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posted
09-Jul-2008 12:47
by: Irene_Adler »

last reply
06-Jun-2009 05:33
by: Irene_Adler »

0 replies , 1,215 views

Thread Locked Welcome to the Central Asia branch!

Welcome to the Thorn Tree's Central Asia branch.

We hope you find plenty of useful information about travelling to Central Asia here. It is highly recommended that new users check out the Central Asia FAQ thread before posting a new thread as you may find many of the answers you seek there. It also contains helpful information about how to search the forum, advice for how to post your questions, and obsolete information was deleted as recently as July 2008! If you are a returning user or know the 'stans like the back of your hand, please help us keep the FAQ thread up-to-date by adding important information which is absent, or pointing out information which is no longer being represented accurately.

Choosing a country to post to:

When you make a post and choose a country from the drop down menu, your pos... more »

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posted
24-Mar-2004 21:14
by: everbrite »

last reply
12-Nov-2009 17:50
by: flower_2008 »

101 replies , 59,299 views

Pages 1 2 3 4 ... 7

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 »

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posted
24-Nov-2009 10:06
by: Irene_Adler »

last reply
24-Nov-2009 10:10
by: Irene_Adler »

0 replies , 199 views

Central Asia - safety situation updates

Safety concerns can dominate discussion when it comes to travel in Central Asia. So that this branch is not covered in threads asking "Is Afghanistan safe?", this thread has been made sticky for travellers to post updates based on any recent experiences/information they may have. Personal and/or political arguments are not permitted.

You may post safety situation updates for the following countries here: Afghanistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.

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.

The previous thread covering the safety situation in Afghanistan may also be of interest. It is now locked but can still be accessed and reviewed [here|http://www.lonel... more »

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posted
05-Dec-2009 02:02
by: matjk »

last reply
05-Dec-2009 06:27
by: celticbhoy7 »

1 replies , 22 views

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

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posted
05-Dec-2009 00:42
by: dequincey »

last reply
05-Dec-2009 00:42
by: dequincey »

0 replies , 15 views location: Tajikistan

Tajik visa in London

I have a British passport. I've found the embassy website ( http://www.tajembassy.org.uk/consular.htm ) but it's very vague on the timescale. Does anyone have recent experience?

The website doesn't mention LOI being needed. So presumably it isn't?

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posted
04-Dec-2009 21:37
by: sprucemoose742 »

last reply
04-Dec-2009 21:37
by: sprucemoose742 »

0 replies , 14 views location: Turkmenistan

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 »

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posted
04-Dec-2009 15:44
by: sprucemoose742 »

last reply
04-Dec-2009 15:44
by: sprucemoose742 »

0 replies , 27 views

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 al... more »

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posted
04-Dec-2009 08:15
by: janeywhite »

last reply
04-Dec-2009 13:11
by: celticbhoy7 »

2 replies , 50 views location: Uzbekistan

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

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posted
03-Dec-2009 04:57
by: sonsofhedin »

last reply
03-Dec-2009 04:57
by: sonsofhedin »

0 replies , 32 views

Starting NGO in Kyrgyzstan

Hey Everyone,

A buddy and I are in the preleminary stages of trying to establish an NGO in Bishkek. Our organization works with local college students from the American University of Central Asia teaching them video editing and new media techniques to report on major development projects initiated by the Kyrgyz government and international community.

I was wondering if anyone had any experience of establishing a NGO in the country and if anyone knew of any necessary reads and documents.

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

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posted
03-Dec-2009 04:54
by: sonsofhedin »

last reply
04-Dec-2009 07:31
by: Bassalegboy »

2 replies , 70 views

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.

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posted
03-Dec-2009 04:05
by: allan74 »

last reply
03-Dec-2009 04:05
by: allan74 »

0 replies , 38 views location: Kazakhstan

Travel to Kazakstan and Uzbekistan after Kyrgyzstan!

Hello, dear travelers! I need an advice from you! Last summer I had an amazing tour in Kyrgyzstan and I was surpiced to pay not so much money for this. I was adviced to use service of “New Destination” travel company and I enjoyd everything so much! Now I am going to visit Kazakstan and Uzbekistan next year. Do you know any cheap travel companies there? Thank you in advance!

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posted
03-Dec-2009 03:56
by: allan74 »

last reply
03-Dec-2009 03:56
by: allan74 »

0 replies , 32 views location: Uzbekistan

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!

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posted
03-Dec-2009 02:42
by: pockozaur »

last reply
03-Dec-2009 02:42
by: pockozaur »

0 replies , 28 views

anybody going to tajikistan around 15th of december>? - is it just me?

i am looking for people who are visiting tajikistan this christmas - my trip is between 16th - 6th january 2010
my destination is khorog and ishkashim

all best
peter

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posted
03-Dec-2009 01:51
by: musafir »

last reply
04-Dec-2009 01:26
by: chitralguy »

1 replies , 44 views

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posted
03-Dec-2009 01:46
by: jaic »

last reply
03-Dec-2009 17:12
by: jaic »

11 replies , 173 views location: Kyrgyzstan

Central Asia

Logistics
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... more »

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posted
03-Dec-2009 01:42
by: jaic »

last reply
03-Dec-2009 01:42
by: jaic »

0 replies , 31 views location: Kazakhstan

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 »

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posted
02-Dec-2009 18:25
by: matjk »

last reply
03-Dec-2009 11:49
by: Giora »

3 replies , 75 views

Bus from Kashgar to Osh

Hi,

Has anyone taken the bus from Kashgar to Osh recently?? In lonely planet it says it leaves on a Monday other places I have read it leaves when full?

1) What day does it leave?
2) How much does it cost?
3) Will I get to see any of the view? I imagine only the latter part is during the day, so will I miss the mountains (20 hr trip?)
4) Does it still run in winter? (Late Feb)

I would rather do the trip independently by taxi/hitching but because I am alone the cost will be too high and maybe there will be very little traffic due to the winter.

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posted
02-Dec-2009 06:57
by: 7pamplemousse »

last reply
03-Dec-2009 02:23
by: pq »

3 replies , 72 views

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

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