Unique attractions, idyllic beaches, lush national parks, ancient ruins, awe-inspiring temples, diving hotspots, treks to see hill-tribe communities, fun festivals ...here at a glance are recommendations on what to see and do

In a hilariously offbeat book Christopher Robbins criss-crosses a Wild East full of surreal characters: he finds Eminem by a shrinking Aral Sea, hears the Kazakh John Lennon play a dusty desert town, joins nomads hunting with eagles, eats sheep"s heads and sushi with the President - and visits some of the most beautiful, unspoilt places on earth