Messages: 19,934 - Threads: 4,267
posted
09-Jul-2008 12:47
by:
Irene_Adler »
last reply
06-Jun-2009 05:33
by:
Irene_Adler »
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replies
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1,140
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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...
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posted
24-Mar-2004 21:14
by:
everbrite »
last reply
12-Nov-2009 17:50
by:
flower_2008 »
101
replies
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58,709
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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...
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posted
24-Nov-2009 10:06
by:
Irene_Adler »
last reply
24-Nov-2009 10:10
by:
Irene_Adler »
0
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82
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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...
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posted
27-Nov-2009 03:05
by:
chitralguy »
last reply
27-Nov-2009 03:05
by:
chitralguy »
0
replies
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6
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location: Afghanistan
The snow starts melting,
The German army chief resigns over the killing of Afghan civilians in the NATO airstrikes
Al-Jazeera reports
http://english.aljazeera.net/news/europe/2009/11/2009112694429695983.html
posted
27-Nov-2009 00:17
by:
Jeraboa »
last reply
27-Nov-2009 02:53
by:
fluffy_bunny »
1
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15
views
Hi guys,
I was hoping some-one could give me some information about travelling in Kyrgyzstan in Mid-late October. (Roughly 15th-31st)
I'd be doing this as a side trip from China so travelling twice across the Irkeshtam pass.
I understand that it will be very cold at night and that day time temperatures will be extremely changeable.
My main Questions are, will it be possible to trek (horseback) from Kyzart to Song Kol and will there be yurts to stay in?
Is the Jalal abad - Naryn road (via Kazarman) open as this will save backtracking?
Is it possible to make an overnight trip from Arslanbob (eg to Kyzyl-Unkur)?
Will it be possible to visit Sary Mogul?
Although I've travelled fairly extensively in the tropics my experience of travelling in colder climates is limited to city breaks and ski resorts so any info or advice is really appreciated,
Thanks
Jeraboa
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posted
26-Nov-2009 21:28
by:
celticbhoy7 »
last reply
26-Nov-2009 21:28
by:
celticbhoy7 »
0
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Anyone have recent experience getting a Kazakh or Uzbek visa in Kiev? Didn't find a website for the Uzbeks and the Kazakh one is very incomplete. I'm mainly interested in the length of time it takes to get a tourist visa and also if the Uzbeks here require LOIs. I have a US passport and have gotten 2 visas without LOI but I know different embassies have different regulations. Thanks!
posted
26-Nov-2009 21:21
by:
sprucemoose742 »
last reply
27-Nov-2009 01:34
by:
Yakkalot »
2
replies
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27
views
location: Afghanistan
I am toying with the idea of going to Afghanistan in mid-December, if my application for a Turkmenistan transit visa doesnt come through (which, given that it is Turkmenistan, is not unlikely!). My plan would be to go to Mazar from Uzbekistan, take Salang Pass to Kabul, fly to Herat and cross into Iran.
I am an Australian citizen but of Sri Lankan descent. Of course, in Central Asia everyone initially assumes im Indian. Sri Lanka is too small!
I notice that the Taliban seem to have an affinity for Indian targets, like the Embassy in Kabul. Are Indian-related places or even people targets for the Taliban, and why?
But more importantly: as someone who simply looks Indian, will I be in even more danger in Afghanistan? Will I be more easily noticeable, attract attention, or even attract hostility? Of course I will wear local clothes to blend in as much as I can, but that can only...
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posted
26-Nov-2009 08:35
by:
derekmayfield »
last reply
26-Nov-2009 21:02
by:
chitralguy »
1
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36
views
location: Afghanistan
I'm doing some independent research in Kabul in January. Would like to find an English-speaking person who could accompany me on some of my interviews in the city. I can afford to pay $10/hr, with a guaranteed 5-hour minimum. English should be good, but doesn't have to be excellent. If anyone knows of someone who might fit the bill, please reply off-list to mayfield_derek@yahoo.com
Also, can anyone recommend a guest house in Kabul that may not be on the list? Will be in Kabul for 2 wks and am on a tight budget. Would like mod-cons, but it doesn't have to be the Taj Mahal or anything. $25/day would be nice.
Thanks!
Derek
posted
26-Nov-2009 03:23
by:
ekid »
last reply
27-Nov-2009 02:57
by:
fluffy_bunny »
3
replies
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49
views
Was in the site "MD travel health" and they say the US state dept. sez "If you don't have it, they (Uzbek authorities) will insist you get it.
That's kind of a long way around (hear-say) and I don't believe it. What you folks say?
posted
25-Nov-2009 18:32
by:
iamelise »
last reply
26-Nov-2009 16:32
by:
pepetaro2 »
2
replies
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63
views
Hi there,
I was wondering if anyone knows about the route between Tashkent, Fergana Valley and Bishkek in Kyrgyzstan during winter. I'd like to travel in January but have no idea if the roads will be open. Any info regarding this would be much appreciated
Also if anyone else is thinking of travelling at the this time, please let me know and perhaps we can travel together.
Look forward to your responses,
Elise
posted
25-Nov-2009 01:12
by:
dottii »
last reply
26-Nov-2009 05:28
by:
Giora »
6
replies
,
103
views
Hi,
I will be leaving for Iran tomorrow, and then in Iran TRYING to apply for a Chinese Visa and then for Turkmenistan, Uzbeckistan, Krygistan or Tajikistan visas too. In Iran I cannot use my visa direct debit card, so will have to take cash, my concern is how MUCH roughly to take, as I'm guessing I need cash in the 'stans and China too (for visas for all these countries, travel, and other necessities)...I am wondering what the basic amount should be? And any other tips on this!
Thank you :)
posted
25-Nov-2009 00:48
by:
bennyclive »
last reply
25-Nov-2009 00:48
by:
bennyclive »
0
replies
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42
views
First I stress my experience could be a complete one off. I am planning my second trip to Uzbekistan and last year I managed to get 5 visas for central asian countries in 5 weeks and the Uzbek embassy was by far the quickest. This year however the embassy has had my passport for three weeks, have told me three times that they had all the necessary info (including LOI and a pre-paid special delivery return envelope) and that the visa would go in the post that day and I have still had no luck.
As I say I had no problems with exactly the same approach last year so perhaps this is a one off, or I did something there last year thats got me flagged haha BUT just in case there's a problem with the system at the moment I thought I'd send this warning out and recommend walking your visa in if at all possible. That way you wont be in my situation of having to cancel a holiday last minute (I...
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posted
24-Nov-2009 22:26
by:
rooinek »
last reply
26-Nov-2009 05:30
by:
Giora »
4
replies
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80
views
location: Uzbekistan
1.) What are the road transport options available from Nukus airport to Khiva?
2.) Is it realistic to expect to find a marshrutka, bus, or (preferred option) a taxi late at night?
3.) What is the approximate distance, travelling time, and taxi fare late at night.
posted
23-Nov-2009 04:41
by:
danielsprague »
last reply
24-Nov-2009 20:34
by:
chitralguy »
3
replies
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120
views
location: Afghanistan
Can anyone tell me what security is like (by Afghan standards) on the road from the Turkmenistan border at Toraghundi to Herat? I'm planning to drive it after a month or so.
Thanks
Daniel
Edited by: danielsprague
posted
22-Nov-2009 23:37
by:
maaikeneuville »
last reply
24-Nov-2009 00:46
by:
chitralguy »
6
replies
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138
views
Hi, me and my friend are on an overland journey from Belgium to Nepal.
Currently we are in Tehran and are thinking over our plans how to reach India. We would like to avoid Pakistan if that`s possible. Are there travellers who are in the same position? Are there travellers going by car via Turkmenistan and all the other Stans, going that way to India?
Since we had a bad experience with hitchhiking we would like to avoid doing that in the next couple of weeks. Is public transport an option all through the Stan-countries?
Also we don`t have any visa for those countries. Does it take a long time to get them ?
We read that taking a ship from Bandar Abbas to India is not possible, but still we want to believe it is possible and maybe someone has experience with this?
Thanks for any advice.
Maaike
posted
22-Nov-2009 22:03
by:
nihilist00 »
last reply
23-Nov-2009 17:46
by:
Giora »
1
replies
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81
views
location: Uzbekistan
As of 2009/11/10 the crossing at Cherniaevka between Shymkent and Tashkent is still closed. If (as I did) you find yourself at Cherniaevka and unable to cross then taxi drivers will take you the 100km to Yallama for 5000T or US$40. It really is 100km so their quotes are not ridiculous.
I crossed the border at Yallamar without any hassle in under an hour. I bought some Uzbek sum for US$ on the street (no bank or exchange kiosks in sight) and then followed the obvious road to the bus stop on the highway. After about 10 minutes a marshrutka came along, I flagged it down and it took me to Sobir Rahimov in Tashkent for 1500S.
Forewarned with this post (and similar other posts) you may be able to get local transport to Yallama and do the crossing more cheaply.
Edited by: nihilist00
posted
22-Nov-2009 21:01
by:
musafir »
last reply
24-Nov-2009 19:58
by:
chitralguy »
5
replies
,
179
views
location: Afghanistan
is mazar i sharif safe for a weekend visit from Uzbekistan?I look Afghan and speak a little Dari.
posted
22-Nov-2009 12:58
by:
heavenly3lues »
last reply
23-Nov-2009 19:12
by:
emmeff »
4
replies
,
130
views
Hello! I will be in Bishkek for 10-14 days working in December. I was wondering if there was any budget accommodation I could stay at in Bishkek. My only requirement is that there is a shower. The more money I save on housing, the more money I make from my job! Right now, my company has me staying in a Bed and Breakfast for $36 per night and I am about 5 minutes from the job site. Does it get much cheaper than that or not? Let me know! Thanks.
Jeremy
Asia is a spectacular assault on the senses, whether you're riding the trans-Siberian railway, gazing up at the temples of Angkor, struggling with the immense tide of humanity in India, or trying to s... more »
Multi-country guide. Borat may not have been the most savoury of ambassadors, but at least he shone a light on Central Asia.buy it »
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