Best of The Stans

• Return international flights (economy class), surcharges may apply
• 1 x internal flight in Kyrgyzstan: Bishkek to Osh

• 16 nights quality hotel accommodation
• 1 night in a traditional Kyrgyz Yurt

• Enjoy 32 meals including 2 traditional dinners with local families (2024 Departures)
• Enjoy 27 meals including 2 traditional dinners with local families (2025 Departures)

• English speaking tour leaders and guides
• Airline taxes and surcharges

• Transportation by private A/C vehicles

• Return airport transfers

Today depart from Australia (or New Zealand) for Almaty, Kazakhstan.

Please note: Due to limited flights between Australia and Kazakhstan, customers may require a layover. Scheduled transits over 6 hours will receive one lounge pass. Scheduled transits over 12 hours will receive one night at an airport hotel. This will be covered at no extra cost. Flight times will be indicated on your final documents, issued 4-6 weeks prior to departure.

Please note: Some flights may depart early on Day 2 and arrive Day 2.

Meals included: In-Flight

Welcome to Kazakhstan. Upon arrival in Almaty this evening you will be met and transferred to the hotel.

Overnight: Kazzhol Hotel or similar, Almaty, Kazakhstan

Meals included: In-Flight

This morning set out on a city tour of Almaty, the southern capital of Kazakhstan and largest city in the country. During the city tour you will see beautiful wooden Russian buildings - Zenkov Cathedral, the ex-assembly house of Czar officers and an apparel shop (1903-1908). You will visit the 28 Panfilov’s Guardsmen Park, Zenkov Cathedral, Museum of History and Republic Square.

In the afternoon continue onwards to the Museum of Musical Instruments, one of the most unique musical museums which opened in 1981. The museum showcases the national musical instruments of the Kazakh people, along with the musical culture of over 50 countries.

This evening you will experience a Sunkar show where you will learn about birds of prey - how they are used for hunting, their history, lifestyle and organic traits. Five to seven species of birds take part in the show.

Afterwards, enjoy dinner and return to the hotel for an evening at leisure.

Overnight: Kazzhol Hotel or similar, Almaty, Kazakhstan

Meals included: Breakfast; Dinner

Today enjoy the day at leisure to either relax or explore Almaty. Alternatively, you can take the opportunity to join an optional activity (not included).

Optional Activity: Half Day Medeo Gorge & Kok-Tobe Tour - $170 AU per person
Travel to picturesque Medeo Gorge, which is located 25 kilometres from Almaty and has an altitude of over 2000 metres. It hosts the highest mountain skate ring in the world, as well as the largest skiing resort of the region. On the way stop by a dam which protects the city from avalanches and mudslides, which have been known to cascade from the slopes. Take a cable car trip to the top to enjoy an amazing panorama of Tien-Shan Mountains. Later return to Almaty to enjoy a cable car trip at Kok-Tobe recreational area to witness a panorama of Almaty and surroundings.

Overnight: Kazzhol Hotel or similar, Almaty, Kazakhstan

Meals included: Breakfast

This morning head towards the amazing Charyn Canyon, often described as the Grand Canyon of Kazakhstan. The dramatic erosion made by the river Charyn has created an impressive landscape of red-coloured rocky formations that resemble castles, leading the canyon to be nicknamed the Valley of Castles. It’s spectacular during the day, as well as under a star-lit sky.

Afterwards, cross the Kyrgyz-Kazakh border. After all border procedures, continue on to Karakol via the scenic Karkara Valley, famous for its mountain flowers that attract many bee-keepers. Tonight enjoy dinner with an ethnic Uighur family to taste the national cuisine of Lagman. Lagman is a traditional Uighur dish made of pulled noodles, meat and vegetables. You will be able to see and help with the process of making and cooking Lagman.

Afterwards, transfer to the hotel for an evening at leisure after an approximately 400-kilometre day.

Please note: Exploring Central Asia does at times require covering some long distances. This also includes travelling on roads not built to the same standard we may be used to, however your driver and guide are professionals and will do everything they can to ensure a comfortable journey throughout.

Overnight: Hotel Green Yard or similar, Karakol, Kyrgyzstan

Meals included: Breakfast; Dinner

A visit to Karakol town is like stepping back in time a hundred years to an age of Tsarist Russia. This morning head out on a city tour to visit old Russian style houses (1870–1910), Russian Orthodox Church (1886) and Dungan Mosque (1899) made out of wood with no nails.

After the tour, transfer to Jeti-Oguz Gorge. Here you will have an opportunity to admire fantastic rock formations made of red sandstone, as well as local pastures which have long been used by shepherds to graze flocks of sheep and herds of horses.

Continue along the southern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake. The lake sits in a hollow surrounded by the snowcapped peaks of Terskei and Kungei Ala-Tau Mountain ranges at an altitude of 1600 metres. Issyk-Kul Lake is 180 kilometres long, 60 kilometres wide and 700 metres deep. One hundred and thirty four streams and rivers flow into the lake but none flow out due to underwater tectonic activity.

Tonight arrive at a semi-nomadic yurt camp where you can experience horseback riding (optional, payable on tour) and, in the evening, take part in a baking class to make famous Kyrgyz flat bread followed by a traditional dinner. Tonight you will sleep in a traditional Yurt home. All yurts are brightly decorated and sleep four to five people - toilet and shower facilities are outside of the yurts. A traditional yurt (as it’s known in Turkic languages) is a portable, round tent covered with skins or felt and used as a dwelling by nomads in the steppes of Central Asia.

An approximately 130 kilometre day.

Please note:
- As yurt accommodation is on a shared basis (4-5 people per Yurt) private rooms are not provided. This applies to both twin share and solo travellers.
- All yurts have been designed in the traditional nomadic way with mattresses on wool carpeted floors (there are no bed frames).

Overnight: Almaluu Traditional Yurt Camp, Bokonbaevo, Kyrgyzstan

Meals included: Breakfast; Dinner

Today travel onwards to the capital of Kyrgyzstan, Bishkek. On the way stop at Burana Tower, a 11th century minaret built by the Turkish Karakhanids dynasty. Nowadays it’s a museum complex which includes the tower itself, reconstructions of mausoleums found onsite, remains of the citadel, a collection of balbals (grave stones used by nomadic Turkic peoples), and petroglyphs (stone carvings), as well as a small museum.

Afterwards continue to Bishkek, the capital and largest city in Kyrgyzstan. Located at the foothill of magnificent Kyrgyz Ala-Tau mountain range, Bishkek is a city of many green parks and marble-faced public buildings, combined with numerous Soviet-style apartment blocks and thousands of smaller privately built houses. It’s laid out on a grid pattern, with most streets flanked on both sides by narrow irrigation channels that water the innumerable trees which provide shade during hot summers.

The city is believed to be the greenest in Central Asia with more trees per head of population than any other. Upon arrival enjoy a sightseeing tour and visit Ala-Too Square, the main square of the city. The square serves as a place for state events and celebrations and includes many monuments, open-air picture gallery, famous Oak Park, marble government buildings and theatres. Your evening in Bishkek will culminate in a delightful dinner and folklore show, where artists will demonstrate their national musical instruments and techniques of playing.

An approximately 300 kilometre day.

Overnight: Hotel Garden or similar, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan

Meals included: Breakfast; Dinner

This morning transfer to the airport for your flight to Osh (approximately 1 hour). Osh is the oldest city in Kyrgyzstan (estimated to be over 3000 years old) and the second largest in the country. The town is situated at the crossroads of the ancient trading routes that became known as the Silk Road.

The age of the city can be judged by the rock drawings and inscriptions found on the northern slope of the Sulayman Mountain, a distinctive monument in the centre of Osh. The UNESCO listed mountain, also known as Sulayman Throne, is a popular place of pilgrimage for local Muslims, with stairs leading up to the highest peak with a small mosque originally built in 1510.

Visit the Historical Museum and a local bread bakery. Get hands on with a local baker to learn how lepyoshka (also known as tandyr nan) is made, including preparing the dough, shaping and decorating the circular loaves and placing them in the tandyr oven.

Afterwards visit the workshop of Zakir Aka, who has been making handmade knives for almost 60 years. This evening enjoy dinner with an Uzbek family. Your hosts will demonstrate and explain all the tricks of cooking some of Central Asia's most famous meals – such as Plov (or Pilaf).

Overnight: Sunrise Osh or similar, Osh, Kyrgyzstan

Meals included: Breakfast; Dinner

Today travel to Tajikistan (border crossing at Kyzyl-Bel). Upon arrival into Khujand, the country’s second largest city, visit the mausoleum of Sheikh Muslihiddin - the 12th century poet and ruler of Khujand; and the Historical Museum, which is located in a citadel, and the largest bazaar in Tajikistan - Payshanba.

Afterwards enjoy dinner (included) and an evening at leisure after an approximately 370 kilometre day.

Overnight: Hotel Firuz or similar, Khujand, Tajikstan

Meals included: Breakfast; Dinner

Today drive onwards to the capital of Tajikistan, Dushanbe, via the Varzob Gorge and the Istiklol Tunnel. On the way you will enjoy majestic views of the Fan Mountain ranges. Stop in the ancient city of Istaravshan, founded by Persian King Cyrus the Great in the 6th century. You will visit the old town with its mosque of Shohi-Zinda and Mug Teppe, where a gigantic fortress once stood. Next travel on to Dushanbe with a couple of stops in local villages along the way. You will get the chance to be acquainted with the local people and see the day-to-day life of local farmers.

An approximately 310 kilometre day.

Please note: For 2025 departures, dinner will not be included on this day.

Overnight: Hotel Atlas or similar, Dushanbe, Tajikstan

Meals included: Breakfast; Dinner

In the Tajik language, the name of Dushanbe is translated as “Monday”. It was so named as it originally had a popular market on Mondays. Areas around Dushanbe were known as a centre of cotton and silk production during the Soviet period. Though the name of the city is rather new, its historical past dates as far back as three thousand years. Archaeologists have uncovered the remains of Greek-Bactrian settlements, a settlement from the Kushan period, a Shishi Khon village and other medieval settlements.

The tour in Dushanbe will include the Museum of Antiquities, home to the UNESCO protected reclining Buddha, the largest statue of Buddha in Central Asia; the main mosque; old synagogue; Russian Orthodox Church; Rudaki Park; and the Shah-Mansur Bazaar. You will also take a trip to the 18th century Hissar Fortress, a former palace from the Emirate of Bukhara.

Please note: For 2025 departures, dinner will not be included on this day.

Overnight: Hotel Atlas or similar, Dushanbe, Tajikstan

Meals included: Breakfast; Dinner

Your destination today is Penjikent, a town that is very famous in tourist circles for its architectural monuments, as well as a wonderful recreation area on the coast of the Zaravshan River. Penjikent is one of the most ancient cities of Central Asia, the venerable age of which is 5500 years. The name of the city in Russian is translated as Five Villages. After arrival in Penjikent, visit the excavation site of Old Penjikent, the 5th century ‘Pompeii of Central Asia’, with its former palaces and necropolises. Also visit the elegant Rudaki Museum, known for its display of textiles and costumes.

An approximately 230 kilometre day.

Overnight: Panjakent Plaza or similar, Penjikent, Tajikstan

Meals included: Breakfast; Dinner

Today depart along the ancient silk road enroute to the city of Bukhara. The history of Bukhara stretches back millennia. Humans have inhabited the region around Bukhara for at least five millennia, though the city has existed for only half that time. Located on the Silk Road, it has long served as a centre of trade, scholarship, culture, and religion. The city is also known as an open-air museum of mosques, madrasah and minarets. It was the first oasis that caught the eyes of invading Arab armies. In its 2500 year history it has constantly changed hands from one ruler to another. Enjoy a guided tour and visit sites such as the architectural complex Poi Kalon with the Kalon Minaret, Kalon Mosque and Mir-Arab Madrasah, Toki Zargaron trade-domes and Magoki Attori Mosque.

An approximately 400 kilometre day.

Overnight: Hotel Malika or similar, Bukhara, Uzbekistan

Meals included: Breakfast; Dinner

In the morning we visit an oriental bazaar full of traditional colors and oriental smells. We continue our walk through Bukhara with the most beautiful architectural ensembles of mosques and madrasahs, visiting the Ark Citadel, the Mausoleum of the Samanid, Chor Minor Madrassah, Lyabi-Khauz Square, the Mausoleum Chashma Ayub, Bolo Hauz Mosque, Nugai Caravanserai in Bukhara and Akhmadjon Caravanserai. Afterwards enjoy a folklore show in Nadir Divan Begi Madrasah which includes a short puppet master performance along with explanation of long and careful process of these puppets production.

Please note: For 2025 departures, dinner will not be included on this day.

Overnight: Hotel Malika or similar, Bukhara, Uzbekistan

Meals included: Breakfast; Dinner

Today depart along the ancient silk road en route to the fabled city of Samarkand, one of the most important sites of the Silk Road. On the way visit Shakhrisabz, one of most ancient cities in Central Asia. Founded over 2700 years ago, it is the hometown of Tamerlane (Timur), a Turco-Mongol Persianate conqueror. Here you will enjoy a tour of this city along with a visit to the famous Koba Caravanserai. Afterwards continue onwards to Samarkand and check into your hotel where you may enjoy the evening at leisure.

An approximately 350 kilometre day.

Overnight: Hotel Registon or similar, Samarkand, Uzbekistan

Meals included: Breakfast; Dinner

Today enjoy a sightseeing tour of Samarkand. Visit Registan Square, which was for many centuries the heart of Samarkand. See three beautiful madrasahs: the Ulug-Bek Madrasah built in the 15th century; the Tillya-Kori Madrasah built in the 17th century and the Sher-Dor Madrasah, also built in the 17th century. Visit Gur Emir, a mausoleum of the Great Tamerlane. Dinner tonight will be at the National House of Shakhnoza. A visit to the National House will plunge you into an atmosphere of local flavours where you will find real traditional Uzbek cuisine.

Overnight: Hotel Registon or similar, Samarkand, Uzbekistan

Meals included: Breakfast; Dinner

This morning continue your sightseeing of Samarkand with a visit to Ulugbek Observatory - a historical monument and one of the outstanding observatories of the Middle Ages. Afterwards visit Shohi-Zinda Necropolis - one of the outstanding ancient architectural ensembles of Samarkand, located on the southeastern slope of Afrosiab Mountain. The ensemble includes mausoleums and other religious buildings of the XI, XIV and XIX centuries and silk paper manufacture which was used for many Arabic manuscripts. After the sightseeing tour we continue onwards to Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan. Upon arrival check into your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

An approximately 300 kilometre day.

Please note: For 2025 departures, dinner will not be included on this day.

Overnight: Rakat Plaza or similar, Tashkent, Uzbekistan

Meals included: Breakfast; Dinner

Today head out on a sightseeing tour of Tashkent. This wonderful city is a real embodiment of the modern elegance that is inherent in many world capitals. At the same time it remains an oriental city. Enjoy a discovery tour which will take you to ancient squares and buildings, as well as the modern part of the 2,000 year old city. Visit Kukeldash Madrasah, which still serves as a Koran School, the Khast-Imam Square with the beautiful Barak Khan Madrasah, the Tillya Sheikh Mosque and the Kaffal Shashi Mausoleum made of simple brickwork. Here you can also take a look at the Koran written by the third Caliph Osman (644-656). Take a stroll through the huge Chorsu bazaar, letting you experience the everyday life with all your senses. In the afternoon, visit an interesting Museum of Applied Art. Afterwards transfer to the hotel for dinner, and an evening at leisure.

Please note: For 2025 departures, dinner will not be included on this day.

Overnight: Rakat Plaza or similar, Tashkent, Uzbekistan

Meals included: Breakfast; Dinner

Today check out of the hotel and you will be transferred to the airport for your return flight home after the trip of a lifetime!

Please note: Due to limited flights between Australia and Uzbekistan, customers may require a layover. Scheduled transits over 6 hours will receive one lounge pass. Scheduled transits over 12 hours will receive one night at an airport hotel. This will be covered at no extra cost. Flight times will be indicated on your final documents, issued 4-6 weeks prior to departure.

Meals included: Breakfast; In-Flight

Arrive back in Australia (or New Zealand).

Please note some flights may arrive +1 days.

After purchase, you will receive a receipt and a Purchase Confirmation, directing you to an online Passenger Information Form. The Passenger Information Form must be completed within 72 hours of purchase.

Any special requests, preferences and optional extras MUST be clearly stated in your Passenger Information Form. Any change requested after submitting your Passenger Information Form cannot be guaranteed, is strictly subject to availability and will incur surcharges as outlined in the Schedule of Fees below.

On purchasing this Travel Offer you are bound by the General Terms and Conditions, in addition to the specific terms and conditions outlined in this Important Information. 

Please note: All countries and territories have different entry requirements in relation to vaccinations, quarantine/isolation periods and travel restrictions. Due to the evolving nature, we would ask all of our customers to monitor, meet and adhere to the specific requirements of their intended destination(s) in the lead up to and immediately prior to travel, as well as any requirements post-travel upon their return. 

Cancellation and Refund Policy
By placing a booking with us, you acknowledge the following important information:
• we act as your booking agent: TripADeal is a booking services provider, and curates the Travel Offers available on our website. We act as your booking agent, and we receive payment for the Booking Services as part of the booking price, however, we do not provide any of the Travel Services (flights, accommodation, tours or other products or services) included in your booking – the Travel Services are provided by a number of third party Travel Suppliers.
• each booking is unique: our Travel Offers are made up of a variety of different components and are, during the booking process, uniquely tailored to suit your requirements, for example, departure dates and ports, flight and room upgrades, tour inclusions, etc.
• changes/modifications to your booking may not be possible: once your booking has been made, changes or modifications may not be possible, and where possible, may incur a fee. It is important to ensure that the information you provide during the booking process is accurate and up to date, and that you read the Travel Offer carefully before placing your order.
• Travel Offers are a package: our Travel Offers have been curated into package offerings and must be used as a package – individual components cannot be used independently of the full package offering.
• our Travel Offers are generally non-refundable: in order to provide great value Travel Offers, we work with a variety of Travel Suppliers to find the best deals – this often means the Travel Suppliers’ offerings are non-refundable to ensure the best price. We recommend that you obtain travel insurance as soon as you make a booking with us.
To read more about our Cancellation and Refund Policy, please click here.

General Terms and Conditions
By placing your booking with us, you acknowledge and agree to our Terms & Conditions, Privacy Policy and Cancellation Policy.

This travel offer is valid for travel on selected dates until the 23rd October 2025.

This travel offer is priced per person based on a twin share. 

Single Traveller Supplement
For solo travellers, a mandatory single supplement of $960 applies. 

Departure Dates
2025
April: 24
May: 1, 15, 22*, 29*
June: 5^, 12^, 19^, 26^
July: 3^, 24, 31
August: 7, 14, 21, 28
September: 4°, 11°, 25*
October: 9*, 16, 23
Please note: See checkout for live dates and availability.

Surcharges
Please note:
• Dates/months with a ° incur a high season surcharge of $100 per person. 
• Dates/months with a * incur a high season surcharge of $300 per person. 
• Dates/months with a ^ incur a high season surcharge of $600 per person. 

Departure Cities
Melbourne, Sydney*, Brisbane*, Adelaide*, Perth* or Auckland*

Departure City Surcharges
• Sydney: $100 per person. 
• Brisbane, Adelaide & Perth: $300 per person. 
• Auckland: $500 per person. 

Full-Service Airline(s) Used
• Cabin Class: Economy Class
Please note: One-way flights can not be accommodated. Travellers must take all included flights within the package, and any flights intentionally forfeited will result in later flights being subject to cancellation. 

Arrive Early and Stay Behind Options
Arrive Early
Almaty, Kazakhstan - From $300 per person, subject to availability.

Stay Behind
Tashkent, Uzbekistan - From $300 per person, subject to availability.

Please note:
• This fee does not include extra nights' accommodation, meals or airport transfers.
• Flight booking changes or cancellations after air tickets have been issued are not guaranteed and may incur additional fees and fare difference, subject to the airline cancellation and change policies.
• Flight changes are subject to availability at the time of booking.
• A high-season Arrive Early or Stay Behind can be purchased for an additional charge, subject to availability. For pricing, please refer to the cart.
• An Arrive Early or Stay Behind can only be booked up to 60 days prior to your package’s start date, or after your package's end date. Should you wish to arrive earlier or stay behind for more than 60 days, please contact us to request availability. Additional costs may apply.
• High season surcharges apply to flights departing between the below date ranges:
• 6 December 2024 - 31 January 2025
• 28 March 2025 - 27 April 2025
• 16 June 2025 - 20 July 2025
• 15 September 2025 - 12 October 2025
• 1 December 2025 - 31 January 2026
• 3 April 2026 - 20 April 2026
• 26 June 2026 - 17 July 2026
• 18 September 2026 - 9 October 2026
• 12 December 2026 - 26 January 2027
 
Stopover Packages
Not available.

Flight Class Upgrades
• Business Class (international sector only): For pricing, please refer to the payment cart upon checkout
Please note: 
• All Business Class upgrades are subject to availability (if we are not able to fulfil your request the upgrade cost will be refunded).
• On any upgrade purchase, short-haul flights and domestic flight sectors are not guaranteed in a Business cabin; subject to aircraft configuration.

Domestic Flight Information
Baggage allowance per person
15kg of checked baggage with extra charged at $4USD per kg
Combined carry-on weight: Max 8kg

Accommodation Used
3 & 4-Star Properties (Self-Rated)
Almaty: Kazzhol Hotel Almaty or similar 
Karakol: Green Yard Hotel or similar
Bishkek: Garden Hotel Bishkek or similar
Osh: Sunrise Osh or similar
Khujand: Firuz Hotel or similar
Dushanbe: Atlas Hotel or similar
Penjikent: Panjakent Plaza or similar
Bukhara: Hotel Malika Bukhara or similar
Samarkand: Registon Hotel Samarkand or similar
Tashkent: Rakat Plaza or similar

No Star Rating
Bokonbaevo: Almaluu Traditional Yurt Camp or similar

Please note: Accommodation/rooms offered are based on a lead-in room type, and are subject to availability based on seasonality. Properties will be confirmed no later than two weeks prior to travel.

Extra Nights
Not available at check-out. 
Please note: If you are interested in booking additional nights of accommodation pre or post tour, please wait until you receive your travel documentation approximately 6 weeks prior to departure for the confirmed list of hotels. If booking your own additional accommodation directly with the hotel please be aware that you may be required to change rooms at the start/end of your tour. 

Maximum Room Capacity
2 people.

Child Policy
• No child discounts. The full price applies to all children travelling with their parents.
• Valid for Children 16 years old and over.
Please note: Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult 18 years old and over to travel. No unaccompanied minors are allowed.

Triple Share
Not available

Bedding Configuration
2 x Singles or 1 x Queen (subject to availability).

Minimum group size 8, maximum group size 20 per vehicle.
Please note: A small group tour is defined as a tour with no more than 20 travellers per vehicle.

Optional Tours/Activities
Day 4: Half-Day Madeo Gorge & Kok-Tobe Tour - $170 AU per person

Please note:
• The optional tours listed above must be purchased on checkout or over the phone prior to submitting your passenger information form (subject to availability) 
• Some tours require minimum numbers to operate.

• Visa fees and requirements 
• Domestic transfers and flights not stated in the deal offer
• Meals/beverages not stated in the deal offer
• Recommended gratuities/tipping 
• Kazakhstan tourism tax (approximately $12 USD total per person, payable on check-in)
• Optional activities/tours 
• Personal expenses
• Travel insurance

TOUR GUIDE VS. TOUR LEADER
Tour Guide
Often locals with intimate knowledge of an area, its culture, and history. Their role entails providing commentary, routing the tour, and seeing that people have a good time. They are a licensed, qualified expert who supplies specific information on the history, art, architecture and culture of the city/village/attraction in which he or she is guiding the tour. The guide meets the group at the required place and leaves the group at the end of the tour, they do not travel with the group. 

Tour Leader
An experienced person tasked with ensuring the smooth operation of tours, as well as providing practical support to passengers throughout the whole trip. Their role primarily includes assisting with accommodation, transportation between locations, and communication with tour guides at each stop. A tour leader may provide general guidance around a city or village, and offer information on the place visited on the bus, however, they are not required to have specific knowledge of art, architecture, or history. They are not allowed to provide a guided tour or commentary of a city/village/attraction once there and if caught doing so, can be fined. 

Please note: Tour leaders/guides are not a standard inclusion in all travel offers. Tour leaders/guides will only be made available when particularly required to enhance the experience of the destination featured. 

CLIMATE & AVERAGE TEMPERATURES
Almaty, Kazakhstan
Almaty is situated in a mountainous area which has an influence on the climate in this city. Almaty has a warm continental climate with more rainfall than in the rest of the country. Especially in spring and early summer months there is a lot more rain. Summers are pleasant and make it a perfect time to visit. The winters are soft and pleasant. most precipitation will be snow. During the months of May, June, July, August and September you are most likely to experience good weather with pleasant average temperatures. October will be slightly cooler.

Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
The capital Bishkek is located in the north, in the valley of the river Chuy, at an altitude ranging between 650 and 950m. Here the climate is continental, with cold winters and hot summers, in which the days can be scorching, often around 35-36°C, but with dry air and lively breezes in the afternoon. Precipitation is moderate, the annual total being around 450mm, with a summer minimum (when only rare showers occur to interrupt the sunny days), and a maximum in spring, between March and May.

Dushanbe, Tajikistan
In Dushanbe the climate is continental as well; winters are quite cold, though not freezing, with an average in January of 3°C, while summers are hot and sunny: highs in July and August are around 35°C, but with peaks of 40°C. In winter the temperature often drops below freezing at night, but it remains quite mild during the day; however, even here cold waves may occur, with lows around -10°C, though less intense than in the rest of the country, because the mountains in the north partly protect the city. It receives about 600mm of rain or snow per year, most of which between November and May, with a maximum in March and April, of about 110mm per month, distributed in about 10 days per month, and a summer minimum (even here, from July to September it virtually never rains).

Tashkent, Uzbekistan
Tashkent features a Mediterranean climate with strong continental climate influences. As a result, Tashkent experiences cold and often snowy winters not typically associated with most Mediterranean climates and long, hot and dry summers. The city experiences two peaks of precipitation in the early winter and spring. The slightly unusual precipitation pattern is partially due to its 500m altitude. Summers are long in Tashkent, usually lasting from May to September. Tashkent can be extremely hot during the months of July and August. The city also sees very little precipitation during the summer, particularly from June through September.

FLIGHTS
Seat Selection & Frequent Flyer Points
At TripADeal we do not arrange seat selection. It is essential to highlight that some airlines do not allow pre-selected seats. We strongly suggest you contact the airline directly with seating allocation requirements and or arrive at the airport earlier to arrange your seating. While we do not add frequent flyer member details to bookings, you can do this directly with the airline once you have your flight information.

Passport Validity
Customers are required to provide valid passport details either at the time of purchase or no later than 45 days prior to the departure date. Failure to do so may result in the cancellation of the booking. In this instance, customers will be responsible for any costs and fees incurred.

COACH TOUR
Meals
Some meals in total are included in the package. For meals not included, the tour leader (when available) will offer assistance with reservations, suggestions and directions to local restaurants. It is your responsibility to notify TripADeal of any dietary requests/requirements. Please note: We will do our best to meet your requests/requirements, however, we cannot guarantee that we will always be able to.

Luggage
You will be responsible for all your personal belongings whilst on the tour. With regards to luggage, you must carry your own luggage from the coach to the hotel room and back to the coach. The driver will assist with the uploading and off-loading of the luggage from the coach.

OTHER
Travel
Exploring Central Asia does at times require covering some long distances. This also includes travelling on roads not built to the same standard we may be used to; however, your driver and guide are professionals and will do everything they can to ensure a comfortable journey throughout.
 
What to Pack
• Hand sanitiser to use before dining.
• Personal snacks if sensitive to or conservative with trying new foods.
• Personal medicines (Guide will have a first aid kit and pharmacies are available).
• When visiting mosques, a headscarf or similar is required for females. Comfortable, breathable clothing covering arms and legs (no shorts/skirts) - required for all, especially in Tajikistan.
 
Meals & Cooking Classes
Speak with your guide regarding dietary requirements and any questions you may have when ordering food.

Fitness Level Required/Mobility
A leisurely level of fitness will be required. Leisurely is described as light walking, including up multiple stairs, and occasional hiking, may involve uneven surfaces. Able to travel unassisted and get on and off vehicles and small boats. Suitable for most fitness levels and mobility.

Please note: A basic level of fitness will be required. If you have any concerns please consult your healthcare provider prior to purchase/travel.

Yellow Fever
A valid international certificate of vaccination against Yellow Fever is required in many countries. You may need to present this on arrival at the airport or border crossing. Some countries will refuse entry if you are unable to present your certificate. It's also quite common for your home country to request a Yellow Fever certificate on your arrival back home. It is your responsibility to check with your doctor well in advance of leaving home about the Yellow Fever requirements for the countries you'll be visiting.

Gratuities/Tipping
Land
Gratuities (tips) are not included for the services of the tour leader (when available) and driver throughout the tour. The recommended tip is $5 USD (approx. $7 AUD) per person per day. This covers the guide/leader and the driver and will be collected whilst on tour. Tipping for all services provided on tour is always a matter of personal discretion, however, please be aware that tipping is considered by many locals to be a part of their normal remuneration and they may approach you for payment and there is no need to be intimidated by the request.

Sightseeing
Please note: In the event entrance to a site is affected by changes in operating hours or public holiday closures, your itinerary where possible, may be adjusted or a similar activity will be offered in its place (subject to availability).

Shopping
Shopping overseas can be a daunting and confusing experience, especially when there is a language barrier. Please be very cautious when foreign currencies and prices are involved. If paying by credit card, please pay close attention to the amount you are being charged and keep all of your receipts. Do not make any purchases you are not comfortable with or feel pressured into. If you are uncertain or need assistance with the language barrier, please seek assistance from your Tour Guide/Leader. Please refer to our Terms and Conditions in regards to shopping for further information.

Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan
Australian passport holders can travel to Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan for up to 60 days without a visa.

Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan has introduced a visa-free regime for a period of 30 days for citizens of Australia & New Zealand.

Tajikistan
Australians can enter Tajikistan under a new visa-free arrangement. The arrangement covers single-entry stays of up to 30 days.

South Korea (Only applicable if flight transits through Seoul with a layover)
Australian & New Zealand travellers no longer need to apply for a Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA), under a temporary exemption being put in place from 1 April 2023 until 31 Dec 2024.
Please note: this is only applicable if your flight transits via Seoul 

Important:
Visa rules may have changed since Covid-19. 
Some countries and airlines may also require you to obtain an additional visa prior to arrival. Please check with the nearest embassy, consulate or immigration department of the destination you're entering.
Please note: Passengers who are not Australian citizens must also check with the respective consulate or visa agency to determine what their visa requirements are and what personal identification is required.
It is also important to note that some areas of employment such as journalism, government authorities and charity organisations may have additional restrictions in applying for Visas. This may in turn affect the type of application required.

SCHEDULE OF FEES
Voluntary Changes
This includes booking changes requested by you, including but not limited to those changes requiring an airline ticket or a Purchase Confirmation reissue.
 • Changes - $100.00 per booking + any additional charges applied by the airline/cruise company/accommodation/other travel providers.

Name Changes Due To Passenger Error
If the incorrect name has been advised to TripADeal, charges of $100.00 per booking + any additional charges applied by the airline/cruise company/accommodation/other travel providers.

Supplier Fees
In the event the Travel Offer you have purchased is unable to proceed, and/or a travel Supplier is unable to fulfil the Travel Offer due to external circumstances (Limitation of Liability e.g. a Force Majeure event), there may be a fee or amount of money that is withheld by our Suppliers and is unrecoverable. This may be due to non-refundable airline tickets, cancellation penalties with cruise cabins or unrecoverable payments with our land/accommodation partners. TripADeal has committed to these costs as your Agent and will endeavour to recover all funds committed and/or paid for your Travel Offer, but this may not be possible in all circumstances. If refunds are not available from Suppliers, we will endeavour to obtain a travel credit on the best terms available and communicate these outcomes to you. In the event, TripADeal is unable to obtain a refund or travel service credit, or part thereof, this cost is passed on to the customer as a Supplier Fee. This fee is not revenue-raising and is paid to or withheld by our suppliers when recovering payments.