Traveling alone through Kyrgyzstan: What you need to know

You want to travel alone through Kyrgyzstan and wonder if it's a good idea? Find out here everything you need to know about a solo trip through Kyrgyzstan! It is said that the best way to get to know yourself is to travel alone. However, traveling alone is not as easy everywhere as it is in our homeland. Nevertheless, we travelers need to worry less than we thought! There are many countries that are safer than society is aware of or they are seen in the media. Whether Kyrgyzstan is one of them, you can read here!

Kyrgyzstan has a rather low profile, but this should definitely not be taken as an indicator of the country's beauty. The Central Asian country is namely characterized by countless picturesque lakes and towering mountain landscapes. Therefore, this place is perfect for exciting hikes through the most diverse places and ideal for adventurers.

Behind this is also a fascinating culture and history, which still characterize the country today. Be it the nomads, who have been masters of horse riding and living in yurts for centuries, the old famous Silk Road or the past with the Soviet Union, whose ghost towns still bustle amidst the many locations. No matter what kind of traveler you are, this is certainly a place you won't soon forget!

Travel alone through Kyrgyzstan

It should be said in advance that this beautiful country is not a good destination for travelers who pay attention to Western standards, especially in sanitary facilities, who can not do without Internet and sometimes electricity, and who have an oversensitive stomach. The first two points can be explained by the fact that due to the low population density there is no "real" infrastructure. Nevertheless, it is easy to travel around the country! In the larger cities, like the capital Bishkek, there are often minibuses, so-called mashrutkas.

Accommodation in Kyrgyzstan

Outside the cities they also drive, but relatively irregularly, which is why you can get around very well by hitchhiking. Alternatively, there are also travelers who are outside the cities on a horse. In Kyrgyzstan it is very easy to stay in hostels or homestays, and the hospitable Kyrgyz can't always speak perfect English, but still enough to communicate! Also, especially here it is useful to get acquainted with the Kyrgyz or Russian language.

It is especially useful to learn the Cyrillic alphabet, which by the way is surprisingly easy to read at least the place names. Travelers can always turn to the Community Based Tourism (CBT) for support and advice for their trip, which can be found in every small town. Due to the low population density, you are also very likely to meet travelers here again. So, if you spontaneously decide to travel together after all, you definitely have the opportunity here!

Is it safe to travel alone through Kyrgyzstan?

Yes, it definitely is! It is not uncommon to meet single travelers here and there in Kyrgyzstan for this reason. The crime rate is very low, the locals very hospitable, helpful and curious but at the same time reserved when it comes to foreign tourists. Some travelers were even invited for tea and cookies despite the language barrier. Hitchhiking, which cannot be seen as safe everywhere, has also been perceived as safe by many solo travelers here.

Besides, in the land of untouched nature it is very easy to socialize with locals and especially with other travelers, because you will most likely always meet them a second time. However, don't be surprised if you, as a single woman, are asked by the locals about your marital status. Here, it is common to be married by the time you are 25 years old, so it is very unusual for them to see a woman traveling alone. Some travelers have even made up fake families so that they are no longer confronted with this annoying question.

Tips for your solo trip

Due to less infrastructure and hitchhiking, this place is not recommended for the very first solo trip unless you are adventurous and love to venture into the unexperienced. Basically, since Kyrgyzstan is a very safe country, the usual safety measures apply here for your safety on the road. Like anywhere else, you should take care of your belongings and carry as few valuables as possible. If you decide to travel through the mountainous country with a guide, you should make sure that the guide is reputable. Therefore, before the trip you should definitely check the reviews of previous trips.

Other important tips:

• Let a Travel insurance insure
• Stay in touch with family, friends, or better yet, trusted fellow travelers or locals.
• Be wary of anyone who approaches you on the street.
• Be confident!

Kyrgyzstan as you can see is a very safe country and great for solo travel! Except for the usual precautions that you should always and everywhere maintain, there is nothing about which you should be overcautious. The country is opening up more and more to tourism and tries to make the stay as pleasant as possible for the visitors. If you accept this invitation, you will certainly not be disappointed! If you already can't wait for your trip to Kyrgyzstan, you should definitely read our Kyrgyzstan trip check!

You definitely shouldn't turn down dinner invitations either, as Kyrgyz culture has some delicacies to offer. We have prepared for you here in the magazine the 5 most delicious kyrgyz dishes and drinks enumerated!