In December 2018, we ran a small survey on Caravanistan asking visitors about their travel plans. We got 390 answers.

This is not a scientific study: the Caravanistan audience is somewhat skewed towards the long-term adventurous traveler, and the website is focused on the 5 post-Soviet stans.

Nonetheless, we’d say it gives a good overview of the independent Silk Road traveler anno 2019. Here are the results.

Silk Road travelers take their time

80% of travelers is spending more than 2 weeks, while 1 in 4 travelers is spending more than 4 months on the road.

The Silk Road traveler goes solo

Nearly 45% of all respondents said they would travel solo.

Country-hopping is popular

The Silk Road is a journey. Almost half of all respondents says they will visit more than 5 countries.

Uzbekistan is the most popular Stan on travelers’ wish lists

When asked, which countries will you visit on your upcoming trip?, Uzbekistan is the most popular country to visit, followed by Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan. 50% of respondents will visit Tajikistan, while only one third is planning to take on Turkmenistan.

7% says they plan to visit Afghanistan.

Public transport is not very popular

Only half of all respondents are planning to use public transport. 1 in 4 will drive their own car or motorbike, while another 7% will rent a car. Cyclists comprise 8% of the traveling population.