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Khiva

Khiva (Uzbek: Xiva, Хива; Russian: Хива) is a city of 93,000 people (2020) in the western province of Khorezm in the Republic of Uzbekistan. Along with Samarkand and Bukhara, Khiva is an important and often overlooked historical site on what was once the Great Silk Road.

Understand
Famous for its long and brutal history as a slave trading post sandwiched in between the vast Kyzylkum and Karakum deserts, Khiva is now a quiet, sleepy oasis that awaits busloads of tourists instead of caravans of captives. It's difficult to imagine what exactly ancient Khiva was like, considering the historical areas were restored to a scrubbed and squeaky-clean look by the Soviets in the 1970s. However, the clustered array of mosques, madrassahs and tiled minarets within an area of less than 3 km give you a sense of how crowded and bustling this town must have been throughout its history.

Khiva is 35 km from the regional capital of Urgench and 5 km from the border of Turkmenistan.

Khiva is divided into two distinct sections; one being the older, museum-like Ichon-Qala or Itchan Kala (literally: within the wall) where striking examples of Islamic architecture were built over the span of 600 years; and the modern Dichon-Qala (literally: outside the wall) where both the majority of the population live and where all of the modern buildings exist, but glimpses of Khiva's greatness as a center of Islamic power still linger.

History
According to legend, Khiva was founded about 2,500 years ago when a son of Noah, Shem, discovered a well in the middle of the desert exclaimed "Khi-wa!" (which locals will take delight in roughly translating this exclamation as "sweet water"). For the next 1,000 years or so, the area was inhabited by settlements that used the nearby Amu-Darya river to irrigate agriculture.

According to the archaeologists Khiva was founded in the 5th or 6th century. As Islam spread to the area, the first major structures were built near Shem's well, and it became known as a small trading post on the Silk Road (Uzbek: Buyuk Ipak Yol'i). First written sources date from the 10th century. The Arab traveller Al Istachri mentions Khiva in his enumeration of the most important settlements in Chorezm. The Arab geographer Ibn Battuta visited Khiva in the 14th century. He praised the emir who was untiringly taking care of law and order and reported that the city was so full of people that it was almost impossible to find one's way in the crowd. It wasn't until the 16th century when Khiva was made capital of an Islamic Khanate (starting a bitter rivalry with another Khan 460 km down the Silk Road in Bukhara), that the majority of Khiva's immense architectural projects began and the town established itself as a center of power in the region. Locals will say (sometimes in hushed tones) that if Khiva didn't have a rivalry with nearby Bukhara, it would not be the significant site that it is today. In the 19th century only a strong central power was created and taxes and money were introduced. For a long period of time Khiva was one of the most important markets of slaves in Central Asia. Slavery was formally abolished during the October Revolution of 1917. Khiva with its 94 mosques and 63 mederssahs is considered as an important centre of Islam. Because of this significance, Khiva was recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1990.

Climate
Khiva almost has a two-season climate; with slivers of spring and autumn in between frigid winters and blazing hot summers. It starts to get uncomfortably cold in Khiva by November, with temperatures hovering between -10°C and 5°C. The chill usually lasts well into mid-March; just in time for the Navruz holiday. Spring usually lasts around a month and a half and is usually one of the best times to visit. Summer arrives quickly, however, with temperatures reaching as high as 45°C by August. Luckily, it's a dry heat, with negligible rainfall and humidity, so walking around the city isn't too much of a burden.

Get in
Khiva is about 1390 km from Andizhan, 470 km from Bukhara, 1370 km from Fergana, 630 km from Karshi, 740 km from Samarkand, 1270 km from Kokand, 200 km from Nukus, 750 km from Shakhrisabz, 1020 km from Tashkent and 850 km from Termez.

When travelling via the regional capital of Urgench, whether it's by air, bus, or shared taxi, then with the exception of flying where the rates are fixed (most of the time) you might be subject to ticket agents at the bus and share taxi stations charging you a bit higher for a fare because you look like a tourist. Ask a guide or local for correct information, as Uzbeks are usually willing to assist you in getting the correct price. You will, however, be expected to haggle for the price of your cab everywhere, with the unusual exception of the taxi from the Urgench bazaar to Khiva (see "by car").

By plane
Khiva is about 40 km away from Urgench Airport. Uzbekistan Airways operates twice daily flights from Tashkent (operated by RJ-85, AN-24 or YAK-40, flying time 1 hr 30 min) and a flight on Saturday (operated by B-757, flying time 1 hr 40 min, return flight on Sundays).

You can also reach Urgench on Fridays on Uzbekistan Airways via Domodedovo International Airport in Moscow.

Taxis from Urgench Airport to Khiva are about 7,000 som one way. There are plenty of taxi drivers waiting at Urgench airport but for those who object to inflated taxi fares ask the taxi driver to take you to the Yulduz supermarket, next to the Urgench bazaar. From here shared taxis regularly travel to Khiva. Taxis to the airport from Khiva can be found near the western gate of the old city for between 35,000 and 80,000 som (September, 2019).

By train
Khiva's railway station (ХИВА) is 1.25 km to the east of the Itchan Kala. In November 2018 Khiva was connected by a new 33.78-km-long railway line to Urgench. Khiva is served by diesel-powered trains until completion of the electrification of the Bukhara-Misken-Khiva railway line, after which it will also be served by high-speed Afrosiyob trains.

Train 056Ч operates the 1,036-km-long route between Tashkent's southern station and Khiva via Urgench, Bukhara and Samarkand every Tu W F and Su. The 14-hour, 28-min-long journey departs from Tashkent at 20:30 and arrives the next morning in Khiva at 10:52. Between Khiva and Tashkent train 56Ж operates M W Th and Sa, taking 16 hr 30 min. It departs at 14:28 and arrives in Tashkent's southern station at 06:58 the next day. Expect a berth in a four-bed compartment to cost 210,239 som (including commission, as of May 2019), with each passenger supplied with a sealed bag containing fresh sheets, a pillowcase and a handtowel. There is also a two-bed compartment (393,545 som) and as well as a cheaper dormitory style sleeper option (145,175 som).

A service operates the 450-km route between Khiva and Bukhara, via Urgench on F and Su, departing at 08:57 and arriving in Bukhara at 14:50. In the opposite direction a train departs Bukhara at 12:25 arriving at Khiva at 17:51. A train schedule is available from uzrailpass.uz. Khiva is listed as ХИВА (УТИ) on the website.

Trains are clean, with good on-board services.

You can purchase the tickets from the official Uzbekistan Railways website and pay for it with a Visa (only) credit card. It is recommended to do this in advance, since tickets do sell out. Once you have made the payment, you will receive a PDF confirmation, which you must exchange for tickets in the Tashkent passenger rail station "KACCA" (cachier) building.

By bus
If you're really budgeting your cash, you can catch a bus to Urgench from the Hippodrome station in Tashkent. The journey takes around 20 to 21 hours, depending on the state of the bus. While the bus costs about 7,000 som it is longer than the train and you'll be sitting in a cramped space without toilets (the driver decides when to make a pit stop) and minimal ventilation (forget about air conditioning). Bring enough food and water to share with others although the bus does stop for at least one meal break in the desert. Don't be afraid to use your foreigner status to maximum advantage and ask for toilet stops if you need them (men on one side of the bus, women on the other) or a quick desert stop for photos

There are daily busses from Bukhara to Urgench, leaving from Bukhara Avtovoksal. The buses have no air conditioning. The journey time is about 8 hours and the price about 10,000 som one way. There is no fixed timetable, the buses leave, when all seats are occupied. In April 2012, the road between Bukhara and Urgench was in fairly poor condition and the bus journey can take up to 10 hours. Uzbek buses are not permitted to drive after 22:00 so a bus leaving after 12:00 may have to make an overnight stop before reaching Bukhara, which will be at a restaurant. Passengers can sleep on the bus.

Collective taxis from Urgench to Khiva leave from Urgench Bazaar near the Dynamo Stadium. The taxis leave when all seats are occupied and the price is about 1,000 som one way. Taxis will drop you at the Northern Gate of Khiva Old Town.

There is one bus per day, at noon, going directly from Khiva to Tashkent through Bukhara and Samarkand. Leaving from Koy-Darvoza gate (GPS 41°22'37.1"N, 060°22'15.8"E), which is on the east part of Ichon-Qala (just exit through the East gate and keep on straight until you reach another gate). 35,000 som to Bukhara, 40,000 som to Samarkand, 50,000 som to Tashkent (Sep 2012).

By car
Inter-city "taxi" services are essentially a collection of informal drivers who wait to fill up their cars with passengers and then drive them off to their destinations. They usually charge per passenger; however, you can buy all the seats in a car (typically 1 in the front and 3 in the back) if you're willing to spend the cash. From Bukhara, the next closest Silk Road site, the 460-km trip in a shared taxi should cost 60,000-80,000 som per person (Sep 2012). The price can sometimes depend on the type of vehicle you're negotiating for, with Daewoo Ticos (similar to Ford Fiesta) costing less and Daewoo Nexia and Matiz brands (similar to Honda Accord) costing a bit more.

One you reach Urgench, you can either negotiate for a local taxi to take you directly to Khiva, which usually costs about 8000 som for the entire car. A cheaper way is to negotiate a ride to the western side of the Urgench Bazaar (inner-city trips shouldn't cost you more than 1500 som at the most). There you'll find the official Khiva taxi stand, which is a row of Daewoo Tico and Matiz brand vehicles all in a line. On average, it takes between 10-15 minutes for a car to fill up and the cost is about 1000 som per person, flat.

Trolleybus: An interesting (and cheap) way to get to Khiva from Urgench is via the trolleybus, which you can pick up near the Urgench Bazaar. At 700 som, it's a bargain and it allows you to see the countryside between Urgench and Khiva at a snail's pace. It will also drop you off right in front of the northern gate of the Ichon-Kala with the rest of the taxicabs. Trolleybusses leave Urgench every 30 minutes during daytime and the journey takes about 60 minutes.

Get around
There are no taxis in the Ichon Qala, however it is so compact it's easy to take a leisurely stroll.

Outside the walls, Khiva is still a very walkable city. You can access the main bazaar, either through the Caravanserai through the Ichon-Qala east gate or you can walk around the Ichon-Qala walls on the north side until you see the produce sellers sitting near the western wall. A few of the better authentic Uzbek restaurants lie within a half-kilometre of the Ichon-Qala walls as well as some great beer stands. If you want to explore the residential northern and western ends of town, flag down an informal "taxi" and negotiate a fare, which should run between 1,500 and 3,000 som per hour.

 * Toprak-Kala
 * Koj-Krylgan-Kala
 * Ayaz-Kala

Talk
You'll find English spoken inside the Ichon-Qala at hotels and through a handful of the guides at the main tourism bureau. In the Dichon-Qala, you'll be hard-pressed to find anyone speaking English, unless you run into some local school children who want to practice their skills on you from their English classes.

Because Khiva is in the Khorezm province, the locals speak a dialect of Uzbek that is actually closer to Turkmen called "Khorezmcha". If you've been feverishly practicing your Uzbek elsewhere in Uzbekistan and now find that you can't understand a word of what a local Khivan is saying to you, don't worry; they may not be able to understand you either. In that case, try falling back on Russian.

Ichon-Qala
The old town Ichon-Qala (Itchan Kala) covers an area of about 26 hectares. It is rectangular in plan. Entrance tickets are sold from a booth outside the West Gate. Tickets cover entry to all of the museums and buildings inside the city (excluding the two Mausoleums). The ticket price is 200,000 som (as of February 2024) and the ticket is valid for two full days. Note, at the North Gate or the South Gate there's no ticket check, but once you want to enter a museum you need to show your ticket.

Itchan Kala was the site of the khan's palace. High officials and clergy and rich merchants used to live here. This is why we find the most important buildings in the Itchan Kala. The ordinary people, small merchants, craftsmen and peasants lived in Dishan Kala. There were wells in Itchan Kala, whereas people had to draw drinking water from the irrigation channels in Dishan Kala. In the north western part of Itchan Kala is the well, where according to the legend the city was founded by Sem.

Buy
There are many souvenir vendors in Khiva and they all will want to sell something to you, trying to attract your attention with some knowledge of English. Souvenirs might be more expensive than in Samarkand and Bukhara, but you can bargain quite a lot and get some very good deals.

A good place to buy is the UNESCO-sponsored silk workshop in Qqozi Kalon Medressa. It sells unique silk handcrafts. Although they might be more expensive than in other places, you support the workers there directly:

Drink
Tap water is generally not potable. Carefully check bottom of the bottles of water for any deposits otherwise you can buy counterfeit bottled water.

Sleep
Most of the hotels lie within the Ichon-Qala, with a few exceptions. Homestays are a good idea if you happen to be on a budget and it's a great way to meet locals and experience the almost overwhelming hospitality that is unique to Uzbekistan and Central Asia. If you're coming with a tour group, you're guaranteed a spot in one of the more "upscale" tourist hotels.

Stay safe
Because of Khiva's importance as a tourist town, most of the staff and locals will go out of their way to keep you safe. In and around the Ichon-Qala the biggest risk is being asked by local children for gifts like pens, in which they will probably be shooed away by a stern adult. Take the usual precautions of watching your valuables and you'll be fine.

In the Dichon-Qala, especially in the late evening or at night, you may run the risk of being harassed by local drunk men. However, these incidents are rare and the perpetrators are easily scared away with a few stern words (in any language). Aside from the main road, Khiva gets very dark at night, so carry a torch if exploring the town in the evening or having dinner outside the city walls.

Take the usual precautions when drinking from local water sources, but make sure to stay hydrated, especially in the summer. The heat bouncing off the mud walls can make Khiva feel like a broiler sometimes, and you can easily run the risk of heat exhaustion.

Go next

 * Bukhara - Once the historic rival of Khiva, Bukhara boasts an impressive old city with lots of interesting alleyways, buildings, and shopping. Check out the Jewish Quarter, one of the last bastions of the Judaism in Central Asia, and the towering Kalon Minaret, where the Khan of Bukhara executed prisoners by tossing them out of the top window.
 * Nukus - The capital of the nominally autonomous Republic of Karakalpakstan on the remote frontier of Uzbekistan. Nukus looks like a planned Soviet city (it was host the Red Army's Chemical Ressearch Institute) but is also home to the Nukus Museum of Art, commonly referred to as the Savitsky Museum, which houses the second largest collection of Russian avant-garde artwork in the world, second only to the Russian Museum in Saint Petersburg. A rare gem of a museum in the middle of practically nowhere and a must-see.
 * The Aral Sea and Moynaq - If ecological disasters interest you, then checking out the Aral Sea should be high on your list. Once the 4th largest saline body of water in the world, the Aral Sea has steadily diminished over the last 50 years due to past Soviet agricultural planning and current water management practices by several Central Asian countries. Moynaq, once a thriving fishing town, now sits about 250 km from the current coastline and is a haunting reminder of the environmental devastation.
 * Urgench - The capital of Khorezm doesn't have much to offer in the way of sights, but it is a great launching point for trips to Khiva, Nukus, and the surrounding areas. There are a few old fortresses in the deserts surrounding Urgench as well as a few ancient Zoroastrian archaeological sites.

title: Khiva


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Khmelnytskyi

Khmelnytskyi (Ukrainian: Хмельницький, also transliterated Khmelnitsky from Russian: Хмельницкий) is a city in the Podillia region of Western Ukraine. The city has a population of roughly 290,000.

Understand
While the city is in western Ukraine, people in Khmelnytskyi don't speak Ukrainian exclusively (as is generally the case in the nearby city of Ternopil). Many in Khmelnytskyi speak Russian as their first language, or a mixture of the two languages known as surzhyk (суржик). It appears that both Ukrainian and Russian can be used interchangeably in Khmelnytskyi.

By train
There are frequent trains from Kyiv to Khmelnytskyi, keep alert because Khmelnytskyi isn't the final destination but rather one stop along the way and you don't want to end up in Ternopil or Lviv by accident. However the carriage attendant should inform you (in Russian or Ukrainian) when the train is approaching your stop. A good idea is to know your time of arrival and set your phone's alarm 30 minutes beforehand.

By public transport
Khmelnytskyi has a convenient public transport system:

Single ride tickets in buses and marshrutkas cost 12 грн, in trolleybuses — 6 грн.
 * 13 bus routes
 * 32 marshrutka routes
 * 26 trolleybus routes

Schedules are available on rozklad.in.ua (in Ukrainian).

You can also check information about public transport on DozoR (in Ukrainian), EasyWay and Google Maps.

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

By scooter
Kick scooter is a funny way to shorten your time while getting around the city.

Churches
The city centre is relatively compact and can be easily explored on foot. If you want a tourist city with a multitude of attractions then Khmelnytskyi isn't for you, if you want an authentic Ukrainian city with generally friendly people, good prices and fewer rip offs than in the usual tourist centres then Khmelnytskyi is a good spot.

Struve Geodetic Arc
Three points of this world heritage site are outside Khmelnytskyi:

 * - The Katerinowka marker is about 500 m northwest of the rural road north of Katerinovka. There is a straight path from the road to the point, which is made up of a black stone a bit reminiscent of a gravestone with an inscription in Ukrainian describing Struve's measurement project. Next to it there's a tripod with a small disk on the middle rod.

 * - Like many other markers in the southern part of the world heritage, this one is also in a field on a little elevated point and is one of those where little hiking is required as it is almost next to the road. Again it is a black stone, a bit larger than the last one, has a tripod setup and a white Orthodox Christian cross next to it.

 * - About 100 m off the road in a field surrounded by some trees, this is a simpler marker comprising a black stone with inscription in Ukrainian.

Dental tourism
Ukraine is increasingly becoming a destination for dental tourism, specifically Kyiv, but people may also be interested in dental treatments in Khmelnytskyi as the prices when compared to western Europe, North America and elsewhere are extremely reasonable, prices are also cheaper than in Kyiv. An example being endodontic treatments (specifically root canal treatment) which in dental clinics in Khmelnytskyi can be completed for roughly 2,000 грн in total (this price is for a molar tooth, pre-molars are even cheaper) This includes anaesthesia, x-ray(s), the procedure itself along with the use of "gutta percha" and of course a composite filling. One such dental clinic is almost directly across from a city bus station (it is unknown whether this is the main bus station), rather uniquely it is called "Dental Surgery" at 6, Soborna Street, Khmelnytskyi. Tel: +380 382651660. Look out for the large sign with a tooth on it. The clinic looked clean both inside and outside, the surgical room can be seen from the street and looks as modern as any in the West. No English is spoken so you may need to have a Ukrainian friend or interpreter accompany you unless you speak some Ukrainian or Russian or else put your faith in hand gestures and a phrasebook.

Buy
There is a large newly built shopping centre with a well stocked western style supermarket at the edge of the city. A taxi to it from the city centre should cost 10-15 грн.

Eat
In the basement of Hotel Central (Hotel Centralny) there is an eatery open to guests and non-guests alike offering nice, simple food at very good prices. There are numerous restaurants throughout the city.

Drink
There are a number of cafes, bars and nightclubs in the city. If you are a foreigner people may wonder what you are doing in their city (as it is not a tourist city) and may view you with some amusement. Be friendly, polite, try your hand at speaking a few words of Russian or Ukrainian and things should go ok. Keep an eye on what you drink and how much you drink, it's quite possible the locals are used to drinking more than you are! In a bar/pub a vodka (Ukrainian brand but just as good as any imported brand) should cost a maximum of 10 грн, most likely this price is for 100 ml. Prices tend to be a little higher in nightclubs but not excessively. It should also be possible to buy a bottle of vodka in a nightclub, either 0.5 L or 0.7 L, for a reasonable price, under 100 грн.

Sleep

 * Hotel Centralny (Hotel Central) at 5, Gagarin Street (near the centre) Tel: +380 382657759. No website (although some basic information and even some photos of this hotel can be found on the net however for best prices book directly with the hotel) Very minimal English, if any. This tourist class hotel offers the best priced hotel rooms in the city. Prices direct from the hotel start at 150 грн for a passable en-suite single room with TV (no English language stations but possibly some music stations) and breakfast (you'll be given a voucher for breakfast which can be had in the basement eatery) The en-suite isn't exactly to western standard (old shower but with hot water, possibly leaking pipe from sink, no sink stopper, dim lighting) Double rooms which are roughly double the price may be a little better. Apparently the hotel has free wifi but it's unknown whether this is simply in the lobby or also in the rooms.

Connect
An alternative for internet should the free internet at any hotel not work or should no internet be available is a mobile broadband dongle which you attach to your laptop can be purchased from MTS (a mobile/cell phone provider with stores all over Ukraine including 10 stores in Khmelnytskyi) for 399 грн and when topped up by 8 грн it gives unlimited broadband access for 24 hr. MTS has national coverage so the dongle will provide you with internet all over Ukraine and not just in Khmelnytskyi of course. The basic mobile broadband SIM pack on its own costs 60 грн with preloaded credit of 20 грн (prices as of Dec 2011).

Go next

 * Kamianets-Podilskyi - S 100 km. Sights in this town: the Old castle (Старий замок), 12-19th century; the Armenian church, 1490s; the Fortifications of town, 16-18th century; the Russian gate, 17th century; the Polish town council, 1390s; the Smotrych river canyon, the cathedral, 1500–1750.

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

title: Khmelnytskyi


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Khmer phrasebook

Khmer (ភាសាខ្មែរ phiəsaa khmae) is the main and official language of Cambodia, and also spoken by the ethnic Khmer minorities in Thailand and Vietnam. It is part of the Austroasiatic language family, thus making it related to Vietnamese, though the two languages have diverged so much that they are not mutually intelligible. Unlike Vietnamese, which was heavily influenced by Chinese, Khmer was primarily influenced by Sanskrit. Khmer also has numerous loan words from French due to the history of French colonial rule in Cambodia.

Pronunciation guide
Khmer is written using an Indic script, similar to Thai, Burmese and Lao. Like other Indic scripts, the Khmer script is an abugida, meaning that each letter represents a consonant, and vowels are indicated by modifications to the consonant letter (e.g. with a diacritic mark).

Knowing a few Khmer words will help you earn some respect while in Cambodia.
 * If you are male the word for 'yes' is pronounced 'baht' (បាទ) as in the sound of a sheep followed by a hard T.
 * If you are female the word for 'yes' is pronounced 'jah' (ចា) as in the first part of 'jar'.
 * The word for 'no' is pronounced 'otDay' (អត់ទេ/ទេ) with a short 'ot with an emphasis on the D following.
 * The word for 'thank you' is pronounced 'awkunh' (អរគុណ) sounds a little like raccoon.
 * To express greater thanks (thank you very much), use the word 'awkunh ch'ran' (អរគុណច្រើន).
 * The word for 'hello' is pronounced 'sue-saw-day' (សួស្តី) with sue as in a woman's name, saw as in a thing you cut with, and day as in Sunday.
 * The word for 'sorry' is pronounced 'somtoh' (សុំទោស).
 * The word for 'toilet' is pronounced 'dakuhn' (បង្គន់) or 'pahkuhn' (បន្ទប់ទឹក). Similarly to how you would pronounce the kunh in thank you, but with a short 'ba' in front.
 * Scooter/mopeds with carriages pulled behind are called a 'tuk-tuk' (តុកតុក) better pronounced with the U sound from the back of your throat, like tulk-tulk.
 * Scooter/mopeds by themselves are pronounced 'moto' (ម៉ូតូ) with an emphasis on 'mo'.
 * Rickshaws are called 'cyclo' (ស៊ីក្លូ). The cy is pronounced like the word see.

Basics

 * Hello. ("formal"): ជម្រាបសួរ (chum reap suor)
 * Hello. (informal) : សួស្តី (sous-dey)
 * Hello. (answering the phone) : អាឡូ (allo)
 * How are you? : (niak sok sabai teh?)
 * Fine, thank you. : សុខសប្បាយ (akun, sok sabai)
 * What is your name? : (niak chmuah ey?)
 * My name is ______ . : ខ្ញុំឈ្មោះ (knyom chmuah _____ .)
 * Nice to meet you. : (reak reay dae bahn skoal loak )
 * Please. : សូម (soum)
 * Thank you. : អរគុណ (aw khun)
 * Welcome : (soum swa-khom)
 * You're welcome. : (m'n ay te) or អញ្ជើញ (un-juhn)
 * Yes. : ច៎ា (jaah female) បាទ (baht men)
 * No. : (ot teh)
 * Excuse me. : សូមទោស (soum toh)
 * I'm sorry. : សូមទោស (soum toh)
 * Goodbye : (chum reap leah)
 * Goodbye (informal) : (leah seun hai)
 * I can't speak Khmer. : (k'nyom ot seu cheh niyeay pia'saa khmae teh)
 * Do you speak English? : (cheh niyeay pia'saa Anglais baan teh?)
 * Is there someone here who speaks English? : (miean niak na cheh Anglais teh?)
 * Help! : (chuy!)
 * Look out! : (mer seun!)
 * Good morning. : អរុណសួស្ដី (arun sous-dey )
 * Good afternoon. : ទិវាសួស្តី(tiveah sous-dey )
 * Good night. : រាត្រីសួស្ដី (reatrey sous-dey )
 * I don't understand. : ខ្ញុំមិនយល់ទេ ( k'nyom min yul teh)
 * I don't know : k'nyom ort deung
 * Where is the toilet? : បង្តន់នោ់ឯណា (bakun noew ey nah?)
 * Happy Birthday! : (reak reay t'gnai khom-not)

Numbers
Although Khmer uses base-10 numbers, the numbers for 1-9 are effectively spoken as base-5. Thus, six (bpram mouy) literally means five (bpram), one (mouy); whereas sixteen (dop bpram mouy) is ten (dop), five (bprum), one (mouy).

In practice, the word 'sep' is often omitted from the numbers for 30-90. However, it is generally considered more proper to include the word.

 * 0 : ๐ (soun)
 * 1 : ๑ (muay)
 * 2 : ๒ (pee)
 * 3 : ๓ (bei)
 * 4 : ๔ (buan)
 * 5 : ๕ (pbram)
 * 6 : ๖ (pbram muay)
 * 7 : ๗ (pbram pee)
 * 8 : ๘ (pbram bei)
 * 9 : ๙ (pbram buan)
 * 10 : ๑๐ (dop)
 * 20 : (ma'pei)
 * 30 : (sam sep)
 * 40 : (sae sep)
 * 50 : (haa sep)
 * 60 : (hok sep)
 * 70 : (chet sep)
 * 80 : (paet sep)
 * 90 : (kao sep)
 * 100 : (muay roy)
 * 1,000 : (muay poan)
 * 10,000 : (muay meun)
 * 100,000 : (muay saen)

Time

 * Time : ម៉ោង (Maong)
 * Morning : pruk
 * Moon : thngai-trang
 * Afternoon : r-siel
 * Evening : ingeach
 * Night : yb
 * Midnight : athreat

Clock time

 * What time is it? : (Maong bon maan?)
 * Maong mouy t'ngai (day) : (1 pm)
 * Maong mouy yop (night) : (1 am)

Duration

 * Hour : ម៉ោង (Maong)
 * Minute : នាទី (Neatii)

Days

 * Day : (T'ngai) (ថ្ងៃ)
 * One day : (Mouy t'ngai) (១ ថ្ងៃ)
 * Monday : (Chhan) (ច័ន្ទ)
 * Tuesday : (Angkea) (អង្គារ)
 * Wednesday : (Poat) (ពុធ)
 * Thursday : (Pra-hoah) (ព្រហស្បត្តិ៍)
 * Friday : (Sok) (សុក្រ)
 * Saturday : (Sao) (សៅរ៍)
 * Sunday : (A-tut) (អាទិត្យ)

Months

 * Year : (Chnam)
 * Month : (Khae)
 * January : (Makara)
 * February : (Kompheak)
 * March : (Mea-neah)
 * April : (Mae-sa)
 * May : (Osaphea)
 * June : (Maytona)
 * July : (Kakada)
 * August : (Seyha)
 * September : (Kanya)
 * October : (Tola)
 * November : (Vicheka)
 * December : (Ta Nou)

Colors

 * Color : (Phoa)

 * Red : (Phoa Krahom)
 * Blue : (Phoa Khiev)
 * Yellow : (Phoa Leung)
 * White : (Phoa Saw)
 * Black : (Phoa Khmao)
 * Green : (Phoa Bai-Thong)
 * Orange : (Phoa Teuk-Kroit)
 * Pink : (Phoa Pkah-Chouk)
 * Purple : (Phoa Swai)
 * Brown : (Phoa Thnout)
 * Silver : (Phoa P'rak)
 * Gold : (Phoa Meas)

Transportation

 * Ride : (Che-eh)

Bus and train

 * Train : រទេះភ្លើង (ro-teh-plung)

Directions

 * Stop : (Choup)
 * Turn : (Baat)
 * Right : (Sa-daam)
 * Left : (Ch-wang)
 * Straight : (Thrang)
 * Backward : (K'raoy)
 * North : Kang-cheung
 * South : Kang-dboeng
 * East : Kang-keut
 * West : Kang-lich

Accommodation

 * house : (p'theh)
 * my house : (p'theh k'niom)
 * go to my house : (dtow p'theh k'niom)

Money

 * Money : លុយ (Loiiy)

Eating

 * Eat : ញ៉ាំ (Niam bay)
 * Food : ម្ហូប (Mahop)
 * Rice : បាយ (Bai)

Shopping

 * : ne ke ghtu

Driving

 * to drive : (baek)
 * car : ឡាន (laan)

Learning more

 * Listen to some basic Khmer by native speakers at Wikiotics

title: Khmer phrasebook


text:
Khobar

Khobar (Al-Khobar, Al-Khubar) is a city in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia.

Understand
The newest of the Dammam-Dhahran-Khobar trio, Khobar is generally considered the most pleasant of the bunch, thanks to its seaside location and beachside Corniche. Besides, Khobar is most organised and has the best pedestrian friendly walk ways, and women have fewer restrictions (in terms of wearing a hijab) compared to other eastern cities.

By plane
The nearest airport is in Dammam. Even though Dammam Airport hosts flights from places such as Frankfurt, Amsterdam, Dubai, Doha, Cairo and Istanbul, many travellers choose to enter the country via the Bahrain Airport and drive across the King Fahd Causeway to Khobar. Flying into Manama, Bahrain can be pleasant for some travellers from Western countries. Companies commonly book business flights into Manama instead of Dammam solely because the Bahrain International Airport has bars and airport lounges where drinks are served - usually a nice way for foreigners to spend their last few hours outside of a country where alcohol is illegal. Also, Bahrain International Airport is one of the best connected in the region, while most flights out of DMM would require a connection in Riyadh or Jeddah.

By train
Dammam's train station is 15 min away by taxi.

By bus
The Saudi-Bahraini Transport Company (SABTCO) has five buses daily to Bahrain, see that article for details. The SABTCO office is in the center of the city, just ask any taxi driver.

The nearest main bus station is in Dammam, but SAPTCO also offers direct VIP services from Riyadh to Khobar.

Get around
Khobar is vast and sprawling, and taxis are quite limited unless you are near town. You really need your own car to get around here, but just remember that lanes don't really mean all that much here.

However, near town, you can pretty much catch a cab anywhere. At a hotel/compound, you will get a cab within 5-10 minutes of a call.

See
The causeway connecting Saudi Arabia to Bahrain is worth looking at.

Do
One popular activity in Khobar is riding ATVs on the coast of the Arabian Gulf south of town. It's a lot of fun to run up and down the sand dunes or just along the beach in an ATV at 40 miles per hour. Most of the places where you can rent ATVs are managed by locals who do not speak English. While it is ideal to be accompanied by an Arabic-speaking companion, a visitor with a minimal level of cross-cultural communications skills will usually have no problem reaching an agreement. Prices vary depending on the operator and the size and quality of the ATVs. 80 to 120 Riyal an hour is usually considered a fair rate.

The coast south of Khobar along "Half-Moon Bay" also has numerous beaches. Many of these have shaded sitting areas, trash cans and showers. Closer to town most of the beaches are family only, but approximately 40 km south there are a number which are open to singles. Camping and campfires are permitted (or at least tolerated). The water throughout this area is incredibly shallow and warm and there is little to no tide or wave action. That said, most of the beaches have decent sand, are large enough to get away from the crowds and are relatively clean.

The Rashid Mall and Mall of Dhahran are Khobar's 2 biggest malls and are comparable to those found in western countries. Both offer many stores you would find there, and both offer large food halls with well-known outlets as well as Middle Eastern versions and specialists. For those with families, both of these malls have amusement parks.

For those unfamiliar with the Middle East, central Khobar, with its traffic and crowded streets, may feel a bit intimidating. Generally speaking, the visitor will not feel unsafe but may feel somewhat alone on the streets. The downtown area, especially near the waterfront, is highly-developed and gentrified, with many name-brand and Western eateries, coffee-shops and retailers. It is a bustling area with magnificent local food and good buys on merchandise (though quality may vary). Restaurant workers downtown will cater specially to Westerners. Prices vary, but tend to be reasonable - it is often possible to have a wonderful dinner downtown at a cafe of lamb, beef liver, chicken, rice, bread, falafel, veggies, and more for only the equivalent of $10 USD total for 4 people.

Another fun place in Khobar is Golf World, which has 4 screen golf rooms and a 3-cushion billiard table. The place is in Makkah St. Olaya Center- Olaya area (Aqrrubiah Before) Make reservations by calling 889-7078.

Buy
Mall of Dhahran - over 1,000,000 sq. feet of retail space. koko centre point

Eat
If you enjoy fast food, local vendors such as Baba Habbas offer delicious and cheap hamburgers, fries and drinks that closely remind to the food in other parts of the world. One of the most traditional meals here is Chicken Shawaya with Rice which is basically chicken and rice - which is also a popular combination worldwide.

Never try to ask for pork in Saudi Arabia as in most Islamic countries this is a prohibited food considered sinful. Stick to chicken, beef, seafood (Khobar is near to the seaside) and veg food.

Drink
Alcoholic beverages are illegal, as they are in the rest of the kingdom. There are a lot of cafeterias in the city that serve a really tasty tea, known as "shay" by locals, which is sometimes served with milk or mint. Coffee and breakfast franchises such as Starbucks, Dunkin’ Donuts, and IHOP exist all around the city and they’re usually in malls and the Corniche.

title: Khobar


text:
Kholmsk

Kholmsk (Russian: Холмск, khohlmsk; Japanese: 真岡, mah-oh-kah) is a port town in Sakhalin Oblast facing the Tartar Strait, with a population of some 35,000 people. An utterly drab city, the only reason to visit here is the ferry connection to the mainland.

Get in
Sakhalin is a special designated border region, movement of foreigners is limited. See "Disembarkation procedures" at right.

By ferry
There is a daily overnight car ferry from Vanino on the mainland, nominally departing Vanino at noon, and arriving in Kholmsk the next morning; however, sailing schedules are often disrupted by bad weather. In Kholmsk, ticket sales are at the office of SANES. Ask people at bus or railway station for direction. In Vanino, tickets are bought inside the train station. Prices start from ₽600. Continuing from Vanino, there is a daily train connection to Komsomolsk-on-Amur that continues further south to Khabarovsk and Vladivostok for access to the Trans-Siberian mainline.

By bus
Mini- and regular buses depart for Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk on the parking lot, right outside the ferry terminal. Minibuses are the most convenient and take 45 minutes to connect with Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk (₽300), however normally you will have to wait for the minibus to fill up. There are also some scheduled public buses:

 * Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk – Bus 516 – 06:00, 07:00, 08:00, 09:00, 10:00, 11:00, 12:00, 13:00, 14:00, 15:00, 16:00, 17:00, 18:00 (5, 7)
 * Nevelsk (Moneron) – Bus 525 – 09:40, 11:30, 12:40, 15:30, 18:10

Get around
Banks, buses and places to eat - are all only a few minutes walk from the ferry station, along the main street. As with most other minor cities in Russia, intra-city transportation is mainly provided by a fairly disorganized network of minibuses. If you need to get outside the city center, your best bet is to ask a local.

See and do
There is a small beach northwest of the ferry terminal. If you made it this far, the Soviet house blocks probably aren't that much of a novelty anymore.

Eat
There are a few uninspiring – but as authentic as they come – restaurants and cafes along Sovetskaya Street, the main drag.

Drink
There do not seem to be expats living in Kholmsk, and tourists in this area are few and far between. If you really need a drink, jump into a local pub, and enjoy the startled look on everyone's faces as you place your order.

Sleep

Go next
The unpopulated areas of Sakhalin have some stunning scenery. However, independent travel in these regions are only for the truly adventurous; an alternative is paying shameless amounts of rubles for one of the fairly frequent organized tours provided by travel agencies in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk.

 * Moneron – Go diving or bird watching on the tranquil island of Moneron off Sakhalin's south-western coast. Access is by chartered boat, from the small village from Nevelsk some 50 km south of Kholmsk.

title: Kholmsk


text:
Khon Kaen

Khon Kaen (ขอนแก่น) is a city and province in Isaan, Thailand.

Understand
While various artefacts have been found in the region that hint at its early human inhabitants, what we know today as Khon Kaen came into being when the ancient Khmer empire expanded into the area in the 12th century. The current town was established a little over two centuries ago during the reign of King Rama I.

In addition to being a university town, Khon Kaen is a historic centre of silk production. In Chonnabot, Mudmee silk is delicately woven by hand and then tie-dyed.

By plane
Thai AirAsia flies from Bangkok (DMK) to Khon Kaen (KKC) several times a day; there are also flights from/to Chiang Mai, Pattaya (UTP) and Phuket. Nok Air and Thai Lion Air each has a couple of flights a day to Bangkok (DMK) as well. Thai Smile Airways flies from Bangkok (BKK) five times a day, and can be booked in one ticket with an international Thai Airways flight.

By train
Khon Kaen is on the branch of the Northeastern Line that runs to Nong Khai and Laos. In 2019 the train station was rebuilt as an elevated station with plenty of shade. Eight trains per day pass through Khon Kaen: three going to Nong Khai from Bangkok, three going from Bangkok to Nong Khai, and the final pair of trains travels between Nong Khai and Nakhon Ratchasima. The day train leaves Bangkok at 08:45 and arrives at Khon Kaen at 15:30 (3rd class fan 227 baht, 2nd class A/C 397 baht). Two night trains leave at 20:25 (2nd class A/C sleeper 907/807 thb lower/upper berth) and 21:25 (not recommended, seats only), arriving at Khon Kaen at 04:10 and 05:19 respectively.

By bus
Until 1 December 2017 Khon Kaen had three bus terminals. The newest, Terminal 3, is eight kilometres out of town and, for that reason, inconvenient. The city administrators do not want buses in downtown Khon Kaen. The taxi cartel support that initiative for obvious reasons: the cost of a tuk-tuk or taxi to downtown may well cost more than your bus ticket to Khon Kaen.

Buses to/from Bangkok's Northern (Mo Chit) Bus Terminal depart every 15 minutes from early until late.

For quicker service, avoid the touts at Mo Chit, and ask for Chan Tour. This company provides only VIP buses, which have very large seats and a bathroom. Alternatively, Nakhonchai Air has nice VIP buses which are cleaner (meals, drink, in-coach toilet) than Chan, but with small seats. Both will cost 420 baht, highly recommended. Both have terminals separate from Mo Chit, about away, where you can wait for your bus in an air-conditioned waiting room.

From Chiang Mai Arcade Terminal 3, Phetprasert and Sombat Tour have buses throughout the day from 08:00. Evening buses run at 19:00 and 20:00 from Platform 6. The price is approximately 641 baht one-way and duration of journey is 10 hr. The only problem is at the Khon Kaen end: you are dropped off at Terminal 3, far from the city center, near the intersection of Highway 2 and the ring road south of Khon Kaen. This terminal is new (Aug 2014) and lacking in amenities (coffee shop, hotel, etc.), but there is a new (Feb 2016) 7-11 about 100 meters to the south of the Nakhonchai Air terminal. NCA has a free shuttle service for its customers between its downtown and ring road terminal. A yellow songthaew service will take you downtown to the rail station and the in-town bus station (non-air-conditioned bus station) for 10 baht (Jan 2015).

From/to Udon Thani, several air conditioned buses depart hourly from Udon's Bus Station 1 downtown. Fare is 80 baht (Nov 2015) for a journey of 90 min. Minivans depart from the same station to Khon Kaen continuing on to Roi Et. They are slightly faster than the bus, but less comfortable. As the downtown terminal is now closed, the buses now arrive to Terminal 3 on the southern outskirts of the city, but before they will pass the city center, stopping a few times to drop off the passengers - for the main tourist area, the best location to get off will be after an underpass near CentralPlaza, and tuk-tuks seem to wait for the buses there (alternatively, or if they ask for too much, use the Grab app).

By car
It's easy to get to Khon Kaen by car from Bangkok. Just follow the four lane Hwy 2. Hwy 2 also heads north to Udon Thani, Nong Khai, and Laos.

Get around
Khon Kaen's centre is characterised by a strict grid system of wide streets and long blocks. It appears to have been designed for road traffic in mind, making walking fairly unpleasant. Numbered songthaews charge 9 baht/person/trip (pay when you get out). Just wave your hand and the songthaew will stop to let you get on; ring the bell and it will stop again to let you get off. There are at least 10 routes serving Khon Kaen. Signage in Thai only.

The ordinary bus station ("baw kaw saw") is the interchange for all songthaew routes.

 * Songthaew 2: Central Plaza-town
 * Songthaew 3: Big C-Central Plaza-town
 * Songthaew 8: KK University-town-Fairy Plaza

If you need to take a tuk-tuk the driver will normally quote 40 to 50 baht for trips within the city. Taxis (similar to those in Bangkok) are available too, as well as Grab ride-hailing service (with fares a bit more reasonable than in nearby Udon Thani - 55-65 baht for a few kilometers in the city center, 90-100 baht to the main bus terminal at the city outskirts (January 2019)).

See

Do
Every night at the City Pillar Shrine, movies are shown for free on large projectors outside at around 20:00. Most are dubbed in Thai.

 * Take a day trip (or stay overnight) to Phu Kradung, around halfway between Khon Kaen and Loei. Popular with young Thais, the mountain is a pleasant climb with cliff views and waterfalls (depending on the time of year) on the plateau. Camp or stay in a lodge overnight if you don't want to do it in one day. See Loei for more information.

Buy
Khon Kaen is famous for its silk.

Across the road from the Roma Hotel in downtown, there is a cheap breakfast restaurant. A lady pulls up in a car and unloads stuff to sell on the footpath, including Thai silk. Prices are excellent, and can be bargained down if you buy in quantity. (Initial price was 500 baht, Four of them were 1,500 baht total.)

There are two shopping centres, TukCom (formerly Oasis Plaza) and Fairy Plaza, a Big C, a Tesco Lotus and a Makro. Other major stores include Global House, Homepro and Index Living Mall. Central Department Store (Central Plaza), just beside the City Gate, is the largest shopping complex and hosts SFC cinema, Robinson, Se-Ed Book Centre, B2S, Tops Supermarket, and various restaurants.

There are various night markets, which also are good places to try out many different kinds of foods; a "young and hip" market at Khon Kaen University behind the Complex where students sell many of the goods, a popular one on Glang Muang Rd, and one that sometimes doubles as a carnival, at Bueng Kaen Nakhon.

Eat
Along the road from the Roma Hotel (same side of the road), there are several cheap street eateries. There is also a cheap Internet cafe in the area. A 7-Eleven (alcohol sales 11:00-14:00 and 17:00-24:00) is nearby where you can buy beer if you want to drink with your meal, use the shop's bottle opener.

Go next
There are two bus terminals in town. The "big" terminal, where most buses arrive and leave and the "small" terminal, which is somewhat more exclusive and appears to provide the "direct to BKK" type of buses. It really is quite small compared to the other. They are about distant from each other within the centre of town, unlike most Thai cities where the bus terminals are on the outskirts. Both terminals have air-con buses, but the big one also has non-air-con to the local provinces.

 * Bangkok Nakhon Chai Air Bus (6 hours), 420 baht, departs hourly from the air-con Bus Terminal (Prab-Argat). Highly recommended, though their staff speaks Thai only.
 * Vientiane (Lao PDR) Thai-Lao International Bus - 180 baht, departs 07:45 (usually delayed till 08:00) and 15:15 daily from the Aircon Bus Terminal (Prab-Argat). Passport (with current Laos visa) must be produced when purchasing ticket. If you do not have a Laos visa you cannot buy a ticket, as the bus will NOT wait for passengers processing their visas on arrival (citizens of few countries outside Southeast Asia who can enter Laos visa-free, notably Russians, may have to insist on that fact and/or to show some solid proof they will not need a VoA, like existing Lao visa-free entry stamps). Tickets can only be purchased on the day of travel. Visas are available at the Lao PDR consulate in town. Thai and limited English are spoken by consular staff. Hours are Monday-Friday, 08:00-12:00 and 13:00-16:00. Prices are said to be same as in Bangkok. Visas for American, Australian, British, several EU and New Zealand citizens cost 1,400 baht/US$40, Canadians pay 1,700 baht/US$50, while Chinese pay 600 baht/US$17. Officially, visas can be picked up the next day, or pay an additional 200 baht to have the visa issued within 1 hour. Officially, only baht is accepted although if you don't have baht, they may take US dollars. A 30-31 baht to the US dollar rate has been reported, making it more expensive than getting a visa on arrival and paying in US dollars.
 * Bus connections to Ubon, Udon, Nong Khai (Class 2: 110 baht), Maha Sarakham, Nakhon Ratchasima, Chaiyaphum, Roi Et, Chiang Mai, Lampang, Lamphun, Phrae, Phetchabun, Phitsanulok, Mukdahan (Savannakhet Lao PDR), Amnat Charoen, Nong Bua Lamphu, Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport (22:00 daily, 335 baht) and Northern Thailand are also available.

title: Khon Kaen


text:
Khorasan

Khorasan is a region in the north-east of Iran. It was a single province until 2004, when it was split into three provinces: North Khorasan, Razavi Khorasan and South Khorasan.

Cities

 * – the capital of Markazi (Central) Khorasan (also called Razavi Khorasan)

 * – the capital of South Khorasan
 * – the capital of North Khorasan
 * – the capital of North Khorasan

Understand
In Middle Persian, Khorasan literally meant "where the sun rises"—a fitting name as this region at the northeastern tip of Iran is where the sun is seen earliest in the country every day. Apart from the hard-to-miss holy city of Mashhad, here you will find ancient buildings and artifacts from various empires that ruled the region throughout the history intermingling with a diverse array of ethnicities (Turkmens, Afghans/Pashtuns, Baluchis, and Arabs depending on where you are).

Whether you are on an overland tour of the world west to east, or are following the steps of Marco Polo along the Silk Road, Khorasan can be a great gateway to Central Asia. In addition to the transportation links to West Afghanistan and Turkmenistan the region has, and the consulates of Central Asian countries conveniently based in Mashhad, traditional yurts of nomadic Turkmens dotting the Khorasani countryside (especially on its northern reaches) will make you feel you are at the gate of something different from now-familiar Persian heartland.

The three provinces and their constituent counties are:
 * North Khorasan - comprising 6 counties: Bojnourd; Esfarayen; Garmeh Jajarm; Maneh Semelghan; Shirvan; Farooj
 * Razavi Khorasan (between North Khorasan and South Khorasan) - comprising 19 counties: Bardaskan; Chenaran; Dargaz; Fariman; Ghouchan; Gonabad; Khaf; Kalat; Kashmar; Khalil Abad; Mashhad; Neyshabour; Roshtkhar; Sabzevar; Sarakhs; Torbat-e Jam; Torbat-e heydariyeh; Taybad; Mahvelat
 * South Khorasan - comprising 8 counties: Birjand; Darmian; Ferdows, Nehbandan; Qayenat; Sarayan; Sarbisheh; Boshrooyeh

Get in
Birjand International Airport

mashhad hasheminejad airport

See

 * Diri-Baba and Ag Gunbaz mausoleums
 * The cave dwellings of Maraza
 * Shamakhi Astrophysical Observitory
 * Akbarieh Gardens in South Khorasan province, one of nine world heritage Persian gardens.

title: Khorasan


text:
Khor Fakkan

Khor Fakkan (Arabic: خورفكان) is a city in Sharjah emirate in the United Arab Emirates. It is an enclave located on the coast of the Gulf of Oman and separated from the main part of the emirate which lies on the Persian Gulf coast.

Do
Enjoy walking in the beautiful corniche and green gardens.

title: Khor Fakkan


text:
Khorramabad

Khorramabad (also written as Khorram Abad) is the capital city of the Lorestan Province of Western Iran.

Get in
A railway line is under construction, but it is unclear when it will open to passenger traffic. Until then the nearest railway station is in Dorud, 65 km east of Khorramabad.

See
5 Paleolithic cave-dwelling sites

title: Khorramabad


text:
Khorugh

Khorugh (also spelled Khorogh, Khorog, Xoroq, Tajik Cyrillic: Хоруғ) is a city in the Pamirs of Tajikistan. It sits in a steep river valley surrounded by the Pamir mountains. The nearby river Panj (aka Oxus) is the border between Tajikistan and Afghanistan. The town has enough bustle to be interesting but it certainly isn't overwhelming.

Understand
Khorugh is the capital town of Gorno Badakhshan Autonomous Oblast (Province), There are a plethora of NGOs working in the area.

The Pamir Eco-Culture Tourism Association (PECTA) has an office at the edge of the city park (37.49N x 71.548E) where you can get a map of the Pamir mountain region, as well as books about the local culture, advice about home-stays, etc.

Nearly everything closes on Sundays, there's not even transport out of town (except perhaps for Murghab and Dushanbe, but get there early); it may be wise to plan a schedule accordingly. A day wandering amongst equally bored watermelon vendors can get quickly become tedious.

Get in
From Dushanbe:

Airplane usually flies 1 flight a day, when the weather is good during the summer. Spectacular flight, for about US$85.

Vehicles run constantly to Khorugh. Best to get there is very early in the morning, maybe 06:00-07:00. Vehicles leave from a lot tucked away near the airport. Most people in the capital are unaware of its location. When heading to the airport from the north you go into a dip going under a big road. Just before that there will be a dead end road on your right. Get out of the car and walk through a big gate (lots of people heading that way.) Just repeat "Khorogh" to everyone, and sooner or later someone will know what you're talking about. Price is 300-350 som (June 2019).

Get a good vehicle as a good vehicle usually means a good driver. The trip takes 14-17 hours and this will sometimes be split over 2 days.

Get around
There are a series of parking lots, each with vehicles heading to somewhere in the Pamirs. Vehicles arrive in town around 08:00-09:00 and begin departing 10:00-12:00, whenever they get a full load. The cost to most villages is 1-3 som a seat.

In town you can just walk or catch a local marshrutka for 1 som.

See

 * Mountains. Just climb one and you will have spectacular views.
 * Julandee (towards Murghab) High altitude, hot spring resort, and wonderful climb behind the springs. The rooms are quite nice and very affordable. US$10-15. Food is available, but ideally you should bring some bread, potatoes and carrots.  They will cook, but they have trouble getting the food up there. Very good spot to spend the night before proceeding to Murghab, it’s high enough altitude to see if you get sick. If you are not used to high altitudes, take aspirin to mitigate altitude headaches.
 * Vanj valley is spectacular. If you can get a good vehicle, go to the top. There is the famous "Bear" glacier carving into the valley. The villagers there (in Poy Mazur) will gladly put you up as a guest. Give them a gift, US$10-15, and insist as the villagers are very poor.
 * Garm Chashma (towards Ishkashim). A hot spring and resort-like area.
 * Hop in a marshrutka and get out at a random village. The locals will likely look after you including food. Just bring a bit of money US$10-15 to cover their food costs and to help them out. Make sure you insist: for cultural reasons, they will refuse at first, but it's culturally legitimate for you to insist.

Do

 * Mountain climbing, hiking, cultural immersion, etc.
 * Beautiful botanical garden. It's out of town towards Roshtkala. Just say "botanical" and people should understand. Some of the local marshrutkas turn around in front of it. Just go up the hill. Closed on Sundays, and Saturdays are iffy.
 * Trekking/travel guide Jusuf who speaks very good English and can arrange any kind of trips in Wakhan and Afghanistan. He also has an (unsigned) Homestay at his village of Khaskhorugh 35 km on the way from Khorog to Iskhashim. Mobile: 935451852
 * Trekking/travel guide Jusuf who speaks very good English and can arrange any kind of trips in Wakhan and Afghanistan. He also has an (unsigned) Homestay at his village of Khaskhorugh 35 km on the way from Khorog to Iskhashim. Mobile: 935451852

Buy

 * A hat. They are pretty cool. Make sure they fit, though. Western heads are notoriously large.
 * There are other crafts available at several craft stores downtown and in the Serena Inn's common area.
 * Seasonal fruits are available in the bazaar, as are instant noodles, canned corn, canned peas, hotdogs, bread, etc.

Eat

 * Deli Dharbar is a great little Indian food place. US$5-7 for a filling and tasty meal. It's between the bazaar and the only stoplight in town, on a side street. Ask locals for MicroFinance Bank, which is across the street.
 * Varka Russian food at reasonable prices. In front of the Red Crescent Compound. Ask locals for "Varka". They all know it.
 * Serena Inn US$12-15 a meal. Pricey, and not all that impressive. Also has a restaurant in the Khorog city park (37.49N x 71.548E) with an indoor dining room as well as a roofed open-wall dining area on the bank of the river (very nice place when the weather is warm).

The bazaar sells osh (pilaf), eggs, and potatoes, or all variety of fried pastries. Head up the place where they sell bread in stacks on the main road.

Drink

 * Varka is the only bar in town and colourfully nicknamed "fight club" by locals, although not as rough as this suggests. Pamiris generally aren't heavy drinkers.

Be careful with the water as always but the water here is not nearly as bad as in Dushanbe. Most water sources in the villages are contaminated by cattle and people upstream.

Sleep

 * Several inns and lots of homestays available.

 * Serena Inn Very nice but pricey at US$100. Has en-suite bathrooms. Is 2.2 km north from the Khorog airport, on the west side of the main road at 37.525N x 71.506E. Built by the Aga Khan Foundation in-order to encourage tourism in the region. Built in typical Badakshani style and situated next to the river, it is luxurious. Telephone: (+99235222) 3228.
 * Serena Inn Very nice but pricey at US$100. Has en-suite bathrooms. Is 2.2 km north from the Khorog airport, on the west side of the main road at 37.525N x 71.506E. Built by the Aga Khan Foundation in-order to encourage tourism in the region. Built in typical Badakshani style and situated next to the river, it is luxurious. Telephone: (+99235222) 3228.
 * Serena Inn Very nice but pricey at US$100. Has en-suite bathrooms. Is 2.2 km north from the Khorog airport, on the west side of the main road at 37.525N x 71.506E. Built by the Aga Khan Foundation in-order to encourage tourism in the region. Built in typical Badakshani style and situated next to the river, it is luxurious. Telephone: (+99235222) 3228.
 * Serena Inn Very nice but pricey at US$100. Has en-suite bathrooms. Is 2.2 km north from the Khorog airport, on the west side of the main road at 37.525N x 71.506E. Built by the Aga Khan Foundation in-order to encourage tourism in the region. Built in typical Badakshani style and situated next to the river, it is luxurious. Telephone: (+99235222) 3228.
 * Serena Inn Very nice but pricey at US$100. Has en-suite bathrooms. Is 2.2 km north from the Khorog airport, on the west side of the main road at 37.525N x 71.506E. Built by the Aga Khan Foundation in-order to encourage tourism in the region. Built in typical Badakshani style and situated next to the river, it is luxurious. Telephone: (+99235222) 3228.

Connect
Some hotels and guesthouses will have WiFi, but not the majority. Go down to the PECTA info centre in Khorog City Park, Wi-Fi is available for 5 som for 3 hours. The staff are friendly and English-speaking.

Stay safe
If you need treatment, you need to evacuate. There are some expat docs in Dushanbe, who know what they are doing.

Broken bones can be dealt with in Khorugh. The hospital (a huge compound) is near the lowest walking bridge, on the non-bazaar side.

The Aga Khan Foundation has access to a helicopter for emergencies. Flag down a vehicle with one of the logos.

Go next

 * Afghan visa: The consulate of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan opens at 09:00. Visa processing time is short (usually less than 30 minutes). Bring a passport picture (there is also a photographer in town). You have to write a letter of intent stating that you bear all risks of travelling to Afghanistan. Visa prices seem to vary, EU passports around US$150, U.S. passports US$200.
 * Murghab — In the bazaar, there is a very big vehicle market. You can get a private taxi to Murghab there. US$200-100 is a fair price. Towards the main town from the bazaar there is a water spigot on your right, maybe 100 meters away from the bazaar. Anywhere within 100 metres of where you're standing is fair game for the Murghab marshrutkas to bel behind buildings, on the road, etc. US$15 is a fair price for a big vehicle, more for a smaller one. It probably leaves around 10:00, or maybe earlier, depending on when the seats get filled. Get there no later than 08:30.
 * Dushanbe — US$40-60 by land and US$85 by air.

Air — Go to the airport. Try to give your passport to someone. If they take it, that means you might get on the list. Ask... there might be some English speakers there, but all speak Russian. ("Samaliot" = airplane). Once the airplane takes off from Dushanbe, they will begin selling tickets in the back of the building, so walk around to a tiny hole in the wall and listen for your name. 1hr flight.

Land — Arrive at the bazaar no later than 08:00. The place will be mostly deserted, except for a few men standing around cars. They are going to Dushanbe. Pick a very good car. Once their vehicle filled, they will leave. 14-24 hr, provided no problems. 1-day trip is tough but 2 days is much more relaxing. Your food may very well be covered in the fee. Be careful at the roadside diners. Often the soup or food has been sitting out for days. Eggs and hotdogs are safest.

title: Khorugh


text:
Khotan

Khotan (和田; Hétián; also known as Kotan or Hotan), is a town on the southern (Jade) Branch of the Silk Road in Xinjiang Province in China. Khotan was once center of a Buddhist empire. The old capital, Yoktan, is about 10 km west of the current city.

While the main Silk Road route from here goes west to Kashgar and onward to Central Asia, an important branch cuts off here over a pass to Leh in the north of India. That pass is thought to be the route by which Marco Polo reached China.

By plane
Khotan Airport is south of the city. Flights are available from Urumqi on a number of carriers, providing competition. There is also a daily flight from Kashgar.

The airport can be accessed by taxi (despite the meters, fares to/from the airport are shared among passengers and negotiated, typically ¥20-30 a person) or by bus #9. The bus stop is across the highway from the airport. As of mid-2017 there were no restaurants or stores in the airport either airside or outside security, only water dispensers. However, there is a small convenience store across the highway, over the canal. Sometimes there is a food cart outside the airport.

By train
There are daily trains from Kashgar and Ürümqi.

By bus
The Long-Distance Bus Station is north of the city center on the main highway.
 * Kashgar - takes 7-10 hours (express buses are faster)
 * Yarkand - takes about 6 hours
 * Korla - takes about 15 hours
 * Kuqa - takes from 9 to 10 hours. Departures at 12:00 and 15:30 Beijing time.
 * Turpan - takes about 20 hours
 * Urumqi - 6 24-hour buses leave daily (¥260), 1 18-hour bus (¥310) and 2 fast luxury buses (less than 18 hours, most expensive bus option).
 * Yecheng - takes about 8 hours
 * Yining - takes about 40 hours (shorter as soon as buses start using the new Hotan - Aksu highway)
 * Qiemo - takes 11 hours -- daily morning bus leaves from East Bus Station, not Main Bus Station

By car
There is a road west to Kashgar, about 500 km, or east via Dunhuang and on toward Central China (very distant). There is also the paved cross-desert highway (which passes by the desert viewing area just north of town) to Kuqa.

Get around
Bus 101 (there are different variants of this bus, so ensure it goes where you plan to) passes in front of the Main bus station and goes to the Sunday bazaar and the Sunday animal bazaar (a couple of stops after "New Hotan..." monument roundabout. CN¥1. Buses have a late-night surcharge but otherwise cost CN¥1.

Hiring a taxi to show you the sights outside of town, especially given many travel agencies have closed, is a good way to get around. It will cost in the hundreds of yuan depending on the number and distance of destinations, many of which are geographically close but may not be well known or quick to access, given the long lineups for checkpoints. Finding a taxi driver that speaks Chinese (if you speak it) and knows his/her way around can be a challenge but they do exist. It wouldn't hurt to ask your hotel staff to write down the names of your major destinations in Uyghur (a good idea in any case, even if your driver speaks Chinese) but even more experienced drivers may not know many of the destinations due to the sharp fall-off in tourists in the 2010s.

Buy
The area has been famous for jade for centuries. Khotan jade is first mentioned in written history about 200 BCE. There are mines, but much of the stone is found in riverbeds. This is one of the few areas with black jade and white jade. Be prepared to bargain hard. The city is also known as a traditional centre of Uyghur carpet weaving, so be sure to check out some locally-produced carpets while you're here.

The bazaar area is full of carpet and clothing shops, which are also available at the bazaar and the merchants are often eager to clarify the origins and materials (e.g. which are Central Asian, which are machine-made either in Xinjiang or elsewhere, and which are handmade/of what). Clothing is available in the market, including traditional Uyghur designs (often at fixed posted prices for machine-made dresses, etc.) This isn't a tourist market in Eastern China so while bargaining is helpful for more expensive items (like carpets or more expensive cloth), it may not be needed for many of the cheaper and more common items like basic scarves or clothing items, for which there may be a variety of options at initially reasonable prices from the more reputable vendors.

Eat

 * The Night Market is a massive indoor food hall, about a 20-minute walk south of the central square. At the eastern entrance there are the usual Chinese dishes and sweets, but going inside many more Uyghur options are available for food and desert. Somewhat higher prices than the atmospheric night market in Kashgar but typically still quite modest. Options for everyone and the ability to mix and match.
 * The Night Market is a massive indoor food hall, about a 20-minute walk south of the central square. At the eastern entrance there are the usual Chinese dishes and sweets, but going inside many more Uyghur options are available for food and desert. Somewhat higher prices than the atmospheric night market in Kashgar but typically still quite modest. Options for everyone and the ability to mix and match.

Drink

 * Fresh-ground espresso (often at reasonable prices) is surprisingly common at numerous bakeries, juice joints and cafés. While an actual "espresso" often isn't on the menu (usually milk drinks or americanos are), ask for an americano with less water and more coffee.
 * Beer is often available from shops but not restaurants. After making sure it is OK with staff, you can often BYOB. Homemade beer is available at a stall in the night market and from vendors selling bottles.
 * There is a bar/café outside the eastern entrance to the night market.

Sleep
There are plenty of cheap places, but foreigners are often not allowed to stay there but are referred to the more expensive foreigner places. The hotels accepting foreigners in the Main Station road seem to take advantage of lack of competition and no regulation and raise prices. With such a few number of places accepting foreigners bargaining hard gets a minimal discount from posted tariffs, if any. It would not be a bad idea to go to a mid-range hotel and at least get what you pay for.
 * Yudu Hotel is across from the main square. Beds are hard, windows have no screens, the lobby is smoky and staff respond to most requests with futility. However, there doesn't appear to be systemic milking of foreigners. There is a seemingly nicer Super 8 the alleyway behind the Yudu, but it didn't have a license for foreigners as of mid-2017.
 * Yudu Hotel is across from the main square. Beds are hard, windows have no screens, the lobby is smoky and staff respond to most requests with futility. However, there doesn't appear to be systemic milking of foreigners. There is a seemingly nicer Super 8 the alleyway behind the Yudu, but it didn't have a license for foreigners as of mid-2017.
 * Yudu Hotel is across from the main square. Beds are hard, windows have no screens, the lobby is smoky and staff respond to most requests with futility. However, there doesn't appear to be systemic milking of foreigners. There is a seemingly nicer Super 8 the alleyway behind the Yudu, but it didn't have a license for foreigners as of mid-2017.

Go next
If you decide to go by car west out of Khotan to Kashgar stop in Yengisar and visit the knife factories. Knives are handmade and you can bargain with the owner for some very nice pieces. (As of 2012, it is not possible to ship knives out of China via the China Post, all packages are inspected thoroughly and even boring things like scissors and even some calculators cannot be shipped).

If you stop in Yarkand you can find handmade pocket knives as opposed to the sheathed knives of Yengisar.

title: Khotan


text:
Khoukhate

Khoukhate is a village in Khenifra Province, in the Middle Atlas mountains of Morocco.

Get in
Khoukhate is about halfway between Fes and Midelt on Route 503, the road connecting Fes and Errachidia, south of Boulemane and north of Tamayoust. Getting in and out by public transportation is tricky, but easy with a private car.

See
Seven natural springs make this one of the most fertile valleys in the region. Khoukhate is surrounded by four plateaus that can easily be climbed for a breath-taking view of the High Atlas mountains.

Do
Visit the women's association in Khoukhate to see how they roll couscous by hand the same way they have for centuries. Participate in a half-day introduction to preparing couscous from scratch, including rolling it and then cooking it with all the delicious Moroccan vegetables and spices. Sit down to a hearty and memorable lunch of the couscous you just helped to prepare in a traditional Moroccan home.

Buy
You can purchase packaged kilos of the village's handmade couscous to take home and try in your own kitchen. The women of the Association also make traditional Berber carpets by hand on their traditional looms, which are a classic souvenir of Morocco.

Eat
Couscous is this village's specialty, so don't miss out on tasting it. It is well-known as the region's best couscous. There are no marked restaurants, but if you inquire at the Association, you'll certainly find someone happy to open their home to you.

Sleep
Bring your tent and sleeping bag and camp on top of one of the many plateaus

title: Khoukhate


text:
Khuda Abad

Khuda Abad is a valley of Hunza in the Hunza-Nagar District of Gilgit-Baltistan.

Understand
The village is composed of 138 houses comprised of 1238 population, mainly the export of this village is potatoes, and vegetables in local market, people are engaged with farming too, cultivation of wheat, barley, maize and black peas are annually reported in the village.

The youth of this village is settled downstream the country for employment and studies. The literacy rate of the village is around 70% excluding the old folks. Today the youth of this village are working in private and government sector. The only one youth group Khudabad Welfare youth organization is carrying welfare activities. One road only links Khudabad with the rest of areas. In education three schools are operating in the village along with one health care centre.

title: Khuda Abad


text:
Khuldabad

Khuldabad is a town 27 km north-west of Aurangabad. It's called the City of Mosques due to the large number of mosques. Here you can find the tomb of the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb.

Get in
Khuldabad is 27 km from central Aurangabad on the way to Ellora. Many share taxi, autos ply throughout the day. Regular state buses run every 15 mts or drive on peaceful and calm road and peak on to Daulatabad fort while you drive.

See

 * Dargah of Moinuddin Chishti, a famous Sufi saint.
 * Tomb of Aurangzeb, the last of the great Mughals.

Eat
You will find many veg and non-veg dishes here. Sheeq kabab and shikampur are famous non veg dishes, and in veg the most popular dish of Maharashtra. Vada pao and puri bhaji are also available. There are many stalls and thela are on each road for a standing refreshment, and some good restaurants are readily available so ignore the stalls and have an enjoyable meal at any clean restaurants. Khuladabad is also famous for its strawberries and apples.

title: Khuldabad


text:
Khulna

Khulna is the capital city of Khulna Division in Southern Bangladesh. On the bank of Rupsha (and Bhairav) river, it is known as the industrial city, and is the third most populous city in the country. It is known in Bangladesh for its mills and shipyard. But for tourists, it is better known as the gateway of the Sundarbans.

By air
Novoair has regular flights to Jessore airport and some of these airlines provide shuttle bus to Khulna city. They cost approximately Tk. 5000 (US$65). Hotels in Khulna will usually arrange a car to collect anyone from the airport at Jessore.

By bus

 * Regular buses all day and night runs from capital city Dhaka to Khulna. Well known are Shohag Paribahan (transport), Eagle transport, A K Travels, Hanif transport etc. All of they have AC (air conditioned) and normal chair coach services. Cost approximately Tk 500-1200 (US$7.00-16.00). Usual time is 6-8 hours.
 * Buses also run from Jessore (Tk50-100, 2-3 hour)

By boat

 * As of December 2018, the Rocket Steamer launches from here once per week on Thursdays heading to Dhaka (2 per cabin, 26-30 hours) with a few stops along the way including Barisal. It departs Khulna at 2:45AM, but it's possible to board the boat around 6-7PM the night before and sleep in your berth for no extra charge. The boats launch from Rocket Ghat just behind the train station, while the BIWTC office for ticket bookings is next to the Jolil tower in the city center.
 * For most of the other days, you can board a Rocket steamer heading to Dhaka in Hularhat. To get to Hularhat, go first by a bus to Pirojpur (1.5-2 hours) and then a rickshaw or a motorcycle to the Hularhat jetty. The ferry leaves at 14:00.

Get around

 * Cycle-rickshaws are the main method of transport. From the bus stand to the center or from one end of town to the other shouldn't run more than about Tk20, and as little as Tk 5 for shorter journeys by easy bikes.
 * It is also possible to rent a scooter (3 wheel) for little longer journeys.

See

 * Bonobilash Zoo, along Dhaka-Khulna highway north of downtowb. A nice place to spend a whole day. Take a scooter from the city center. Daily 9AM-6PM. +880 1518-400970
 * Khan Jahan Ali Bridge, a place frequently visited by local people. In the Lobon Chora area. A long-awaited bridge over the Rupsha river connecting Bagerhat and Mongla port. You can walk along the bridge and take a snap of Khulna city and the Rupsha river.
 * St Joseph's Church, Babu Khan Rd. A catholic church run by the friendly, English-speaking Father Jacob. Daily mass is at 6AM, and they welcome visitors.
 * Market stalls run along the river between the train station and the ferry terminal. While their products are unlikely to be what tourists are looking to buy, the people are friendly, many of the tea stalls are great, and from time to time you get a glimpse of the river.
 * The Torture & Genocide Museum is a confronting and powerful exhibition of the 1971 war for independence. It offers a different take from that of Dhaka's Liberation War Museum and is well worth a visit, especially for the art and photography displays. There is a small entrance fee with donations encouraged.
 * Market stalls run along the river between the train station and the ferry terminal. While their products are unlikely to be what tourists are looking to buy, the people are friendly, many of the tea stalls are great, and from time to time you get a glimpse of the river.
 * The Torture & Genocide Museum is a confronting and powerful exhibition of the 1971 war for independence. It offers a different take from that of Dhaka's Liberation War Museum and is well worth a visit, especially for the art and photography displays. There is a small entrance fee with donations encouraged.

Do

 * Hadis park, in the city center, if you are lucky there will be a show of some kind on there.

Buy

 * New Market, Khan A Sabar Rd, (in the north of the town). This is a big two-story shopping complex, selling clothing, electronics, etc. It's not too exciting, but a good place to buy a Bangladeshi outfit, a cell phone, or CDs and DVDs.

 * Cheaper option - Picture pallace mor market.

Eat

 * Hotel Royal is one of the largest Hotel of Khulna that provides different types of facilities for people.
 * Hotel Western International has a very good restaurant on site, serving several different cuisines, including a few good soups and a spicy version of fish and chips! Meals from Tk 150.
 * Hotel Western International has a very good restaurant on site, serving several different cuisines, including a few good soups and a spicy version of fish and chips! Meals from Tk 150.
 * Hotel Western International has a very good restaurant on site, serving several different cuisines, including a few good soups and a spicy version of fish and chips! Meals from Tk 150.

Drink
Alcohol can be hard to find in Khulna. Famous drinks are Lassi or Faluda. Deluxe, Shourov restaurant at Dak Bunglow mor/Picture pallace mor are good option.

Sleep
To the east of the intersection of Khan A Sabur Rd and Cemetery Rd is a cluster of budget hotels in the various alleys.

 * Hotel Society, in the cluster of hotels around the city center, probably never lived up to its name. Tiny rooms with cold showers, squat toilets and mosquito nets are just bearable. They ask Tk75/50 for attached/shared bath, but attached can be bargained down to at least Tk60, making it a worthy budget option.
 * Hotel Park, 46 K.D. Ghosh Road, +24077, 20990. An ok option. Rooms Tk150-750.
 * Hotel Society, in the cluster of hotels around the city center, probably never lived up to its name. Tiny rooms with cold showers, squat toilets and mosquito nets are just bearable. They ask Tk75/50 for attached/shared bath, but attached can be bargained down to at least Tk60, making it a worthy budget option.
 * Hotel Park, 46 K.D. Ghosh Road, +24077, 20990. An ok option. Rooms Tk150-750.
 * Hotel Park, 46 K.D. Ghosh Road, +24077, 20990. An ok option. Rooms Tk150-750.

Stay safe

 * Khulna Metropolitan Police Control Room, 20220.

Cope

 * Khulna Sadar Hospital, 20133.

Go next

 * Shat Gombuj Mosjid (The sixty dome mosque), in the Bagerhat district. One hour travel from Khulna. Take a bus from Sonadanga bus terminal or from Rupsha ferry terminal.
 * Monlga sea port, 40-minute bus ride. Take a bus from Sonadanga bus terminal or from Rupsha ferry terminal. A nice place to see the Poshur river too. Scenic beauty overlooking the Sundarban. Cross the river by Shampan boat to go to Mongla city. It is possible to hire a boat to roam around to the Sundarban.
 * Sundarbans - Khulna is a good place to arrange a trip into the Sundarbans, and there are several private operators. If you're on a budget try comparing prices among the several lined up near the BIWTC Rocket reservation office.

title: Khulna


text:
Khulo

Khulo is a city in the Autonomous Republic of Adjara in Southwestern Georgia.

Understand
Khulo is a cozy and small city in the mountains of Ajara.

Get in
Daily mini bus from the main bus station in Batumi, 2-3 hours, 6-8 lari. Infrequent bus service to Akhaltsikhe and Adigeni through the Goderzi pass. Hitch hiking is easy if you know a few phrases in Georgian or Russian.

Get around
Khulo is easily walkable.

Do
Take the cable car across the valley. The cable car stretches 1700 m across and a ride takes 10 minutes. The cable car is used for daily means of transportation by the locals.

Eat
A number of shops and restaurants are located around the bus stop and in the upper part of the city.

Sleep
There is a minor hotel right next to the bus stop. 15 lari for a clean room with toilet and shower.

Other option may include home stays. The tourist information office can assist you.

title: Khulo


text:
Khumbu

 * See Everest Base Camp Trek for the Nepalese trek to the foot of Mount Everest, and Qomolangma for the Tibetan side of Mount Everest.

Khumbu (also known as the Everest Region) is a sub-region in Solu Khumbu on the Nepalese side of Mount Everest.

Understand

The Everest region is officially called Khumbu and includes the Sagarmatha National Park (above Monju) and the Sagarmatha National Park Buffer Zone (between Lukla and Monju). The former is listed as an UNESCO World Heritage site.

Villages
There are many villages scattered throughout Khumbu. Below are some of them. Some others can be found on the Walk section of the Everest Base Camp Trek article.

 * – a village at 4,790 m, which forms the centre of the Gokyo trail.
 * – a small beautiful village in-between the Lukla–Phakding trail of the Everest Region
 * – good place to take an acclimatization walk when staying in Namche; sacred cave
 * – near Khumjung, location of Khumbu's main Western medicine clinic
 * – location of an airport
 * – good place to stop on first night after arriving at Lukla
 * – the unofficial Sherpa capital - restaurants, cafes, museums, Tibetan medical clinic
 * – picturesque village - small monastery
 * – very traditional village on mountain opposite Tengboche
 * – large monastery
 * – support village for the trekking to Island Peak or day trip to Chhukhung Ri
 * – relatively large village above the treeline

Other destinations

 * Everest Base Camp Trek
 * Island Peak Trek

Understand
Famous for its spectacular mountain peaks and the loyalty and friendliness of its inhabitants (the Sherpas), the Everest region (Khumbu) is one of the most popular destinations for tourists in Nepal. While many of the routes through the mountains are arduous, there are ample places to rest and enjoy a meal along the way. Don't worry about getting lost: just ask a local the way to the next village on your route, and they will direct you. Most Sherpas under the age of fifty can at least understand basic English, and many speak it fluently.

While trekking is possible in this area the whole year round, the best times to visit are from the beginning of March to mid May and from the beginning of September to end of November. The winters are very cold and snow may make it difficult to travel higher than Tengboche, and also lodges may be closed above this altitude. Summers, on the other hand, are wet, and the spectacular peaks often lost in the clouds. April and early May is a good time to see the hedgerows and trees bursting into bloom, with Rhododendrons, in particular, adding a spectacular splash of colour to the landscape. However, dust from the plains of India during the spring routinely provide less than ideal conditions for clear mountain views. The views are much better after the summer monsoons have cleared the atmosphere of dust, but the days are shorter and cooler.

TIMS (Trekking Information Management System) permits are required to venture forth for any trek, also for the Khumbu region, they are easy to obtain in Kathmandu at Nepal Tourism Board against US$20, a recent passport size photo and filling in the required form before you embark to your trek. If you are with an organised trekking party your tour operator will do this for you.

Also a National Park Entry Fee is required and can be obtained either in Kathmandu or while entering the Park.

Lodges and restaurants in Khumbu only accept Nepalese rupees. Budget can vary hugely between Rs 1,500-2,000 per person per day for food and accommodation - prices rise with the altitude, though you may spend more in Namche because there is more on offer. Add more if you consume beer, softdrinks and other amenities.

See Sagarmatha Park official website.

Talk
Sherpas speak their own language called Sherpa, which is related to Tibetan. Most Sherpas under the age of fifty can also speak English and Nepali. In addition, because many Sherpas have travelled overseas to work, it is not uncommon to meet Sherpas who are fluent in German, French and Japanese.

By plane

There are numerous flights flying the Kathmandu–Lukla route, though with a much reduced service during the off-season months. Flights from Kathmandu take around 25 minutes. Be aware that during the summer rainy season there may be substantial delays, and even a wait of one week is not uncommon.

On foot
There is a bus running between Kathmandu and Jiri. Some buses are going a bit further to Shivalaya. From here to Namche Bazaar it is about a six-day walk. A less popular alternative is to walk from Tumlingtar.

Another route tried entering from Jainagar, India, by train or bus. From Jainagar its about 1–1½ day by bus or jeep to Phaplu via Madar, Sirha, Mirchaya Ramnagar, Katari, Okhaldunga and Salleri. Phaplu to Ringmo and 5 days trek to Namche.

Just after the village of Monju, there is check point for entering the Sagarmatha National Park. Passports need to be shown and there is a 1,000 Rs entry fee. At Monju two fees. For SAARC country TIMS fees rs 650 and for Sagarmatha National Park Rs 1695 with VAT for four weeks.

Get around

On foot. There are no roads in the Khumbu region. And sometimes by horse.

 * Renjo La is a pass between Gokyo and Lungden with an elevation of 5,360 m and excellent views of Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Makalu, etc.

See
As a Zen poet once wrote: "Going deeper and deeper - still the green mountains". This could certainly have been written in Khumbu, but while the mountains are the obvious attraction, the area does offer many other sights.

Fauna

The national bird, danfe (a kind of pheasant), white-winged gros beak, Horn lark, Robin Accentor, Tibetan Snow Cock, red-billed chugh, yellow-billed chugh and mountain goats are common in the Khumbu area, and because the Sherpas do not kill animals or birds, people can often get very close before they take off. Musk deer and snow leopards are also natives of the Khumbu mountains, albeit rarer.

Do
Trek, eat, enjoy Sherpa hospitality and relish your time in such a beautiful and pristine environment.

Buy
Outside Namche, there are few souvenir shops and the handicrafts sold are similar to those on offer in Kathmandu. However, as the majority of goods are carried over from Tibet, which is much nearer to Khumbu than Kathmandu, you might find a few bargains and some unique items. Also, check out the clothing made from yak wool. This is often made locally, and so the prices may be lower than in Kathmandu. As in most parts of south-east Asia, remember to haggle for the best deal.

Eat

Most lodges offer similar menus - porridge, hash browns, omelettes, dal bhat, spaghetti, fried rice, apple pie, etc. - although those in Namche tend to have a wider selection, which includes such things as pizza and juice.

Bakeries, which began as a Namche phenomena, now also operate in Khumjung and Tengboche, offer such luxuries as freshly baked pizza, German breads, pastries and even cappuccino - or as one lodge in Monju advertised: Sherpaccino!

Local dishes include:

Riki-Kur — the Sherpa dish of potato pancakes, which are delicious eaten straight off the griddle and covered with dzo (female yak) butter and a sauce made of mature cheese and spices called sorma. Due to the effort involved in making them, they are generally not listed on lodge menus. However, most places will oblige if you order well in advance.

Tzen — a heavy patte made from millet and flavored with spices.

Drink

Locally bottled water is available everywhere in Khumbu, though the price rises with the altitude. A bottle in Namche costs about 100rs. Beer and juice are flown from Kathmandu to Lukla and carried from there by porters; consequently the price is very high. Tea, instant coffee and a drink made from lemon concentrate are the cheapest beverages in the region, and are available in every lodge or tea shop for Rs 50 to 150 a cup. As there is no way to recycle plastic bottles in Khumbu (there are bins available on all walks for plastic and paper), you might consider bringing your own container and either purchasing boiled water or purifying spring water with iodine tablets.

Sleep
Accommodation is in an abundance in Khumbu, and ranges from the luxurious Everest View Hotel near Khumjung to the very comfortable lodges in Namche down to those offering very basic facilities. Generally, the higher the altitude, the simpler the accommodation.

Stay safe
Khumbu is a very safe region and violent crime is almost unheard of. However, owing to the number of people flowing through the area on treks, it is advisable to always keep your valuables in sight.

Altitude sickness affects even young and healthy people and is a genuine problem in Khumbu. If you feel dizzy, suffer palpitations or a severe headache, return immediately to lower altitude. Do not take altitude sickness lightly. It can and does kill.

Yaks may be photogenic, but they are aggressive and unpredictable. Always stand on the upper slope (i.e., above the path, away from the drop-off) to let yaks pass. Every Sherpa has a tale about Westerners who have stood on the lower side of a trail to let a herd of yaks pass and died after being pushed off.

There is an emergency rescue centre in Namgyal lodge in the village of Machermo in the Gokyo Valley manned by two volunteer doctors. Note: This is purely an emergency rescue centre, and the doctors will not treat common ailments.

Stay healthy
Only drink water that has been thoroughly boiled or otherwise purified. Do not drink water directly from streams, no matter how pristine it appears. Use iodine tablets as a purifier or purchase boiled water.

Namche and Phortse have clean water supplies that the locals drink directly from the tap. However, this may not be a good idea for outsiders lacking immunity to local bacteria, but certainly it should be OK for brushing teeth.

 * Clinics are sparse in Khumbu. Should you require medical attention there are several options:
 * Western medicine — Kunde Clinic, in Kunde Village (above Namche) has Western trained doctors and is a surprisingly well equipped facility – they even have a decompression chamber for those suffering with severe altitude sickness. On your return journey, you might like to donate any unused medicines to Kunde Clinic, though ensure that they are clearly labelled in English – even the most valuable medicine is useless if there are no instructions on how to use it.
 * Tibetan medicine — The Healing Centre in Namche offers treatments using natural formulas. It is next to the Camp de Base hotel, but entered from the path in front of the library. This clinic provides free treatment for porters and other patients on low income. In order to continue this service, donations are greatly appreciated.
 * Medical Stations — Along the trail, you will also see small medical stations. These stations generally have very rudimentary facilities and can only realistically offer treatment for very minor ailments, such as cuts and bruises and (non-altitude sickness related) headaches.
 * Dental clinic — Namche also has a dental clinic, located on the right side slope of the village when looking up.

Connect
There are no telephone lines or public internet in most of the Everest region.

Namche has a post office, but there are mixed reports of letters reaching their destinations. Postage stamps are also available in local shops.

International phone calls can be made in Namche, however this is very expensive compared to Kathmandu. The cheapest place is the one-phone government telephone office, on the second floor of the nondescript wooden building behind Hotel Buddha, identified with an official yellow sign in Nepalese with a faded paper sign in English stuck on to it. Expect a lengthy queue on Saturdays (market day).

Namche also has several Internet cafes. Satellite access costs between Rs 20–25 per minute, so keep a sharp eye on the clock when online.

Religious
According to the customs of respect in Tibetan Buddhism (which most Sherpas adhere), always pass mani stones and other religious objects with your right side nearest to the object and circumambulate stupas and turn prayer wheels in a clockwise direction. Never sit on mani stones, stupas or religious objects.

Environmental
Due to the sheer number of trekkers passing through this valley, the ecological structure is under severe strain. Therefore, it is important for visitors to be as sensitive to their surroundings as possible. Obviously, wildlife and fauna should not be disturbed, but in addition, trekkers can help by not leaving any kind of non-biodegradable material in Khumbu, but instead take it back to Kathmandu for disposal. Boiled water can be purchased at all lodges, so bringing a personal container avoids the need to purchase bottled water – which anyway is very expensive. Wood for fires should be used sparingly, and not at all when possible. Also try to limit dependence on canned foods, but instead order meals made from local produce, such as rikikul (potato pancakes) and dishes made of yak cheese.

Take only photographs, leave only footprints should be the mantra of every trekker in the Khumbu area. See Leave-no-trace camping.

title: Khumbu


text:
Khumjung

Khumjung (3790m) is a village in Khumbu. It is located inside Sagarmatha National Park.

Understand
Khumjung is the location of the largest school in Khumbu - the Khumjung Hillary School - and although there are boarding facilities, many children walk hours everyday to attend classes here.

Get in
The village is about an hour walk from Namche - an arduous climb out of Namche, a stroll across a flat area near Shyangboche airstrip, another short climb, and then a gentle walk downhill into the village. There are no lodges on the way, so consider taking water.

See
High above the village of Khumjung is a sacred cave. After completing practices at Maratika (Haleshi) in Eastern Nepal, the founder of Tibetan Buddhism, Padmasambhava, or Guru Rinpoche as he is often referred, stayed at this cave for several days. On the outer right wall (looking from outside) there is a miraculously arisen Sanskrit character, and halfway up the climb, near some retreat houses, there is a very clear hand print of an accomplished yogi imbedded in stone. The climb is arduous, and in order not to wander in the wrong direction, it is necessary to keep the cave in focus. From below, it can be identified by the prayer flags hung outside.

The Khumjung Monastery (Khumjung Gompa) displays a scalp that purportedly comes from a yeti. While at the gompa, ask the monks (lamas) for directions for getting to Guru Rinpoche's cave.

Do
khumjung is not the cave its a village which is also known as hidden village.

Eat/drink

 * Mt Everest Bakery - a cafe/bakery modelled on those in Namche. Mt. Everest Bakery was the first bakery to open in the Everest Region. Unofficially it is supposed to be the highest bakery in the world. It was opened by Pemba Dorji Sherpa, and his daughter Pema Shanti Sherpa still runs the Mt. Everest Bakery in Namche.

Sleep
The village has several lodges near the school, like Khumjung Hidden Village lodge, Khumjung lodge. Few of them have a toilet inside the room.

Go next

 * Khunde village

title: Khumjung


text:
Khunde

Khunde is a village in Khumbu.

Understand
Khunde is located in the same valley as Khumjung, and is home to the region's only Western-style clinic.

See

 * Khunde Monastery (Gompa)

Sleep
There are several lodge with the same facilities and price, ask to see the rooms before agree with the price.

Stay healthy
Kunde Clinic has Western trained doctors and is a surprisingly well equipped facility - they even have a decompression chamber for those suffering with severe altitude sickness. On your return journey, you might like to donate your unused medicines to Kunde Clinic, though ensure that they are clearly labeled in English - even the most valuable medicine is useless if there are no instructions on how to use it.

title: Khunde


text:
Khun Yuam

Khun Yuam is a town in the Mae Hong Son Province.

Get in
Khun Yuam is on the Mae Hong Son Loop, so Motorbike is the best option.

Eat

 * Ann Restaurant. On the main road somewhere in the middle of town, left side 100m after the airstrip driving south, wooden furniture, english sign.

Sleep

 * Yoont B&B. Clean, homey rooms - a very welcome break after a long day's ride. Shabby chic refurbished building. Friendly and helpful owner. Double AC 600 baht (less off season). The rooms out front are a little noisy. It is on the left after you come up the hill from the south of town with an English sign and a convenience store attached.

title: Khun Yuam


text:
Khuri

Khuri is a small village around 45 km from Jaisalmer.

Get in

 * By taxi: From Jaisalmer station or Hanumant chaura taxis are easily available to take you to Khuri. Price as of Jan 2012 is ₹600 for Tata Indica, ₹800-1000 for Tata Sumo.
 * By bus: It's about a two-hour direct bus ride from Jaisalmer. The bus leaves from a 'bus station' 100 m east of the entrance to the lake, on Rd 15, just after it splits from Gadisar Rd. You'll know you're in the right place if there is a small shrine at the base of a sloping tree. Buses leave from that side of the road on a rough schedule, so you'll have to ask. The ticket sellers on this route are particularly fond of overcharging (up to ₹150 each way per person), by making up a fictitious 'luggage charge' and 'convenience charge'. The price was ₹35 each way in June 2012, so be sure to not overpay. Make sure to ask the price of the trip from other bus riders to make it easier, otherwise taking a photo of the offending conductor will often do the trick.

Do

 * Camel Safari: To nearby sand dunes. During summer almost all operators only offer day trips leaving in the afternoon and returning the next morning (see below) due to the heat. Do consider if you really want to ride during the hottest afternoon sun, and check that whoever you go with has shade
 * Desert camping: Various guest house owner at Khuri can arrange for you to stay a night in nearby desert among sand dunes. The typical tour starts around 3:30PM when you start on a camel back for a 1½-2 hour journey to reach an isolated sane dune in desert. Each travel party is accompanied by one or more camel men who also prepare food in the night by using fire wood. Tipping is often expected, as is a visit via their house so their children can ask for tips (not expected).

title: Khuri