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{ Editor ’ s NOTE
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Ever wanted to see elephants in the wild ? Sri Lanka awaits !
ASIAN Geographic marks 30 years of “ Bringing Asia to the World ” in 2024 , and what better way to celebrate this amazing continent than seeing a little more of it ? Yes , after the unexpected hiatus caused by the coronavirus pandemic , ASIAN Geographic Expeditions returns next year !
With so many fascinating countries and cultures to explore in Asia , we had a hard time deciding where to go . But we finally put together a list of countries that we aim to cover , beginning in 2024 : Australia , Cambodia , Indonesia , Japan , Laos , Mongolia , Nepal , New Zealand , Sri Lanka , Thailand , Uzbekistan , Vanuatu , and Vietnam .
In this special “ Expeditions Edition ” of Passport , we focus on our first four ASIAN Geographic Expeditions . In “ The Silk Road Through Uzbekistan ” ( page 8 ), we return to a “ road less travelled ” but a road that we have had the good fortune to enjoy before – the Silk Road . Of all our past Expeditions , we remember our trips along the Silk Road most fondly , and we ’ re thrilled to be going back to one of the highlights of that journey : Uzbekistan .
Our next port of call is one of Asia ’ s underrated gems , an island dwarfed by a gigantic neighbour that has somehow managed to maintain an identity all its own : Sri Lanka . This compact , teardrop-shaped isle offers much more than just lounging on a pristine beach . Discover all the amazing things you can do in “ 10 Awe-Inspiring Reasons to Visit Sri Lanka ” on page 28 .
Also in this issue , in “ Pilgrimage to Japan ” on page 56 , we head to another exotic island nation that far too many travellers overlook , to discover sacred shrines , ancient pilgrimage routes and sublime hot springs ; and in “ Nepal : In the Shadow of Giants ” on page 88 , we enjoy fascinating temples , thrilling encounters with wild rhinos , and unspoiled views of the world ’ s highest mountains .
We look forward to you joining us on expedition in Asia – in 2024 and beyond !
Ian Bongso-Seldrup