How long is the Offroad Adventure tour?
The complete Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Mangystau itinerary takes 18 days, starting and finishing in Almaty. If the Kel-Suu day is omitted without a replacement, the trip takes 17 days.
How much does the tour cost?
Prices in US dollars per person are $3,050 for 4 travellers, $3,900 for 3, $4,500 for 2 and $8,500 for a solo traveller. Shared accommodation is based on two people per room; room allocation and expedition accommodation are confirmed when booking.
When can we visit Kel-Suu?
The planned season is approximately late May to September, subject to mountain weather and road access. Outside this period, we arrange an alternative location or remove the Kel-Suu day.
Do we need a border permit for Kel-Suu?
Yes. The Kel-Suu border permit is arranged in advance, two weeks before departure, and is paid separately from the tour price. Please contact us early enough to prepare the visit.
How do we reach Kel-Suu and Altyn-Arashan?
Kel-Suu is visited on horseback; horse hire and the border permit are paid separately. The Soviet-era UAZ excursion to Altyn-Arashan and admission to its natural hot springs are included. The rough mountain journey takes approximately three hours uphill and two and a half hours back, depending on conditions, with a return to Karakol that evening.
What are the overnight stays like?
The journey combines hotels, guesthouses, traditional yurts and expedition camps. The Mangystau section has three tent nights and one night at Kogez ethno-village, with hotel stays in Aktau before and after the expedition. Facilities in yurts and camps differ from hotel rooms.
Do Song-Kol yurts have private bathrooms?
No. Showers and toilets are shared and located outside the yurts. Yurt overnight stays are normally available from late May to early September. At other times, weather may allow a lake visit with an overnight stay in Kochkor, or require a route change.
Which places are included in the five-day Mangystau route?
The expedition visits Shakpak Ata, Kapamsay, Zhygylgan, Saura, Torysh, Kyzyl Kala, Sherkala, Airakty, Tuzbair, Bozzhyra, Bokty and Kyzylkup, with a return to Aktau on the fifth day. Camp locations depend on weather and ground conditions.
Is this trip suitable for everyone?
This is an active journey with long drives, uneven tracks, horse riding and camping. Tell us about your walking ability and comfort preferences before booking so that we can discuss the pace and practical options.
Are flight times and mountain stops fixed?
No. Domestic flights, border crossings and mountain roads affect the schedule. We confirm flights and transfers for your dates, leave time for the border and adapt walks and exposed locations to conditions. The final list of inclusions and any separately paid services is confirmed in your booking.
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.
