Lonely Planet discovers the joys of 'Bakpakhistan'

Lonely Planet has pulled out all the stops for a very elaborate and funny April Fool's joke -- a new guide to "Bakpakhistan." The spoof does a good job of mocking Lonely Planet cliches, from the often trite snippets of local language to the advice on when to go somewhere ("any time is a great time to leave Bakpakhistan).

Crystal-clear streams, soaring snow-capped mountains and some of the best hiking in the world can be found in New Zealand. Here in Bakpakhistan, it's all former-Soviet pollution, totalitarian fear and really, really cheap rugs.

Endemic corruption and a proud culture of distrust have meant that any change in Bakpakhistan occurs imperceptibly, if at all. Such stagnation has proved somewhat of a boon for local tourism as it's now a must-see destination on the 'Decaying Soviet Infrastructure' trail. As the local proverb says, 'Gabhak do ranzed e smiirchii' or 'only the rotting can smile'.

Check out the Lonely Planet site for the rest of the Bakpakhistan spoof and if you're looking for more travel-related April Fool's pranks, have a look at the Times Online roundup.