Travelling The Stans

Kinds of Lady concerning the Globes (GatG) – Price range GatG, Cultural GatG, Historical past GatG, Nature GatG, Sightseeing GatG, Religious GatG

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

Central Asia was as soon as a part of the traditional Silk Highway and is now common for Silk Highway journey with an elevated curiosity on this historic interval. The Silk Highway is an historic commerce route, linking China with the West the place items had 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 stuffed with historical past, stunning mountains and masouleums and is an inexpensive area to discover. The international locations are additionally identified for his or her dictatorships so visiting this a part of the world is unquestionably an training.

This text features a abstract of every nation, the must-sees and easy methods 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 case you select to go to the Stans independently you could really feel a bit lonely as this area doesn’t see many travellers. Realizing a little bit of Russian will make it easier to to get by.

Krygyzstan is among the friendliest in Central Asia and as girls had been unbiased within the Soviet Union, you received’t end up hassled right here however you possibly can end up getting overcharged for items in Uzbekistan.

I travelled to this area and spent almost three weeks right here, beginning and ending in Almaty. I flew out and in of Almaty. My time right here was undoubtedly an training and I like to recommend travelling right here if you happen to get pleasure from rustic travelling.

I’ve listed the international locations under with what to do in every one, easy methods to get round and easy methods to journey from every nation. 

What international locations are in Central Asia?

Kazakhstan – Historic 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 fuel crater), desert, UNESCO cities.

Uzbekistan – Historic cities, mausoleums, The Registan, The Silk Highway.

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 dwelling to welcoming locals, the oldest nature reserve, and Buddhist rock carvings. Flying into Almaty is simply gorgeous with the mountains surrounding the town. The folks listed below are pleasant and welcoming and even supplied me Russian vodka and meals on my day tour.

In case you’ve by no means heard of Kazakhstan, then possibly you keep in mind the movie, Borat, during which Sacha Baron Cohen performed a fictional character from the nation? The truth of the nation could 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 while you go away the airport and don’t pay any greater than $10. Just like Mongolia anybody could be a taxi so get your lodging to e book you one as they will provide you with the quantity plate of the automobile.

Kazakhstan is absolutely fascinating and Almaty has a number of monuments and statues to see. The nation is reasonable and feels very protected for solos. The one draw back is that excursions are solely accessible on the weekends so be sure to pre-book earlier than you arrive. I took a tour which was in Russian nevertheless it was a good way to get to Charyn Canyon. Web sites usually have a contact web page the place it’s important to go away your telephone quantity so ask your lodging to e book for you or higher nonetheless, e book 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 could be 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 by means of 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 street journey by means of the Pamir Mountains close to the Kyrgyzstan border. Tajikistan affords unbelievable nature and mountain climbing and is ideal for the character and adventurous GatG. It does have excessive altitudes although so be ready if you happen to endure 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 undoubtedly value spending not less than 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 can help you cross the street. If folks do have a look at you it’s out of curiosity as there aren’t used to many vacationers. As beautiful as this nation is, it is among the most troublesome to get round. Though folks come right here for the Pamir Mountains, public transport is nearly non-existent so that you want a automobile.

Most individuals e book automobile rental (both self-drive or with a driver) which might be expensive. Relying on the place you might be 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 web site of Sarazm
• Bibi Fatima Sizzling Springs
• Fort Qahqaha

Tajikistan to Uzbekistan

From Dushanbe bus station you may take a shared or personal taxi to the Uzbekistan border for about $25 (for a personal taxi). Simply go to the bus station and look ahead to a taxi to sill up.

Uzbekistan – 4 stars

In case you solely had time to go to one nation within the area then this nation is the one. Uzbekistan tourism signifies that the nation has good infrastructure and is essentially the most equipped for tourism. In comparison with the opposite Stans, Uzbekistan journey is the simplest within the area and it additionally had one of the best meals particularly for vegetarians (you could find salads right here).

Uzbekistan was as soon as a core vacation spot for the traditional Silk Highway and has many preserved monuments from this period. Lots of the stunning mausoleums at the moment are Islamic faculties. Bukhara is among the holiest locations on Earth. The previous city is a UNESCO World Heritage Website 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 could have stepped again in time. In case 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 good different.

Probably the most magnificent points of interest 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 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. The town has a very good metro system to get round.

Uzbekistan is unquestionably to best to journey by means of. There are high-speed trains on the principle routes corresponding to Bukhara to Samarkand. Purchase your ticket on the prepare station beforehand to make sure that you could have a seat. In case you do rent a automobile, be ready for safety checks alongside the roads in Uzbekistan however that is undoubtedly one of the best nation when it comes to 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 may 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 really helpful)

Uzbekistan to Kyrgyzstan

I took the prepare from Tashkent to Andijan which value £12 and took 6 hours. From Andijan there are taxis to the Kyrgyzstan border the place you may 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 previous buying and selling route, and the capital metropolis, Bishkek is among the greenest cities inside the area.

Kyrgyzstan is understood for mountain 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 folks 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 among the most gorgeous in Bishkek. It characterize a yurt with a sculpture of mom with a cup in her palms, standing below tunduk close to the everlasting flame, awaiting the return of her husband and sons from struggle. Away from the capital is Ala Archa gorge the place you may hike and camp in a single day. Close to the border with Uzbekistan is the previous metropolis of Osh, an necessary metropolis throughout the Silk Highway with a vibrant bazaar.

The folks listed below are pleasant and welcoming and also you received’t encounter any stares however it may be troublesome to get round. There may be hardly any public transport in Kyrgyzstan so it’s essential to both rent a automobile or a personal driver get round. You possibly can 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 essentially the most troublesome to enter with the federal government rejecting visas. In case you get accepted for a visa you could solely have 5 days to see all of it (on a transit visa). You possibly can take a cargo boat from Azerbaijan to Turkmenistan in case you are travelling from Baku. Turkmenistan is famously identified 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 in a position to go to right here. I’d undoubtedly take into account a bunch tour for this nation. The opposite 4 international locations are undoubtedly 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 Highway Excursions

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

This space could be a bit difficult to journey round independently if you happen to don’t rent a automobile so if you happen to get the possibility, take a Silk Highway Tour to study extra about this fascinating area. All the following tour corporations have been really helpful by our Women concerning the Globe Fb group 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 finances travellers. Most excursions have a mean of 10 folks and there’s no higher age restrict. When you e book your journey you pay further for any excursions you wish to do while you’re there. I’ve listed one of the best excursions ranging from 10 days to 23 days.

Highlights of Uzbekistan: 10 Days

This ‘Stan’ undoubtedly has essentially the most sights to see and if you happen to solely have time to go to one, I like to recommend Uzbekistan. You solely want per 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 tune.

Check itinerary, prices and dates: Highlights of Uzbekistan

Central Asia – Better of Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan: 14 Days

When you have two weeks then this tour is right. Beginning in Bishkek and ending in Tashkent you spend a 12 day packed itinerary horse driving by means of valleys, trekking by means of 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 by means of 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 by means of Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan staying in yers (gers), mountain climbing, horse driving, participating in conventional craft workshops and indulging in native delicacies. Discover the sunken forest, find out about this area within the museums and meet on the locals on this multi-Stan journey that offers you one of the best of the area.

Check itinerary, prices and dates: Multi Stan Adventure

Intrepid Journey Silk Highway Tour

Intrepid Travel is just like G Adventures with a mean of 12 folks on every tour. Over 50% of people that e book their journeys are solo travellers. They have a tendency to make use of resorts as a substitute of hostels and have a extra snug fashion 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 may pay further in your personal room. I’ve chosen one of the best excursions for travelling in Central Asia starting from 14 days to an epic 32 days overlaying multi-countries.

Kazakhstan Journey: 14 Days

In case 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 prepare, go to Burial Mounds and keep in easy guesthouses the place you may work together with the locals. This tour contains 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. In case you are planning to go to Central Asia I undoubtedly advocate together with Uzbekistan in your itinerary. Seeing the Registan in Samarkhand is among 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 likewise features a ceramics workshop and a go to to a Girls’s Felt Co-operative. It’s superb for the adventurous GatG who needs to see lots in a single journey.

Check itinerary, prices and dates: Central Asia Explorer

The Nice Silk Highway: 32 Days

This Silk Highway tour must be the last word Silk Highway tour. Beginning in Beijing this epic journey follows the route of the traditional Silk Highway and takes you thru China, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan. See the UNESCO rainbow-coloured web site of Zhangye, the Hanyangling Mausoleum in Xian, and Silk Highway must-sees in Samarkand and Central Asia. It’s a good way to journey by means of 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 undoubtedly advocate taking journey insurance coverage, particularly in case you are endure 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 can help you purchase insurance coverage if you end up already on the street, and supply completely different plans relying in your wants together with further 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 a tremendous solo traveller who had navigated this area alone for her ideas. Central Asia takes lots of planning and as an skilled traveller I’d have nonetheless discovered components 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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