As a woman travelling alone or with other women, a question often comes up–are certain countries safe to travel to? Every destination has different challenges and barriers, but oftentimes, certain places are stereotyped as unsafe, even if they're generally not. Central Asia is a region that's seen its fair share of stereotypes, which the Borat movie just furthered. But it's actually a great region for women to travel to, and here's why:
Hostels, Hotels and Guesthouses
The big cities like Almaty, Bishkek and Tashkent have a variety of accommodations, from fancy hotels to affordable hostels, which means that you can pick what feels best for you. Hostels are a great way to meet other travellers and can also be safe because, just like hotels, they have a front desk assistant and security cameras. There are many hotels that have female dorms too. For those that want more privacy and comfort, there are lots of 3*-4* hotels. Airbnb has started to take off, so you might even find some options that suit you, but it's best to stick with places that already have reviews.
Is It Unsafe to Walk Around as a Woman?
In my experience, I never had an issue while walking the streets of cities like Almaty, Samarkhand, or Osh. There's plenty of life in the centre, and most women I've spoken to didn't feel any differently than when they walked around in London or Rome. In fact, personally, I felt more relaxed than in some large European cities where pickpocketing or phone snatching has become common. Just like any city, general common sense helps.
What Should Women Tourists Wear in Central Asia?
Central Asian cities and towns vary when it comes to how people dress, just like most parts of the world. Almaty is a modern cultural hub with a thriving artistic scene and lots of young people. It's common to see women dressed in various styles and clothes to express themselves in ways that are similar to what you find in many large Global cities. Bishkek is quite similar in the centre, but as you travel further inland in Kyrgyzstan or visit smaller towns and villages across the region, it's best to cover up more, so wear longer pants, t-shirts, and shirts. I saw more women wearing traditional clothing in Uzbekistan, and in general, it felt like clothing choices were more modest. But it's easy to throw on some jeans or linen pants in the heat because they keep you cool.
Some women wear the hijab in Central Asia, but it's not mandatory, and tourists don't unless visiting a mosque.
Is it Safe to Use Public Transport in Central Asia?
Post-Soviet cities like Almaty have amazing metro stations and convenient metro lines, which makes getting around easier. There's also plenty of buses in the big cities like Bishkek. Kazakstan also has an overnight train from Astana to Almaty, and Uzbekistan has high-speed trains from Tashkent to Samarkand and Bukhara.
Women's experiences on public transport can vary around the world. If you're unsure, it's good to take public transport in the daytime when plenty of other people travel and other women around you. You will see plenty of women travelling on all forms of transport, from minivans to trains, in Central Asia, so it's not uncommon.
General Tips
There are some things solo female travellers in Central Asia can do to feel safer:
Know your route and ask for public transport times. Transport to some places like Issk Kul or more remote lakes won't be as frequent as cities, so it's best to ask ahead for times and locations.
Get a phone sim or e-sim so you can send your loved ones your location, check your GPS, and use Google Translate, which can be useful.
Carry some cash, but not too much. There are plenty of ATMs in the cities, so you don't need to carry lots of cash, but having some is useful, especially in rural areas.
Ask for advice; if you're unsure about a place or situation, it's best to ask your hotel or hostel staff or a local guide because when it comes to Central Asia, there's not as much info online as there is with popular destinations.
If you are looking for a hassle-free experience where you can meet other female travellers, take a look at our Central Asia women's group tour, it's the perfect blend of adventure and comfort.
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