The Stans: The Ultimate Adventure through the Silk Road - 26 Days

Frequently asked questions

• Which countries will this tour visit?

  This epic adventure takes you across Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan, exploring ancient cities and diverse landscapes.

• What types of accommodation are included on this tour?

  Accommodation includes Hostels (8 nights twin share, 6 nights multi-share), an Overnight train (1 night), Guesthouses (7 nights multi-share), a Hotel (1 night twin share), and Yurt Camp (2 nights multi-share).

• Are meals included in the tour price?

  Yes, 18 breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 8 dinners are included.

• What is the age range for participants on this trip?

  This trip is designed for travelers aged 18 to 39 years old, with a minimum age of 18 years.

• What is the typical group size for this tour?

  The maximum group size for this tour is 18 participants.

• What is the physical rating for this trip?

  This trip has a physical rating of 3, indicating it involves active elements such as hiking to alpine lakes and through national parks.

• What are some of the main highlights of this trip?

  Highlights include trekking to bright blue alpine lakes in Tajikistan’s Marguzor Valley, experiencing Kazakhstan’s Singing Dunes and swimming in Kaindy Lake, learning to build a nomadic yurt from locals in Kyrgyzstan, and wandering ancient cities like Bukhara, Tashkent, Almaty, and Bishkek.

• What optional activities are available on this tour?

  Optional activities vary by location and may include city tours in Tashkent, Bukhara, Samarkand, Bishkek, and Almaty; visiting the Islam Khoja Minaret in Khiva; Bukhara Hammam visits; Uzbek or Kyrgyz dumpling making classes; and exploring natural sites like the Ak-Suu Kench Hot Springs or Jety Oguz.

• How should I manage my money and what currency is preferred?

  Central Asia is generally a cash-operating region, so it's recommended to keep cash on hand. ATMs are available in larger cities for local currency withdrawals. You can exchange USD or EUR, but notes printed after 1996 and in good condition are preferred. An emergency fund of at least USD $200 is also recommended.

• What is the recommended dress code for respecting local customs?

  Central Asian dress is conservative. You should plan to pack loose-fitting light clothing that covers your knees, shoulders, and chest. For women, a hair scarf is recommended for mosque visits and is easily available locally.

• How does this tour accommodate solo travelers?

  Solo travelers are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip, so there is no extra cost or single supplement for solo travelers on group trips.

• Who will be leading the group on this tour?

  All group trips are accompanied by a Chief Experience Officer (CEO) who provides information, suggestions, and handles logistics. Local guides are also used for specific knowledge at certain sites.

• What health considerations should I be aware of before traveling?

  Inoculations may be required, so consult your travel doctor. Carry a first aid kit and hand sanitizers. Be aware that remote areas may be far from medical facilities. Leaders cannot administer drugs.

• What are the safety and security recommendations for this trip?

  It is strongly recommended to use a neck wallet or money belt for valuables. Leave valuable jewelry at home. Many hotels offer safety deposit boxes. A lock is recommended for luggage. CEOs can amend itineraries for safety reasons. In cities, consider staying in small groups and taking taxis at night.

• What cultural aspects should I be aware of in Central Asia?

  Central Asia offers a unique mix of Soviet heritage and Islam, which can lead to initial culture shock. Modest dress is important, especially at religious sites. During Ramadan, increased cultural sensitivity is required, including avoiding eating, drinking, or smoking in public out of respect for those fasting.

• Are there any altitude considerations for this trip?

  This trip operates at altitudes over 800m, reaching a maximum of 3016m at Song Kul. While travel is slow to allow for acclimatization, some travelers may experience headaches, nausea, or lethargy, especially when visiting Song Kul and Iskanderkul.

• What types of transportation will be used during the tour?

  The tour utilizes various modes of transport including Metro, Private Vehicles, Trains, Walking, Overnight Trains, and 4x4 Vehicles.

• What are the visa requirements for the countries visited on this tour?

  Visas are the responsibility of the individual traveler. Kazakhstan requires a double-entry B12 Tourist Visa (not e-visa) due to the itinerary. Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan may require a Letter of Invitation (LOI), with a processing fee for Kyrgyzstan. Tajikistan requires an e-Visa and potentially an LOI. Passports must be valid for at least 6 months from the departure date from each country, and you'll need at least two blank passport pages per country.

• Is tipping customary in Central Asia?

  Tipping service providers such as waiters is not customary but is appreciated (3-5%). Tipping for local guides and drivers is recommended (USD $3-$4 per person per day). A tip for your CEO is also appreciated, with a guideline of USD $4-$7 per person per day.

• Are laundry facilities available during the trip?

  Laundry facilities are offered by some hotels for a charge. It is suggested to bring non-polluting/biodegradable soap for times when you may need to do your own laundry.

• What is Planeterra and how does it relate to the tour?

  Planeterra International Foundation is a non-profit organization that helps local communities earn income from tourism by supporting community-owned businesses. The tour operator is Planeterra’s largest corporate donor, covering all operating costs, so 100% of any donation goes directly to Planeterra projects.

• What happens if my trip overlaps with Ramadan?

  Ramadan is a month of fasting observed by Muslims. While there may be some limitations to services and disruptions to schedules, tours generally operate effectively and food is available to non-Muslims. It's important to display increased cultural sensitivity, wear loose-fitting clothes covering knees and shoulders, and avoid eating, drinking, or smoking in public.

• What are the main highlights of 'The Stans: The Ultimate Adventure through the Silk Road' tour?

  The main highlights include trekking to bright blue alpine lakes in Tajikistan’s Marguzor Valley, getting sandy at Kazakhstan’s Singing Dunes and swimming in Kaindy Lake, learning to build a nomadic yurt from locals in Kyrgyzstan, wandering ancient cities like Bukhara, Tashkent, Almaty, and Bishkek, and snapping photos of wild rock formations in Fairytale Canyon and Charyn Canyon.

• What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?

  Accommodation includes Hostels (8 nights, twin share), Hostel (6 nights, multi-share), Overnight train (1 night), Guesthouse (7 nights, multi-share), Hotel (1 night, twin share), and Yurt Camp (2 nights, multi-share).

• Are meals included in the tour price?

  Yes, 18 breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 8 dinners are included in the trip price.

• What modes of transportation are used on this trip?

  Transportation includes Metro, Private Vehicle, Train, Walking, Overnight Train, and 4x4 Vehicle.

• Is there an extra cost for solo travelers?

  No, solo travelers do not have to pay more. Single travelers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip.

• What is the maximum group size for this tour?

  The maximum group size is 18 participants.

• What is the minimum age to join this trip?

  The minimum age to join this trip is 18 years.

• How should I dress to respect local customs during the tour?

  Central Asian dress is quite conservative. You should pack loose-fitting light clothing appropriate for hot weather and plan to cover knees, shoulders, and chest. A hair scarf is recommended for women, especially for visiting religious sites.

• What currency should I use and what should I know about money exchange in Central Asia?

  Central Asia is generally a cash-operating region. Travelers cheques are not recommended. Only banknotes printed after 1996 and in good condition can be exchanged. It's recommended to bring about 70 USD in small denominations. ATMs are available in larger cities, but less dependable in remote areas. Credit cards are rarely accepted for local transactions, so always keep cash on hand in local currency (Tenge in Kazakhstan, Som in Kyrgyzstan, Somoni in Tajikistan, Uzbek Sums in Uzbekistan).

• How much emergency money should I bring?

  It is recommended to have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an 'emergency' fund for unforeseen circumstances.

• Is travel insurance compulsory for this trip?

  Yes, travel insurance is compulsory. You will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of medical coverage, with a minimum of USD 200,000 for repatriation and emergency rescue, has been sighted by your CEO.

• What health considerations should I be aware of?

  Inoculations may be required; consult your travel doctor for up-to-date medical travel information. Carry a First Aid kit and hand sanitizers. Be aware that you will sometimes be in remote areas away from medical facilities. Leaders are prohibited from administering drugs. Assess your ability to cope with the travel style, considering the physical and culture shock ratings.

• What are the altitude considerations for this trip?

  This trip operates at altitudes over 800m, with a maximum altitude of 3016m at Song Kul. While travel is slow to allow for acclimatization, you may experience headaches, nausea, or lethargy, especially when visiting Song Kul and Iskanderkul.

• What rules should I know before joining this trip regarding illegal drugs and prostitution?

  Illegal drugs will not be tolerated, as they contravene local laws and put the group at risk. The exploitation of prostitutes is also contrary to the travel philosophy of respect towards local people. CEOs have the right to expel any group member found with drugs or using prostitutes.

• What optional activities are available on this trip?

  Optional activities include city tours in Tashkent, Bukhara, Samarkand, Bishkek, and Almaty, visiting specific landmarks like the Institute of Sun, Islam Khoja Minaret, ancient hammams, the Tomb of Prophet Daniel, or the Ancient Taraz Archaeological Park and Museum. You can also opt for cultural experiences such as Uzbek cooking classes, Kyrgyz dumpling making, or a silk paper-making workshop. Nature options include visiting Ak-Suu Kench Hot Springs or Jety Oguz.