Best of the Stans 2026

• Return international full-service flights (economy class) with Emirates & FlyDubai (surcharges may apply)
• 1 internal flight in Kyrgyzstan, from Almaty to Tashkent with Air Astana

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

• Enjoy 22 meals,including daily breakfast and 2 traditional dinners with local families

• English-speaking tour guides
• Airline taxes and surcharges

• Transportation by private air-conditioned vehicles

• Return airport transfers

• Arrive Early: Arrive up to 60 days before your tour starts. (Does not include hotel accommodation, meals or transfers)
• Stay Behind: Return up to 60 days after your tour concludes. (Does not include hotel accommodation, meals or transfers)
• Stopover Packages: Break up the long-haul flight with a stopover at a fantastic location. (See checkout for details)
• Flight Upgrades: Upgrade to Business Class. (See checkout for details)

Please note: Extra charges may apply. See the Important Info section and checkout cart for fees and details.

Today, depart Australia or New Zealand for Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. Fly with award-winning Emirates to Dubai, and their partner airline FlyDubai for the 4-hour onwards to Bishkek.

Please note:
- Due to the limited flight options between Sydney, Melbourne or Perth and Kyrgyzstan, customers departing Sydney, Melbourne or Perth will have a long layover in Dubai during the day/early evening of up to 8,5 hours. Lounge passes will not be provided, and you are welcome to use this opportunity to leave the airport and explore Dubai.
- Due to the limited flight options between Auckland, Brisbane or Adelaide and Kyrgyzstan, customers departing Auckland or Adelaide will have a long layover in Dubai of between 12 and 18 hours, and a complimentary day-use hotel will be provided for this layover.

Meals included: In-Flight

Early this morning arrive into Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. Here you will be met and transferred to your hotel accommodation where an early check in will be provided so you may rest after your flight.

The remainder of the day will be at leisure then this this evening enjoy a welcome dinner to meet your travel companions and enjoy a traditional folk show.

Overnight: Hotel Bridges or similar, Bishkek

Meals included: Breakfast; Dinner

Bishkek is the largest city in Kyrgyzstan, as well as the modern cultural, political and economic center of the republic. It is a calm city with wide streets and beautiful houses with its original, measured rhythm of life. Coming to Bishkek, the first thing that attracts attention is that the city is literally immersed in greenery. A huge number of parks makes the air unusually fresh and clean. It is generally accepted that there are more trees for each resident than in any other city in Central Asia.

Today we take a walking tour around main Ala Too Square to watch ceremony of changing of the Guard of Honor, including Manas Monument, the main national hero of the Kyrgyz people, Independence Monument, main governmental buildings, and finish at the Old Square with Parliament House and the only survived in Central Asia Lenin’s Monument. Finish the tour at the Museum of History and Victory Square.

Overnight: Hotel Bridges or similar, Bishkek

Meals included: Breakfast

Today, travel onwards to Bokonbaev. On the way, stop at Burana Tower, an 11th-century minaret built by the Turkish Karakhanids dynasty. Nowadays, it’s a museum complex that 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.

Continue to the Southern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake. Issyk-Kul is one of the largest mountain lakes in the world. Issyk-Kul Lake is located in the Northern Tien Shan at an altitude of 1608 m. The Lake has long been attractive for its natural and climatic conditions and unique beauty. It is also considered the pearl of Kyrgyzstan due to its mountain-sea climate, clean air, abundant solar heat, healing mineralized lake water and numerous hot springs.

Along the way, enjoy a stop to witness a falcon-hunting demonstration, where you will learn more about this tradition and its history.

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 flatbread, followed by a traditional dinner. Tonight, you will sleep in a traditional yurt. 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. All yurts are brightly decorated and sleep four to five people - toilet and shower facilities are outside of the yurts.

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).
- 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.

An approximately 300-kilometre day.

Overnight: Almaluu Traditional Yurt Camp, Bokonbaevo

Meals included: Breakfast; Dinner

Today, depart Bokonbayevo and travel to Jeti-Oguz Gorge. Here, you will have an opportunity to admire fantastic rock formations made of red sandstone, as well as local pastures that shepherds have long used to graze flocks of sheep and herds of horses.

Continue to Karakol. Located at the crossroads of Central Asia, the city of Karakol in eastern Kyrgyzstan is a fascinating gateway to the region's diverse history, cuisine and nature. Many unique cultures contribute to the town's culinary history and cultural heritage: Kyrgyz, Tatar, Russian, Dungan, Uyghur, Kalmyk, Uzbek and more. And with the Tian Shan Mountains and Lake Issyk-Kul nearby, the city is blessed with outstanding natural beauty.

On arrival, enjoy a city tour. A visit to Karakol town is like stepping back a hundred years to the age of Tsarist Russia. On this tour, visit old Russian-style houses (1870–1910), Russian Orthodox Church (1886) and Dungan Mosque (1899) made out of wood with no nails.

Tonight, enjoy dinner with an ethnic Uighur family to taste the national dish: Lagman. This traditional Uighur dish is made of pulled noodles, meat and vegetables. You will be able to see and help make and cook Lagman.

An approximately 170-kilometre day.

Overnight: Hotel Green Yard or similar, Karakol

Meals included: Breakfast; Dinner

This morning, depart Karakol for the Kyrgyz-Kazakh border, where you will enter Kazakhstan. After border formalities, travel to the amazing Charyn Canyon, often described as the Grand Canyon of Kazakhstan. The dramatic erosion 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.

Continue to Almaty, the former capital and largest city of Kazakhstan. Located in southeast Kazakhstan at the foot of the Zailiyskiy Alatau branch of the Tian Shan Mountains, this modern city has evolved into Central Asia's cultural and artistic hub with an abundance of great restaurants and museums and a vibrant nightlife.

An approximately 430-kilometre day.

Overnight: Hotel Kazzhol or similar, Almaty

Meals included: Breakfast

Almaty is a sunny, cozy city surrounded by greenery with wide streets, beautiful buildings, numerous parks, squares and fountains. It is no coincidence that the beautiful city at the foot of the emerald ridges of the Tien Shan is called the “garden city”.

In the spring, the city becomes like a fairy tale setting when the southern outskirts are buried in the bloom of apple, apricot, and cherry orchards. The magnificent green outfit and the majestic panorama of the mountains make the city of Almaty unique.

Today, you will start your city tour by walking to Panfilow Park, featuring Zenkov Cathedral in the centre. The cathedral is one of the world's nine most unique monuments of wooden buildings. Its wall paintings and interior decorations amaze visitors with its beauty and splendour. Our next stop is the Museum of History and Republic Square. This museum presents an extensive collection of unique exhibits explaining the role of Kazakhstan in history. Afterwards, take a cable car up Kok Tobe Mountain. At 1100 m, this is the highest point in the city. An observation deck at the top is the best place to view the city at day or night.

Overnight: Hotel Kazzhol or similar, Almaty

Meals included: Breakfast

This morning transfer to the airport and fly onwards to Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, and among the five largest cities in Central Asia.

Tall modern buildings, historical buildings and ancient mosques are featured here, plus modern shopping centres mixed with traditional oriental bazaars and markets. It is worth noting that many of the old buildings were restored in 1966 after a powerful earthquake partially destroyed many of them, and the appearance of the renewed city has changed significantly since then.

On arrival, enjoy a tour of New Town, including Independence Square (Mustaqilliq Maidoni), the country's main square, home to the government's administrative offices. Navoi Theatre Square is another of Tashkent's landmarks, featuring the State Academic Grand Theatre (or Alisher Navoi Theatre). Situated in the city's heart, the Grand Theatre was designed by Soviet architect Alexei Schusev, who also designed Lenin’s Mausoleum in Moscow’s Red Square. Also, visit the Museum of Applied Arts.

Overnight: Al Anvar Hotel or similar, Tashkent

Meals included: Breakfast

Today, visit Tashkent's Old Town, including 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 look at the Koran written by the third Caliph Osman (644-656). Afterwards, stroll through the vast Chorsu bazaar to experience this city's everyday life. In the afternoon, visit the fascinating Museum of Applied Art.

Overnight: Al Anvar Hotel or similar, Tashkent

Meals included: Breakfast

This morning, take a high-speed train or domestic flight to Bukhara, one of the Silk Road's great trading centres.

The history of Bukhara stretches back millennia. Humans have inhabited the region around Bukhara for at least five thousand years, and the city has existed for half that time. Located on the Silk Road, the city has long been a centre for trade, scholarship, culture, and religion. The town is also known as an open-air museum of mosques, madrasahs and minarets. It was the first oasis that caught the eye of invading Arab armies. In its 2500-year history, it constantly changed hands from one ruler to another.

On arrival, 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.

This evening, enjoy a dinner with a local Uzbek family where tehy will demonstrate and show you Uzbekistan cooking techniques and how to cook one of Central Asia's most famous dishes - Plov (also known as Pilaf)

Overnight: Orient Star or similar, Bukhara

Meals included: Breakfast; Dinner

In the morning, visit an oriental bazaar full of traditional colours and interesting smells. Continue your 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, including a short, traditional puppet performance.

Overnight: Orient Star or similar, Bukhara

Meals included: Breakfast

Today, depart Bukhara for Samarkand on the way to Gijduvon.

The Gijduvon School of Traditional Ceramics became the leading ceramics supplier to Bukhara in the first decade of the 20th century. Here, you can see the process of creating pottery in the workshop of Ibodullo Narzullaev - a famous Uzbek ceramist, including a wide variety of goods full of bright colours and ornaments: painted bowls and plates, elegant jugs, neat teapots and pots.

The historic town of Samarkand is a crossroad and a melting pot of the world's cultures. Founded in the 7th century B.C. as ancient Afrosiab, Samarkand received its most significant development in the Timurid period from the 14th to the 15th centuries.

Later, visit Ulugbek Observatory - a historical monument and one of the outstanding observatories of the Middle Ages, Shohi-Zinda Necropolis. This is one of Samarkand's outstanding ancient architectural landmarks, located on the southeastern slope of Afrosiab Mountain. The ensemble includes mausoleums and other religious buildings from the XI, XIV, and XIX centuries, as well as silk paper manufacturing used for many Arabic manuscripts.

An approximately 270-kilometre day.

Overnight: Asia Samarkand or similar, Samarkand

Meals included: Breakfast

Today, you will explore the fabled city of Samarkand, one of the most important sites of the Silk Road. Visit Registan Square, which was, for many centuries, the heart of Samarkand. You will 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. You will also visit Gur Emir - the mausoleum of the Great Tamerlane and a masterpiece of Islamic architecture of the Medieval East.

Dinner tonight will be at the National House of Shakhnoza. A visit to the National House will feature the local flavours of traditional Uzbek cuisine.

Overnight: Asia Samarkand or similar, Samarkand

Meals included: Breakfast; Dinner

Enjoy a relaxed start today before heading towards the Tajikistan border.

The next destination for today is Penjikent, popular among tourists for its sights and architecture, as well as excellent recreation areas on the bank of the Zaravshan River. Penjikent is one of the most ancient cities in Central Asia, and its venerable age is 5500 years. The city's name in Tajik is translated as "Five Villages". On arrival in Penjikent, visit the excavation site of Old Penjikent - the 5th century "Pompeii" of Central Asia, with its former palaces and necropolis, then visit the Rudaki Museum.

An approximately 70-kilometre day.

Overnight: Hotel Penjikent Plaza or similar, Penjikent

Meals included: Breakfast

Today transfer to Dushanbe, the capital of Tajikistan. Along the way, you can admire the magnificent landscapes of mountainous Tajikistan. On arrival, check into your accommodation and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

An approximately 235-kilometre day.

Overnight: Hotel Atlas or similar, Dushanbe

Meals included: Breakfast

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 cotton and silk production centres during the Soviet period. Though the city's name is relatively new, its historical past dates back 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; the 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 of the Emirate of Bukhara.

Overnight: Hotel Atlas or similar, Dushanbe

Meals included: Breakfast

Today, drive to Khujand via the Varzob Gorge and the Istiklol Tunnel. You will enjoy majestic views of the Fan Mountain ranges on the way.

Stop by 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 to Dushanbe, with a couple of stops in local villages along the way. You will get the chance to meet local people and see the day-to-day life of local farmers.


An approximately 305-kilometre day.

Overnight: Hotel Sogdiyon or similar, Khujand

Meals included: Breakfast

This morning, visit the mausoleum of century Sheikh Muslihiddin - the ruler of Khojand, a poet who lived in the 12th century, and the Historical Museum, which is located in a citadel, the largest bazaar in Tajikistan - Payshanba.

Continue to the border with Uzbekistan and to your accommodation in Tashkent.

Overnight: Al Anvar Hotel or similar, Tashkent

Meals included: Breakfast

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

Please note:
- Standard checkout time is 12:00 noon. Luggage storage will be available for those with evening flights.

Meals included: In-Flight

Meals included: None

After purchase, you will receive a receipt and a Purchase Confirmation, directing you to an online Passenger Information Form. You must complete the Passenger Information Form 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.

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 before 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 20th October 2026.

Minimum group size 8, maximum group size 20 per vehicle.

This Travel Offer is priced per person based on a twin share.

Departure Dates  & Surcharges
Please note: See checkout for live dates and availability.

Single Traveller Supplement
For solo travellers, a mandatory single supplement of $1150 applies. 
Please note: Accommodation for single customers who are travelling on a tour or cruise package may be in a single room, depending on availability.

Child Policy
• No child discounts are offered. 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.

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

Departure City Surcharges
Brisbane & Adelaide: $350 per person
Auckland: $550 per person

International Flight(s)
Full-Service Airline(s) Used  
• Cabin Class: Economy Class
• Airlines: Emirates & FlyDubai (subject to availability). 
Please note: FlyDubai, Emirates partner airline will operate the Dubai to Bishkek and Tashkent to Dubai flights.
Please note: We cannot accommodate one-way flights. Travellers must take all included flights within the package, and any flights intentionally forfeited will result in later flights being subject to cancellation. 

Internal Flight(s) Used
• Airlines: Air Astana (subject to availability). 
• Cabin Class: Economy Class
• Route: Almaty to Tashkent

Internal Flight Information
Baggage allowance per person:
1 x 23kg of checked baggage
1 x 7kg of carry-on baggage

Preferred Airline Surcharge
Not available

Arrive Early and Stay Behind Options
Arrive Early
Bishkek - From $300 per person, subject to availability.
Stay Behind
Tashkent - 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:
• 20th December 2025 - 4th January 2026
• 5th January 2026 - 31st January 2026
• 3rd April 2026 - 20th April 2026
• 26th June 2026 - 17th July 2026
• 18th September 2026 - 9th October 2026
• 12th December 2026 - 18th December 2026

Stopover Packages 
* Dubai
• 2, 3 or 5 nights in 4-star accommodation
• Daily breakfast
• Return airport transfers 
For pricing, please refer to the payment cart at checkout.
Please note: 
• When a pre and post-tour stopover is chosen, the same stopover location must be chosen each way, due to the airline used.
• When selecting an Arrive Early or Stay Behind in conjunction with a Stopover Package, the stopover will take place after the departure date you select for your Arrive Early or Stay Behind.
• Stopover packages are subject to availability.
• In the event that a purchased stopover package and a purchased preferred airline upgrade are not compatible, you will have the option to receive a refund for the preferred airline upgrade or be offered an alternative stopover city option, e.g if you choose to fly with Singapore Airlines you cannot stopover in Dubai.
 
Flight Class Upgrades
Business Class: For pricing, please refer to the payment cart at checkout.
Please note:
• Flight upgrades are subject to availability and pricing changes (if we cannot fulfil your request, the upgrade cost will be refunded).
• On any upgrade purchase, short-haul flights and domestic flight sectors are not guaranteed, subject to aircraft configuration.

Missed Flights 
If you fail to arrive for your outbound flight, you risk all flight and land arrangements in your destination being automatically cancelled by the airlines and land operator, respectively. Additional fees may apply to reinstate these services. If you miss your flight for whatever reason, please contact us as soon as possible to make arrangements. 

Accommodation Used:
3-4 Star Properties (Self-Rated)
Bishkek: Hotel Bridges or similar 
Karakol: Hotel Green Yard or similar
Almaty: Hotel Kazzhol or similar
Tashkent: Al Anvar Hotel or similar
Samarkand: Asia Samarkand or similar  
Bukhara: Orient Star or similar
Dushanbe: Hotel Atlas or similar
Khujand: Hotel Sugdiyon or similar

Yurt Camp (No Star Rating)
Bokonbayevo: Almaluu Traditional Yurt Camp

Please note: Accommodation/rooms offered are based on a lead-in room type and are subject to availability based on seasonality. In the instance a property is not available, a similar standard of accommodation will be provided. Properties will be confirmed and included in your travel pack, which you will receive 4-6 weeks before travel.
 
Extra Nights
Not available. 
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 4-6 weeks before 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.
 
Triple Share
Not available. 
 
Bedding Configuration
Twin or double (subject to availability).

• 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 at check-in)
• Optional activities/tours 
• Personal expenses
• Travel insurance
• Any costs associated with an interruption to your tour as a result of an airline schedule change or cancellation

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 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.

Please note: Tipping for services provided is always a matter of personal discretion; however, please be aware that many locals consider tipping part of their normal remuneration, and they may approach you for payment; there's no need to be intimidated by the request.

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 where they are guiding the tour. The guide meets the group at the required place and leaves it 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 art, architecture, or historical knowledge. 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 required to enhance the experience of the destination featured. 

CLIMATE & AVERAGE TEMPERATURES
Almaty, Kazakhstan
Almaty is situated in a mountainous area that influences the climate of this city. Almaty has a warm continental climate with more rainfall than in the rest of the country. Especially in spring and early summer, there is much more rain. Summers are pleasant and make it a perfect time to visit. The winters are mild and pleasant. Most precipitation will be snow. You will most likely experience good weather with pleasant average temperatures during May, June, July, August and September. 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 around 450mm, with a minimum summer (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 pretty 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 July and August. The city also sees very little precipitation during the summer, particularly from June through September.

We always suggest referring to an online source for the most up-to-date weather information for your destination/s.

FLIGHTS
Seat Selection & Frequent Flyer Points:
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 must provide valid passport details either at the time of purchase or no later than 45 days before the departure date. Failure to do so may result in the cancellation of the booking. Customers will be responsible for any costs and fees incurred in this instance.

COACH TOUR
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.

Meals:
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 us 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 tour. You must carry your own luggage from the vehicle to the hotel room and back to the vehicle. The driver will assist with the uploading and unloading of bags from the vehicle.

OTHER
Mobility:
If you require wheelchair access please contact our friendly sales and service team to inquire on your behalf.
  
Fitness Level Required:
Adventure (and spontaneity) create some of the best travel memories. Bear in mind, your home schedules and timings might not be adhered to on tour - it's all part of the fun!

A moderate level of fitness will be required. 
Expect a moderate pace of touring with a focus on guided tours that may include full days with extended activity, guided city tours or nature walks. You will require a general level of fitness for unassisted navigation of stairs and inclines, longer distances with possible periods of standing when visiting sites, walking on sloping, uneven ground or elevations. You will be responsible for your own luggage and have the ability to board all modes of transport without assistance. Please note: Many areas may be inaccessible to wheelchairs or mobility scooters, where the unassisted use of personal walking sticks and other aids may be required. Although some assistance may be available, every traveller should be self-reliant during all aspects of their travel.

Please note: It is expected that every traveller must be self-reliant and able to undertake all aspects of their own travel. Please speak to your booking agent about your personal circumstances and any assistance requirements to ensure this tour is right for you.
Please note: If you have any concerns, please consult your healthcare provider prior to purchase/travel.

Sightseeing:
Please note: If entry 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 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 regarding 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.

Important: 
• Please start arranging your visa three weeks before departure to account for any delays due to consulate operating hours.
• Visa rules are subject to change. Please check with the nearest embassy, consulate or immigration department of the destination/s you are visiting once you receive your travel documentation to ensure you have the most up to date information.
• It is your responsibility to be travel-ready and ensure that you are aware and comply with any destination or travel requirements, including the validity of all required travel documents.
• 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.

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 per booking and 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 provided, charges of $100 per booking and any additional charges applied by the airline/cruise company/accommodation/other travel providers.

Supplier Fees
In the event the tour package you have purchased is unable to proceed, and/or a Travel Supplier is unable to fulfil the tour 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. 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 we are unable to obtain a refund or travel service credit, or part thereof, this cost is passed on to the customer as a Supplier Fee.