Questions tagged [central-asia]

Questions regarding traveling to countries in the region of Central Asia.

Central Asia.

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What is a safe overland route from Europe to India using public transport?

The traditional Hippie trail included Afghanistan and Pakistan which most people now consider unsafe to travel through. Even if one would decide to go through Pakistan, is it possible to get to the Iranian-Pakistani border and beyond with public…
Peter Hahndorf
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How can one visit the Door To Hell?

I have stumbled across this photo while surfing the net: Turkmenistan's Door To Hell in Wikipedia does not say much about the how to visit it, it only says that there were 50,000 visitors in the past five years. My question: How can I visit it? are…
Nean Der Thal
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What is the safest route for women to travel overland between Europe and India in 2016?

I am a mid 30's woman from the UK wanting to travel to India without flying. I have been given warnings from friends about traveling alone through Iran and Pakistan, therefore I am willing to try a more northern route covering Russia > Kazakhstan >…
L J
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Central Asia in 2012: Tajikistan or Kyrgyzstan?

The other day, Lonely Planet published an article on the Top 10 best value destinations for 2012. One of the destinations which lured my attention is Tajikistan. According to LP, one of Tajikistan's assets is the scenery. This makes me think about…
user766
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Is it easier for a westerner to obtain a Chinese tourist visa in Kazakhstan or Kyrgyzstan?

The procedures, restrictions, prerequisites, etc of getting a visa for the same country can vary a lot depending on which embassy or consulate in which country you apply from. This is most certainly the case for Chinese visas. Especially considering…
hippietrail
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What type of tea is used in Central Asia, especially Uzbekistan?

When travelling throughout Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and to a lesser extent, Kazakhstan last year as a guest I was always offered tea, or chai. It was typically black, sometimes green, in a bowl. Some information on this site here What I…
Mark Mayo
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Overland route from the Caucasus to Mongolia without entering Russia?

I plan to base myself in the Replubic of Georgia for a while and I'm thinking of a trip from there to Mongolia but I have some restrictions: No flying (overland is more of an adventure) I can't enter Russia (I can't get a Russian visa outside my…
hippietrail
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Is the Pamir highway passable in early October?

A friend of mine is planning a trip through "the 'Stans" including the Pamir Highway but given its extreme altitude he is worried about whether it will be open or passable or safe at the beginning of October. How early does the snow start at this…
hippietrail
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Where can I get personalised designs on Turkmen carpets in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan?

If possible, I'd like to get my own designs incorporated in to a Turkmen carpet while I am visiting Ashgabat this summer. I'm not sure if it is a service directly offered or not - and if not, if it is the done thing asking for something like this in…
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Renting a car in central Asia as an inexperienced driver

I just got my driving licence last month, and am looking forward to exploring parts of the world that have seemed hard to access without a car. On the top of my list is central Asia, in particular Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and southern Kazakhstan.…
user36505
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Buying a pre-paid SIM card in Kazakhstan (Almaty or Astana) with data

Where in Almaty or Astana can I buy a pre-paid SIM card with data? Will I have to show the seller my passport when I buy one? A place with English speakers, if possible, would be preferable. I already looked at The Prepaid Data Sim Wiki but…
Jimmy S
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Is it possible for a Hungarian national to obtain a Chinese visa in The 'Stans / Central Asia?

I have a well-travelled Hungarian friend currently in Kyrgyzstan in his travels around Central Asia. He says he can't go to Mongolia overland on this trip because he can't get a visa for China unless he goes back to Hungary. Is this true or is there…
hippietrail
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Is it allowed to take Som out of Uzbekistan?

I always take some money home as a souvenir. Uzbekistan seems to have very strict laws regarding cash export. Am I allowed to take some of their local currency out of the country?
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Can I travel between Central Asian cities without flying?

I want to travel between capitals of a few countries in Central Asia. I have assumed, prior to some initial research, that rail would work for this. I also assumed that flying wouldn't be worth it anyway, since distances aren't terribly great. But I…
turc
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Costs of tour in Kyrgyzstan

Though I have some experience with travelling/backpacking through Asia (India, Nepal, East-Asia) this year will be the first time I visit a country like Kyrgyzstan and will also be the first time I want to arrange a tour before the trip starts. …
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