So I'm going to be running a fantasy game, and I've been thinking that I like the elements of pilgrimages, and caravans, and that a fantasy version of the Silk Road could be a good setting. Which brings me to the map elements to support that... the things I see are that to force overland travel the route the sea route has to be untenable (either the tech level isnt there or its just dangerous), I need a big continent, riches at both ends of the trade route that the other guys wants, and lots of ninjas... I mean nomadic barbarians.

Any thoughs on map elements to support a story and map of daring caravan travel & trade with the hopes of great riches?