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Telegraph
22-07-2025
- Telegraph
My three-week tour through five of the strangest countries on Earth
The five 'Stans', independent nations since 1991, are influenced by their neighbours, but distinctive and fascinating. Each is a complex melange of tribal cultures, linguistic groups and geopolitical pressures. Binding them is the Silk Road, which left a wealth of architectural wonders as well as a culture of bazaars and warm hospitality. The topography is as diverse as the human geography, comprising deserts, snow-capped mountains, steppe and the fertile Fergana Valley. They are also surprisingly easy to explore. I've just come back from a three-week group tour that encompassed all five. It was essentially a road trip; a whistle-stop ride through some of the strangest, most thrilling and undiscovered places on the planet. Here's what I learnt about each of the five. Turkmenistan: dystopia in the desert When does quirky become disturbing? The standard Western take on Turkmenistan is that it's North Korea lite. I wanted to see it through unjaundiced eyes, but Ashgabat, the capital, didn't help. On landing at the airport, you first run a bureaucratic gauntlet, queuing for an hour to give away almost £100 to cover a visa and Covid test, having already shown you were 'invited' by a local tour firm. Our hotel was in the Olympic Village, a large district full of stadia and convention centres. In 2017, Ashgabat hosted the Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games, and billions were spent making the capital appear first-world. Result: roads, malls, mega-hotels, fake modernity. No one walks, not because it's hot, but because the blocks are immense. All cars in the centre have to be white. They also have to be clean, if the driver wants to avoid a fine. Also, all cars are taxis, claimed the guide, in that you can stop anyone and ask for a lift. Whiteness is a theme here, as is marble. The independent nation's first president, Saparmurat Atayevich Niyazov, imported millions of tons of it to build government ministries, mosques, a massive Ferris wheel and monuments. Many of the latter are on roundabouts (the guide cited a presidential decree that 'no roundabout should be empty') and feature centrepieces such as a giant arch, a golden globe inside a frame of auspicious eight-pointed stars, statues and a giant replica of a book he wrote to instruct his people. None of this looks classy so much as cold. Ashgabat was levelled by an earthquake in 1948. It was de-Sovietised in the 2000s, but it has also been artlessly stripped of character and any patina of time. In the end, it felt like a combination of 1984's Oceania, Gilead in The Handmaid's Tale and The Truman Show. From here, we were bussed across the Karakum Desert, which George Curzon (future Viceroy of India), visiting in 1888, called 'the sorriest waste that ever met the human eye' It wasn't that bad, and there were lots of dromedaries to break the monotony, but the appearance of an ominous sandstorm did cause some alarm. Our main goal was Turkmenistan's most famous 'sight' – the Darvaza gas crater, also known as the Door to Hell. A man-made burning gas field, caused when drilling punctured a natural-gas cavern and a roof collapsed, it was initially ignited to prevent poisonous gases from spreading. When Turkmenistan began to open up in the 1990s, it became a sort of dark tourism attraction. Sadly – or happily – it is currently dying out. Crossing the northern half of the desert brought us to Daşoguz. A smaller version of Ashgabat, it had bits of marble here and there, a few OTT hotels and more of the same mall-restaurants serving shish kebabs and salads. Sixty miles to the northwest on the left bank of the Amu Darya (Oxus) River was the Unesco World Heritage Site of Kunya-Urgench – notable for its towering minaret, mausoleums, mosque ruins and the gate to a caravanserai. Deserted in the early 18th century, it's a dustily evocative ghost town. There were no other visitors. We crossed the border. Uzbekistan: shimmering Silk Road sites The big-hitter of the Five Stans, Uzbekistan can fill a two-week tour by itself. Benefitting from good railways, this is the country posh firms tend to focus on. Its roads are of varying quality, but gold, gas and oil bankroll a fair degree of development. I got to see the famed trio of ancient cities – Khiva, Bukhara and Samarkand – and found them enthralling. Khiva is small and still has its ancient wall. Whether you walk the ramparts or drift around the maze of pedestrianised streets, it's beguiling. Despite the best intentions of the guide, it was hard to keep track of the multitude of mosque and madrasa (Islamic school) names. The Kaltaminor memorial minaret, ringed by turquoise, green and white tiles, is especially beautiful. This, and many other structures in Khiva, are highly photogenic – if you can ignore the souvenir stalls that have sprouted up all over. Bukhara has a major archaeological site in its heart surrounded by large, lively squares, with souvenir stalls sited (sort of appropriately) under towers where Silk Road traders plied their wares. Its big draw is the Ark, a citadel where two British agents, Captain Arthur Connolly and Lieutenant Colonel Charles Stoddart, were imprisoned in a verminous pit before being brutally executed by order of the Emir of Bukhara. Outside its walls stands a gorgeous minaret from which numerous malefactors were flung. Like other Uzbek centres, Bukhara is a visual whirl of tiling, domes and lofty iwans (entrance halls) – its four-towered Chor Minor is one of the most photographed buildings in the region – but the all-brick Samanid Mausoleum was the most entrancing architectural attraction; tenth-century bricklayers knew a thing or two about geometry, physics and understatement. Samarkand is probably the Stans' most fabled destination. It's an elegant modern city with ancient sites dotted around, and a convivial place to walk around. The Registan is the most magnificent public square in Asia, perhaps anywhere. You have to buy a ticket to enter, mind you, but there are no unsightly stalls. Other must-see sights include the Ulugbek Observatory, built in 1420 by Timur's star-gazing grandson, and Shah-i-Zinda necropolis, a pilgrimage site. Visiting the three cities was eye-opening, but crowds are crowds and it was a relief to roam around the desert castles of Khorezm – sand-coloured ghost-cities in what climate change has made the middle of nowhere. I also enjoyed a random, unheralded stop at the Rabati Malik caravenserai – a bona fide Silk Road roadside inn beside the bumpy Bukhara-Samarkand M37 highway, between the petrol stations and fast-food joints. Tajikistan: Rahmon is watching you The World Heritage Site of Sarazm might date back 5,500 years but, after Uzbekistan's in-your-face glories, its scattering of rough foundations under corrugated canopies and adjoining patchily curated museum were underwhelming. The gurning mug of president Emomali Rahmon adorns the latter's façade, as it does every roundabout, public building and bazaar entrance. Ruling the poorest of the five Stans since 1994, Rahmon bolsters his dictatorship by means of a personality cult. The Tajiks are descendants of Bactrians, Sogdians, Scythians – Silk Road peoples par excellence. They speak a variety of Persian, while their neighbours speak Turkic languages. This might seem no big deal, but guides in the Stans like to make a point that their country is the oldest/strongest or most admired/feared. Three days wasn't long in Tajikistan, but enough. The highlight was a drive into the Fann Mountains to visit the Seven Lakes, though we only saw six as the road petered out and we didn't have time for the hike to the last. Fed by the Shing River, the lakes, which range from deep blue to bright green, lie beside a winding road hemmed in by vaulting cliffs and canyon walls. At lake number three we stopped to eat a delicious stew at a campsite beside rushing white-waters, and one brave member of the group took a dip in the gelid lake. While the scenery was undeniably dramatic, the road was hairy and busy with tour buses – Tajikistan visas are hard to get but that isn't keeping people away – and there were pylons all the way. Our driver was a veteran of the Soviet Afghan war; his experience at the wheel of tanks filled him, at least, with confidence. A far less nervous ride followed the next day, as we passed from Panjakent up the valley of the Zeravshan River and then turned north for Khujand. It was the most impressive piece of road so far, dynamited through the rocky slopes. On the left were high brown mountains and on the right the lofty Fanns, snow-stained and rugged. Tidy villages were wedged in beside pale green fields. Wherever the land was reasonably level it was tilled. People have been refining agricultural techniques here for millennia. Stopping for lunch at Istravashan, we saw where a local mayor had levelled what remained of the hilltop site of Mug Teppe – possibly founded by Cyrus the Great. Now a sterile reconstruction, it was a classic case of misguided heritage tourism. Tajikistan felt like the most religious of the five Stans. Clothing was more traditional for both sexes, though I saw very few burqas. People touch their heart when they meet tourists, which is an endearing way of interacting and more sincere than 'have a nice day'. Kyrgyzstan: wild upland beauty Great mountain ranges cut across Kyrgyzstan, including the Fanns, Tian Shan, Pamirs and Karakorams. The country apparently once styled itself as a future Asian Switzerland. It's more of a Bolivia in development terms, and early experiments with democracy have given way to authoritarianism. In terms of physical geography, it lived up to expectations. A visit to the village of Arslanbob, surrounded by soaring peaks, involved an easy ramble through semi-wilderness. An old walnut forest was the main 'sight' here, though locals had gathered in large numbers to ride on ziplines and in Lada jeeps, and take photographs in front of a waterfall. A very long drive on horrible, barrier-free, boulder-strewn roads took us up to the pasturelands around Song-Köl Lake. Here, at almost 10,000 feet above sea level, we slept in communal yurts, visited a local shepherd, saw petroglyph sites, and admired hundreds of cattle, sheep, goats and, above all, horses. I hiked up to a series of outcrops above the lake. Tiny flowers in improbable colours – blue, deep burgundy – carpeted the golden-green grassland. Small birds announced my presence at each jutting tor. I sat down to contemplate views over the mountains and the hazy far side of the lake, utterly alone. Kyrgyzstan had landmark mosques and minarets, too, but its chief assets were more left field. I enjoyed a short swim in Issyk-Kul lake, where a former Soviet pioneer camp was mouldering on the beach. I saw an ornate Dungan mosque and had dinner in a Uighur house, and visited my first Russian orthodox churches. In the Barskoon Gorge, I admired two Soviet-style monuments to cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin. Central Asia is full of bombastic statues of old warriors and recent dictators, and at least the celebrated spaceman achieved something (though he never visited). Along the way, we ate in service stations and Spar supermarkets; Central Asia hasn't got round to gastronomy. One day there will be a coffee table book about Kyrgyzstan cemeteries. The mini necropolises in earthy tones seem to rise out of the desert floor. Tombs are decorated with red stars and etchings of the faces of the deceased. They are never visited by families once the funeral is over. Kazakhstan: deep canyons and flat whites This was the country I had most anticipated when contemplating a trip to Central Asia. I knew it was massive – the ninth largest nation on earth – and thinly populated. I knew it was largely made up of steppe. I imagined the openness, the big skies, the far-off horizons. Alas, this tour wound up with just two days in Kazakhstan, and all I would see was Charyn National Park and the biggest city, Almaty. The former was stunning, and very popular with local tourists. I had a walk around, surveyed a deep canyon that would have been more impressive if it hadn't been such a hazy, wan day, and scored a good, pricey flat white at the on-site café. If this was my first taste of modern urban living in 20 days, Almaty offered more of the same. A proper cosmopolitan city, with electric vehicles, Irish pubs, posh wine bars and glamorous people, it was a reminder that, while travel is often about seeking out the different and undeveloped, there is comfort in finding good food, craft ale and sourdough bread. I walked around the centre without a map, and saw branches of Marks & Spencer and Next. I visited the national museum, in need of brain food. The last official group lunch was a self-service canteen; adventure tourism firms don't go big on food. Afterwards I googled 'Almaty best café' and went, with three co-travellers, to a joyously pretentious place called Fika ('Whimsical interiors meet Soviet-era industrial detailing,' according to Wallpaper magazine). We toasted a trip of a lifetime and then went to the hotel to sleep in preparation for the 2am ride to the airport. Chris Moss travelled with Exodus (020 3553 6116). The 23-day Five Stans of the Silk Road group tour has departures from May to October. Local guides, transport, accommodation, entrance fees, breakfasts and some meals are included. From £5,149, plus £727 for return flights. Budget at least £120 for visas for Turkmenistan and Tajikistan. Tips, while not obligatory, are expected; allow £60-£100.
Yahoo
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Anticipation Erupts Over News of Hailee Steinfeld Teaming Up with Rising A-Lister
Anticipation Erupts Over News of Hailee Steinfeld Teaming Up with Rising A-Lister originally appeared on Parade. According to reports from Deadline, actress and singer Hailee Steinfeld is set to star alongside Miles Teller in Paramount's upcoming film Winter Games. Directed by Paul Downs Colaizzo and written by Colaizzo and Pat Cunnane, the film will follow two athletes competing in the Winter Olympic Games: a perpetually overlooked skier and a self-sabotaging hockey legend who collide at their breaking points. But their unexpected relationship threatens her chances for a medal and his shot at a comeback as they navigate romance and redemption in the Olympic Village. Steinfeld just came off one of this year's biggest movies, Sinners, where she starred alongside Michael B. Jordan. The 28-year-old actress played Mary in the film, a woman who returns to Mississippi following the death of her mother and turns into a vampire. She also recently married Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen back in May. Meanwhile, Teller recently starred alongside Anya Taylor-Joy in The Gorge, an Apple TV film released on Valentine's Day. The 38-year-old actor rose to fame with the 2014 Divergent series and cemented his status as a leading man in 2022's Top Gun: Maverick, the sequel to the 1986 classic. Fans of both actors went to social media to express their excitement about the duo. "HAILEE STEINFELD AND MILES TELLER IN AN OLYMPIC ROMANCE DRAMA I JUST SCREAMED," a user quote-tweeted. "Could be good," another wrote. "Definitely a lot of drama." One user who's a fan of Steinfeld commented, "Seated. I would watch Hailee read the dictionary." "Hailee mother we will be watching," another fan posted. "miles teller having a romance movie with elizabeth olsen and callum turner and now a new one with hailee steinfeld," an X user posted, referring to Teller's upcoming film Eternals, which was filmed last year. "he's about to compete with glen powell about the new rom com leading man title." "That sounds like a powerful combo!" one said. "Definitely adding it to the watchlist. 🎬🔥." Another user quote-tweeted, "I'm so ready for this." "Hailee and Miles set to ignite Olympic drama, this duo screams gold," another user commented. Though there are no further details about Winter Games just yet, it seems fans are eager for the film and looking forward to this duo working together. Anticipation Erupts Over News of Hailee Steinfeld Teaming Up with Rising A-Lister first appeared on Parade on Jul 10, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Jul 10, 2025, where it first appeared.
Time of India
18-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
YEIDA to approve key projects to fast-track growth in Greater Noida and Jewar
Lucknow: The Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA) has cleared key proposals aimed at accelerating development and attracting investments in the Greater Noida and Jewar region. At the 85th board meeting held on Wednesday, 54 projects were cleared for implementation over the next 15 years, outlining a comprehensive roadmap for the development of Greater Noida and the entire YEIDA-authorised area. The meeting was chaired by YEIDA chairman Alok Kumar and attended by CEO Dr Arunvir Singh, along with several senior officials and board members. The proposals included crucial decisions related to security, tourism, industrial investment, power supply, rural development, and land allocation. These decisions are considered pivotal for giving a new direction to development in the Yamuna region and are aligned with the objectives of Master Plan-2041. Notably, 1,149 revenue villages from Gautam Budh Nagar, Bulandshahr, Aligarh, Hathras, Mathura, and Agra fall under the YEIDA-authorised area. Gautam Budh Nagar and Bulandshahr are covered under Master Plan-2041, while the remaining four districts are classified as Phase-2 in the authority's notified area. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 2025 Top Trending local enterprise accounting software [Click Here] Esseps Learn More Undo The board approved the construction of a new police station on 1,000 square metres of land in the Noida International Airport area to strengthen regional security. Plans to develop tourist attractions such as a golf course, gymkhana club, and Yamuna Haat in the recreational green zones of Sectors 22F and 23B were also approved. Additionally, major projects including Kingdom of Dreams, an Olympic Village, theme parks, an aviation museum, Oxford Golf Resort, Delhi Haat, Cubbon Park, and Delhi Gymkhana Club were proposed to be developed under the public-private partnership (PPP) model, with a focus on finalising guidelines for their implementation. YEIDA also plans to relaunch its highly successful One-Time Settlement (OTS) scheme from July 1 to August 31, 2025, which previously generated over Rs 551 crore. The move aims to offer defaulters a chance to clear dues. Residential, public, institutional, and essential commercial activities have also been planned within a 200-metre radius of rural settlements. The board approved the establishment of an Electronic Manufacturing Cluster (EMC 2.0) in Sector 10, with the support of the central govt. A total of 200 acres of land has been earmarked for this purpose. Special facilities such as data centres, hostels, and skill development centres will be developed to attract international companies. Additionally, approximately 7,485 square metres of land has been identified for the establishment of fire stations in sectors 18 and 32.
The Sun
10-06-2025
- Business
- The Sun
TCL Malaysia 2025 Launch: Olympic Partner, New Products
TCL Malaysia has made waves in the tech industry with its spectacular 2025 product launch event at Vivatel Hotel Kuala Lumpur, unveiling groundbreaking innovations that position the brand as Malaysia's premier smart living solutions provider. Olympic Dreams Meet Smart Technology The event's biggest announcement saw TCL step onto the world stage as an official Worldwide Olympic and Paralympic Partner in the Home Audiovisual Equipment and Home Appliances category. This prestigious partnership will see TCL products enhancing experiences for both fans and athletes, from digital displays at Olympic venues to household appliances in the Olympic Village. Game-Changing Display Technology TCL Malaysia proudly claimed three global No.1 rankings that cement its dominance in the display market: - Ultra-Large TV global shipments - Mini LED TV global shipments - Google TV global shipments The star of the show was the TCL C8K Premium QD-Mini LED TV, featuring revolutionary All-domain Halo Control Technology with up to 3,840 dimming zones. The C8K's standout Virtually ZeroBorder design achieves an ultra-narrow 3-4mm border, backed by 22 patented technologies that redefine traditional LED TV aesthetics. For those seeking the ultimate home cinema experience, TCL introduced the massive 115-inch C7K Premium QD-Mini LED TV - one of the largest displays ever launched in Malaysia. The C7K combines advanced Halo Control System technology with a High Contrast HVA Panel for truly cinematic viewing. Both flagship models feature premium audio collaboration with BANG & OLUFSEN, delivering surround sound experiences that match their exceptional visual capabilities. Smart Living Revolution Beyond entertainment, TCL's 2025 lineup addresses Malaysia's growing focus on air quality and energy efficiency with the FreshIN 3.0 Air Conditioner. This innovative unit features Offline Voice Control, compatibility with Google Home and Alexa, and a Quadrupuri Filter System that removes dust, allergens, and bacteria. The FreshIN 3.0's T-AI powered energy management system learns user patterns to deliver up to 37% energy savings, while its Visible Air Quality feature provides real-time indoor air quality monitoring through intuitive color coding. The TCL FREE BUILT-IN Refrigerator rounds out the smart home ecosystem with seamless cabinet integration requiring only a 1cm gap. Equipped with T-Fresh technology that eliminates 99.99% of bacteria and Pure Air odor neutralization, it maintains No.1 status in Global Refrigerator Exports for 15 consecutive years. Industry Leadership Through Innovation With 2024 revenues reaching RMB 150.03 billion (24.7% year-on-year increase) and net profits of RMB 49.3 billion (52.3% increase), TCL continues its impressive growth trajectory. The company operates 24 R&D centers and 7 joint laboratories worldwide, with over 30,923 patent applications submitted as of October 2024. TCL's global manufacturing infrastructure includes 20 production bases with annual capacity exceeding 30 million TVs and 54 million units of air conditioners, refrigerators, and washing machines combined. Setting New Standards for Malaysian Homes As TCL Malaysia steps into its Olympic partnership role, the 2025 product lineup demonstrates the brand's commitment to inspiring greatness in every Malaysian home. From cinematic viewing experiences to smarter air conditioning and aesthetic kitchen solutions, TCL continues raising the bar for smart living technology. The convergence of cutting-edge innovation, sustainable design, and user-centric technology positions TCL as the definitive choice for Malaysian consumers seeking premium smart home solutions that deliver both performance and style. The TCL Malaysia 2025 Product Launch took place on May 22, 2025, at Vivatel Hotel Kuala Lumpur. For more information about TCL's complete product range, visit
The Sun
10-06-2025
- Business
- The Sun
TCL Malaysia unveils revolutionary 2025 product line with Olympic partnership
TCL Malaysia has made waves in the tech industry with its spectacular 2025 product launch event at Vivatel Hotel Kuala Lumpur, unveiling groundbreaking innovations that position the brand as Malaysia's premier smart living solutions provider. Olympic Dreams Meet Smart Technology The event's biggest announcement saw TCL step onto the world stage as an official Worldwide Olympic and Paralympic Partner in the Home Audiovisual Equipment and Home Appliances category. This prestigious partnership will see TCL products enhancing experiences for both fans and athletes, from digital displays at Olympic venues to household appliances in the Olympic Village. Game-Changing Display Technology TCL Malaysia proudly claimed three global No.1 rankings that cement its dominance in the display market: - Ultra-Large TV global shipments - Mini LED TV global shipments - Google TV global shipments The star of the show was the TCL C8K Premium QD-Mini LED TV, featuring revolutionary All-domain Halo Control Technology with up to 3,840 dimming zones. The C8K's standout Virtually ZeroBorder design achieves an ultra-narrow 3-4mm border, backed by 22 patented technologies that redefine traditional LED TV aesthetics. For those seeking the ultimate home cinema experience, TCL introduced the massive 115-inch C7K Premium QD-Mini LED TV - one of the largest displays ever launched in Malaysia. The C7K combines advanced Halo Control System technology with a High Contrast HVA Panel for truly cinematic viewing. Both flagship models feature premium audio collaboration with BANG & OLUFSEN, delivering surround sound experiences that match their exceptional visual capabilities. Smart Living Revolution Beyond entertainment, TCL's 2025 lineup addresses Malaysia's growing focus on air quality and energy efficiency with the FreshIN 3.0 Air Conditioner. This innovative unit features Offline Voice Control, compatibility with Google Home and Alexa, and a Quadrupuri Filter System that removes dust, allergens, and bacteria. The FreshIN 3.0's T-AI powered energy management system learns user patterns to deliver up to 37% energy savings, while its Visible Air Quality feature provides real-time indoor air quality monitoring through intuitive color coding. The TCL FREE BUILT-IN Refrigerator rounds out the smart home ecosystem with seamless cabinet integration requiring only a 1cm gap. Equipped with T-Fresh technology that eliminates 99.99% of bacteria and Pure Air odor neutralization, it maintains No.1 status in Global Refrigerator Exports for 15 consecutive years. Industry Leadership Through Innovation With 2024 revenues reaching RMB 150.03 billion (24.7% year-on-year increase) and net profits of RMB 49.3 billion (52.3% increase), TCL continues its impressive growth trajectory. The company operates 24 R&D centers and 7 joint laboratories worldwide, with over 30,923 patent applications submitted as of October 2024. TCL's global manufacturing infrastructure includes 20 production bases with annual capacity exceeding 30 million TVs and 54 million units of air conditioners, refrigerators, and washing machines combined. Setting New Standards for Malaysian Homes As TCL Malaysia steps into its Olympic partnership role, the 2025 product lineup demonstrates the brand's commitment to inspiring greatness in every Malaysian home. From cinematic viewing experiences to smarter air conditioning and aesthetic kitchen solutions, TCL continues raising the bar for smart living technology. The convergence of cutting-edge innovation, sustainable design, and user-centric technology positions TCL as the definitive choice for Malaysian consumers seeking premium smart home solutions that deliver both performance and style. The TCL Malaysia 2025 Product Launch took place on May 22, 2025, at Vivatel Hotel Kuala Lumpur. For more information about TCL's complete product range, visit
