How long is the tour and which countries does it visit?
The base itinerary is 38 days through Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan, starting and ending in Almaty. It includes 37 overnight stays. Flight changes or local conditions may require a duration adjustment.
How early should I book?
At least one month before departure, allowing time to coordinate documents, accommodation, trains, flights and local teams. Visa decisions and permits remain subject to the relevant authorities.
What is included?
Accommodation, meals, entrance tickets, trains in the confirmed programme, ground transfers, guide services, local UAZ excursions and thermal-spring visits. The final service list is recorded in your booking.
Are flights, visas and permits included?
No. All domestic and international flights, visas and permits, including Pamir / GBAO permits, are paid separately. Required documents and fees are agreed according to nationality and travel dates.
Can the full route operate all year?
Dates depend on mountain roads, Pamir access and desert conditions. Song-Kol yurt camps normally operate from late May to early September. Other dates can require different visits and overnight bases; year-round access to every stop is not guaranteed.
What are the yurt and camping nights like?
At Song-Kol, showers and toilets are shared outside the yurts; Kadji-Sai facilities may also be shared. Darvaza has a yurt or tent stay. Mangystau includes three tent nights and one night at Kogez. Specific properties and supplied camping equipment are confirmed in advance.
What if Afrosiyob tickets are unavailable?
We book popular high-speed trains in advance. If seats are unavailable, a regular train or road transfer may be offered. Any changes to timing, sightseeing and price are agreed before the substitution.
How demanding is the itinerary?
Expect long driving days, rough mountain roads, a UAZ excursion and walks on uneven ground. Tell us about your walking ability and accommodation expectations so we can agree a suitable pace.
Which airport serves the flight after Khiva?
Transfer from Khiva to Urgench Airport in Uzbekistan for the Tashkent flight. Kunya-Urgench in Turkmenistan is a separate sightseeing stop before crossing the border.
What happens on the final day?
A suitable early flight from Aktau to Almaty is needed. Visit Medeu and Shymbulak, ascending to around 3,200 metres if weather and lift operations allow. Finish with a hotel or airport transfer arranged around the confirmed connection.
How do I book?
Send your dates and group size. A manager agrees the route, preferred stops, accommodation and dietary needs with you. After you confirm the itinerary and total price, pay a 20% deposit: we secure your guide and then reserve the agreed accommodation. The remaining 80% is due on day one; payment in US dollars is available. For direct Silk Travel bookings, cancellation 14 calendar days or more before the start receives a refund of 100% of the amount paid; with less notice, the 20% deposit is non-refundable. Third-party bookings follow their platform terms.
Are the tours private?
Yes. Every tour is for your own party, including solo travellers. We do not run join-in groups or add you to another booking. Your English-speaking guide adapts walks, stops and time at locations to your interests and ability within the agreed itinerary. Extra days, accommodation upgrades and optional paid activities are quoted separately.
What vehicles do you use?
All our vehicles are comfortable, air-conditioned and undergo technical inspections. For groups of up to 4 guests, we use off-road-capable Toyota Land Cruiser or Toyota Land Cruiser Prado SUVs. For 5 guests, we use a Toyota Sequoia SUV. For groups of more than 5 guests, we use a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter.
What if prices differ by group size?
The price depends on group size. Send your dates and the number of people and a manager will confirm the exact offer.
Can you arrange halal meals, vegetarian food and food allergies?
Yes. Vegetarian and halal meals can be arranged in advance, with food adapted to guests’ preferences. Tell us about allergies before booking. A severe allergy requires individual discussion and confirmation of arrangements, including any needed controls against contact with the allergen. Check the chosen tour’s meal inclusions: meals are paid separately on some itineraries.
Do you provide child car seats?
Yes. We provide a child car seat on advance request. Tell us the child’s age and height when booking so we can prepare a suitable seat before the tour starts.
How can I stay connected during the trip?
On routes through Almaty, Bishkek or Karakol, you can buy a local SIM card along the way; tell us if you would like help. Mobile coverage depends on the operator and may be unavailable in remote mountain areas.
