Sophie Ibbotson

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Sophie Ibbotson

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Introducing dead goat polo: Tajikistan’s national sport

Never mind the Premier League; this is the weekend’s real entertainment.

21st September 2020

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Uzbekistan’s best Silk Road sights

Uzbekistan captures the imagination like nowhere else.

24th August 2020

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The best trekking routes in the Fann Mountains

The Fann Mountains are a veritable adventure playground for climbers and trekkers alike.

22nd August 2020

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The rise of ecotourism in Uzbekistan

As Uzbekistan develops as a tourism destination and more of the world discovers its treasures, we can explore what else the country has to offer

8th November 2019

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The Registan

Among the most iconic sights on the Silk Road, this central square is one of the world's greatest examples of medieval Islamic architecture

5th November 2019

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The Tashkent Metro

More than just a convenient form of public transport, the Tashkent Metro is a beautiful highlight of the city itself

5th November 2019

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From Swaziland to eSwatini

April 2018 saw Mswati III announce that Swaziland - the name given to the country by the British - would be no more.

25th April 2018

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On the road in Uzbekistan

Join the author of our Uzbekistan guidebook as she shares pictures from the beautiful Asian country.

9th May 2016

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Jacques Cousteau’s underwater experiment

The authors of our Sudan guide explain the fascinating history behind its most famous diving site.

13th May 2014

Sophie Ibbotson is the founder of Maximum Exposure Ltd., a development consultancy and public relations company working in the tourism and culture sectors. She specialises in emerging markets and post-conflict zones, and has worked in Central Asia since 2008. She is the co-author of Bradt’s Uzbekistan, Kashmir, Sudan, and South Sudan guides, and her writing has also been published in Newsweek, the Financial Times, and the Sunday Telegraph. Sophie is the co-founder and publisher of Panorama: The Journal of Intelligent Travel, a trustee of the Royal Society for Asian Affairs, and a board member of the British Georgian Chamber of Commerce.

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Introducing dead goat polo: Tajikistan’s national sport

Never mind the Premier League; this is the weekend’s real entertainment.

Read More

The best trekking routes in the Fann Mountains

The Fann Mountains are a veritable adventure playground for climbers and trekkers alike.

Read More

The rise of ecotourism in Uzbekistan

As Uzbekistan develops as a tourism destination and more of the world discovers its treasures, we can explore what else the country has to offer

Read More

The Registan

Among the most iconic sights on the Silk Road, this central square is one of the world’s greatest examples of medieval Islamic architecture

Read More

The Tashkent Metro

More than just a convenient form of public transport, the Tashkent Metro is a beautiful highlight of the city itself

Read More

From Swaziland to eSwatini

April 2018 saw Mswati III announce that Swaziland – the name given to the country by the British – would be no more.

Read More

On the road in Uzbekistan

Join the author of our Uzbekistan guidebook as she shares pictures from the beautiful Asian country.

Read More

The Mughal Gardens

According to authors Sophie and Max Lovell-Hoare, the Mughal Gardens are far more than just collections of plants.

Read More

The Chadar Winter Trek

Sophie and Max Lovell-Hoare describe the challenging and beautiful six-day hike in sub-zero temperatures along the frozen Zanskar River.

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Buddhism in Ladakh and Zanskar

Sophie and Max Lovell-Hoare discuss the history of Buddhism in Ladakh and Zanskar and its legacy today. With thanks to Tanzin Norbu (www.mountaintribalvision.com).

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