Solo border crossing from Kazakhstan - Silk Road Travel to Uzbekistan

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After spending a couple of weeks in Kazakhstan, I headed south to Uzbekistan which is historically known as the land of traders and craftsmen. Overland travel in Central Asia has always been something I’ve been intrigued by, although border crossings in this region tend to be unpredictable. After studying the border crossing map in Central Asia, I decided to enter Uzbekistan via a popular border crossing which connects Shymkent and Tashkent, the capital city of Uzbekistan.
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ABOUT ME:
In 2013, I started my solo travel journey, leaving Indonesia in 2016 to become a full-time traveller and KZbin creator. My background in International Relations has fueled a profound interest in exploring different countries. My content focuses on exploring different cultures through the lens of a solo female traveller, aiming to capture real-life interactions and experiences.
My travels kicked off with a five-month trip across Asia, after which I moved to China in January 2017 to work as an English teacher-my first time living abroad. I left China in 2018 to fully commit to creating videos on KZbin, where I share my travels and the cultures I encounter.
Living nomadically since 2016, I settled in England in early 2022 after marrying my British husband, David. Now based in the UK, I continue to travel and share my adventures on KZbin.
#solofemale #centralasia #tajikistan #dushanbe #solotravel #silkroad #roadtrip #femaletraveller

[@SyifaAdriana]

Thank you to my Patreon family for making this video possible without sponsors. For early video access, behind the scenes content & more, take a look here: www.patreon.com/syifaadriana This video isn't sponsored, so without my community I wouldn't be able to afford making videos like this. If you're enjoying my content, consider checking out my Patreon page and joining the community! Thank you all for watching ♥

[@hajirajamajid1615]

I want married kazahistani girl and u give me visa

[@hammstnb]

I like that fact that people from Central Asia treat foreigners with actual compassion and respect even though the language barrier is there .

[@marconrustNL]

So glad you met the right taxi driver, what a humble and great guy. Loved watching this video and how you interact with the local people. Looking forward to the next one! Enjoy traveling!

[@SyifaAdriana]

Thank you so much, Marc! Yes I agree that I was lucky to meet the right taxi driver with a genuine intention. Thanks so much for watching, Marc :D

[@romymongalini3838]

Wow! Trust in humanity manifested by those men especially that cab driver who became your Tour Guide. When he proudly show his wife and children, I know you are in good hands. Again, thank you for bringing us along to another beautiful country and her charming people! Keep on and keep safe!

[@SyifaAdriana]

Thank you so much, Romy! Oftentimes in situation like this, I would need to read between the lines to understand people's intention given the language barrier. I thank for my past experiences that shapes my instict therefore in situations like this, I would be able to rely on my own instict to make further wise decisions.

[@DaranThach]

I went to Kazakhstan in August. It's actually quite safe there. I had 0 issues feeling unsafe or watching my pockets/backpack.

[@SyifaAdriana]

I agree. Kazakhstan is extremely safe to travel to. @@DaranThach

[@PrincessBorneo]

@@SyifaAdrianaHai kak Syifa, saya lagi di almaty kazakhstan. rencananya mau land border crossing, mau tanya pas ke tashkent kita ga perlu visa kan untuk border crossing?😇🙏🏻

[@abduhamidhoshimov4412]

Hello Adriana. Welcome to Uzbekistan. I live in Tashkent. Thank you very much Azamat. Due to the nature of my work, I often communicate with Indonesians and they are very good people.

[@jawanshinglai8724]

I really appreciate the way you travel from one place to other place without knowing their local language but you manage somehow and local cap driver they are so kind and good loving people, nice vlogs.

[@SyifaAdriana]

Thank you so much, Jawan! That's so kind of you to say this. I am also grateful for their kindness.

[@talfatsk]

You are very brave to travel alone and very beautiful lady. Taxi driver was very hospitable. Azamat is translated as cool guy. Obviously he is kazakh. Have a nice journey.

[@SyifaAdriana]

Thanks a lot for watching! Azamat is an Uzbek as he's originally from Qashqadarya region in Southern Uzbekistan.

[@user-fr9kc5ph4q]

АЗАМАТ это казахское имя. У узбеков другие имена. Когда русские делили землю между республиками у Казахстана забрали много территории для России и для Узбекистана.

[@dilshodbekturdiyev8669]

​@@SyifaAdrianai'm from qashqadaryo from qarshi

[@asselleclercq3277]

I also noticed that his Yandex voice was in Kazakh

[@almatyastana11]

Azamat is kazakh name. he is ethnic kazakh@@SyifaAdriana

[@DA-vx6ck]

Central Asia is a good place for friendly open minded people. You don't have to worry that they won't like you because you are different.

[@smartmccassy6563]

I never thought that Uzbekistan looks that beautiful. Thank you so much for the tour Syifa!!!

[@SyifaAdriana]

Thanks a lot for watching :D It's my pleasure!

[@peterleo16]

Another interesting and amazing experience for us to watch. I really admire your sheer guts travelling alone in these countries and when I see a new video clip means you are safe traveling. Good to know you are still creating fantastic videos on these rarely travelled countries.

[@SyifaAdriana]

Thank you so much, Peter! Yes this was a video I pre-filmed back in April-May 2023. I would often be so nervous and anxious before embarking such journey but I still would proceed as the learning aspect of this experience is so invaluable.

[@tarifrahman4180]

​@@SyifaAdrianato nice

[@zambianyoutuberx]

Your Tour guide in Uzbekistan is very Humble! Nice Video!

[@SyifaAdriana]

Indeed he is. I am grateful! Thank you so much for your kind comment.

[@marionaini1264]

So pure, lovely, trustable, simple, responsible, and honest.... man is Azemat

[@tenjorden3745]

I may have travelled less than 20 countries , u always inspire me to explore while I can. Good luck ..

[@SyifaAdriana]

Thank you so much! Bravo for travelling and see the world. Counting countries one has travelled to isn't my favorite way to measure one's achievement. As long as you learn something invaluable, numbers are just numbers. ;)

[@elisabetta4478]

It is so heartwarming to watch how amicable those men were. It must be straining for you to interact with locals in their language, but you managed well. Brava

[@SyifaAdriana]

Thank you so much, Elisabetta! Indeed it would often be exhausting to converse with such language barrier as it takes patience and compassion during this process. Thank you so much for your kind comment!

[@MohammedFazalPicolog209]

Azamat has shown us how beautiful his country is, by treating a total stranger such as you so respectfully and with dignity. ❤❤ A true gentleman he is. - Lots of love from Hyderabad, India.

[@rispiyanibrahim6561]

Very beautiful & peaceful country.

[@SyifaAdriana]

On the contrary, Central Asia has gone through a long history of corrupted governments and dictatorships. They are still a long way to go to reach geopilitical peace and peconomic stability.

[@AmbientWalking]

Love this. Really nice. Always such a pleasure to travel with you.

[@SyifaAdriana]

Thank you so much for your kind comment!

[@exploringplanetearth4622]

You such an amazing woman, traveling around the globe alone 👍 thank you for all your video. Salam dari Bali - Indonesia 🇮🇩

[@SyifaAdriana]

That's so kind! I appreciate your support 😀

[@Athelete1982]

Thanks for sharing such a wonderful experience .

[@SyifaAdriana]

Thank you so much for watching!

[@marinbancos]

Amazing experience. Thank you very much Syifa, for another interesting and beautiful video from that part of the world.

[@SyifaAdriana]

Thank you so much, Marin! Glad to hear this comment from you

[@gizza26]

Must be very intimidating at times. Your quest for adventure is impressive. I am very envious of you.

[@SyifaAdriana]

Thank you Gizza! That's so very kind. Yes, I would often feel so intimidated by thankfully I have met kind people along the way that would ease my anxiety.

[@shwedagonpaya]

Border crossings can be quite scary and frightening as I know from experience. Always expect the unexpected. When I crossed from Kazakhstan to Uzbekistan in 2008 the border at Chernyaevka was closed to foreigners, so it was a two-hour journey to a temporary crossing at Yallama and only just made it before it shut for the day. The bureaucracy was a nightmare. Full marks to you in your endeavours, for your courage, perseverance and good cheer.

[@SyifaAdriana]

I truly agree with you! Border crossings can be more troublesome than flying into a country to pass the immigration. I can imagine the border control back in 2008 mustve been so unpredictable and unreliable! Kudos to you for taking the less-travelled path. Thank you so much for your kind comment, it warms my heart!

[@aubreyadams7884]

What an amazing experience!

[@SyifaAdriana]

Thank you so much, Aubrey! 😊

[@leeisa676]

This very good guidance for border crossing alone

[@SyifaAdriana]

Thanks a lot for watching!

[@Nook.Cranny]

Inspiring video! Always good to travel to every nook and cranny around the world 😊

[@SyifaAdriana]

Thank you so much. That's so very kind of you to say this!

[@Yogen680]

Be careful and take care Syifa.

[@SyifaAdriana]

Thanks a lot Yogen!

[@gopherholehotel]

What a fantastic experience you had in this episode ! Thanks for this amazing entry . :)

[@SyifaAdriana]

Thank you so much for your lovely comment. I truly appreciate it!

[@MrSukrasno]

Selalu menyimak edisi melanglang buana mbak Syifa. Itung2 ikut virtual travelling 😁

[@upulpriyanthagunasekara4387]

An educational valuable tour,my heartiest thanks !!!

[@SyifaAdriana]

Thank you so much! Glad to hear that you learnt something from this. I would love to hear more about what you found interesting from this video?

[@maxplanck9055]

Good to see you are safe and well in Uzbekistan, many Russians have toured here recently and it looks a good place to visit,I’m sure you’ll have a fun interesting challenging adventure,much love syifa✌️❤️🇬🇧

[@SyifaAdriana]

Thank you, Max. Yes plenty of Russians moved out of Russia to all post-soviet countries since the war as they wouldnt need any visa to stay long term.

[@user-wl5kh5lx7j]

@@SyifaAdrianayou beautiful

[@constantinsokolski9706]

Recently visited 3 cities in Uzbekistan which liked a lot, not counting the problems with some taxi drivers who asked for outrageous prices to transfer to the airport, train station, et all.

[@nyuntmgsai3449]

Another exciting and excellent travel again, thanks Syifa for such great video.

[@SyifaAdriana]

So lovely of you to say this. Thank you so much :D

[@TravellingBird23]

I'm solo travelling on the Silk Road myself later this year. Thank you for such a wonderful insight into not only the border crossings (always a little worry!), but also the people you meet along the way. I have been solo travelling since November 2018 and it can be daunting as a woman on your own, as you say, but the joys outweigh the worries. May you continue to enjoy your travels!

[@sothearanget6099]

Thank you for a great adventure video

[@SyifaAdriana]

Thank you so much for watching this video!

[@dizheller2101]

Hello Syifa, wow, that was interesting and exciting to watch. You really are quite courageous. It's good to see that there are guys who look after you and make sure you're OK. The taxi-hustling reminded me of my first trip to Albania, where some taxi driver just grabbed my luggage and started walking, and I literally had to wrestle it out of his hands... Looking forward to seeing Tashkent as it is now, in your next video.

[@SyifaAdriana]

Hello Diz, thank you so much for your lovely comment. I am grateful for kind people I met along the journey as without these people's help, I would find it very challenging. Oh yeah taxis in Albania could be brutal too, haha bravo to you for wrestling the taxi's hand to get your own luggage back.

[@dariodamico1621]

It's incredible how a beautyfull woman like you can travel trusting people who meet, I'm starting believe in humanity

[@worldofwilson464]

I'm really glad I found this channel

[@sitikhadijah6258]

Candu bgt nonton vlog mba syifa,semoga bisa mengelilingi negara2 asia tengah secara keseluruhan,karena negara di jalur sutra kyk nyimpan history yg menakjubkan untuk di kuak,semoga mba syifa selalu sehat dlm lindungan Tuhan dimanapun berada.

[@SyifaAdriana]

Terima kasih banyak!

[@user-lb1mr9ww9j]

Amat menghibur, bikin saya senyum-senyum. Orang baik ada dimana-mana.

[@Yertaiofficial]

Азамат Мужик!

[@patrickthomas2403]

love your vlogs, very interesting and informative! love your laughter even more!! Keep up the great work, thank you!

[@superswiftest]

Stunning and really an eye opener , great and humurous as well as eloquent !! keep it up Dear Adriana

[@dibaskg]

Glad for you. I have turned down people’s help a dozen times because I was either too suspicious of their real motives, or I was simply not in the mood for an… adventure (I’m a bit of a tight-ass, truth be told). By the way, I will be making the same journey next week, with the only difference that I will be taking that 169 bus which you skipped (you can actually see it in the video). It takes you to the closest metro station in Tashkent, and from there you can go pretty much anywhere in the city. Enjoy!

[@SyifaAdriana]

Thank you, Diba! I understand where you are coming from so no judgement at all. I often would push myself to experience different things as it allows me to gain more travel experiences. I do have to be in right mindset when experiencing this as it often would drain my energy. I usually would take a couple of days to regroup and replenish my energy.

[@myfavoritwalk2167]

Who would have thought that a driver could be a tour guide? hahaha.. The market is also interesting, maybe later I will go there, continue your adventure Syifa, we always support you..😊

[@SyifaAdriana]

The beauty of spontaneous travel 😂Thanks a ot for your kind support!

[@cocinarconflor7298]

De verdad que tienes valor de viajar sola, pero Dios te cuida y como te provee personas que te ayudan así como ese taxista. Cuídate mucho Adriana. Muy bello vídeo.

[@habibulmasud4576]

Hi Syifa, thanks for your challenging travel. Waiting for your Tashkent video. Anyway did you get the ATM ? I always tell you that your simplicity, your innocent smiling face & your capability to adjust with the local people- are your best protection for you as a solo female travellar . Take care 🥰🥰

[@SyifaAdriana]

Thank you so much, Habibul. Yes I managed to find an ATM and withdrew some cash out. Your comment is so very lovely, it warms my heart. Thanks a lot!

[@habibulmasud4576]

@@SyifaAdriana Thank you & best wishes all the time 💕

[@StereoSpace]

Interesting adventure.

[@SyifaAdriana]

Thanks a lot for watching! Glad to hear this :D

[@indihomeid3791]

Love your character & kind soul ,, Syifa ❤️

[@SyifaAdriana]

You are too kind thank you so much!

[@indihomeid3791]

@@SyifaAdriana happy & safe traveling Syifa ❤️

[@PSHomeVideo]

You are a brave solo traveller! Respect! :)

[@jeff051]

Lovely and friendly central Asia,blessings and safe travel,when will you be returning to UK? 😀

[@SyifaAdriana]

Thanks Jeff! Dave and I are going to travel around East Asia this coming month after our stay in Chiang Mai, Thailand and will be back to the UK by the end of November.

[@gaminisydneyjayawardana9700]

You seems to be a lucky girl going thru all these hassles without any troubles

[@JeanRoseOfficial]

Another productive video! ❤ Thanks for sharing Syifa

[@SyifaAdriana]

Thank you so much, Jean! That's so sweet of you x

[@dp.chakma]

Happy to watch. Thanks Syifa

[@Mr_Cool_0811]

Thanks for sharing the video

[@skylark304]

SYIFA : i am 6'3" , 220 lbs well built Indian origin in USA , but i don't have the stomach that you take it so easily . being a girl , i never saw anything different in your upbringing in Indonesia but your passion and courage churns my stomach! Seeing your video , i try to fathom your mind its make up and resilience. worst captive environment of a traditional Muslim family !

[@mjiqbal810]

"worst captive environment of a traditional Muslim family"; that is the most ignorent comment you could make, even living in the USA.

[@SyifaAdriana]

Thank you, I'll take your comment as a compliment especially regarding to passion and courage. Best wishes!

[@Mazyar57]

Thanks for the nice video

[@javlontuymanov5038]

Wow you came Quyluk market and ate our national food plov. You amaring Shyifa. I hope you come back again.

[@shomphawangsu3866]

Very good place I from Longding

[@prabhakarmetri6371]

Good to see you back again. 😊

[@SyifaAdriana]

Thank you so much!

[@dior99]

Wow what a cute travel.. thank you and good luck for you beautiful girl😍👍

[@AnujJain.YouTube]

Good to see you back again, Syifa. A lot to learn from the video and amazing filming as always. Lots of love.💙

[@SyifaAdriana]

Thank you so much Anuj! So glad to hear tyour comment. What sort of things you learnt from this video? I'd be keen to hear more from your persective.

[@AnujJain.YouTube]

Glad that you acknowledge my comment. I'd learn so many things from your video including the way you film, how polity you respond to unknown and acknowledge them, and most importantly, you were traveling solo internationally to rare places, which is at least a non-doable thing for me now. Lots of appreciation and love always💙@@SyifaAdriana

[@SyifaAdriana]

That's sokind Anuj. Thanks for sharing this with me. It's actually inspiring me for my future videos. @@AnujJain.KZbin

[@kosinduchamara5571]

Big fan❤ from Sri lanka

[@trinitywahyu8740]

What a brave beautiful lady you are. ❤❤

[@SyifaAdriana]

Thank you, that's so very kind!

[@lornetka8973]

You inspire me to travelling solo. Keep it up!!!❤

[@dilshodbekturdiyev8669]

really appreciate you miss. Wish i could have known you were in uzbekistan

[@eelco548]

Nice report! Just came back from a trip in the region. My experience at that specific border to Tashkent with our rental car was horrific. It took us 2 days... Without succes and went back into Kyrgyzstan.

[@SyifaAdriana]

Thanks for sharing! So sorry to hear that you didnt get through successfully. It’s probably better to cross on foot than by a car. Did you mean Kazakhstan instead of Kyrgyzstan? Where did you get the rental car from? Thanks for watching!

[@eelco548]

@@SyifaAdriana hi! We planned to make a tour from Kyrgyzstan tot Kazachstan to Uzbekistan and make a circular trip. The main problem was the Kazachstan tot Uzbekistan (Tashkent) border. Endless lines of cars without any movement and the line was dominated by scammers who forced you basically to buy yourself forwards.. Therefore we decided after many hours to turn around and go back to Kyrgyzstan at the Taraz border. Took us also a full day so the planning was messed up. You are correct, by foot is better (border crossing wise). But we needed to travel with our own car and stay flexible because of the planning and locations we needed to visit. Next time better! Rental car came from Iron Horse Bishkek. Was perfect!

[@Dukybojez]

Saya dari Indonesia Saya sangat menyukai video ini ❤❤❤

[@surendrarawat2781]

I am from 🇳🇵 Nepal Really amazing to watch your vedio❤❤❤❤!!

[@gregrodrigues5453]

Hi Syifa lovely video. Hope you have a great weekend❤❤

[@SyifaAdriana]

Thank you so much Greg!

[@johnprattley945]

I'm not sure if anyone noticed the gas cylinder in the boot of the taxi in Uzbekistan. A lot of cars run on propane. When in 2018 I was travelling by car at vehicle refueling stations we had to get out of the car and move about 50 metres away to stand by the office. This was due to the risk of an explosion during refuelling of car. Also between each refuelling bay there was a concrete blast wall. It always pays to have some US dollars in small bills when travelling between many countries to cover for getting to and from land borders and airports in case there is no way to exchange currency or if any ATM is not working.

[@SyifaAdriana]

Spot on, John! I also had to go out of the car at the gas station and was fascinated by the first time it happened. I generally no longer bring cash (USD/EUR/GBP) with me when traveling around as I rely on ATM to withdraw cash. Although with border crossing, I am not too fussy about not having enough cash as I would be able to find way around this. Thank you so much for taking the time to write this comment and for sharing your own travel experience 🙂

[@tulthapamagar.]

wonderful

[@ven.s.anandasagarathero2407]

It is beautiful vedio with another beautiful country i think you are very fortunate travel all over the world after sometime it happened❤nice to see your smile and laugh again. Travels all alone is a good gathering of experience

[@SyifaAdriana]

Thank you so much for your kind comment! Indeed I have been very fortunate and I am very grateful!

[@zayedsharma6416]

Awesome city

[@oscarrizarde8782]

Hi syefa tanks for your exciting travel. Watching from Philippines 🇵🇭

[@tko8233]

Great Video Syifa... You the Centre of attention in that market😅👍 Take Great Care & Enjoy ya adventure 🙏

[@SyifaAdriana]

Hahaha I think anyone with a camera even if it's a small one would attract attention 😂 Thankfully Azamat was with me. Thank you so much for watching!

[@roytheboy100]

It's probably a little late but you can get an overnight bus from kyzylorda to Tashkent bus station. I have travelled that route a lot my friend lives in kyzylorda and my wife lives in Tashkent

[@whisnusuprawi6568]

Ditunggu selanjutnya kak....sukses ya...🙏🇮🇩

[@SyifaAdriana]

Thanks a lot Whisnu!

[@Kitapta]

Very nice person with good content. Will you come back to central Asia?

[@anastasiyakarpenko9578]

You are very good at finding acquaintances, I would also like to be able to do this and not be afraid!😅

[@SyifaAdriana]

Thank you so much Anastasiya! It takes a lot of practice and experiences to get to this point as my past travel experience has helped me in building confidence and sharpened my instict when eeting random people. :) I am sure you can do it too ❤

[@chtanverahmad5835]

excelent work, nice documentry, fentestic comparing and nice camra work

[@bboboneill]

Excellent, thank you 🤗

[@SyifaAdriana]

Thanks a lot for watching!

[@gvbalajee]

Wonderful

[@m.saleemkhan5911]

Very nice and informatioive vlog

[@kkpanda651]

Y,not only this through the youtuber 's lens I got to see more of some of the best part of the world

[@kazaguli]

Azamatqa rahmet!

[@SyifaAdriana]

Yes, thanks to Azamat!

[@lojimoles1]

👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻Bravo Bravo!god bless you in you journey !great videos😎

[@SyifaAdriana]

Thank you so very much! That is so very kind :)

[@rayhistoria]

TKS for your help!

[@SyifaAdriana]

Thanks a lot for watching!

[@hajirajamajid1615]

Lovely❤

[@juannitonunez4753]

Espero tu próximo video un saludo desde España

[@SyifaAdriana]

Thank you so much 😊 so lovely!

[@upirosna]

Kak Syifa cantik bangettttt! beautiful content too btw!

[@SyifaAdriana]

Thank you so much, that's very kind!

[@jaipprakashhonhaga]

Hey! your gold watch looks so cool, which brand is that can you tell me?

[@user-vd2nq5rt9y]

Азамат это душа тюрка всегда готовая помочь везде и во всем приезжему

[@amirmanzoor820]

Beautiful girl Beautiful country 😃

[@eastcoastdoc2260]

Thank you for sharing. Any recommendations for cheaper accommodation in Toshkent or Bukhara. I’m visiting Uzbekistan in june2024

[@aaadigitalproduction4915]

❤এত্তগুলা ভালো জায়গা ভ্রমণের ভিডিও দিয়েছেন, আপনি সব সময় সুস্থ্য থাকুন, শুভকামনা রইল ❤

[@vkt2805]

Азамат молодец мужик

[@reubenningleku6489]

Hi syifa always loved to watching your vlog and so glad to see your vlog after long time and just wishing you have safe and good time in Uzbekistan....as you are traveling in Uzbekistan and eagerly waiting for your next vlog to watch. May God bless you.Tq

[@SyifaAdriana]

Thank you so much Reuben for watching this video!

[@HuzzaTVDreamBook]

8:22 😂😂😂 so many heart failure 13:13 I need this blaster

[@SyifaAdriana]

Haha thanks a lot for watching!

[@logmoklog8594]

You are wonderful traveler

[@SK-Salim]

Nice blog I am From Bangladesh