What will you expect from a backpacker trip to Central Asia?
The countries are Kirgistan, Tadschikistan, Usbekistan, Kazakhstan, the western part of China and Mongolia. I did not visit Russia and Afghanistan.
The number of backpackers traveling is increasing for this part of Asia. The cost is low! Airlines like WIZZ do increase connections.
What to expect:
- Pamir Highway in Tadchikistan and southern Kirgistan on your bicycle or motorbike
- Hiking in Kirigistan
- Visit of Dalai Lama culture in China
- Nomadic life in Mongolia
- Muslimic culture and historic places in Usbekistan
What you will not expect:
- Wild parties, drinking, drugs and lots of casual sex, like in Pai or Vang Vieng
- not typical highschool graduation party youths or springbrake like parties
- hardly any drugs including marijuana
- lots of alcohol or wild party hostels like in Vang Vieng
But why go:
- Culture
- Nature
- Places, which are not overcrowded in tourism yet
- Back to the Basics instead of fancy resorts
- low cost and very affordable
- relatively good infrastructure including growing lowcost airlines coming up
- Visa free travel to China for up to 30 days for many citizens of developed countries
The typical traveller will have travel experienses in other more popular countries. Therefore the average travelers age is over 25.
The most popular backpacker place is Pamir Highway. Therefore you will meet travellers on bicycles or motorbikes. Tours are available, but more popular by an older generation.
Most countries are muslimic. Therefore alkohol is not so much seen in public. You will find it in shops or touristic restaurants. But even in Duschanbe in an excellent restaurant, you may be able not to have a drink. I have not seen marijuana during my different trips to this part of the world.
Non of this countries have beaches. But the mountain lakes can be gigantic. It may be chili to swim, but nature is unspoiled.
Every country is different and has its own distinctive character. The most typical popular countries for backpackers are Kirgistan and Tadjikistan. This is due to so many sporting options and the outstanding nature.
Try it out, you will not be diappointed! Lets go! When you will book your flight?