountain ranges intersect the region, including the northern reaches of the Sikhote-Alin mountains shared with Primorsky krai. The highest point is Mount Bery, towering nearly in fact, three quarters of the area is occupied by mountains and plateaus.

Biodiversity
The diversity of purely North animals like brown bear and sheer South representatives like Eastern softshell spiny turtle (Trionix) is backed by the legend that God would mix the rest of seeds and animals when somebody told him about missing spot on Earth.

One can encounter pine-tree and wild Far-Eastern grape which came definitely from the South. Its blue round berries with sour taste are cultivated in gardens to produce home wine.

Like Trionix many species are listed in the Red Book.

Culture
Japanese director Akira Kurosawa's 1975 film Dersu Uzala, based on a book by Russian explorer Vladimir Arsenyev, describes the friendship of a Russian explorer and his Nanai guide named Dersu Uzala. (Wikipedia)

Aboriginal culture within small enclaves across the krai are Nanai, Ulchi, Manchur, Orochi, Udege, Negidal, Nivkhi, Evenki and varies in each settlement.

Facts
The last Chinese Emperor Pu Yi lived in Khabarovsk from 1945 to 1950.

Talk
See Russian phrasebook.

Get in
Khabarovsk is a major transportation hub for the entire Russian Far East and will likely be any visitor's first stop by either the Trans-Siberian Railway or via Khabarovsk's international airport.

From China there are two entrance routes: one begins on the border with the Heihe-Blagoveshchensk crossing point, the other from Fuyuan town on Amur river. Another possible way is one from Sakhalin, where international ferry operates between Russian Korsakov and Japan's Wakkanai. A one-night bus trip along the federal highway Vladivostok-Khabarovsk is an option for a traveller, if the train carriage by some odd reason is not preferable.

By plane
Vast, rugged and sparsely populated the krai is not big on roads. Too cold for regular ferry service, since much of the region goes into a deep freeze during the harsh winters, add the presence of Russia's most important aircraft plant to the mix, and you are pretty much left with Soviet era Yakovlevs, Antonovs and helicopters to get you around, making exploration an expensive and fairly unnerving proposition. On the upside this also means you'll have some of the planet's most spectacular nature all by yourself if you take on the effort.

The local government have plans on merging these two regional airlines, but so far no concrete plans has surfaced.

Do
Fishing and hunting in the wild are the major attractions for local villagers, town and city dwellers as well as trekking routes to taiga plains and mountains untouched by humans are favourite activities for all sorts of tourists. Khabarovsk and Komsomolsk mountain bike clubs are all at it. Taiga forest roads are always abuzz with mosquitos in summer and the best seasons for visiting are May and September when the air is not so stifling and the sun is just warm. Winter attracts regional skiers and snowboarders to the ski bases "Holdomi" and "Amut Snow Lake" near Komsomolsk and "Spartak" slopes near Khabarovsk.

Eat
Local food follows traditional Russian cuisine featured with salted bracken, mushrooms, Korean and Chinese and even European dishes served in theme restaurants of two big cities. Don't forget to taste pancakes with a spoonful of linden, wildflower, buckweat honey or a season caviar stuffing.

Drink
The region's major distillery is appropriately called Khabarovsky Distillery (Ликероводочный завод Хабаровский. Besides the ritual vodka - a full 16 different brands of it - they also make sweet liqueurs, bitters and cognac. If you haven't yet acquired a taste for vodka, the local (but Heineken owned) Amur-Pivo (Амур-пиво) is not bad. The (Carlsberg owned) competitor Baltika's main local brand is the ДВ (DV) beer, which is also brewed in Khabarovsk.

Stay safe
Snakes and bears are rare attackers in the wild, lest provoked. More dangerous are infectious ticks which are active most of all in spring. Use spray against ticks.

Go next
Khabarovsk is the hub for regional air travel with important flights to Russian destinations Anadyr, Irkutsk, Krasnoyarsk, Magadan, Moscow, Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, Yakutsk, and Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, as well as international flights to Niigata, Japan and to Seoul, Korea. There are no direct flights to/from the US.

The next major stops to the east on the Trans-Siberian Railway are Ussuriysk and Vladivostok; to the west, Birobidzhan.

There is a regular ferry from Vanino (the terminus of the Baikal-Amur Mainline) to Kholmsk, Sakhalin.

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

title: Khabarovsk Krai


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Khachmaz

Khachmaz (Xaçmaz, Khachmas) is a major city in Northeastern Azerbaijan's Khachmaz region. It is located about 10 km from the Caspian Sea, below Khudat, and to the east of Quba.

Understand
In the most northeastern region of Azerbaijan, Khachmaz is sandwiched between the Caucasus Mountains in Quba and Qusar regions to the west, and the Caspian Sea to the east. The southern border greets Devechi and the region stretches north to Russia. Khachmas city is located toward the bottom third of the region. It is about 10 km from the Caspian Sea and the border to Devechi. About half that distance to the Quba border to Khachmaz's west. It is substantially greater distance to the northern border.

History
Khachmaz is one of the most ancient regions of Azerbaijan. The antiquity of the city is evidenced by its wealth of cultural and historical monuments. The region was densely inhabited in the earliest times of human history and settlements, mounds, and barrows of the Bronze Age have been found throughout the region. Throughout its long history, Khachmaz has been a part of the Caucasian kingdom of Albania, the Shirvanshahlar state, and the Quba Khanate.

In 1810 the Quba Khanate was liquidated and, according to “Gulustan Treaty” in 1813 between Russia and Persia, all khanates of Northern Azerbaijan were occupied by Russia except the Talysh, Nakhchivan, and Irevan Khanates. These khanates were occupied by Russia later after signing Turkmenchay Treaty with Persia in 1828, which divided the territory of Azerbaijan and its people into two parts.

The Northeast Tourism Office is an excellent spot to get information on seeing the sites in Khachmaz and throughout the surrounding region.

Climate

 * Spring: Turns from cold to hot quickly with about two weeks of wonderful weather. On the edges of this transition, weather fluctuates.
 * Summer: Hot and humid with occasional cloudy days and limited soft showers.
 * Fall: weather cools significantly making fall comfortable. Showers happen more frequently. Late fall can bring cold weather.
 * Winter: is cold with gray skies and often brings rain and snow.

The climate is generally moderate to warm, humid temperate and subtropical, and Khachmaz sees an average yearly precipitation of 1300-1350 mm and average temperatures of 25-30°C in July and 1-2°C in January.

Get in
There are 2 auto stations for buses and taxis in Khachmaz city. The first one is minibus station from where you can get out mainly to Baku and other cities. The second one serves the transport mainly to the villages surrounding the city.

By bus or marshrutka

The following connections exist:
 * Baku – Hourly from 08:00. 3 manat. 2½-3 hr. (from Shamakhinka bus station in Baku)
 * Çarxı – 0.30 manat (from Khachmaz: 09:00; 13:00; 15:00)
 * Tikanoba (21 km) – 0.50 manat (from Khachmaz: 07:00; 13:00)
 * Aşağızeyid (18 km) – 0.50 manat (from Khachmaz: 09:00; 13:00)
 * Nağıoba (23 km) – 0.60 manat (from Khachmaz: 07:00; 13:00)
 * Qıraqlı (23 km) – 0.60 manat (from Khachmaz: 07:00; 13:00)
 * Əhmədoba (18 km) – 0.50 manat (from Khachmaz: 07:00; 13:00)
 * Xəzərli (22 km) – 0.60 manat (from Khachmaz: 07:00; 13:00)
 * İnqilab (23 km) – 0.60 manat (from Khachmaz: 07:00; 13:00)
 * Alekseyevka (15 km) – 0.40 manat (from Khachmaz: 07:00; 13:00)
 * Xudat – 0.50 manat (from Khachmaz: ever 20 min from 07:00)
 * Nabran (25 km) – 0.60 manat (from Khachmaz: hourly from 08:00)
 * Yalama (23 km) – 0.60 manat (from Khachmaz: 07:00; 13:00)

By train
The railway station is located very close to the city center. There is an electric and night train service that runs between Baku and Khachmaz. The train leaves Baku at 08:00. An evening electric train leaves Baku at 19:20. The price is 0.60 manat. (Return: The first one leaves Khachmaz at 08:00 and the second one at 17:45.)

The electric train ride is for the adventurer. The cars are packed with people. Khanims (ladies) from the bazaar tend to take up seating space to stretch their legs or with their baggage. Don't be surprised if you have to argue for a seat or stand for a portion of the 4 hr 45 min ride from Baku to Khachmaz. The seats are wooden benches and aren't especially clean; the aisles are crammed with cargo from fruit sellers; and the patrons can get loud during arguments over space.

The night train Baku-Yalama costs 0.60 manat and leaves Baku at 20:00.

By taxi
The fastest transport between Baku and Khachmaz is by taxi. It takes 2 hr. Prices must be negotiated, but going via Lada from Baku to Khachmaz costs 4-5 manat per seat (4 persons) and going via by Mercedes costs 5 manat per seat. To take a cab by yourself, expect to pay around 20 manat.

On foot
The center is small enough to be walkable.

By taxi
Taxis are quite convenient if you know where you want to go within the city, and especially coming from the bus station. Service within the town generally costs 1 manat.

See
The Khachmaz region is very rich with monuments of history, culture and architecture. Some of the most significant are Sarkartapa, the ancient city-fortress Khudat, a fourth century Albanian mosque, the sixteenth century mosque-madrasa of Shah Abbas of 15th-16th centuries in Garaqurtlu, a village in Khachmaz, ancient settlements and the barrows of the Bronze Age, the famous “Iron gate” of Derbent fortress becoming a symbol of its inaccessibility. The fortifications “Baba-al-Abvat” were constructed in 8th-7th centuries BCE and protected from invasion the northern boundaries of Azerbaijan. Today Khachmaz borders with Russia here. In the village of Shykhlar the tourists can see the earliest monument of the mausoleum of the Middle ages- a mosque of Sheikh Yusif (15th century). At the top of the mountain Galadag the ruins of Gaurgala fortress have been kept.

Historic sites

 * Albanian church. This church dates back to the 3rd and 4th centuries and the kingdom of Albania. There is a similar mosque in Qabala, which served as the capital of Albania for centuries.
 * Sarkartapa. The Bronze Age Sarkartapa monument outside Khachmaz (also called Sarkar gishlaghy "Sarkar winter camp") is an important and particularly fruitful archaeological site.
 * Bostanly Village. The early medieval Bostanly Village is one of the more interesting places for Khachmaz visitors. There is a hill 20-25 m-high called "Maidens’ Hill" and very close to this monument there is another interesting place called the "Seven sisters" tombs, covered with Arabic manuscripts. If you dive deep enough, you may be treated to some of the many legends about the seven sisters preserved in the local folklore. Numerous archaeological findings from Bostanly are displayed at the Regional Ethnography Museum.
 * Ancient city-fortress Khudat. Khudat (meaning Charisma) was the capital of the Quba Khanate in early eighteenth century. Following Fatali-Khan's move from Khudat to Quba in 1735, the city lost its importance and turned into ruins.
 * Mosque of Sheikh Yusif (XV). This Mosque is one of the earliest monuments in the mausoleum style widely used throughout the 16th and 17th centuries that has been preserved in the nearby village of Shikhlar. Sheikh Yusif, an outstanding scientist-philosopher of his day, was buried along with his wife and son and four of his followers in this mosque.

Museums

 * Veteran's Museum. 8,739 Khachmaz residents fought in World War II for the Red Army and some 2,800 of them perished. This museum also remembers 230 people who died in the ethnic conflict with Armenia during the early 1990s.
 * Heydar Aliyev’s Museum. This is the obligatory personality cult shrine to independent Azerbaijan's first ruler.
 * The Museum of Prominent Figures. This open sky museum is one of the most pleasant places in Khachmaz, located as it is in a nice park filled with fountains and numerous statues of prominent Azeris.
 * Carpet Museum. Carpet museum is also one of the wonderful places to have a look. There are many ancient carpets in the museum along with carpet weaving tools (kargyla, khava, qyr, scissors, etc.), interesting carpet designs, dolls dressed in an ancient national style, a picture gallery and other interesting exhibits. The Fighting’s Glory Museum and Carpet Museum are located in the Park of Culture and Rest.
 * Carpet Museum. Carpet museum is also one of the wonderful places to have a look. There are many ancient carpets in the museum along with carpet weaving tools (kargyla, khava, qyr, scissors, etc.), interesting carpet designs, dolls dressed in an ancient national style, a picture gallery and other interesting exhibits. The Fighting’s Glory Museum and Carpet Museum are located in the Park of Culture and Rest.

Parks

 * Heydar Aliyev Park. A rather nice park with green trees, flowers, fountains, lights, cafes, and tea-houses. The Heydar Aliyev Museum, the Khazar Cinema-Club, and the Chess school are all located in this park.
 * Park of Culture and Rest. This park is full of statues of different animals, artificial ponds stocked with colorful fish, rivers, and fountains full of green frogs (both artificial and live). Some people call this place the Zoo Park due to its zoological theme. One of the favorite places of the local children is the "Café Cirtdan-Dwarf." The Veterans Museum, Carpet Museum, Post Office, and several cafes are located within the park.

Cultural centers and other places to see

 * The House of Culture
 * Music School
 * Youth Sport Complex
 * Club of Railwaymen
 * Chess School
 * Mosques
 * Church (Russian)
 * The Entertaining Centers
 * Football stadium
 * Khazar Cinema Club
 * Central Library
 * Children’s Rest and Amusements Center
 * Carpet Plant: the old tradition of carpet weaving is flourishing in the Khachmaz region and local carpet masters continue its further development. Their artwork products always give a plentiful material for researchers as well as for creative adaptation and usage in various related branches of culture.
 * Vocational School
 * Railway Station
 * Gulalan Reserve
 * Modular Power Station : Khachmaz modular type power station produces on average 1.6-1.8 million kW/hour of electricity daily. 10 generators.
 * Qafqaz Tinned Food Factory: “Qafqaz Konserv Zavodu” can process 30,000-32,000 tons of fruit and vegetable and 6,000 tons of meat in a season. It works as the buyer of the agricultural products of the northern region of the country. Tomato paste, tomato puree, green pea, cucumber and cayenne pickles, eggplant caviar, different meat and vegetable tins are produced at the cannery. 50-60% of products is sold inside the country, the other part is exported.

Buy

Most consumer goods are available throughout Khachmaz and in larger quantities than many of Azerbaijan's smaller cities. The Bazaar carries most goods at very affordable prices (though quality may be suspect - typical for Azerbaijan) and some craftsmen are available.

ATM
The International Bank of Azerbaijan ATMs
 * Khachmaz, Khachmaz, 1, Rasulbekov street
 * Khachmaz, Khachmaz, 1, Narimanov street (Khachmaz bus station)
 * Khachmaz, Khachmaz, 1st km of Khachmaz-Gandov highway (Azpetrol)
 * Khachmaz, Khachmaz, M.A. Rasulzade street (Finance department of Xachmaz region)

Restaurants

 * Choban
 * Chenlibel
 * Xazar
 * Tebriz
 * Shabran Nushican
 * Xan Baqi
 * Uyut: offers typical Azer food with a clean environment. A private room is available. It's located near the Central Library in Famous People Park.
 * Edem

Cafés

 * Cirtdan, a café for children.
 * Dostluq

Restaurants and cafés in Seyidly village

 * Chinat tourist base - café
 * Energetic rest-house - café
 * Gami Tamiri (Kaspar) rest-house - café
 * Geophysic Sanatorium - restaurant
 * Malibu - restaurant, discothèque, café, sauna, pool
 * Nabran-sanatorium - restaurant and café
 * Tarlan	- café

Drink
In Khachmaz, like most towns and cities in Azerbaijan, a Çay Xana (a tea house) is easy to find. In summer, cold beer is easy is also easily accessible. Some places will serve instant coffee.

Məkan: only serves beer and chickpeas, but the beer is cold and the service is good - which can be hard to find.

Sleep

 * Elite - hotel and restaurant.
 * Kamran Hotel - a restaurant with some rooms to let.

Connect

 * There are many internet cafes are available around the city center and are called “Internet Clubs”.
 * Khachmaz Post Office is located by the “Park of Culture and Rest” in the city center.

Stay safe
All hospitals either state or private are located in the city center.

Be sure to carry a valid passport or ID when travelling in the northeast regions of Azerbaijan. It is common for police to stop foreign travellers and ask for identification. If you do not have an ID handy, you are susceptible to bribery.

Emergency contact numbers

 * Fire: 101
 * Police: 102
 * City hospital: 103

Go next
Nearby destinations are:
 * Khudat
 * Nabran
 * Quba
 * Devechi
 * Khinalug

title: Khachmaz


text:
Kadykchan

Kadykchan (Russian: Кадыкчан, ka-duk-CHAN) is a ghost town in Magadan Oblast.

Understand
Built as a coal mining city, the population peaked at around 15000 in the early 90s. Following perestroika, a hot water system failure and the closure of the mine, the city was rapidly abandoned in late 1994 and early 1995. The intervening 15 years have seen plunder, vandalism, and the gradual invasion of wilderness.

Get in
The city is visible from the Kolyma Highway, about 1300km from Yakutsk and 700km from Magadan. The nearest major city is Susuman, about 100km towards Magadan. About 1km past the junction with the old road (from Tomtor), there's a turn-off to the left (east). 6km down this road is the edge of the city, which can be covered on foot.

Get around
Roads are not really passable to traffic due to debris, trees, and lack of maintenance. Park somewhere and walk.

See
The decaying statue of Lenin in the main square. Nearby is the semi-collapsed cinema, several schools, a sports hall, and numerous apartment blocks. The larger (and more distant) school still contains books, remnants of pianos, science labs, gym equipment, several sports halls, and so on. Stairs can be climbed into the roof space (containing hundreds of chairs) and onto the roof itself, which affords an excellent view over the city.

Venture into old apartment blocks (not the ones that are falling down) to see wall paper, books, and broken stuff.

Buy
There are no shops.

Eat
Bring your own food.

Drink
Bring your own drink.

Sleep
Sleep in a tent or a less destroyed flat.

Connect
Mobile phones work about 10km down the road, within line of sight of Myaundzha.

Stay safe
There is a small relict population of vagrants. Due to the lack of tourists, they will more surprised to see you than threatening, but be prudent about displays of wealth.

Wildlife, particularly ticks or mosquitos, can vary from bothersome to potentially harmful. Bears are less common due to the lack of food sources.

The greatest danger by far comes from derelict buildings. Many are in a state of collapse, due to the freeze/thaw cycle gradually breaking concrete apart. Many are strewn with broken glass, rusty nails, and other hazards. Extreme care should be exercised, as the nearest medical facilities are 20km away, in Myaundzha, and will be unable to treat a serious injury.

Go next
Several old roads leave Kadykchan towards old mines, nearby towns, etc. All are abandoned and probably not passable to standard vehicles.

title: Kadykchan


text:
Khagrachhari

Khagrachari is a city in Chittagong Division.

Understand
Khagrachari (Bengali: খাগড়াছড়ি) is a district in south-eastern Bangladesh. Its local name is "Chengmi" and also known as Phalang Htaung or the Mong Circle. It is the district headquarters of Khagrachari hill district.

A drive of 112 km from Chittagong, by an all-weather metalled road through the green forest brings one to Khagrachari, abode of fascinating calm. For tourists seeking nature in restful mood, Khagrachari is an ideal spot. It has three rivers, namely: the Chengi, Kasalong and Maini.

Get in
There are two ways to get in Khagrachari, both by road:

Direct from Dhaka via Baroiarhat or from Chittagong.

A number of non-stop coach services are available from Dhaka (e.g., Shanti Paribahan, Soudia, S. Alam and Shamoli Paribahan). Gabtoli, Saidabad, Komolapur and Kolabagan are the bus stand name in Dhaka where you can get bus tickets. Bus fare was about Tk 480 (as of 2012).

From Chittagong you can get local and direct bus (non-stop) to Khagarachari or the other two hill districts (Rangamati and Bandarban). Oxygen-moor is the bus stand name in Chittagong. But there is no bus service will available after 6pm.

See

 * Alutila Hill/Matai Hakor Approximately 100 meters long a very dark Cave is the mysterious beauty of Alutila hill
 * Sapchari waterfall in Khagrachari The waterfall is near to the sapchari village and is emerged out Alutila Hill Range situated by the Chengi River.
 * Mong Rajbari in Manikchari.
 * Guimara
 * Old Tea Garden
 * Matai Pukhiri
 * Sacred Place
 * Goddess Pond
 * Sindukchhari Pond
 * Buddhist Monastery
 * Ramgarh Forests
 * Ramgarh Hills & Tilas
 * Lakshmichhari Waterfalls
 * Sharthok
 * Mayung Kopal/Hatimatha

Budget

 * Hotel Jiran - Double bed non-A/C - Tk. 350-500

Mid-range

 * Pajatan Motel (beautiful river view). Phone: 880-351-3126. Central Reservation, BPC Head Office, Dhaka. Phone: 880-2-8119192, 8117855-9/117, Fax: 880-2- 8119192, E-mail: bpcho@bangla.net. Double bed A/C - Tk.1,500
 * Hotel Shoilo Shuborna

title: Khagrachhari


text:
Khajuraho

Khajuraho is a small town in the Bundelkhand region (Chhatarpur District) of Madhya Pradesh and is famous for groups of Hindu and Jain temples. These temples are a UNESCO World Heritage Site for their beautiful and erotic rock carvings.

Khajuraho has the Vindhya range of mountains as its beautiful backdrop. This makes Khajuraho a particularly fascinating destination to visit.

Understand
Khajuraho's art is a manifestation of the essence of the philosophy of Indian aesthetics. The erotic sculptures of Khajuraho depicting Kama Sutra are unique in the world.

These sculptures representing the Indo-Aryan architecture, congeal in stone a lyrical paean to love and passion and reflect the Chandela dynasty's passion and immense appreciation for the forbidden art, paradoxically, in the land of Kama Sutra. They cannot be passed off as just erotic sculptures, the temples have some of the most revered gods of Hinduism.

History
The temples of Khajuraho were built between 950 and 1050 AD during the Chandela dynasty of Central India (These rulers claimed descent from the moon, hence the name Chand-ela). After the decline of the Chandela dynasty in 13th century, the temples were left under the cover of dense date palm trees for many years, which gave the city of Khajuraho its name, Khajur in Hindi means a date. In the ancient times it was known as Vatsa.

In 1838, a British army engineer, Captain T.S. Burt rediscovered them. By that time only 22 of the original 85 temples had survived.

Climate
Khajuraho's climate is quite extreme, with wide variation in day and night temperatures along with minimal rainfall. Summers are hot at 45°C and winters are extremely pleasant at 27°C. Rainfall of 14 cm is observed annually. As summer is too hot, winter is a good time to visit Khajuraho. During month of March, the annual Dance Festival takes place. So from September to March is the best time to visit Khajuraho.

Talk
Though Hindi is spoken widely here, communicating in English should not be problem for the tourists. Dutch, French, German and some other foreign languages are also spoken by tourist guides and at the restaurants/hotels.

By train
A train station was finally opened in Khajuraho in 2008, linking it to Jhansi (Uttar Pradesh) (175 km) on the Delhi-Chennai/Bangalore/Thiruvananthapuram mainline. You can not buy train tickets at the Khajuraho train station. You must go to the bus station, about 1 km walk out of town, to buy train tickets (much cheaper than buying tickets through your hotel). Train tickets can also be booked online at or  with credit cards/ Debit cards or Indian bank account at www.irctc.co.in. Without an IRCTC account, tickets can be booked on 12Go Asia website with credit card or PayPal.

There are direct trains from New Delhi Station (Hazarat Nizamuddin Railway Station), Agra and Varanasi. Train departs from Delhi everyday except Wednesday at 8:15PM and reaches 6:15AM next morning at Khajuraho Railway Station.

Uttar Pradesh Sampark Kranti / Khajuraho Nizamuddin Express (Train number 22447) runs from Delhi Hazarat Nizamuddin to Khajuraho 6 days a week except Wednesday. If you have to go back towards New Delhi from Khajuraho then try to book this train's tickets as its very convenient to go from Khajuraho by train than by bus. It departs from Khajuraho (train no 22447) at 6:20PM and reaches Delhi at 5:30AM in the morning. For coming to Khajuraho the train (train no 22447) departs from H. Nizamuddin at 8:15PM and reaches Khajuraho next day morning at 6:35AM.

The other options to reach Khajuraho are through Jhansi. It takes around six hours to reach Jhansi from Delhi by train, and another 3-4 hours (plus connecting time) to go to Khajuraho. Get the Dakshin Express from Delhi (10:50PM) and reach Jhansi by 5AM, connecting to the Jhansi-Khajuraho Link Passenger (Train No:51821) which now runs along with Jhansi-Allahabad Passenger (Train No:51821) starts from Jhansi at 7:10AM and reaches Khajuraho at 12:05PM. Another option is the Bhopal Shatabdi train from Delhi (6AM) to Jhansi. Train from Khajuraho to Jhansi departs from Khajuraho at 12:25PM and will reach Jansi by 5:30PM. Both the trains stop at Orcha.

An alternative station is Satna (Madhya Pradesh) (117km) on the Allahabad-Mumbai main line. Another option is Mahoba station  on the Varanasi- Jhansi Route.Alight at Mahoba and catch the 11AM Passenger (Train No:229A) to Khajuraho.

The Western Temples group is about 5 km away from the railway station, in fact the airport is much closer to the temples than the railway station. There is no bus service from the railway station to the town, and you will have to travel in a "Vikram"/ Diesel Auto, you can join a group of passengers for ₹10 or hire one for yourself which will cost between ₹100-150 one way.

By taxi/bus
Satna and Jhansi both are connected to Khajuraho by regular bus service. It takes around 3 hours to reach Khajuraho from Satna or Jhansi by taxi, and 5-6 hours by bus. There are daily bus services with Satna, Jhansi, Harpalpur, Chhatarpur, Mahoba, Sagar,Jabalpur, Bhopal, Indore, Gwalior, Panna, Agra, Allahabad and Varanasi.

From Jhansi railway station catch a rickshaw to Jhansi bus station which is 5 km away.

It is very difficult to get a bus to Khajuraho from Jhansi after 5PM. So try to reach Jhansi by afternoon if you want to catch a bus to Khajuraho from Jhansi.

Khajuraho to Bandhavgarh (225 km, 5 hr), Satna (117 km, 4 hr), Harpalpur (94 km), Jhansi (172 km) and Mahoba (61 km). Khajuraho is 600 km (11 hr journey) south-east of Delhi. There are bus services from Agra (12 hr), Gwalior (9 hr) and Jhansi.

Get around
Khajuraho is well connected to rail link via Jhansi, Gwalior, Agra and New Delhi.

A good way to get around and see the temples as well as the village life in Kharujaho is by bicycle, which you can easily rent in the bike shops near main temple complex. They charge ₹20 per day.

Cycle rickshaw costs around ₹15 per km and ₹200 for entire day. Taxis to and from airport cost ₹150; however auto-rickshaws cost ₹50 for the same distance.

Khajuraho is nicely connected by private and public buses. Private tour service operators can arrange Non Ac or deluxe Ac buses for passengers from the main bus stations within the city.

See
In every temple, there is the depiction of royalty, armies, wrestling, kinship, war, courtship, marriage, lovemaking, music and dancing, spiritual teachings, union, meditation, bliss, gods, goddesses, plants, animals and an abundance of all human forms.

Audio guides
The Archaeological Survey of India provides an official self-guided audio tour facility of international standards for visitors. The tour allows visitors to experience the Khajuraho Group of Monuments at their own pace, with authentic and factually accurate information. Visitors may avail of the audio guide facility from the official audio guide booth near the monument ticket counter. Prices for audio guide services are ₹100 (+ taxes) in English & Foreign Languages or ₹60 in Hindi & Indian Languages.

Western Group of Temples
There is an entry fee of ₹10 for Indians and ₹600 for foreigners to enter the Western Group of temples. You must buy ticket in advance online in order to get in (despite there is a ticket booth available on-site, but there is no cashier in it). All the temples are open from sunrise to sunset. These are the richest and largest of all temple groups.

Do
Yoga

Swimming

 * Some star hotels like Jas Raddison and Chandela offer use of their swimming pool for ₹300 onwards, which is a popular activity during summers.

Places worth visit

Buy

 * Iron, brass and stone sculptures depicting Kama Sutra poses are a specialty of Khajuraho and are available at the handicraft stores in the town.
 * Market - A weekly bazaar is held at Rajinagar (5km from Khajuraho) on Tuesdays. The market is a good place to pick up silver and brass ware.
 * Market - A weekly bazaar is held at Rajinagar (5km from Khajuraho) on Tuesdays. The market is a good place to pick up silver and brass ware.

Eat

 *  Agrawal Veg Restaurant. located beside Hotel Gem Palace on the Jain Temple road near the Western group of temples. It offers great quality vegetarian food, specially alu tamatar and boondi raita. Specially Jain cuisines are a delight there and the waiters are very friendly.
 * Blue Sky restaurant. A rooftop dining area offering views over the Western group of temples - excellent Indian cuisine.
 * lassi corner & universal paratha shop (same place) Jain Temples rd. in front to Bella Italia. The only place where you can get a sweet lassi for ₹15, aloo paratha for ₹15 (starting at) and milk coffee also for ₹15. Long menu, pancakes also available. Just a stand on the street.
 *  La Dolce Vita, Jain Temples Road, Town center. An Italian-theme restaurant, rooftop dining and good, hearty breakfasts.
 * The Green view Restaurant. A very colorful and nice restaurant, red and green colour. The cook is one of the best in town, he will prepare you the most tastefully meal as the waiter will serve it with a smile. Most welcome to have breakfast, lunch and/or dinner. In front of the western groups of temples.
 * Madhya Pradesh cuisine. The area offers a good opportunity to try some local MP delicacies. The region is famous for its desserts, which are mainly sweet though there is also a spicy variety called namkeen. Popular desserts are cashew burfi, jalebi, lavang lata, kusli, khurma, moong dal ka halwa (a pudding made from green lentils), sabudana ki khichadi and shikanji.
 * Madras Coffee House Off Main Square, located across from Western group of temples. A restaurant specializing in Southern Indian cuisine
 * Mediterranean Restaurant - a Greek delicacy café, Rooftop café serving western food and snacks.
 * Paradise Restaurant. A small, but cozy restaurant offering delicious, and inexpensive meals. It is also very clean establishment with helpful and friendly staff. Try the breakfast specialty of mango pancakes.
 *  Punjab Restaurant, across from the Western group of temples.
 *  Raja Cafe, opposite the Western temple group and next to the main square. Popular restaurant run by two Swiss sisters. Good Swiss food and breakfast for ₹70.
 * Siddhartha Hotel Restaurant, Located across from the Western group of temples.
 * La Terraza Off Main Square, the western group of temples
 * Siddhartha Hotel Restaurant, Located across from the Western group of temples.
 * La Terraza Off Main Square, the western group of temples

Budget

 * Hotel Bharat Lodge - owned by the popular Paradise Restaurant management.
 * Hotel Bharat Lodge - owned by the popular Paradise Restaurant management.
 * Hotel Bharat Lodge - owned by the popular Paradise Restaurant management.

Stay safe
Always listen to the travel alerts and frequent warnings, as some areas in Khajuraho are considered extremely unsafe for foreign travelers.

Beware of the fake school teachers, principals and students who are too much interested in your dollars as donation, which hardly goes to the school itself. If you really want to donate someone, just check there authenticity or else your charity will go in vain.

Put a sticky note with your passport having local telephone number of your close family member or travel consultant.

Emergency Numbers

 * Police: Tel: +91 (7686)-274 032 or 100 (from Any phone)
 * Ambulance: 102 (from Any phone)
 * Fire: 101 (from Any phone)

Connect
The dialing code for Khajuraho is 07686. When calling from overseas, dial +91 7686 XXXX XXXX. If you have a non-working phone number with only 5 digits then try using '2' as prefix.

Cellular Network Operators

 * Airtel LTE/3G/2G GSM 900, 1800 and 1900 MHz.(Tri-Band)
 * BSNL-CellOne 3G/2G GSM 900, 1800 and 1900 MHz.(Tri-Band)
 * Idea LTE/3G/2G GSM 900, 1800 and 1900 MHz.(Tri-Band)
 * Jio Mobile VoLTE 850,1800 and 2300 MHz. (Tri-Band)

Internet
Internet is available at most of the tourist locations, with around ₹25 per hour. The western group of temples has one of the highest density of internet cafes. Don't expect broadband speeds.

 *  Om Internet and travel agency  - On the way to Yogi Lodge. Market square, in front western group of temples. It offers decent broadband speed, helpful and English speaker owner.
 * Hotel Surya - also has Internet services as well as a Travel Agency where you can book your train/flight and other travel.

Post Office

 * India Post, Govt-run postal office is located near to the Bus Stand. Tel: +91 (7686)-274 022, Pincode/Post code - 471606.

Cope
Try not to give any money to children or beggars who swarm at all the major tourist spots as this will only encourage them to make their livelihood. They will try all the tricks of the trade to get money off you. Even a dollar or fifty cents given by the foreign tourists is big money here in MP.

Money Changers
Banks are better for changing foreign exchange. You won't get good rates at the airport or the hotels.

 * Canara Bank (also gives advances on Visa & MasterCard), Opp. the Western group of temples. (less crowded and close to SBI) Tel: +91 (7686) -274 071
 * Khajuraho Ashok. Tel: +91 (7686)-274 024
 * State Bank of India (open until 6PM on Friday and 4PM on Saturday), Opp. the Western group of temples.Tel: +91 (7686) - 272 373, 274 083

Things to carry
A torch light/flash light and a Map.

Go next

 * Ajaygarh Fort — Located 80 km away from Khajuraho, Ajaygarh Fort is at a height of 688 meters above sea level and once called as the capital of the Chandelas during their decline.
 * Bandhavgarh National Park — The pristine environment, spectacular natural beauty and mesmerizing hilly regions make this place an ideal destination to visit in Madhya Pradesh.
 * Benisagar Dam (10 km) — It is one of the ideal picnic spots in Madhya Pradesh which is surrounded by greenery and Khuddar river, passing through Khajuraho city.
 * Gangau Dam and Sanctuary (34 km) — It is one of the spectacular picnic spot located at the confluence of Simiri and Ken rivers. Gangau Dam is surrounded by Gangu Sanctuary and Panna National Park. During winter season you can see diverse range of bird species visiting this place.
 * Kalinjar Fort — It has got magnificent history and contains several temples and multiple structures within it. Similar to other forts, Kalinjar is built to defend the Kingdom.
 * Ken Nature Trail — Around 22 km away, close to Raneh falls there is Ken Nature trail. It is a jungle track, a natural beauty and also imparts a knowledge of the surroundings.
 * Majhgavan Diamond Mines (56 km) — It is only diamond producing mine in India which is under working state. Majhgavan Diamond Mines is administered by National Mineral Development Corporation (NMDC).
 * Nachna — Located 40 km from Panna, It was a famous city of the Nagvakataka and Gupta empire.
 * Orchha — It is one of the rare destinations in India which integrates aesthetic legacy of history and natural beauty at one place.
 * Pandav Falls — It is 35 km from Khajuraho and half a km from entry gate. Entry fee for vehicles is ₹200 but if you prefer to go on foot then only ₹15 will be charged.
 * Panna National Park — This small park is famous for its high density of tigers which is rare to see in other wildlife parks in India.
 * Raneh Falls (19 km)— Located more than 20 km from Khajuraho, Raneh falls is one of the rare natural waterfalls formed on Ken River.
 * Ranguan Dam (25 km) — Located around 20 km from Khajuraho, Ranguan dam offers boating facilities for visitors. The dam is key source of irrigation in Panna.

title: Khajuraho


text:
Khakassia

Khakassia (Russian: Хака́сия khuh-KAHS-ee-yuh) is a region in Western Siberia, which borders Altai Republic to the southwest, Kemerovo Oblast to the west, Krasnoyarsk Krai to the north and east and Tuva to the southeast.

Cities

 * — Khakassia's only real "city" and the regional capital
 * — the most important town in southern Khakassia, near the Tuvan border
 * — Second largest population center and location of former gulag
 * — an extraordinarily polluted aluminum smelting town
 * — a village near the salty with historical health spa resort

Other destinations

 * — stone markers atop ancient burial mounds abound in this steppe reserve
 * the village of Chebaki with nearby fortress Sve-Takh
 * — chest-shaped sandstone formations or buttes
 * - mountain range with paleogene volcano mountain with variety paleontological fossils of trilobites and nearby Koshkulak cave
 * - proglacial mountain river
 * - river

Understand
Khakassia is named for the Khakass people who are Turkic and comprise only about 10% of the population. Khakassia is often called Siberia's Archaeological Mecca for its enormous profusion of important archaeological sites. Khakassia is full of monuments to the cultural history bestowed upon the region by the people who have inhabited and traversed its steppes for 30,000 years. Travelers may take interest in the many kurgans (burial mounds), sacred sites, rock drawings, stone obelisks, ruined cities, ruins of forts (as old as 3,000 years), and near ubiquitous menhirs.

Talk
Everyone understands Russian; while the Khakass minority speaks Khakas, a Turkic language, they are nearly all bilingual.

Get in
You can get to Abakan by rail from the junction at Taishet (Irkutsk Oblast), which is located on the Trans-Siberian Railway.

Abakan's small airport is serviced by domestic flights to/from Moscow, Yekaterinburg, Norilsk, Novosibirsk, Vladivostok, and Kyzyl.

Do

 * Check out the Khakass national holiday "Tum-Payram" (7 days / 6 nights) in late June/early July.

Eat
Talğan

Go next

 * Altai Krai
 * Altai Republic
 * Kemerovo Oblast
 * Novosibirsk Oblast
 * Omsk Oblast
 * Tomsk Oblast

title: Khakassia


text:
Jomotsangkha Wildlife Sanctuary

Jomotsangkha Wildlife Sanctuary (formerly Khaling Wildlife Sanctuary) is in Samdrup Jongkhar district in South-eastern Bhutan.

Understand
This sanctuary covers an area of 335 km². Its forests range from evergreen subtropical to broadleaf evergreen forests. It reaches altitude of up to 1500 metres.

Climate
From March to May and late-August to November, the weather is best for wildlife viewing.

Landscape
Its forests range from evergreen subtropical to broadleaf evergreen forest.

Flora and fauna
Its birdlife includes the Chestnut-breasted partridge and Rufous-necked hornbill.

Among other wild animals, it is home to elephants, guar, hispid hares and pygmy hogs.

title: Jomotsangkha Wildlife Sanctuary


text:
Khamlia

Khamlia is a little village in desert by the biggest dunes Erg Chebi in Morocco.

Understand
Khamlia is located 7km after Merzouga on the way to Taouz where asphalt road ends. All together there are 32 houses with about 150 persons. The majority of the people is black. The life is still calm and peaceful. In Khamlia are three small shop, a coffee house and a school. Here is also electricity and water.

Get in
To go to Khamlia is not easy if you don't have a car. But you can take a taxi or some other driver from Merzouga.

See
You can not see here some museum or so but you can see the highest sand dunes in Morocco. You can see how people is living here.

Do
You can take a promenade through the village, visit Berber family who will be happy for you. You are welcome also to visit the school, talk with children, play football with them. To go to the sand dunes is relaxing and exciting too. In opposite site is open area here and you can see even so far as to mountain. Of course, you will find here the famous music group Gnawa. Their music is ritual music and communicates with mystery. They will play for you anytime you wish. Take a tea and listen. If you have 4x4 you can go to M´Fis, it is mineral mines and it is very interesting to see, how the worker works there.

Buy
You can buy carpets, souvenirs etc.

Eat
Moroccan food can get served both at Dar el Khamlia and Nora caffee.

Drink
only coca cola, coffee, mint tea, Berber "whiskey" green tea, but no alcohol at all.

Sleep
You can sleep on the Dar el Khamlia, little guest house directly in the village, near the little tower you pass just before Khamlia. Or at Gnawa they have Berber tents.

Go next
To leave Khamlia is even more difficult than to reach it because the people will not let you go back. They are happy about you.

From Khamlia you can continue to Taouz, Zagora and M´Fis - mineral mine. Both to Zagora and M´Fis you can go only by 4x4. To Taouz there is an asphalt road.

title: Khamlia


text:
Khammam

Khammam (and the surrounding Khammam District) is in the Telangana state of Southern India. It gets its name from "stambhadri" which became "kambham" and the British Raj used to call the place "Khammam Mettu". The municipal corporation offers the small town experience with easy accessibility to modern amenities and entertainment.

Get in
Khammam is 200 km from Hyderabad by road and a slightly longer rail journey at 250 km. Hyderabad to Suryapet is 135 km and then Suryapet to Khammam another 65 km.

By car
Suryapet on National Highway 9 serves as a major connecting point to Khammam - especially for travellers arriving from Hyderabad. People arriving from Vijayawada can come to Khammam via Kodad on National Highway 9. The other connections are Warangal and Bhadrachalam via Kothagudem, Palawancha.

By train
Khammam station (code: KMT) lies on the main north-south national train line which implies a well connected route and plenty of trains. Vijayawada is the closest major railway station which has the best rail connections to all major cities in the country. There are trains every hour to Vijayawada and Warangal every hour in peak times.

By bus
Hyderabad, Bhadrachalam, Kothagudem, Palawancha, Wyra and Suryapet are very well connected by buses to Khammam. You can get a bus every 15 minutes or so from these destinations to Khammam. There are also buses to Warangal and Vijayawada which are quite rarely used because of the rail connection.

Routes
Hyderabad -> Sec'Bad, SecBad -> Kazipet -> Warangal -> Khammam.

Khammam -> Madhira -> Vijayawada.

By auto rickshaw
Auto rickshaws are the primary transport vehicles available for public to get around Khammam. In the main routes you could share an auto with other passengers for ₹10 or less. If you want to go to the internal areas you have to bargain for a price.Any place in Khammam boundaries shouldn't exceed the prices of ₹40 for an individual and ₹60 for a group.

By bus
The newly introduced city buses roam on the main roads and connect to some suburban villages outside Khammam. The buses are quite cheap but there are very less buses and the schedule is quite erratic.

By taxi
Taxis are quite rare and are used only if you have plans to visit other places in Khammam District. There are some travel agencies near the main bus stand which allow you to hire a car.

Do

 * Khammam has good quality cinemas all over the town. Tirumala Theatre, Srinivasa Theatre, Vinoda Theatre, Nartaki to name a few. Mostly Telugu and Hindi movies will be shown.

Buy

Eat

 * Haveli restaurant on Wyra Road is quite famous and almost occupies a dominant position among eateries in Khammam. Try Tawa Fish, Chilli Prawns and Tawa Chicken in the Non-Veg Menu. Also try Menthi Chaman with Naans in the Veg Menu. Boneless Chicken Biryani and Fish Biryani is also good.
 * Ishta is another restaurant which is good.
 * Kaveri which is near Petrol Bunk Bus stand is quite old and had a reputation for maintaining standards in food.
 * Mirchi Bajji and Jelabi is very famous at Pavilion ground and near Railway station.
 * Cutlet and PaniPuri is very famous at SBI Bank Wyra Raod and PIM Catholic.
 * Roadside tiffin vendors are available all over the town. These tiffins are really cheap and delicious. A must try.

Go next
Visit Bhadrachalam temple which is quite famous, or you can check out Kinnerasani Dam and Wildlife sanctuary. You can also go for a trip to Papi Hills.

title: Khammam


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Khanom

Khanom (ขนอม) is a small town in Nakhon Si Thammarat Province, along the Central Gulf Coast.

Understand
Khanom is a small, quiet fishing town with lovely beaches, a little bit off of the beaten path, but still fairly easy to get to. It is a great stopping point when travelling through southern Thailand. Nai Plao Beach is where you will find most hotels and restaurants located.

Get in
By mini-bus: You can get to Khanom from the nearest cities of Surat Thani (an hour north of Khanom) or Nakhon Si Thammarat (an hour south of Khanom) for about 80 baht. Minibuses generally depart from the "old" bus terminal in the center of Surat Thani.

By bus: Overnight buses to Khanom depart from Sai Tai Taling Chan bus terminal in Bangkok, and they pass Surat Thani new bus terminal on the way. There are only a few buses a day, and they can get fully booked hours before departure - buy tickets in advance.

Get around
The best way to get around is by motorbike. The town and beaches have very little traffic so it is safe to ride a motorbike around to get to the local attractions and to check out the different beaches.

See
The beaches are nice and practically deserted. There are two caves in the area, a few waterfalls, a nice paved road up Dat Fa Mountain.

Beaches

You can take a boat ride from

In Thong Nian (25 km from Khanom Bay) to see the famous pink dolphins and some interesting islands. The tour costs 1,000 baht and takes about two hours. The best time to watch the dolphins is in the morning although it's not guaranteed you will see one.

Waterfalls

Caves

Do
Relax, see some of the natural, unspoiled attractions in the area. Hike or mountain bike through the jungle to the waterfalls and caves or kayak and swim off of any beach.

Go to the Wednesday morning market in town and see the variety of fruits, veggies and fish and other local merchandise.

Buy
Dried stingray (ปลาวง) is a local specialty.

Thai

European

Bars

Coffee

Go next
Mini-buses leave Khanom every hour from about 06:00-16:00 to Surat Thani and Nakhon Si Thammarat. There is also big bus and a VIP bus that goes to Bangkok every day at 17:30. It arrives in Bangkok about 12 hours later.

Khanom is between Surat Thani and Nakhon Si Thammarat and about 20 min away from Donsak Ferry pier, which has ferries to Ko Samui and Ko Pha Ngan.

 * Surat Thani
 * Ko Samui — backpacker paradise gone up-market
 * Ko Pha Ngan — home of the infamous Full Moon Party
 * Ko Tao — popular diving spot and a good place to get certified
 * Ang Thong National Marine Park

title: Khanom


text:
Khantia-Mansia

Khantia-Mansia (Russian: Ха́нты-Манси́йский автоно́мный о́круг KHAHN-tyh muhn-SEE-skee uhv-tah-NOHM-nee OH-krook), officially known as Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug, and historically known as Yugra, is an autonomous okrug in Russia's Urals Region. The region borders Yamalia to the north, the Krasnoyarsk region to the east, Tomsk Oblast to the southeast, Tyumen Oblast and Sverdlovsk Oblast to the south, and Komi Republic to the west.

Cities

 * — a small town, a prominent exile destination for many famous Russians, including Prince Menshikov, Prince Ivan Dolgoruky, as well as many of the Decembrists; retains a cathedral
 * — administrative center of the region, which looks like the "Mars face" from satellite imagery!
 * — one of the richest cities in Russia; locals make ice parks in the winter complete with sculptures and ice slides
 * — founded in 1594, Surgut is a major oil and gas production center and the largest city in the region

Understand
Believed to be the origin of the Magyars, ancestors of present day Hungarians, Khantia-Mansia is home to tiny but ancient cultures of the Khanti and Mansi peoples. The Khanty and Mansi languages are the closest extant relatives of modern Hungarian.

Khantia-Mansia is of exceptional importance to Russia, as it produces the majority of the country's oil.

Talk
Both Khanty and Mansi share official status with Russian, but are not very widely spoken. Everyone will understand Russian.

Get in
Nizhnevartovsk Airport

See

 * Torum Maa (Торум Маа) - ethnographic open-air camp in the heart of the capital.
 * Torum Maa (Торум Маа) - ethnographic open-air camp in the heart of the capital.

Traditional holidays

 * 7 April - Craven day. Craven is the symbol of the sun. Usually celebrated in Torum Maa.
 * Spring, (after the ice breaks),(Berezovo region) - Water King Vitkhon Holiday.
 * July, (Nizhnevartovsk region) - Oblas Holiday. Oblas is a canoe-type boat.
 * 23 February, (Nizhnevartovsk and Berezovo regions) - Day of Reindeer breeder.
 * March - Bear Day.

title: Khantia-Mansia


text:
Khanty-Mansiysk

Khanty-Mansiysk is the center of Khantia-Mansia in the Urals region of Russia.

Understand
This town of about 80,000 is a demo version of what can be done with a wooden slummy settlement in taiga with the help of oil revenues.

Do
Ski tours are popular. Biathlon is a popular sport, too, as is chess.

Sleep

 * Alyaska, Krasnoarmeyskaya Ulitsa, д.16. +7 346 733-00-13. Cozy guesthouse with breakfast.

Consulates

 * 🇨🇿 Czech Republic
 * 🇸🇰 Slovakia

title: Khanty-Mansiysk


text:
Khao Lak

Khao Lak (Thai: เขาหลัก) is a 20 km long strip of coastal resorts in Phang Nga Province on the Andaman Sea beaches of Southern Thailand, about 100 km north of Phuket Town. Unlike Phuket, the many resorts in the Khao Lak area cater mainly to families and those looking for peace, quiet, and nature.

Understand
Khao Lak is a ~20 km stretch of lovely beaches along the Andaman Sea coastline set against a backdrop of jungle-covered mountains. The region is dotted with numerous resorts and tourist facilities.

The name "Khao Lak" translates as "Lak Mountain". The mountain is the centerpiece of Khao Lak Lam Ru National Park.The headland formed as the mountain plunges into the sea near the southern end of the Khao Lak roughly marks the southern boundary of the Khao Lak region.

The attractions of Khao Lak are impressive and many, but they are not flashy. The expanses of lovely  uncrowded parks, mountains, roads, and beaches, relatively unspoiled nature, easy access to great off-shore diving, accommodations ranging from luxury to basic, and an infrastructure that supports tourism, but not at the expense of local customs or the Thai way of life, appeal to an increasing number of visitors.

Compared with a place like Patong, Khao Lak can seem boring, especially during low season (Apr-Nov). If jet skis (forbidden in Khao Lak) or exotic nightlife and its associated attractions are the reason you've come to Thailand, Khao Lak is probably not the place for you. On the other hand, it’s an excellent vacation spot for people seeking to get off the treadmill, for family getaways, and for nature-lovers.

History
When the disastrous tsunami of 2004 struck South Asia, the Khao Lak region was the hardest-hit area in Thailand with over 4,000 fatalities. It has since made an impressive recovery and is once again a popular tourist destination.

Watch
Released in early-2013, The Impossible, a Spanish production (Spanish title: Lo Imposible), recounts the events of the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami. Filmed on location in Khao Lak at the Orchid Beach Resort, it is the story of a family caught up in the events of 26 Dec 2004 and its aftermath. Starring Naomi Watts and Ewan MacGregor, the film incorporates stunning special effects recreating the tragic events of that day and the weeks following. Many Khao Lak residents participated in the filming as consultants or as extras.

Orientation, addresses, and navigation
The entire Khao Lak region straddles Phetkasem Road (ถนนเพชรเกษม, also Petchkasem Rd or Thailand Route 4 (ทางหลวงแผ่นดินหมายเลข4), one of the four major highways in Thailand. At 1,274 km, it is the longest highway in Thailand, stretching from Bangkok to the Malaysian border.

The centre of the Khao Lak area is 37 km north of the Sarasin Bridge, gateway to Ko Phuket, 76 km north of Phuket International Airport, and 106 km north of Phuket City.

Driving north from Phuket, at km803 you will see a sign for Ban Khao Lak, a small village of little interest. Then, after climbing over Lak Mountain on a curvy road, you will descend into Bang La On, de facto heart of the Khao Lak region.

Khao Lak is laid out like a long strip mall. Early settlement patterns resulted in three population centres spaced out along the beaches. Since the 2004 tsunami, development in low-lying areas has tended to gravitate away from the beach, nearer to the highway.

The region hosts many resorts, scattered chiefly among three main urban areas, all containing businesses identifying themselves as "Khao Lak". This can be confusing to visitors and it is useful to distinguish between the settlements. From south to north the population centres are:

 * Bang La On
 * Bang Niang
 * Khuk Khak

Bang La On
Bang La On is the most tourist-oriented of the three main Khao Lak towns.

Stretching from km795 to km797, Bang La On is mistakenly called Khao Lak by most visitors. It has many shops, bars, restaurants and banks. Any given group of store fronts seems to consist of a souvenir shop, a tailor shop, a dive shop, a massage parlour, an eyewear shop, and a restaurant. Strolling along the short main town centre in the evening can be quite pleasant as there are pavements.

If you are travelling by bus and tell the conductor you are going to “Khao Lak”, Bang La On is where you will be let off the bus, near the Nang Thong Supermarket. This may be far from your intended destination, so try to be more specific if you are not staying near there.

Just south of the supermarket, Nang Thong Road leads to the town’s beach, Nang Thong.

Webcam: Just north of the Nang Thong Supermarket are the offices of Khao Lak Land Discovery, a local tour organiser. Their webcam is mounted on the roof of their building. It shows you a segment of Rte 4, roughly in the centre of Bang La On. Camera's angle of view is to the southeast.

Bang Niang
A couple of kilometres north of Bang La On is Bang Niang. Bang Niang is more “Thai” and less “tourist” than Bang La On. The 7-Eleven at km793.3 roughly marks the town centre.

Bang Niang is not much to look at, but is home to the intermittent outdoor market  ("talat nat"   ตลาดนัด) that takes place in the centre of the town just south of the 7-Eleven on M-W-Sa, from roughly 13:00 until dark. You will find the market area dusty on dry days and muddy on wet days, so dress down for a visit.

Bang Niang is, increasingly, a centre of Khao Lak's nightlife as it is home to a significant number of the area's most popular bars, discos, and cabarets.

Bang Niang Beach can be accessed by turning towards the sea at the 7-Eleven shop in town centre.

Khuk Khak
Heading north again from Bang Niang, a couple of kilometres will bring you to Khuk Khak. It is even more Thai and less farang than Bang Niang and is the regional centre for things like hardware, paint, kitchen equipment, etc., i.e., all the infrastructural ingredients that keep the resorts running.

It has the daily “fresh market” ("talat sot" ตลาดสด) and the area’s only real, albeit tiny, bus station.

Khuk Khak Beach can be reached by turning at the signpost just south of km790 or, better, turning at the JW Marriott Hotel sign (km789.1) and following the signs to the hotel, then proceeding past it to the beach.

North of Khuk Khak are Pakarang Beach and Pakarang Cape (km787), Pakweep Beach (km784), and Bang Sak Beach (km780). The latter beach is just ~18 km south of Takua Pa. Pakarang Beach is a beautiful and quiet beach overlooking Cape Pakarang and Andaman Sea beyond. During the high season (November to February), as well as parts of the low season, meals can be bought from nearby food outlets and consumed in the series of huts that have been constructed close to the shore. The setting provides a perfect meditative antidote all year round to the bustle of the Khao Lak area in general.

Navigating Khao Lak can be confusing to visitors because many businesses use their mailing addresses in ads and a mailing address can be very misleading. Almost the entire Khao Lak region (except Ban Khao Lak itself) is located in the Khuk Khak Sub-district of the Takua Pa District of Phang Nga Province. Mailing addresses in the area include both the district and sub-district. Thus a typical address will read: “Moo 3/15, Khuk Khak, Takua Pa, Phang Nga”. This would lead visitors to think that the business is in Khuk Khak. In reality, the business could be located in Bang La On or Bang Niang or Khuk Khak or anywhere else in the Khuk Khak Sub-district. The mailing address is of absolutely no help in finding the business. Be careful when reading tourist brochures as many businesses do not go to the trouble of telling you their physical location.

Climate
The climate of the Khao Lak region is under the influence of two monsoon winds of a seasonal nature: a southwest monsoon and a northeast monsoon. The southwest monsoon starts in April when a stream of warm moist air from the Indian Ocean moves inland resulting in significant rain. It peaks in October, Khao Lak’s wettest month. Subsequent months, under the influence of prevailing northeast winds, are much drier.

In simple terms, Khao Lak effectively has two seasons:

 * A rainy or southwest monsoon season (April to October). The southwest monsoon prevails over the region and abundant rain occurs.  This is the year’s wettest period.
 * A dry or northeast monsoon season (November to March). Dry air moves into the region from China. This is the driest period of the year, with March being the hottest month.

From a tourist’s perspective, the dry season is the ideal time to visit Khao Lak, although rainfall numbers can be misleading. Rainfall in Khao Lak tends to occur in late afternoon/early evening, and is often of short duration. Rainy day statistics count any rainfall during a 24-hour period as a rainy day. Further confusing the issue, rainfall in Khao Lak is often highly localized, i.e., brief showers occurring at one location in the area, while everywhere else remains dry.

By plane
The easiest way to get to Khao Lak is to fly into either Phuket (the closest alternative) or Krabi and go to Khao Lak from there. Both airports serve international as well as domestic destinations.

A taxi from Phuket airport to Khao Lak costs 1,100-1,600 baht. The later you arrive, the more expensive the ride. Woe betide you if you have a 03:00 arrival time. If you think this is too much and prefer to take a bus (only possible during daytime), you will have to get to the main road, Highway 4, about 5 km from the airport. (This may not be easy, as the airport taxi "mafia" discourages motorbike taxi trips to the main highway or short hops to cheaper means of travel). If you manage to get to the highway, take a bus headed towards Takua Pa, Ranong or Surat Thani; they all stop on request in Khao Lak or wherever along the road you indicate. It's about 80 km from Phuket airport to Khao Lak. Bus fares vary from 80-100 baht; some are air-conditioned, others not.

By train
The nearest train station is at Surat Thani on the east coast, making this a less convenient option than just hopping on bus. But the romance of trains is irresistible to many, so if you want to take the train leaving Khao Lak, jump on a bus to Surat Thani for the 4 hr ride. The bus's first stop in Surat will be at the train station, some 13 km before reaching town centre.

Getting to Khao Lak from Bangkok is the reverse. Take a train to Surat Thani, then a bus to Khao Lak. Incidentally, if you are on a very tight budget, the train is by far the cheapest way to get to Khao Lak. A 3rd-class ticket from Bangkok to Surat is ~483 baht, a bus from Surat to Khao Lak, ~150 baht. Keep in mind that 3rd-class train travel is not comfortable. You will have a straight-backed, lightly padded bench-type seat, facing your neighbour, both of you competing for available foot room, while adjacent to another neighbour, jostling for elbow room. No air-conditioning, fans and open windows only. Don't worry about food as you will be besieged by food and drink hawkers at every station stop. Be prepared for a ~12-hour journey!

For more info, you can try to tease it out of the sometimes infuriating state railway website.

By bus
No buses have Khao Lak as their starting or ending point, but the region is well-served by buses originating in Bangkok, Chumphon, Phuket, Ranong, Surat Thani, and Takua Pa. All travel through Khao Lak on Rt 4. Most will stop at your command; express buses will not. Do not be dismayed if you try to flag down a bus and it does not stop. It is an express bus. Just wait for a local. It will be smaller, not a double-decker, and less posh.

BKS buses stop at the BKS Bus Terminal in Khuk Khak only. BKS (บขส, say the Thai initials as Baw Kaw Saw) is the government bus company. Its small terminal is located near the fresh market in central Khuk Khak a couple of blocks behind the 7-Eleven shop there.

Buses depart Bangkok to Phuket via Khao Lak from the southern bus terminal Sai Tai Mai. The 10 hour trip runs overnight and costs less than 500 baht. Bus tickets provided by Bangkok travel agents may route your trip via Surat Thani where you have to change to a different bus.

From Khao Sok village near the Park entrance you can flag down a bus at the highway (on the side heading uphill). There is a big bus stop sign. The ride takes about 1.5 hours with a short lunch stop at a market/bus terminal in Takua Pa a bit before Khao Lak. There is a bus at least every 2 hours from 9am to 4pm. You can buy the bus ticket either at the bus stop or in the bus, which is cheaper than in the village.

Buses departing from Chumphon to Phuket take around 5 hours to arrive in Khao Lak and will stop opposite the Nang Thong Supermarket unless you tell the bus conductor otherwise. Cost from Chumphon is 270 baht.

"Local" buses, e.g., the ones travelling from Takua Pa to Phuket, pass through Khao Lak roughly every hour or so until about 18:00. You can flag them down anywhere along Rte 4 and they will stop for you. There is a small bus stop in central Bang La On, roughly opposite the Nang Thong Supermarket, in front of Kinnaree Bakery. This side of the road is for southbound (direction Phuket) buses. Across the street from this in front of Khao Lak Tourism and Tour is what passes for a bus stop for northbound (direction Takua Pa, Surat Thani, Bangkok) buses.

To travel to Khao Lak from the bus station in Phuket, take a bus towards Takua Pa, Ranong or Surat Thani. Tickets cost 90 baht and the journey takes around 2 hours. Departures at 06:30, 09:00, 11:40, 13:00, 15:40, 16:20, 17:00, 17:50. This service travels onward to Takua Pa with the full trip costing 90 baht. Update December 2022, from Phuket Bus Terminal 1 there are 4 bus a day to Takua Pa stopping in Khao Lak. Timetable as follows: 8.40 - 11.40 - 14.00 - 17.20. The trip takes 2 hrs and costs 130 baht. Bus Company info at 061 5399099, this is the phone number of the office in Phuket Bus Terminal Office. Only Thai spoken.

From Takua Pa to Khao Lak, possibly departing on the hour, this service travels onward to Phuket with the trip from Takua Pa to Phuket costing 90 baht.

From Krabi Town there's a daily minibus to Khao Lak. All travel agents in Krabi sell tickets.

From Hua Hin: There is a VIP bus departing the Hua Hin bus station south of town centre at 22:30 arrives 07:30, 1,011 baht (Oct 2013).

Get around
Given that the Khao Lak region is about 20 km in length, knowing how to get around is important.

Local transport is not a strength of the Khao Lak region. For starters, it is a nightmare for pedestrians as it is sprawling, and the infrastructure for walkers is mostly non-existent. Second, Rte 4 is the area's major north-south highway. For the most part traffic roars through populated areas at excessive speed, making the roadway highly dangerous. Police make no attempt to control speed limits. Third, there is no clearly marked and regular shuttle bus that moves up and down the length of Khao Lak. This forces visitors to fend for themselves, hiring motorbikes (which many visitors have no experience driving), trekking between towns, or hiring taxis (which is probably why there is no regular shuttle bus service).

The main methods of travel within the Khao Lak region are:

 * Walking
 * Bicycling
 * Motorbike
 * Songthaew
 * Taxi

Walking is practical and pleasant at the south end of Bang La On, but pretty unpleasant for any distance in Bang Niang and Khuk Khak, and downright dangerous between towns. Few sidewalks exist, and when they do they are broken and uneven. Where even crude sidewalks are absent, one is forced to walk at the side of the road, precisely where motorbikes prefer to drive. This can be hazardous, especially at night. If you do find yourself having to walk the highway at night, walk facing on-coming traffic and use a torch or your phone light to warn approaching motorbikes.

Most guesthouses and hotel rent bicycles, or can arrange for you to rent one or more. Bicycles are expensive compared with motorbikes. Daily short-term rentals run 100 baht per day. Bicycles are not a practical alternative at night as none are equipped with lights.

Motorbikes can be rented from almost any hotel, guest house or bar in the area, no qualifications required. Prices are dependent on the duration of the rental and the type of motorbike. You can expect to pay ~250 baht a day for a short term rental of a Honda Click (110-125cc, automatic scooter) and as little as 100 baht per day for a long-term rental of a month or more.

Chances are that the person renting you the bike will want to take possession of your passport for the duration of the rental. This may be non-negotiable, but try to forestall it by offering a photocopy of your passport in lieu of the actual document.

Motorbike rentals do not come with insurance of any kind. If the bike is damaged while in your custody, you will be on the hook for repairs. If you are in an accident that involves a Thai, it is almost certain that you will be named as the one at fault, regardless of the actual circumstances. In that case, you will be liable for damages and medical charges incurred by everyone involved.

When renting a bike it is sensible: a) take photos of the bike when taking possession. This can help in preventing later disputes over damage, and b) ensure that you get a good helmet (or two) when taking possession. Police in the area conduct frequent roadblocks. If you are not wearing a helmet, you will be fined 300-500 baht.

There is only one petrol station within the boundaries of Khao Lak proper. It is located just north of Khuk Khak centre at km 790.5. Hours of operation are 07:00-20:00. Cost of fuel: ~35 baht per litre. If you find you are running short of fuel, or if it is after-hours, you can buy 1-litre bottles of fuel from roadside stands for 40 baht each. Just look for a collection of re-purposed whisky bottles containing yellowish fluid. It is advisable to purchase this fuel sparingly as it is impossible to gauge its purity or age.

Many locals use songthaews to get around. They are 4-wheeled pick-up trucks of varying colours featuring two rows of seats in the bed at the rear, covered by a sheet metal roof with plastic side curtains. Only rarely do they display the limits of their travels, e.g., Bang La On to Takua Pa and, if they do, it is in Thai only. During daylight hours, songthaews pass up and down Rt. 4 every fifteen minutes or so. Flag one down if it is going in same direction you are and state your destination. The driver will tell you if he does not go there. A short hop from, say, Bang La On to Bang Niang, will cost 20 baht per person. A trip from one end of Khao Lak to the other end will cost about 50 baht. When you want to get off, press the buzzer (if there is one), or bang on the roof. Pay on departing.

After dark, songthaews will only take you for inflated prices. Eg. Bang La On to Bang Niang for 150 Baht (a 5 minute journey).

One caution: the taxi industry, some would say “cartel”, in Khao Lak is quite organised and clever. They would prefer that you took taxis everywhere rather than use the more communal form of transport. In other words, they go to considerable lengths to force you to hire a vehicle outright rather than board a songthaew. Thus, you may find that songthaews are not inclined to stop to pick you up.

There are no Khao Lak-based metered taxis. If you do see one, it has most likely just come from the airport in Phuket. Instead, off-hours songthaews serve as taxis in Khao Lak. You will find collections of them near town centres waiting for fares. They are more expensive than songthaews: a 50 baht trip in a songthaew might cost you 300 baht in a taxi.

If you hire a songthaew taxi outright rather than waiting for one by the side of the road, agree on a price beforehand. Be sure you are quoted either the total price for all persons, or a price per person. To go to the market in Khuk Khak approximately 2 km from Bang Niang will cost 100-200 baht or more.

Many of the resort hotels will offer complimentary transportation at set times during the day. Check with the front desk. Also, some restaurants and other businesses will offer free pickup within a reasonable distance in exchange for your patronage.

To the north

 * Rainbow Waterfall.jpgRainbow Waterfall. Approximately 10 minutes north of Bang Niang by motor-scooter, turn right at road sign, then right again at signpost. Waterfall is particularly vibrant during the rainy season, but swimming in the water-hole is available all year round. Can climb to the top of the waterfall by etching out a path to the right of the fall. Drinks and light food are available at the bottom of the waterfall.

Diving
With the Similan Islands and Surin Islands, home to some of the best diving in Asia, just offshore, this is one of the main attractions in the area. There are also several local dive sites to choose from and many competent local companies to guide you.

Snorkelling
Khao Lak is the most convenient point from which to go snorkelling in the Surin and Similan Islands, which offer some of Thailand's best coral and fish diversity and numbers. It takes usually 1-2 hours by speedboat to get to the islands. Several companies offer 1/2/3 day tours.

Volunteer

 * Foundation for Education and Development (GHRE).jpg

A few generalisations

 * Most of the really large, high-end resorts are to be found at the north end of the area. Examples include the Marriott, Sarojin, and Le Meridien. Having said that, excellent resort hotels--albeit on a smaller scale--can be found all along the coastline
 * Generally, room prices are highest in Bang La On, cheaper in Bang Niang, and cheapest in Khuk Khak.
 * Staying south of the headland is probably not a good bet for most visitors. The area is far from the many restaurants and bars to be found in Bang La On and north. While it is relatively inexpensive there, transport costs are likely to eat into any savings.

Stay safe
The tsunami on 26 Dec 2004 devastated Khao Lak. It was the hardest hit area in Thailand, with nearly 10,000 recorded deaths--some 2,000 of them tourists. Since that time the government has installed sophisticated warning systems which were lacking in 2004. In Apr 2012 the system was tested by an Indonesian earthquake and performed flawlessly. Sirens alerted the populace, who were able to move to higher ground with more than 2 hours notice of the impending landfall. Should you hear sirens blaring during your stay, immediately head inland to higher ground. In low-lying areas such as Bang Niang and south Bang La On, the tsunami reached Rte 4 and beyond to a depth of over 5 metres. As an additional precaution, go to the U.N. sponsored Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System (GDACS) and sign up for SMS or email alerts.

Connect

 * Thai SIM cards may be purchased at any 7-Eleven shop for 50 baht. They are given away free at the Phuket International Airport (if you arrive at a decent hour). One popular card with good coverage in Khao Lak and Thailand in general is 1-2-Call from AIS, Inc.
 * Mobile phones in Thailand have 10 digits, including the leading zero. Land-line telephones have 11 digits, including the leading zero. When calling within Thailand, strip off the country code and add a zero before the number. "+66 76 485762" thus becomes "076 485762".
 * Western language books and magazines are sold in the Nang Thong Supermarket and in the area's only bookstore, The Book Tree (Hours: 10:00-20:00).
 * International newspapers are distributed in Khao Lak via the NewspaperDirect Network and can be ordered or bought in some local shops and hotels.
 * There is a post office at the north end of Bang Niang (inland side of road). Hours: M-F 8:30-16:30, Sa 9:00-12:00. Closed Su. There is another in Lam Kaen, a village about 3 km south of the Khao Lak headland, ~km803.6. Hours are 08:30-16:30 M-F, closed Sa-Su.
 * Internet cafe: Coffee & Internet, a shop located on the inland side of Rt 4 in Bang Niang, a few hundred metres north of the Bang Niang 7-Eleven. Open 09:00-21:00. Serves good coffee. Has 10+ desktops loaded with Skype, etc., and a printer available for use on a charge per page basis. 40 baht per hour.
 * The government of Thailand actively censors Internet access. 2010 estimates place the number of blocked websites at 110,000 and growing. Roughly 77% are blocked for reasons of lèse majesté, content (content that defames, insults, threatens, or is unflattering to the king, including national security and some political issues), 22% for pornography, which is illegal in Thailand. Some web pages from BBC One, BBC Two, CNN, Yahoo! News, the Post-Intelligencer newspaper (Seattle, USA), and The Age newspaper (Melbourne, Australia) dealing with Thai political content are blocked, as is Wikileaks.

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 * Chumphon: A bus (direction: north) comes past the Nang Thong Supermarket in Bang La On at 09:40 and goes to the in-town bus terminal in Chumphon without stopping at the suburban terminal. It arrives there at 16:15. Cost is 260 baht.
 * Krabi: It's a bit of a hassle getting to Krabi from Khao Lak. There is rumoured to be a daily minibus. Details are hard to come by. All transport companies in Khao Lak will be glad to drive you there for about 3,000 baht. Cheaper would be to take any bus north to Takua Pa (they all stop at the bus station there), about 50 baht, then transfer to a Krabi-bound bus. Alternatively, take a bus south in direction of Phuket, get off at Khok Kloy and take a bus to Krabi there; that's a bit shorter.
 * Pattaya: There is a daily bus that leaves Phuket, travels through Bangkok in the wee hours of the morning, and deposits you in Pattaya in the morning. And vice-versa. This eliminates the hassle of making bus changes, even bus station changes, in Bangkok. There are several complications, however. From Khao Lak, to catch the bus you must either go to Phuket where it originates, or the Kok Kloi junction, about 1 hour south of Khao Lak, where the bus stops about 19:30 each evening. There are also some hassles buying a ticket as well, as you must pay for and pick up your ticket by 15:00 on the day of departure. Cost is 920 baht for a regular seat (36 of them) or 1,226 baht for VIP seating (6 available). See the Sawasdee All Thai Co. website for information.
 * Phang Nga: Phang Nga Bay is well known for its limestone karst islands and formations, including one, James Bond Island, that was featured in the film The Man with the Golden Gun. Head for Phang Nga Town, an hour or so southeast of Bang La On. Tours of the bay and boat rentals can be arranged there.
 * Phuket: Stand anywhere on the inland side of Rte 4 between the hours of 06:00 and 18:00 and a bus bound for Phuket will be along at least once an hour. Flag it down. Buy a ticket on the bus for ~120 baht. The bus will take you to Phuket City, travel time 2 hours. Change there for Patong and all other Ko Phuket destinations.
 * Ranong: The second-rainiest place in Thailand (first is Khlong Yai on the gulf coast and Cambodian border), home of impressive hot springs, and departure point to Ko Chang off the coast.
 * Similan Islands: An archipelago of nine islands, the Similans are a protected Thai national park hugely popular among divers owing to the spectacular underwater scenery. Park is open Dec-May, closed to visitors the rest of the year. Local dive companies can arrange visits.
 * Surat Thani: Gateway to the gulf coast islands: Ko Samui, Ko Pha Ngan, Ko Tao. Buses bound north for Surat Thani pass through Khao Lak at least once an hour. In low season it runs less frequently, approx. every 2 hours. You can ask your hotel to check the schedule from Phuket to Surat Thani and wait at the road about 1.5-2 hours after the bus left Phuket. Flag one down from the sea side of Rte 4, for example in front of the 7eleven. Cost will be about 125 baht and travel time 3-4 hours depending on the number of stops to pick up or deposit passengers. The bus stops for lunch at Takua Pa market/bus terminal for about 10 minutes.
 * Surin Islands: Five stunningly beautiful islands 100 km north of the Similans, 60 km off the coast. Open to visitors from 16 Nov-15 May. Local dive companies can arrange visits.

title: Khao Lak