Kazakhstan travel information: visas, booking, payment and what to bring

Send your dates and group size. A manager agrees the route, preferred locations, meals and accommodation with you. Once you confirm the programme and total price, pay a 20% deposit: we secure your guide and then reserve the agreed guesthouses, hotels or yurts. The remaining 80% is due on day one; payment in US dollars is available. Confirm payment details with your manager before paying. For high season we recommend booking several months ahead; enquiries a few days before departure are also welcome, with availability confirmed individually.

For bookings made directly with Silk Travel: if the customer cancels 14 calendar days or more before the tour starts, we refund 100% of the amount already paid. If the customer cancels less than 14 calendar days before the tour starts, the 20% deposit is non-refundable. To cancel, notify your manager by email or messenger. Bookings made through third-party platforms follow the terms shown on those platforms.

Entry rules depend on your citizenship and change over time. Check the official sources for Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan before you travel, and ask us if you need help planning border crossings.

Airport pickup on the start date is included in our standard 5-, 6- and 8-day tours. If arriving a day or several days earlier, a separate one-way transfer costs around US$70 per vehicle for up to five guests, or around US$100 for a larger party in a minivan or minibus. Confirm the vehicle and price when booking. Almaty hotel nights outside the itinerary are extra: book yourself or ask us to help. A usual planning estimate is US$100–150 per night; the actual rate depends on dates and property.

For a 03:00–04:00 arrival, guests can start directly, rest during the drive or at a route guesthouse, then continue sightseeing around lunchtime. Rest at the guesthouse along the route is included when agreed with the property in advance. Send flight details before booking so we can arrange it. Rest or early check-in at an Almaty hotel is paid separately.

We adapt the last day to an agreed flight and plan airport arrival at least three hours before departure. A late flight can allow later sightseeing; an early flight may require a shorter programme. A same-day flight after returning from Kyrgyzstan must be agreed before buying tickets: we leave earlier and allow extra time for the border, road and traffic. Border processing and road delays can vary.

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.

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.

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.

The price depends on group size. Send your dates and the number of people and a manager will confirm the exact offer.

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.

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.

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.