Travelling The Stans

Forms of Lady concerning the Globes (GatG) – Finances GatG, Cultural GatG, Historical past GatG, Nature GatG, Sightseeing GatG, Non secular GatG

In the event you’re solo travel in Asia, Central Asia is an fascinating area to discover. This text covers every little thing you want for travelling the Stans

Central Asia was as soon as a part of the traditional Silk Street and is now in style for Silk Street journey with an elevated curiosity on this historic interval. The Silk Street is an historic commerce route, linking China with the West the place items have been transported between Europe and China. Silk went westward, and wools, gold, and silver travelled east.

This area additionally fashioned a part of former Soviet Union and nonetheless has Soviet statues inside its capital cities. It is filled with historical past, stunning mountains and masouleums and is an inexpensive area to discover. The nations are additionally recognized for his or her dictatorships so visiting this a part of the world is certainly an schooling.

This text features a abstract of every nation, the must-sees and the best way to get round. Learn the related part or scroll down for the entire article.

Contents

Travelling in Central Asia

This space is usually known as “The 5 Stans.” In the event you select to go to the Stans independently you could really feel a bit lonely as this area doesn’t see many travellers. Understanding a little bit of Russian will aid you to get by.

Krygyzstan is likely one of the friendliest in Central Asia and as girls have been unbiased within the Soviet Union, you gained’t end up hassled right here however you may end up getting overcharged for items in Uzbekistan.

I travelled to this area and spent practically three weeks right here, beginning and ending in Almaty. I flew out and in of Almaty. My time right here was positively an schooling and I like to recommend travelling right here in the event you get pleasure from rustic travelling.

I’ve listed the nations under with what to do in each, the best way to get round and the best way to journey from every nation. 

What nations are in Central Asia?

Kazakhstan – Historical Kazakh nomads, mountains, glaciers, rock canyons.

Kyrgyzstan – Alpine lake, Tien Shan Mountains, walnut forests, Osh Bazaar.

Tajikistan – Pamir Freeway, Mountains, Buzhashi (a Central Asian sport).

Turkmenistan – The Gate of Hell (Darvaza gasoline crater), desert, UNESCO cities.

Uzbekistan – Historical cities, mausoleums, The Registan, The Silk Street.

Planning Your Central Asia Journey

Kazakhstan – 3 stars

Kazakhstan is the biggest of the Central Asian states and is comparatively poor and underdeveloped however is residence to welcoming locals, the oldest nature reserve, and Buddhist rock carvings. Flying into Almaty is simply gorgeous with the mountains surrounding the town. The individuals listed below are pleasant and welcoming and even supplied me Russian vodka and meals on my day tour.

In the event you’ve by no means heard of Kazakhstan, then perhaps you keep in mind the movie, Borat, by which Sacha Baron Cohen performed a fictional character from the nation? The fact of the nation may be very completely different from the film. Take Astana for instance; this futuristic-style capital with a panoramic Baiterek Tower resembles a mini Dubai.

Distances in Kazakstan are huge though there are buses, trains and mini-buses for the larger cities. Almaty is the closest metropolis to the Kryrgystan border and has a bus connection to Bishkek, the capital metropolis. Getting round Almaty is straightforward and low-cost with trolley buses. You simply pay the motive force 150 Kazakhstani tenge as you board the bus.

Taxis are metered and generally the metre is on their cell phone. Take an official taxi whenever you depart the airport and don’t pay any greater than $10. Just like Mongolia anybody generally is a taxi so get your lodging to ebook you one as they gives you the quantity plate of the automobile.

Kazakhstan is de facto fascinating and Almaty has numerous monuments and statues to see. The nation is affordable and feels very secure for solos. The one draw back is that excursions are solely obtainable on the weekends so be sure you pre-book earlier than you arrive. I took a tour which was in Russian nevertheless it was an effective way to get to Charyn Canyon. Web sites usually have a contact web page the place you must depart your telephone quantity so ask your lodging to ebook for you or higher nonetheless, ebook a bunch tour to see this nation as a substitute.

Check availability, prices and tour itineraries for Kazakhstan

Should-sees in Kazakhstan

• Kok Tope gondola
• Panfilov Park
• Charyn Canyon (the nation’s rival to the Grand Canyon),
• The Nur Astana Mosque
• Bayterek Tower and Ak Orda Palace
• Buddhist rock carvings at Tamgaly Tas
• Bayanaul Nationwide Park
• Take the cable automobile in Almaty
• Kolsai Lakes
• Kaindy Lake’s sunken forest

Kazakhstan to Tajikistan

Getting round this area generally is a bit tough so from Almaty it was simpler to take a flight to Tajikistan. My flight value £84 with Air Astana and took two hours to Dushanbe. Discover flights via Skyscanner.

Tajikistan – 2 stars

Tajikistan borders Afghanistan and is understood for its mountains and snow-capped peaks. This nation oozes nature and the principle attraction is the Pamir Freeway, a highway journey via the Pamir Mountains close to the Kyrgyzstan border. Tajikistan affords unimaginable nature and climbing and is ideal for the character and adventurous GatG. It does have excessive altitudes although so be ready in the event you undergo from altitude illness.

Lenin Peak can be a mecca for climbers and people trying to hike and camp within the mountains. Dushanbe is the nation’s capital. It’s positively value spending at the least 2 nights right here (if not three) to stroll round.

Dushanbe, the capital is surprisingly stunning with monuments and parks amongst tree-lined avenues. It’s an fascinating mixture of Soviet and fashionable structure. And it’s so extremely clear. Simply strolling across the metropolis you’ll see girls sweeping the parks.

Individuals are actually welcoming and drivers even cease their automobiles to will let you cross the highway. If individuals do take a look at you it’s out of curiosity as there aren’t used to many vacationers. As pretty as this nation is, it is likely one of the most tough to get round. Though individuals come right here for the Pamir Mountains, public transport is nearly non-existent so that you want a automobile.

Most individuals ebook automobile rental (both self-drive or with a driver) which will be dear. Relying on the place you’re staying the capital metropolis is walkable. The taxis are additionally good right here in comparison with the remainder of the area and low-cost, beginning at 10,000 growing by 1,000 for each 3 km.

Check availability, prices and tour itineraries for Tajikistan

Should-sees in Tajikistan

• The Pamir Mountains
• Kuk Gumbaz Mosque in Istaravshan (an instance of Timurid structure)
• Iskanderkul Lake
• The UNESCO website of Sarazm
• Bibi Fatima Sizzling Springs
• Fort Qahqaha

Tajikistan to Uzbekistan

From Dushanbe bus station you possibly can take a shared or non-public taxi to the Uzbekistan border for roughly $25 (for a non-public taxi). Simply go to the bus station and look forward to a taxi to sill up.

Uzbekistan – 4 stars

In the event you solely had time to go to one nation within the area then this nation is the one. Uzbekistan tourism implies that the nation has good infrastructure and is probably the most equipped for tourism. In comparison with the opposite Stans, Uzbekistan journey is the simplest within the area and it additionally had the very best meals particularly for vegetarians (you will discover salads right here).

Uzbekistan was as soon as a core vacation spot for the traditional Silk Street and has many preserved monuments from this period. Lots of the stunning mausoleums at the moment are Islamic colleges. Bukhara is likely one of the holiest locations on Earth. The outdated city is a UNESCO World Heritage Web site with many stunning mosques and shrines to see. Go to the Ark of Bukhara, an historic fortress, or watch artists mastering their crafts within the buying and selling domes as you are feeling as if you will have stepped again in time. In the event you don’t get an opportunity to go to the town of Khiva with its historic palace, minaret and Kuhha Ark then Bukhara is a superb various.

Probably the most magnificent sights in Uzbekistan is the Registan, a shocking piece of Islamic structure positioned in Samarkand. There are such a lot of gorgeous items of structure to see right here from Bibi-Khanym Mosque, to Shah-i-Zinda, and Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum. You possibly can simply spend three days within the metropolis simply strolling round.

Tashkent is the capital metropolis with parks, fountains and monuments. Independence Sq. is positioned within the centre of the town and is an efficient place to start exploring. See the image of Mom-Motherland and stroll from Independence monument to the colonnade. Browse round Alay Bazaar, one in all Tashkent’s oldest bazaars or discover the hustle and bustle of Refrain Market earlier than seeing the attractive Teleshayakh Mosque. Town has a great metro system to get round.

Uzbekistan is certainly to best to journey via. There are high-speed trains on the principle routes equivalent to Bukhara to Samarkand. Purchase your ticket on the practice station beforehand to make sure that you will have a seat. In the event you do rent a automobile, be ready for safety checks alongside the roads in Uzbekistan however that is positively the very best nation by way of infrastructure to go to right here.

Check availability, prices and tour itineraries for Uzbekistan

Should-Sees in Uzbekistan

• The Registan. Samarkhand
• Amir Temur Museum in Tashkent
• The Fergana Valley
• The minaret of Islam Hodja in Kiva (you possibly can climb to the highest too!)
• Ark Fortress in Bukhara
• See petroglyphs on the Nurata Mountains
• Kyzylkum Desert
• Gulkam Canyon
• A Silk Manufacturing facility in Margilan (Yodgorlik Silk Manufacturing facility is beneficial)

Uzbekistan to Kyrgyzstan

I took the practice from Tashkent to Andijan which value £12 and took 6 hours. From Andijan there are taxis to the Kyrgyzstan border the place you possibly can take an area bus the opposite facet to the town of Osh for 10 Som (it takes an hour).

Kyrgyzstan – 2 stars

Kyrgyzstan might not have the mausoleums and gorgeous structure that Uzbekistan affords however what it does have is gorgeous nature. The nation is dominated by the Tian Shan mountains that are additionally a part of the outdated buying and selling route, and the capital metropolis, Bishkek is likely one of the greenest cities inside the area.

Kyrgyzstan is understood for climbing and has been described because the “Switzerland of Central Asia,” due to its untouched nature and lakes.

Its capital, Bishkek has lower than a million individuals and several other museums, in addition to former Soviet monuments and a Monument to the Martyrs of the Revolution. There are over 20 parks to discover together with Oak Park with fascinating sculptures.

The Victory Monument is likely one of the most gorgeous in Bishkek. It symbolize a yurt with a sculpture of mom with a cup in her arms, standing beneath tunduk close to the everlasting flame, awaiting the return of her husband and sons from battle. Away from the capital is Ala Archa gorge the place you possibly can hike and camp in a single day. Close to the border with Uzbekistan is the outdated metropolis of Osh, an essential metropolis throughout the Silk Street with a vibrant bazaar.

The individuals listed below are pleasant and welcoming and also you gained’t encounter any stares however it may be tough to get round. There’s hardly any public transport in Kyrgyzstan so that you must both rent a automobile or a non-public driver get round. You’ll be able to fly from Osh To Bishkek actually cheaply on an inner flight from simply $25.

Check availability, prices and tour itineraries for Kyrgyzstan

Should-Sees in Kyrgyzstan

• Osh
• Ala Archa Nationwide Park
• Issyk Kul Lake
• Tash Rabat

Kyrgyzstan to Kazakhstan

From Bishkek I took a minibus from the bus terminal throughout the border to Kazakhstan. It took roughly 5 hours again to Almaty and price 400 Som (take bus quantity 5).

Turkmenistan – 1 star

Turkmenistan nonetheless stays a little bit of an enigma. Turkmenistan is probably the most tough to enter with the federal government rejecting visas. In the event you get accepted for a visa you could solely have 5 days to see all of it (on a transit visa). You’ll be able to take a cargo boat from Azerbaijan to Turkmenistan if you’re travelling from Baku. Turkmenistan is famously recognized for The Gate of Hell (Darvaza gas crater), desert, and UNESCO cities.

The nation doesn’t appear to be very open to tourism and as a result of strict visa necessities I wasn’t capable of go to right here. I’d positively take into account a bunch tour for this nation. The opposite 4 nations are positively simpler to go to independently as they’re both visa-free or require an eVisa.

Should-sees in Turkmenistan

• Darvaza Gasoline Crater 
• Fossilised dinosaur tracks
• Yangi-Kala Canyon.

Check availability, prices and tour itineraries for Turkmenistan

Greatest Central Asia Excursions & Silk Street Excursions

There’s a cause that solos are likely to take a bunch tour right here. Backpacking Central Asia, travelling overland and attempting to see multiple nation will be difficult. Though I travelled to this area independently it took lots of planning together with trying into group excursions earlier than I made a decision to make the leap.

This space generally is a bit difficult to journey round independently in the event you don’t rent a automobile so in the event you get the possibility, take a Silk Street Tour to be taught extra about this fascinating area. The entire following tour corporations have been beneficial by our Women concerning the Globe Fb neighborhood and include our solo female-friendly assure.

G Adventures Central Asia

G Adventures is a accountable tour firm which primarily caters in the direction of funds travellers. Most excursions have a mean of 10 individuals and there’s no higher age restrict. When you ebook your journey you pay additional for any excursions you need to do whenever you’re there. I’ve listed the very best excursions ranging from 10 days to 23 days.

Highlights of Uzbekistan: 10 Days

This ‘Stan’ positively has probably the most sights to see and in the event you solely have time to go to one, I like to recommend Uzbekistan. You solely want every week and a half to see this fascinating nation. See the awe-inspiring mausoleums in historic Bukhara, the Registan in Samarkand and the Tomb of the Prophet Daniel. Expertise a visit to the desert to see the stays of Alexander the Nice and spend the night in a standard yurt (ger) while listening to Kazakh track.

Check itinerary, prices and dates: Highlights of Uzbekistan

Central Asia – Better of Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan: 14 Days

If in case you have two weeks then this tour is good. Beginning in Bishkek and ending in Tashkent you spend a 12 day packed itinerary horse driving via valleys, trekking via Jeti-Oguz, and staying in a single day in a yurt (ger). You get to expertise the hospitality and home-cooked conventional meals on this cultural tour that travels via Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, and Tajikistan.

Check itinerary, prices and dates: Best of Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan

Multi-Stan Journey – Bishkek to Tashkent: 23 days

This journey is ideal for seeing 4 of the ‘Stans.’ Beginning in Bishkek you journey via Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan staying in yers (gers), climbing, horse driving, participating in conventional craft workshops and indulging in native delicacies. Discover the sunken forest, study this area within the museums and meet on the locals on this multi-Stan journey that offers you the very best of the area.

Check itinerary, prices and dates: Multi Stan Adventure

Intrepid Journey Silk Street Tour

Intrepid Travel is just like G Adventures with a mean of 12 individuals on every tour. Over 50% of people that ebook their journeys are solo travellers. They have a tendency to make use of motels as a substitute of hostels and have a extra snug type of lodging therefore the journeys can seem a bit greater than G Adventures. With each tour corporations you share a room with somebody of the identical gender or you possibly can pay additional to your personal room. I’ve chosen the very best excursions for travelling in Central Asia starting from 14 days to an epic 32 days masking multi-countries.

Kazakhstan Journey: 14 Days

In the event you solely have two weeks, this Kazakhstan Journey reveals you the highlights of each Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. Beginning in Astana, Kazakhstan’s capital metropolis, you go to the Nur-Astana Mosque and Palace of Peace & Reconciliation earlier than transferring onto the desert steppe at Baikonur. Expertise a Central Asian in a single day sleeper practice, go to Burial Mounds and keep in easy guesthouses the place you possibly can work together with the locals. This tour consists of breathtaking landscapes, canyons and waterfalls, all in two weeks!

Check itinerary, prices and dates: Kazakhstan Adventure

Central Asia Explorer: 17 Days

This Central Asia Explorer is ideal for exploring Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan. If you’re planning to go to Central Asia I positively suggest together with Uzbekistan in your itinerary. Seeing the Registan in Samarkhand is likely one of the areas’ must-sees in addition to the Ark Fortress and the Ismail Samani Mausoleum, one in all Central Asia’s oldest buildings. The tour finishes in Tashkent and in addition features a ceramics workshop and a go to to a Ladies’s Felt Co-operative. It’s perfect for the adventurous GatG who desires to see so much in a single journey.

Check itinerary, prices and dates: Central Asia Explorer

The Nice Silk Street: 32 Days

This Silk Street tour must be the last word Silk Street tour. Beginning in Beijing this epic journey follows the route of the traditional Silk Street and takes you thru China, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan. See the UNESCO rainbow-coloured website of Zhangye, the Hanyangling Mausoleum in Xian, and Silk Street must-sees in Samarkand and Central Asia. It’s an effective way to journey via this area simply be ready for lengthy journeys and tough terrain.

Check itinerary, prices and dates: The Great Silk Road

Journey Insurance coverage for Central Asia

The Stans are an fascinating area to discover however I positively suggest taking journey insurance coverage, particularly if you’re undergo from altitude illness or are planning to trek or cycle right here.

I like to recommend True Traveller for UK and European residents, and World Nomads for U.S. and worldwide residents. Each corporations will let you purchase insurance coverage if you end up already on the highway, and supply completely different plans relying in your wants together with extra journey cowl.

Check insurance cover and prices for True Traveller

My Verdict

Is Central Asia good for solos? I used to be accompanied by a good friend for this journey so I wasn’t solo however I met an incredible solo traveller who had navigated this area alone for her suggestions. Central Asia takes lots of planning and as an skilled traveller I’d have nonetheless discovered elements of this area difficult. Uzbekistan is the simplest for solos however if you wish to see multiple nation I like to recommend taking a tour as a result of language barrier and lack of public transport.

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