The Silk Road is an ancient trade route connecting the Xinjiang province of China to Europe via Pakistan and Iran.

It was established circa 130 BC when the Han Dynasty began trading with the West and its name derives from the export of silk by the Chinese to Rome and other Western nations. It was the main trade route for centuries, and enabled extensive trading in spices, tea, ivory, cotton, wool and such precious metals as gold and silver.

Archeological remnants of the Silk Road can today be seen in Kharanaq, Iran. Silk Road tours are very popular. Visit Intrepid or Peregrine Adventures for more information. Parts of the Silk Road are paved and in use, for example in Pakistan (pictured).

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