Comments on: Central Asia Travel: The Ultimate Guide and Resource

By: Audrey Scott

Audrey Scott — Wed, 07 Jul 2021 09:13:26 +0000

In reply to Paul Hardyman. Hi Paul, Glad you found this article useful for your upcoming trip. We personally have not done a self-drive trip ourselves and are mostly familiar with options in Kyrgyzstan. I don't think you'll be able to find something with a roof top tent, but you should be able to find a 4x4 to get you into remove mountainous areas. Two places to look at 4x4 rentals would be Visit Alay (they offer cars from Bishkek and Osh) and Iron Horse (in Bishkek, but they also do delivery to other places in Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan). We'd be curious to find out how your experience is renting a car for a self-drive trip so please let us know.

By: Paul Hardyman

Paul Hardyman — Sat, 03 Jul 2021 07:01:24 +0000

Hi Audrey,
Great blog full of invaluable info. We are planning a self drive trip through the region over many months and was wondering if you are aware of any companies or places where we could hire 4×4 dual cab Land Cruisers (or similar vehicle), ideally with roof top tents, capable of getting us into the very remote mountainous areas. Ive been unable to find anything is eastern europe or central asia yet.
Thanks Audrey.

By: Audrey Scott

Audrey Scott — Fri, 14 Jun 2019 09:40:53 +0000

In reply to Sunnie. Sunnie, sounds like you have a fabulous overland trip ahead of you! The only camping we did during our 3-month trip through the region and subsequent trips was up in the mountains during treks. However, we did meet a few overlanders from the Mongol Rally and also bicyclists who traveled through the region and camped quite often. Some would still stayed at guest houses or parked there from time to time so that they could use water, electricity and other services. Good luck with your planning!

By: Sunnie

Sunnie — Sun, 09 Jun 2019 03:20:11 +0000

I loved this post. My husband and I are in the early (very early) planning stages of doing an overland trip along the silk road focusing on central Asia. I was wondering if you camped at all along this 3 month trip and if you had your own vehicle–I saw you mentioned public transportation, but didn’t know if you had used a vehicle or known someone who has.

By: Daniel Noll

Daniel Noll — Sat, 08 Jun 2019 11:27:14 +0000

In reply to Luke. Glad to hear it, Luke! Enjoy your trip in Central Asia. We'll look forward to any insights you have upon your return.

By: Luke

Luke — Sat, 23 Mar 2019 12:29:17 +0000

Great post! My wife and I are planning a trip this summer and the info you provided will be really helpful.

By: Clive France

Clive France — Mon, 25 Feb 2019 00:13:38 +0000

In reply to Audrey Scott. Almaty is a very livable city. Astana was half-built when I visited in 2015 and not the type of city I would want to spend much time in. However, many of the new buildings are a riot. I caught the rather expensive overnight sleeper (the bar takes up one whole car) from Almaty and flew back on Beck Air for about 30 dollars. As we discovered, the highly recommended National Museum (?) is closed on Mondays.

By: Clive France

Clive France — Sun, 24 Feb 2019 21:01:55 +0000

In reply to Audrey Scott.

You can order a copy of the book at this link. 100 yen per book sold is being donated to the WWF (not the wrestling).
https://cargocollective.com/senselessphotobook

By: Audrey Scott

Audrey Scott — Sun, 24 Feb 2019 20:50:57 +0000

In reply to Kimberly.

Much of Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan are high desert so I can see that reminding you of the Tibetan plateau. Very beautiful!

And yes, Almaty is quite modern and cosmopolitan! I’ve heard Astana is as well, but we’ve yet to visit.

By: Audrey Scott

Audrey Scott — Sun, 24 Feb 2019 20:33:08 +0000

In reply to Clive France. Wow, a photo book of Central Asia roadkill! That's quite a niche. From all the time we've spent on roads there I can imagine how much you saw during your bicycle ride.