Central Asia by ITMB

Covering the five former Soviet republics of Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, this double sided map traces the region's modern road network alongside the historic route of the Silk Road, which cuts through much of the area covered. With a small overlap between the two sides, the map takes in nearly all of the five countries, missing only small pockets along the northern Russian border, the northwestern border with China, and the southwestern corner of Turkmenistan around Ashgabat.

Bold altitude colouring, spot heights and named mountain ranges bring out the region's dramatic topography, running from the Caspian Sea in the west towards the Hindu Kush in the east, while separate graphics mark deserts, swamps, salt pans and glaciers. National parks and other protected areas are highlighted, along with numerous water wells, a genuinely useful detail in a region where water sources can be scarce. The road network includes selected seasonal tracks in addition to sealed routes, with railways and local airports also shown, and the legend extends to tourist attractions, fishing areas and even zoos.

Unfolded, the map measures 100 x 68cm, folding down to a compact 24.6 x 10.3cm. A comprehensive single sheet reference for a part of the world still relatively underserved by detailed English language mapping.

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