Solo travel to Kazakhstan as a woman

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My experience traveling solo to Kazakhstan as a woman

I frequently travel alone to Kazakhstan. Well, alone... It is difficult to stay alone for a very long time in Kazakhstan. Friends are so easy to find there that if there's one feeling I've never felt, it's loneliness.

But that is not the point.

Solo travel remains one of my biggest passions, because it's about getting out of your comfort zone.

And if there is one place on Earth where leaving the comfort zone is encouraged, it is Kazakhstan.

Everyone wants to see the European surpass herself - whether galloping on a horse or at the table facing new taste experiences, Kazakhs are eager to make us feel what it is to be Kazakh.

“You will never do that in Europe!” they can tell you by embarking on a nocturnal gallop, without a riding helmet, in the steppes, in the light of the full moon.

No, actually, they will never let me do that in Europe.

Dangerous, you tell me?

Yes, but no one is forcing you to.

And this is the only danger that I may have encountered in Kazakhstan as a woman traveling alone. The danger of letting myself be embarked on an adventure to the limit of what is reasonable.

How to dress for a woman in Kazakhstan

Although Islam is not as central as in the Middle East for example, Kazakhstan is still a Muslim country, and therefore women dress fairly humbly in general.

That doesn't mean you have to wear veils or ankle-length dresses. You are completely free to dress however you like in Kazakhstan.

In big cities, like Almaty and Astana, in particular, shorts and more revealing outfits don't shock. Local young girls are not shy to wear mini-skirts, which are often inspired by Korean fashion.

You'll notice a difference in clothing in southern cities, such as Shymkent and Turkestan, which are more conservative regions — women usually cover their heads there and wear long skirts. But no one will pay much attention to how tourists dress.

A light veil on your hair will be appreciated when visiting mosques and holy sites, but again, no one will forbid you from entering if you are not wearing one.

📖 If you’re looking for more tips on how to best integrate into Kazakhstan and some great ideas for your next trip, you’ll definitely be interested in my 64-page guide filled with great addresses!

Street harassment in Kazakhstan

I have never been a victim of a catcall or street harassment in Kazakhstan, and I have never heard such testimonies around me.

There are also no “bad neighborhoods” to avoid at all costs. To be on the safe side, choose streets with more people after dark, such as the city center.

But even around midnight, there are often quite a few people on the streets, especially in Almaty, which is very reassuring.

Plus, taxis are very affordable, so you don't need to walk home late.

Small correction: men are not saints in Kazakhstan. It is not excluded that individuals will want to get to know you, more or less aggressively. Often, it's a humorous flirt, nothing wrong. But if you feel unsafe, do not hesitate to say stop, ask for help from passers-by, or simply leave.

Precautions to take when traveling solo to Kazakhstan as a woman

Of course, as everywhere, it is better to take too many precautions than not enough.

Here are some safety tips to keep in mind, especially if it's your first trip alone:

• Choose taxi services such as Yandex Taxi or InDrive, which work like Uber and locate you via GPS.
• Don't follow a man alone, especially if you don't understand where he wants to take you.
• Trust your instincts. If a situation seems strange to you, or you simply have a bad feeling, there is certainly a reason.
• Plan where you are going to sleep in advance. Don't risk being alone at night.
• Make sure you are in good shape every day. Eat well, sleep well, rest. You need your best energy because you can only rely on yourself when traveling alone.
• Memorize the emergency number for Kazakhstan: 112.
• Do not hesitate to say that you are married. In a lot of cases, a married woman is seen as untouchable.
• Get plenty of information before you travel. With reliable information in mind, you will not be confused by a malicious person who will try to convince you that you are lost and that you must trust them to save you.

🗺️ Traveling alone is nice, but sometimes good company is welcome: join me on my upcoming expeditions across Kazakhstan. Several are already planned for 2025! To stay updated on my news and future destinations, follow me on Instagram or contact me on Whatsapp. You can also sign up for a call if you have a travel project!

📚 You may be interested in these readings:

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