A solo female traveler is planning one of the world's great overland journeys: an ambitious route from Mongolia to Europe via China, Central Asia, the Caucasus, and Turkey—all by bus, train, and hitchhiking, without taking a single flight.
After eight months traveling around Asia, primarily in South East Asia and East Asia, the traveler wants to return to Europe in July 2026 via the classic overland route. "My crazy dream would be to go from Mongolia to central Europe by taking buses, trains and possibly hitchhiking," they wrote.
The planned itinerary: Mongolia → Xinjiang region in China → Kyrgyzstan → Kazakhstan → Azerbaijan → Georgia → Turkey → Europe
The traveler has already researched visa requirements, border crossings, and transportation options within each country. But they're seeking advice on how to plan such a massive, multi-country overland journey—particularly as a solo female traveler navigating regions with varying safety profiles.
Several challenges complicate the route:
Geopolitical considerations: The traveler acknowledges they're "staying informed on the situation in the Middle East" and may need to fly if the route becomes impossible. They're also uncertain about whether is advisable right now—though the planned route avoids entirely.
