What was one of the difficulties that traders experienced traveling along the eastern silk road?

One of the main difficulties traders faced while traveling along the eastern Silk Road was the harsh and diverse terrain, which included vast deserts and high mountain ranges. These challenging landscapes not only made transportation of goods physically demanding but also posed threats from extreme weather conditions and potential bandit attacks. Additionally, the long distances between oases and trading hubs often required traders to carry large supplies of water and food, complicating their journeys further.