When does the US$1,020 per-person price apply?
The starting price is US$1,020 per person for a private party of four, with two guests sharing each room. The final quote depends on your party size and accommodation choices. Premium hotels and upgraded yurts cost extra.
Are accommodation, meals and the eagle demonstration included?
Yes. The standard tour includes five nights of accommodation, all meals, entrance fees for the programme, the eagle demonstration, guide service, transport and fuel. Optional horse riding, accommodation upgrades and personal purchases are extra. International flights and travel insurance are not included.
Will we have the same guide in both countries?
Usually the same guide accompanies the whole trip. On some departures, one guide looks after you in Kazakhstan and another member of the Silk Travel team guides the Kyrgyzstan section. The itinerary and walking pace are adapted to your private party.
Can families and older guests choose shorter walks?
Yes. Walks are easy and adaptable, with no technical climbing or special training required. Charyn’s full river walk is about 7 km return, but you can shorten or skip it and choose an accessible viewpoint. Your guide can allow more rest and photography time. Discuss injuries, mobility needs and your preferred pace before booking.
Does the six-day tour run in winter?
Yes, usually at the published prices. We normally retain Charyn, Kolsai, Kaindy, Karakol and Issyk-Kul. Arabel is always omitted in winter, while Jeti-Oguz, Barskoon and Fairytale Canyon remain. Winter visits to Kolsai and Kaindy usually use the same transport and walking arrangements as summer. We agree seasonal changes before booking and refine them for weather and roads.
Do rooms and yurts have private bathrooms?
Hotel and guesthouse rooms have their own shower and toilet. Yurts may use shared bathroom facilities. The route includes guesthouse or yurt stays in Saty and Kadji-Sai, a guesthouse in Chon-Kemin and hotels in Karakol and Bishkek. Discuss yurt preferences or upgrades when booking.
Can the tour finish in Bishkek instead of Almaty?
Yes. Arrange a Bishkek finish when booking. You can then use the final day for a fuller Bishkek city tour instead of returning to Kazakhstan. On the standard Almaty finish, drop-off is at your hotel or the airport, usually around 18:00, depending on the border and traffic.
Which border crossings does the tour use?
The usual route uses Kegen–Karkara towards Kyrgyzstan and Korday on the return. When Kegen–Karkara is unavailable, including in winter, we use Korday and change the route order. Confirm the itinerary and documents before booking. If flying from Almaty on the return day, agree the flight in advance: we leave earlier, allow for border and traffic delays and plan airport arrival at least three hours before departure.
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.
