When does the US$1,350 per-person price apply?
This starting price is for a private party of four, with two guests sharing each room. It includes seven nights, all meals, programme entry fees, the eagle demonstration, the local UAZ transfer at Kaindy and the taxi inside Charyn Canyon. Other party sizes and accommodation upgrades are quoted separately.
Does this eight-day tour visit Song-Kol?
No. This itinerary combines Altyn-Emel with Kazakhstan’s lakes and canyons and the Kyrgyzstan section of our six-day tour. The first two days cover Aktau, Katutau, the Singing Dune and the drive through Zharkent to Saty. Song-Kol and Kochkor are outside this programme.
Which activities cost extra?
Horse riding, boat rental, personal purchases and accommodation upgrades cost extra. The local UAZ transfer to Kaindy’s nearer parking area and the taxi inside Charyn Canyon are included. You may need to wait for the canyon taxi.
Is the tour suitable for children and older travellers?
Yes. Walks are easy and can be shortened or skipped, with viewpoints reached by vehicle where access allows. Technical climbing and special training are not required. Long drives and Altyn-Emel’s rough tracks remain part of the trip. Tell us about injuries, mobility needs and comfortable driving and walking limits before booking.
Can I request a private bathroom?
Our standard guesthouses and hotels are personally checked for clean rooms, good service and private in-room showers and toilets. We agree the exact properties before booking and usually use the same ones in winter. Optional yurts can have shared facilities, explained in advance. More expensive hotel and premium yurt upgrades cost extra.
How does winter or bad weather change the route?
The tour runs year-round, usually at the published prices in winter. We normally retain Charyn, Kolsai, Kaindy, Karakol and Issyk-Kul. Arabel is normally included May–October, depending on weather and roads, and always omitted in winter; Jeti-Oguz, Barskoon and Fairytale Canyon remain. If Kegen–Karkara is unavailable, we use Korday and change the order. We agree seasonal changes before booking and refine them for the weather.
Will we have the same guide throughout?
Usually one guide accompanies you for the entire journey. Sometimes different Silk Travel team members lead the Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan sections. The private format and the opportunity to discuss your preferred walking pace apply in both countries.
Can we finish in Bishkek, and when does the tour end in Almaty?
Yes, a Bishkek finish can be agreed before booking. If returning to Almaty, the standard finish is around 18:00, but we adapt the programme to an agreed flight and plan airport arrival at least three hours before departure. For a same-day flight after crossing the border, we leave earlier and allow extra time for border procedures, the road and traffic. Confirm the specific flight with us before buying tickets.
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.
