Thorn Tree travel forum

Central Asia FAQ thread

The countries covered by this FAQ are: Afghanistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.

It also de facto covers Xinjiang (China), Pakistan (being that it is a 'stan), and Northern Iran which are historically and technically part of Central Asia. In addition there are often questions asked here about Mongolia and Russia and occasionally the three Caucasus countries, Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia.

For Pakistan consider cross posting on the Indian subcontinent branch; for Xinjiang (China) and Mongolia, the North East Asia branch; for Iran, the Middle East branch; and for the others, the Eastern Europe & the Caucasus branch.

Here's some tips to make life easier:

1. Do your homework
The web is filled with basic information on Central Asia. Google is your best friend. Get your basic info first, then you can ask intelligent questions on the Thorn... more »

CASH! Whats the deal??

Hi,

I will travel through China into Kyrgyzstan then onto Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.

What form of currency should I take?

Which cities can I withdraw cash with a foreigner visa card? Poss Osh? Andijon? Kojand? Samarkland? Bukhara?

If I take US dollar travellers cheques where can I change them? In all cities/towns??

Or should I just take cash and risk losing it if I get mugged (someone steals it)? If its buried deep will they get it??? he he

Thanks

Matt

Atms + Darvaza

Hello! I am going to Turkmenistan on a transit visa from Dec 11 to Dec 15 from Konye Urgench to Ashgabat->Iran, and I have a few qns:

1) Are there any ATMs in Ashgabat nowadays? In the 2007 Lonely Planet they say I can only take cash withdrawals... but I'd rather not pay commission.

I will have to take out money in Ashgabat because I need to take with me all the cash I may need in Iran because international cards don't work there. But unfortunately I can't take out that money here in Uzbekistan because I am not allowed to take more money than I brought in! And they search thoroughly. It's quite the pickle!

2) I really want to visit the Darvaza Gas Crater too. How can I get there? Do I get off at the Darvaza village and then hire a taxi or something to take me to the crater? How far is it, can I walk for a few hrs from the main road? And also I don't have a tent, but would als... more »

Flights London to Tashkent

I am trying to find cheap flights to Taskent for May 2010 but none of the search engines I am using come up with Uzbekistan Airways, which offer the only direct flights from London to Tashkent. Any ideas for booking these flights online gratefully received.

I could fly on Aeroflot but changing in Moscow. It looks as if I won't have to change terminals so therefore I won't need a Russian visa, but I am concerned that I would miss a connection and get stuck in Transit for a day - like some ghastly Tom Hanks film. Any ideas gratefully received.

Thanks
Janey

Website and Internet Access in Kyrgyzstan

Hey Everyone,

I was wondering if anyone had any information on getting a broadband connection in Bishkek and if they had any insight into the process.

Also, I am maintaing a website while in Central Asia, and I was wondering if anyone in Kyrgyzstan would be willing to check its accessibility the website is as follows:
www.sonsofhedin.org

Additionally, does any one know what websites are blocked in Kyrgyzstan? Specifically, can word press be accessed?

I appreciate all your help and look forward to hearing from all of you.

Visit Uzbekistan after being in Kyrgystan.

Hi everybody! Last year I had a tour in Kyrgystan and I had fantastic time there! Usually I travel independently to save more money but I managed to find a veryyy cheap travel company “New Destination” that organized everything for me in the best way. Now I hope to find a similar travel company in Uzbekistan. Can anybody give an advice to me? Thank you!

lahore to tashkent return by air.... how much in USD$$??

http://www.harleytourism.com/uzbekistan-arways/tashkent-lahore.html

How much does this LHR Tashkent Lahore ticket cost ? anyone done it recently?

Hunting gear and travel

Hi, I am flying from London to Moscow on March 1 and getting the train to Kazakhstan. Is this the cheapest way to do things? Plan on staying for 30 to 60 days in Kazakhstan, then hitching to Kyrgyzstan 30 day stay and hitching to Tajikistan 30 day stay. To get back to London would it be cheapest to get a chinese visa and fly from Beijing after Tajikistan or would it be best to get the train back to Moscow after the trip (with double entry visas) for the mentioned countries? Anyway what are the temperatures going to be like during the months March to July in these countries. Would it be possible to survive with a -22 sleeping bag, bivvy and ground mat, or would a half decent tent be best with thick rugs and duvets aswell? Any tent brands or styles recommended? Is there much firewood in this area of the world?
Also
For the trip I will need a hunting rifle. What is the go with taking ... more »

To tour or not to tour? China Kyrgystan

Hi,

I am contemplating a trip covering turkmenistan - > uzbekistan - > kyrgystan - > xinjiang for next year. I'm considering doing the turk/uzbek part solo (I'm a girl) then getting a tour for Kyrgystan to get me over the border to Xinjiang. I have travelled some pretty remote parts of China alone in winter (brrrrrr!) of 2002-3 with the cold stopping me from venturing into the west. Quite frankly I just don't want to be sitting in dusty border crossings for hours / days all on my own. Cop out, I know but I feel like I've just been out of the game for a while and have lost a bit of confidence!

Any recommendations on tour companies or itineraries? Experiences? I'm in it for the natural scenery, architecture, history, people, markets & arts but am not hugely into trekking / biking.

Cheers, P