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. The activity level can be adjusted from easy to moderate. At Charyn Canyon, the usual walk to the river and back is about 7 km, while the upper viewpoints offer a shorter route of about 3 km return. Discuss your preferred walking pace with the guide.
Does the six-day tour run in winter?
Yes, with a modified route. Arabel Plateau is skipped in winter. Other places may also be inaccessible because of weather or road conditions. Your guide spends more time at available stops where the shorter daylight hours allow; the full warm-season itinerary is not guaranteed.
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 enters Kyrgyzstan through Kegen–Karkyra after the lake visits in Kazakhstan and returns from Bishkek through Korday. Border procedures and road conditions affect journey times. The final walk in Almaty is included when time permits, with the stops chosen according to traffic.
How do I book?
Choose a tour and send your dates and group size. Once the itinerary and price are agreed, pay a 20% deposit. The remaining 80% is payable on the first day of the tour. Cancellation 30 days or more before the start receives a full deposit refund; cancellation 15–29 days before the start receives a 50% deposit refund; the deposit is non-refundable 14 days or fewer before the start.
Are the tours private?
Yes. Every tour is private, with no large groups, and the itinerary can be adjusted.
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.
