Central Asia: Five Stans Express

03 Sep 2024

Central Asia: Five Stans Express

KFSS

Validity: 01 Jan 2025 to 31 Dec 2025

To see all five Stans in Central Asia, this epic trip will start in the grand Ashgabat of Turkmenistan, explore Samarkand in Uzbekistan, then head to Tajikistan, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. See the best of the Silk Road and deep dive into the fascinating history, captivating landscapes and beautiful culture that’s intertwined throughout this region. You'll stay in yurts near Lake Issyk-Kul, explore Registan Square in Samarkand and watch the eternal flame of Darvaza Crater – a 70-m-wide hole in the Karakum Desert known as ‘The Gates of Hell’. From wide open plains full of wild horses to homestays and dinners with locals, there’s so much to see, do and learn in this region – so why not spend 24 days uncovering all you can, with a local leader by your side?

Original

Explorer

Private Vehicle,Flight,Metro,High Speed Train

3

Sport hotel

10 yil Abdanchylyk str Olympic complex Ashgabat Turkmenistan

Ashgabat

TURKMENISTAN

A complimentary arrival transfer is included for this trip. Please make sure that you provide your flight details no later than 14 days before departure. Please note that this transfer could be a group one if customers arrive on the same flight. For your confirmed airport arrival transfer, your driver will wait for you in the arrival hall where you've cleared custom with your luggage, holding an Intrepid sign. Should you have any issue finding your driver, please contact the local emergency number. If you decide to make your own way to the hotel, you may take the official taxi outside the main building. It should cost you around 10USD to get to your hotel but please prepare small USD notes as they will not return change to you. It's best that you agree to the price first as some drivers may not use a meter. There are other 'unofficial' taxis outside of the airport too, which look like regular cars without the taxi signs. These may charge you up to 25 USD for the ride. We recommend avoid such taxis.

Rich Hotel

111, Timiryazeva St

Bishkek

KYRGYZSTAN

Phone: 996 312 322038

1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement excludes Day 3 (camping), Day 13 (homestay), Day 18 (homestay) and Days 20 and 21 (yurt camp), where you will be in shared accommodation and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information. 2. Please provide your full name exactly as per your passport at the time of booking (including any middle names listed on your passport) for flight tickets. Fees may apply for amendments or failure to provide the required details within 60 days of departure. 3. This is a multi-country trip. Please read the ‘Passports, visas and entry requirements’ section of the Essential Trip Information carefully. You should travel on one passport for the duration, as entering and exiting countries on different passports will cause issues at immigration. 4. We require key documents from you no later than 60 days before the trip to supply your Letter of Invitation to Turkmenistan, and Tajikistan for some nationalities. 5. Independent travel isn’t allowed in Turkmenistan. If you have pre-trip accommodation booked with us, you can explore nearby your hotel, but please don’t take any photos. Please see Day 1 of the Itinerary for more details. 6. A complimentary airport arrival transfer is included; valid if you are arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-trip accommodation through us. You must provide your flight details to your booking agent at least 15 days prior to travel. If multiple customers on the same trip arrive on the same flight, this may be a shared transfer. 7. While travelling in Turkmenistan, you won’t have access to social media and some websites. If you need to stay connected, consider arranging a VPN before leaving home.

All group trips are accompanied by one of our group leader or local representative. The aim of the group leader or local representative is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. Intrepid endeavours to provide the services of an experienced group leader or local representative however, due to the seasonality of travel, rare situations may arise where your group leader or local representative is new to a particular region or training other group leader or local representative. Your group leader or local representative will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense, you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the places visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious, and social aspects. At Intrepid we aim to support local guides who have specialised knowledge of the regions we visit. If you are interested in delving deeper into the local culture at a specific site or location then your group leader or local representative can recommend a local guide service in most of the main destinations of your trip.

Most national governments provide regularly updated foreign travel advice on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure and ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all destinations and activities on your trip. Please refer to our website's safety page for links to major travel advisories and updates on safety issues affecting our trips here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/travel-alerts We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe-keeping of your passport, flight tickets, cash and other valuable items. Leave your jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of our hotels have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. Your group leader or local representative will accompany you on all included activities, however, during your trip you'll have some free time to pursue your own interests or relax and take it easy. While your group leader or local representative will assist you with the available options in a given location, please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your Intrepid itinerary, and Intrepid makes no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgement when selecting an activity in your free time. Please also note that your group leader or local representative has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it's deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Intrepid's operational safety policies can be viewed on our website at the link below. We recommend that you take a moment to read through this information before travelling, and would appreciate any feedback on how safety is being managed on our trips.

https://www.intrepidtravel.com/safety-guidelines

TURKMENISTAN Turkmenistan has a high risk of exposure to rabid dogs and other mammals in the country. Access to post safe post-exposure prophylaxis can be rather limited. Please consult with your doctor regarding taking pre-exposure vaccination. Incidents of mugging, theft and pick pocketing are rare, but take sensible precautions and keep valuables out of sight. Women should avoid going out alone late at night. Please note the Government of Turkmenistan is intending to make the country free from smoking and drug taking. As a result, smoking has been prohibited in ALL public places, including streets, parks, airports, practically everywhere except specially equipped areas. If spotted smoking, you will be taken to the nearest police station and be told about their laws and the harmful nature of smoking. You will be required to sign some related forms, and as a result will have to pay a formal fine of approximately 300 manat. Those who refuse to go to the police station, pay the fine, or quarrel with police officers (swear or shout) may even end up in a temporary detention for up to 15 days. Attempts to import cigarettes into Turkmenistan or transit across the country territory of the amounts exceeding the permitted (no more than 40 cigarettes/2 packs per person for private use only) will also result in some unpleasant procedures at the arrival border port and issuance of a formal fine – 500 manat. Driving standards are poor. Road travel at night outside cities is particularly dangerous because of the condition of the roads. Seat belts, if fitted, should be worn at all times. Licensed taxis are clearly identified and yellow in colour. Although taxis have meters, drivers will usually ask foreign nationals for a set fee of around 5 to 10 Manat. Taxis from the airport cost more and drivers usually ask for US$. Most taxi drivers do not speak much, if any, English. Using unlicensed taxis is not recommended.

UZBEKISTAN Uzbekistan is generally a very safe place to travel. Petty crime targeting foreigners and tourists sometimes occurs in Uzbekistan. A regulation has been introduced allowing only licensed taxis (with certain colour and signs and card payment equipment) to operate in Uzbekistan. However, unlicensed taxis continue to operate. You should use official taxis where possible. There have been reports of robberies by individuals posing as police officers. Avoid obvious displays of wealth, particularly in rural areas. Crime levels are higher at night. Avoid walking alone. It is illegal to photograph government and military buildings. This may result in confiscation of equipment or detention. Check before taking photographs of government or security infrastructure. There is a ban on the sale of alcohol and tobacco to those under 20.  Homosexuality is illegal under Uzbek law and is still very much frowned upon socially. You should take care over public displays of affection.

TAJIKISTAN It is now 20 years since the Tajik civil war ended. The political situation is generally stable, but you should remain vigilant in public places and avoid any demonstrations or large gatherings of people. There are sporadic clashes between border forces and drug traffickers along the Afghan border, particularly in the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Oblast. Dushanbe is relatively secure, but there have been occasional muggings and petty crime against foreigners. Women should avoid going out alone at night, and may suffer harassment even during the day. You should maintain at least the same level of personal security awareness as at home. Carry a photocopy of your passport at all times. Requests to produce an ID are frequent. Taking photos of anything that could be perceived as being of military or security interest may get you into trouble with the authorities. Although rarely enforced smoking whilst walking on the street is illegal and punishable by a fine.

KAZAKHSTAN Kazakhstan is generally a safe country to travel in, provided you follow normal safety precautions.There have been occasional reports of foreigners being targeted by pickpockets in tourist or busy shopping areas or on public transport. Thieves posing as police officers or unsolicited 'meet-and-greet' drivers at airports have robbed travellers. Official taxi drivers and police officers have identification. If approached, ask to see credentials. Avoid taking unofficial taxis or taxis that have other passengers. Be careful when crossing streets as cars may not give way to pedestrians. Carry your passport or a copy of it, with appropriate registration, at all times.

KYRGYZSTAN Few travellers will experience any safety issues in Kyrgyzstan if general precautions are followed. Take care if you go out after dark. Keep large amounts of money hidden at all times and be wary of strangers offering help or being over-friendly. Be particularly aware of your surroundings when using currency exchange offices. Thieves posing as off duty police, uniformed police or unsolicited 'meet and greet' drivers at airports are known to target travellers. Avoid walking alone at night and don’t travel in unofficial taxis. Carry your passport or a copy of it, at all times.

PASSPORT You’ll need a valid passport to travel internationally and most countries require your passport to have a minimum of 6 months validity, so remember to check the expiry date. We need your passport information to get everything ready for your trip so it’s important that the information on your booking matches your passport exactly. Please take care to provide the correct details. We recommend carrying a copy of the photo page of your passport while travelling and leaving a copy at home with family or friends. VISAS & ENTRY REQUIREMENTS Many countries require a visa and obtaining the correct visa for your trip and any countries you may transit through is your responsibility. We recommend you check your visa requirements as soon as you have booked your trip. This will ensure you have time to prepare your documents and for your visa application to be processed. You can check the entry requirements for your nationality on your government's foreign travel advisories, consular websites or on our page here:  www.intrepidtravel.com/visa-entry-requirements TURKMENISTAN All travellers require a visa to enter Turkmenistan. To apply for the visa, you need a Letter of Invitation (LOI) issued by the Turkmenistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Our local operator will apply for the LOI on your behalf. LETTER OF INVITATION To request your LOI, we require: - A clear, colour scan of the photo page of your passport - A digital, colour passport photo (not a scan of a printed photo) - A completed Turkmenistan LOI application form, which must be completed online, not handwritten (please contact your booking agent to request this) After submitting these documents to your booking agent, our local operator will apply for the LOI on your behalf. This service is included in your trip cost. The LOI can be applied for within three months of travel. It will be processed in Turkmenistan, and this will take six to eight weeks. We recommend submitting all your documents as early as possible within the three-month window to allow for delays in processing. Your LOI status (approval or rejection) will be advised approximately one month prior to travel. Please keep this in mind when booking flights. Print your LOI before leaving home. FEES An LOI is not a visa. With your LOI, you can apply for a visa at your nearest embassy or for a visa on arrival at Ashgabat airport or the land borders. The fees below are subject to change without notice: - The visa on arrival fee is currently USD 55. - You will need to complete a migration card and pay a fee, which is currently USD 18. - It’s possible a USD 10 processing fee may be charged. - You will be required to pay for a PCR test upon entry. You cannot take this test in advance. The fee is currently USD 35. The fee is compulsory, but only some people will be tested. USD cash is the only payment accepted at immigration in Turkmenistan. Card payments and other currencies are not accepted. We recommend having exact amounts or small notes as they will not have change. You will need USD 1 notes for bus transfers at land border crossings. ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR TURKMENISTAN Some professions may find it difficult to obtain an LOI. For example, police, public servants, journalists, media professionals. Independent travel is not allowed in Turkmenistan. Your visa will only be valid for as long as services are provided by Intrepid and its local operator (accommodation, guides, transport, etc.). Medications containing tramadol, morphine, opiates or any other similar components are banned in Turkmenistan as they are considered narcotic drugs. Do not bring any medications containing these drugs into Turkmenistan. UZBEKISTAN VISAS Many nationalities no longer require a visa for stays of up to 90 days, including most European countries, Great Britain, Australia & Canada.You can check if you are eligible for the visa free scheme here: https://e-visa.gov.uz/main E-VISAS For nationalities not included in the visa exemption list, including US citizens, an e-visa is available. The e-visa is issued for a period of stay in the territory of Uzbekistan up to 30 days with a single entry and is valid for 90 days from the date of issue. Travellers must submit an online application for a visa at least three working days before the planned date of travel to Uzbekistan. The consular fee for processing and issuing an e-visa is US$20 to be paid online. Please check if you are eligible for an e-visa and apply here: https://e-visa.gov.uz/main INFORMATION REQUIRED FOR E-VISA APPLICATION - Address of your joining point hotel (or if visiting Uzbekistan mid-trip, use: Central Palace Halal Hotel 2 Afrosiyob ko'chasi, Tashkent) - You will need to have a scanned PDF copy of your passport to upload for your application - You will need to upload a passport photo within the required parameters - Your passport will need to be valid for at least three months after you’ve entered Uzbekistan to obtain a visa. South African passport holders: A paper visa is required for Uzbekistan. Intrepid may be able to provide supporting documents at an extra expense depending on what's required. Please inquire with your booking agent for getting such supporting documents.We advise South African passport holders to start applying at least 3 months in advance. You may need to arrive early in Bishkek to apply in the Uzbekistan embassy in Bishkek. REGISTRATION IN UZBEKISTAN All visitors to Uzbekistan must register with the local department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs within 3 working days after arrival. When staying at a hotel, you will be registered automatically. Please ensure you keep any registration documents issued by the hotel until you exit the country. TAJIKISTAN Tajikistan has a visa exemption policy for a lot of countries, including Australia, New Zealand, Canada, United States of America, Germany etc, for up to 30-day stay. To check if you'll need a visa for Tajikistan, please check below link: https://www.consular.tj/visa-system-with-foreign-countries.aspx British nationals and other nationalities not eligible for visa exemption will need to apply for an Evisa through below link: https://www.evisa.tj/ (Please note that you do not need a Gorno-Badakshan Autonomous Oblast (GBAO) permit for this trip). We advise you to start the application at least 2 months in advance to allow enough time for your evisa to be issued. If you need to apply for an e-visa, occasionally a Letter of Invitation (LOI) arranged by a Tajikistan tour company, may be required. We recommend you apply for the evisa first and should a LOI is required during the process, Intrepid can assist with this arrangement through our local agent. A scanned coloured copy of your passport and your visa application ID is required along with payment for the fee (50USD) to issue the LOI. The fee is payable at the time of requesting the LOI. Once requested, the LOI can take a minimum of 5 working days to process. Once received this will be sent to you by email for you to update or submit your e-visa application. We recommend you start the visa process at least 2 months ahead of departure. The Letter of Invitation is no guarantee of a e-visa being granted. Once your e-visa has been issued we recommend you print out your e-visa and take a copy with you when travelling. Below is the information required for filling out the application form: GBAO Permit - No Purpose of visit type - Tourism Purpose of visit - Tourism sightseeing or Tourism vacation Group identifier - leave blank Date of arrival - See border crossing day on the itinerary Address in Tajikistan - Rohat Hotel, Rudaki 24, 734025 Dushanbe, Tajikistan, +992 372 21 10 50 Instances of harassment by officials at Dushanbe International Airport have been reported. This typically involves requests for payment for allegedly incorrect documentation or other offences. Some reports state that airport officials have acted in an intimidating manner. You should ensure that your documentation and papers are in order before passing through border control at the airport. If you suffer harassment or intimidation at the airport you should report this to your travel agent and/or the consular bureau at the airport. KAZAKHSTAN VISA Many nationalities, including Australia, Germany, USA, Canada, United Kingdom and New Zealand do not require a visa for stays of up to 30 days. Please check with your local consulate for the most up to date requirements. If you may require a visa for Kazakhstan, you will need a Letter of Invitation issued by their government. Our local team can support this. Please contact your booking agent if you need it. It'll take approximately 10 working days for the government to process and cost 70 USD per application. Please note that the issuance of the LOI will be entirely up to the discretion of the Kazakhstan Foreign Affairs office. KYRGYZSTAN Most nationalities do not require a visa to travel to Kyrgyzstan for up to 60 days, including Australia, Belgium, UK, Germany, Netherlands, Canada, New Zealand, Ireland, USA and Switzerland. Other nationalities can check this website first about applying for an E-visa: https://www.evisa.e-gov.kg Otherwise, please check with your nearest embassy and obtain a visa in advance if required. Please contact us should you need any supporting documents for your visa application.

Explore all the essential highlights of Central Asia, uncovering fascinating culture, natural landscapes and diverse history alongside unforgettable local interaction.

See the incredible Darvaza Crater (the Gates of Hell – an eternally burning flame), Kolsai Lakes and Issyk-Kul Lake, soaking up the natural landmarks far off the common tourist trail.

Take a step back in time as you explore the history of the Silk Road, with visits to Khiva’s ancient town, Registan, in Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khujand.

Get to know the locals with a carpet-making workshop, through the streets of the bustling bazaars and with a homecooked dinner of plov (Uzbekistan's national dish) during an immersive homestay.

Camp in yurts near Lake Issyk-Kul, stay in local villages and make yourself at home in a boutique hotel that used to be an old Jewish house in Bukhara.

Central Asia is a destination for the adventurous and the open-minded. Alongside its rich culture and history, comes poor infrastructure, lengthy processes and basic facilities. Patience and flexibility will ensure you enjoy this region to its fullest. This trip involves long travel days on rough and winding roads. You’ll be travelling by private vehicle, and in one day you could be driving anywhere between three and ten hours. Please review the Itinerary for more details. Temperatures vary greatly throughout this trip, from below zero to over 40 ºC depending on the location. Keep an eye on the weather forecast and plan to wear layers. Tourism is strictly controlled in Turkmenistan. If you’re accustomed to more freedom to explore and take photos as a tourist, you will find the experience differs here. Locals are fiercely proud of their nation and its leaders. You’ll stay in a range of accommodations on this trip, including multishare arrangements in yurts, homestays and guesthouses. Facilities are shared and basic, but the experiences are unforgettable.

GENERAL HEALTH All travellers need to be in good physical health in order to participate fully on this trip. For the safety and wellbeing of yourself and others, if you are unwell prior to travelling, please stay at home and contact us to make alternative arrangements. When selecting your trip please make sure you have read through the itinerary carefully and assess your ability to manage and enjoy our style of travel. Please note that if in the assessment of our group leader or local representative a traveller is unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group, we reserve the right to exclude them from all or part of a trip without refund. You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information or for any necessary vaccinations before departure. We recommend that you carry a first aid kit as well as any personal medical requirements in their original packaging as they may not easily be obtained while travelling. If you are carrying medication, ensure you check your government's foreign travel advice for any local restrictions or requirements.  CENTRAL ASIA: Some medications available over the counter or by prescription in your home country, such as sleeping tablets, may be illegal or restricted in Central Asia. Ensure you have a copy of any prescriptions as well as a letter from your doctor and be prepared to declare any prescription medication at customs. Travel in forested areas brings the risk of exposure to tick-borne diseases. Ticks are very common in country areas and are most active from spring to autumn. Take precautions against insect bites, including the use of insect repellent. Medical facilities are limited in Central Asia, with doctors and clinics often requiring payment in cash prior to providing services, even for emergency care. Standards in remote areas will be very basic. The diet and hygiene standards of Central Asia may be very different from what you are used to so please take care with washing hands before meals etc and bring some medication/re-hydration salts etc should you experience stomach problems. Giardia intestinalis, a parasite that can cause diarrhoea, is reported from time to time in the water supply and which may not be eradicated by purification methods such as tablets or iodine are used. For this reason we recommend against drinking unboiled tap water in all Central Asian cities. Malaria is endemic in the southern and western parts of the country bordering Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, particularly in Batken, Osh and Zhele-Abdskaya provinces. UZBEKISTAN The quality of medical care in Uzbekistan is generally poor. Most hospitals are badly-equipped and unhygienic, with a limited supply of drugs. There is no guarantee that equipment will have been properly sterilised, especially in rural hospitals. You should avoid all but basic treatment or essential treatment in the event of an emergency. Air quality in the Karakalpakstan and Khorezm regions has deteriorated as a result of storms over the Aral Sea bringing salt, dust and pollutants into the air. You can be detained on arrival for the possession of certain medicines, including codeine. You should always carry a doctor’s prescription with you. TAJIKISTAN Tajikistan has poor medical facilities and a shortage of basic medical supplies. Medical facilities outside Dushanbe are quite basic and in some locations almost non-existent. You should be aware that brand name medications bought in country may not be genuine. TB, typhoid and cholera occur in Tajikistan. There are occasional cases of malaria in summer. Don’t drink tap water and take particular care over food and drink preparation. KAZAKHSTAN Medical facilities in Kazakhstan are generally below Western standards. Most clinics and hospitals will require payment in cash, regardless of whether or not you have travel insurance. Ticks are common in forested areas in spring to autumn and may carry tick-borne encephalitis. When walking in countryside areas take precaution against being bitten by insects, including the use of insect repellent. Some medications available over the counter or by prescription in your home country, such as sleeping tablets or medication containing codeine, may be illegal or restricted in Kazakhstan. Carry a copy of any prescriptions along with a letter from your doctor and declare all prescription medication on arrival. KYRGYZSTAN Malaria is endemic in the southern and western parts of the country bordering Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, particularly in Batken, Osh and Jalal Abad provinces. Travel in forested areas brings the risk of exposure to tick-borne encephalitis. Ticks are very common from spring to autumn. Ensure you take precautions to prevent insect bites, such as covering up and using insect repellent. Medical facilities in Bishkek are limited and in remote areas the standard of medical services is very basic.

While travelling with us you'll experience the vast array of wonderful food available in the world. Your group leader or local representative will be able to suggest restaurants to try during your trip. To give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat, generally not all meals are included in the trip price. This also gives you more budgeting flexibility. As a rule, our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. If you have dietary requirements and/or food allergies, please let your booking agent know prior to departure. CENTRAL ASIA The Central Asian diet relies heavily on meat based dishes.There are options available for vegetarians, however these may at times be limited to plain noodles, bread, fruit, nuts, yoghurt, cheese, eggs etc. Those with particular dietary needs may choose to supplement meals with supplies bought from home or stock up at markets and supermarkets as you travel.

SPENDING MONEY When it comes to spending money on the trip, every traveller is a little different. You know your spending habits better than we do, so please budget an appropriate amount for things like optional meals, drinks, shopping, optional activities, and laundry. Make sure you have read the itinerary and inclusions thoroughly so you know what is included in the trip price and what you may need to pay for while travelling. TURKMENISTAN The currency of Turkmenistan is the manat (TKM).  There are very few international ATMs in Turkmenistan. At time of writing visa cards are accepted in some of the main hotels, and can be used to obtain cash at the Vnesheconom Bank in Ashgabat, Mastercards at Senagat Bank in Ashgabat. USD can be used in major hotels and in some other tourist facilities. However we advise against relying on credit card or ATMs for payment or cash as their accessibility can be unstable. Bringing enough USD to cover your entire stay is recommended. We advise you to exchange your USD with the help of your local leader, especially when official exchange rate is very unfavorable. Carry new notes in low denominations. Notes with any additional markings are often refused even by official travel exchange offices. Other currencies are difficult to exchange.  UZBEKISTAN: The currency is the Uzbekistan som (UZS). UZS cannot be obtained outside of Uzbekistan, so you will either need to bring USD or EUR with you to exchange or use an ATM to withdraw. We recommend bringing some cash and a card for times when you cannot access an ATM or they are out of money. Visa cards are said to be the most accepted for ATM withdrawals as some Mastercard holders have reported issues. ATMs can be found in main cities like Tashkent and Samarkand. Cash can be exchanged at the Currency Exchange at Tashkent Airport or at bank while credit cards can be accepted in some upmarket places but not widely. Some souvenir sellers and tourist restaurants may accept USD or EUR as payment but all other purchases in Uzbekistan must be made in local currency. It is difficult to exchange UZS into other currencies outside of the country, so ensure you budget well or exchange at a bank before departure.  TAJIKISTAN The official currency of Tajikistan is the Tajik Somani (TJS).Tajikistan is mainly a cash-only economy. Only change money at officially authorised currency exchanges. These are often found at bazaars, airline offices and hotels. Very few establishments will accept credit cards. There is a small, but increasing number of ATMs in Dushanbe and other larger towns, but none in rural areas and they may not accept foreign cards or have enough cash to dispense. US dollars are the most widely accepted foreign currency; other currencies, apart from EUR or RUB may be difficult to exchange. KAZAKHSTAN The official currency in Kazakhstan is the Tenge (KZT). ATMs are common and credit cards are accepted at many shops, restaurants and hotels in larger cities. In smaller towns and in markets and street kiosks or cafes you will need local currency in smaller denominations. Currency exchange counters can be found in main shopping areas of cities or near markets and are likely to accept USD or EUR as the main currencies. KYRGYZSTAN The official currency of Kyrgyzstan is the Kyrgyzstan Som (KGS). This can only be obtained within Kyrgyzstan. Conversion of KGS back into other foreign currencies may prove difficult, even in neighbouring countries.  Kyrgyzstan is primarily a cash economy. ATMs are available for major cities and towns. Your leader will advise on the best places and times to withdraw or exchange money and suggest suitable amounts. EUR and USD are the best currencies to bring for exchange. Tipping in Central Asia If you are happy with the services providing a tip - though not compulsory - is appropriate. While it may not be customary to you, it is of great significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels, inspires excellent service, and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many Intrepid destinations. We recommend that any tips are given to the intended recipient by a member of your group, rather than collected and passed on by the group leader. The following amounts are based on local considerations and feedback from our past travellers: Restaurants: Please check the bill and if there’s an addition of service charge, there’s no requirement for tipping. Otherwise, around 5-10% of the bill is appropriate for tipping. At local markets and basic restaurants: Leave the loose change. Local guides and Driver: Throughout your trip you may at times have a local guide in addition to your leader. We suggest US$2 - 3 per person, per day for local guides and driver. YOUR GROUP LEADER OR LOCAL REPRESENTATIVE You may consider tipping your group leader or local representative for outstanding service throughout your trip. The amount is entirely a personal preference; however, as a guideline, 4-7 USD or EUR per person per day (in a currency relevant to your destination), can be used. Of course, you are free to tip more or less as you see fit, depending on your perception of service quality and the length and involvement of your group leader or local representative on your trip. CONTINGENCY FUNDS We try to plan for every eventuality, but there are still some things beyond our control. We reserve the right to change an itinerary after departure due to local circumstances or a Force Majeure Event. In such emergency circumstances, the additional cost of any necessary itinerary alterations will be covered by you. Please note we are not responsible for any incidental expenses that may be incurred as a result of the change of itineraries including but not limited to visas, vaccinations or non-refundable flights. Make sure you have access to an extra US$500 for emergencies (e.g. severe weather, natural disasters, civil unrest) or other events that result in unavoidable changes to the itinerary (e.g. transport strikes or cancellations, airport closures). Sometimes these things necessitate last-minute changes to enable our trips to continue to run, and as a result, there may be some extra costs involved. The recommended amount is listed in USD for the relatability of universal travellers, however, local currency may be needed once in the country to cover these costs.

What you need to bring will vary according to the trip style you have chosen, the countries you are visiting and when you are travelling. Generally speaking, we recommend you pack as lightly as possible and make sure that you are able to carry and lift your own luggage, and walk with it for short distances. Many travellers carry their luggage in a backpack, although an overnight bag with a shoulder strap would suffice if you travel lightly. Smaller suitcases or backpacks with wheels are convenient although we recommend your bag has carry or handles. A lockable bag or small padlock is useful as your luggage may get stowed separately and unattended while you travel on public transport or trains. Where Intrepid covers the cost of luggage storage during included day trips, we allow for one bag/backpack only, so it's advisable that you travel lightly and keep luggage to a limit of one item (plus your day pack). Extra luggage storage will be at your own expense. Below are some ideas and helpful tips on what you specifically need for this trip. ESSENTIALS: - Day pack: for carrying essentials when exploring destinations like water, camera, snacks, jacket, etc. - Lightweight clothing: A mixture of covering lightweight clothing and some warm layers (depending on the season) are recommended. It is best to check the weather and seasonal information before travelling. Please also bring clothing that covers arms and pants/skirts that go past the knee for entry into local religious sites. For women travellers, a light scarf is also a good idea for covering shoulders and arms. - comfortable shoes for full day walking/trekking: Closed-in shoes will help to protect your feet from cuts and scratches when walking through cities as well as bush/grass-lands, and will also act as a barrier protection in rare cases against bites or stings - Wind and waterproof jacket - Sun protection: hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, and lip balm RECOMMENDED: - Personal medical kit: we recommend you carry items such as mild pain killers, electrolytes, Band-Aids and insect repellent. - Water bottle: We recommend at least a 1.5 litre capacity. The sale of bottled water contributes to an enormous environmental problem around the world. In addition to the water in bottles, the production of a 1 litre plastic bottle takes 2 litres of water and 200ml of oil. A large proportion end up in limited landfill or discarded in waterways and natural environments. - Spare batteries. Our trips have access to power to recharge batteries for phones and cameras most days but we recommend you take spare batteries for your camera. - Electrical travel adapter plug - Inner sleep sheet/bag for trains or overnight stays in yurt - Money belt - Torch or flash light - Hand sanitizer OPTIONAL: - Ear plugs to guard against street noise and snorers. - A good book, a journal and music player for overnight train rides and longer drives. - Images from home: During our trip there will be many opportunities for you to meet and talk with locals. One way to start any conversation is with pictures. We recommend that you bring some photos / postcards of your family, home, city or country where you live, animals peculiar to your country etc. VALUABLES: Please try to avoid bringing unnecessary valuables, and use your hotel safe. We strongly recommend that you photocopy all important documents e.g. air tickets, passport, vaccination certificate, etc. and keep the copies separate from the originals. While not valid, a photocopy makes it very much easier to obtain replacements if necessary. MORE! If you need some further tips for packing, you can always check out our ultimate packing list

https://www.intrepidtravel.com/packing-list

UZBEKISTAN It can get very hot in summer months, particularly in July when temperatures can be above 40C. Be prepared for cooler nights when in the mountains, desert at night or when travelling in April/May or October/November. SEASONAL WEATHER Tajikistan can experience extremes in temperature - from scorching heat in summer in the cities, to below freezing temperatures at altitude. Be prepared for all weather, particularly in April/May and September/October. TAJIKISTAN HOLIDAYS & EVENTS: International Workers Day - 1st May Victory Day - 9th May Ramadan - 5th May - 4th June 2019, 23rd April - 23rd May 2020 National Unity Day - 27th June 2019 Kurban Bairam (Feast of the Sacrifice) - 12th August 2019, 31st July 2020 Independence Day - 9th September

Intrepid won't tolerate any kind of violence, harassment (whether physical, verbal or sexual), or disrespect toward fellow travellers, our teams or local communities. To ensure the wellbeing of everyone on the trip, decisions made by your group leader are final. Romantic relationships between travellers and group leader or local representative are not permitted while on trip. Any behaviour that prevents your leader from continuing the itinerary as planned, breaks local laws or opposes any of these guidelines may result in Intrepid denying your booking or removing you from the trip. If something concerns you during your travels, please speak to your group leader immediately. Alternatively, you can contact us on the emergency contact number detailed in the Problems and Emergency Contact Information section of this Essential Trip Information.

Can’t stop thinking about your adventure? Tell us all about it! We read each piece of feedback carefully and use it to make improvements for travellers like you. Share your experience with us at: http://www.intrepidtravel.com/feedback/

While we always endeavour to provide the best possible holiday experience, due to the nature of travel and the areas we visit sometimes things can and do go wrong. Should any issue occur while you are on your trip, it is imperative that you discuss this with your group leader or local representative straight away so that they can do their best to rectify the problem and save any potential negative impact on the rest of your trip. We recognise that there may be times when your group leader or local representative may not be able to resolve a situation to your satisfaction - if this is the case, please ask the group leader or local representative to speak to their direct manager. You may also choose to provide details in your online feedback, which we ask you to complete within 30 days of the end of your trip. Please do be aware that it is very difficult for us to provide any practical help after the trip is completed, so informing us while still travelling will give us the opportunity to resolve the issue in real-time. For general contact details please use the following page: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/contact-us In case of a genuine crisis or emergency, you can reach our local office on the numbers below: Available for phone call or WhatsApp call on +996555303025

Our Responsible Travel Policy outlines our commitment to preserving the environment, supporting local communities, protecting the vulnerable, and giving back to the places we travel. All our trip group leaders or local representatives, suppliers, and staff are trained on these principles and are core to us delivering sustainable, experience-rich travel. Explore the different parts of our Responsible Travel Policy by visiting: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/responsible-travel LOCAL DRESS We recommend that you dress respectfully at all stages of the trip especially when in and around religious sites. In Central Asia both men and women generally dress very conservatively by covering their legs and shoulders. Women are advised to cover their heads when entering functioning Orthodox churches and mosques, while men should remove their hats. UZBEKISTAN Uzbekistan has a secular constitution. Most Uzbek people are Muslims. You should respect local traditions, customs, laws and religions at all times and be aware of your actions to ensure that they do not offend other cultures or religious beliefs, especially during the holy month of Ramadan or if you intend to visit religious areas. TAJIKISTAN Tajikistan has a secular constitution. Most Tajik citizens are Muslims. Some, particularly in rural areas, may be conservative in outlook. You should respect local traditions, customs, laws and religions at all times. Homosexuality is not illegal under Tajik law but local attitudes are conservative, particularly outside the main cities. You should take care over public displays of affection. KAZAKHSTAN Standards of dress and behaviour are conservative in Kazakhstan. Take care not to offend. If in doubt, dress conservatively and seek local advice. During Ramadan, take care to respect religious and cultural sensitivities, rules and customs. In particular, avoid eating, drinking and smoking in public in the presence of people who are fasting and drinking and smoking in public space is strictly prohibited. KYRGYZSTAN Standards of dress and behaviour are conservative in the Kyrgyzstan. Obvious displays of affection, even between married couples can offend. During Ramadan, respect religious and cultural sensitivities, rules and customs. Don't eat, drink or smoke in public or in front of people who are fasting and drinking and smoking in public space is strictly prohibited.

Our non-profit, The Intrepid Foundation, gives travellers more opportunities to make a positive impact in the places they visit. We have over 50 Intrepid Foundation partners across the globe addressing four key focus areas: protecting the environment, taking a stand for wildlife, addressing inequality and empowering communities. Intrepid matches all post-trip donations dollar for dollar and takes care of the admin fees – this doubles your impact and ensures every cent goes to our partners on the ground. Visit our website for more info: http://www.theintrepidfoundation.org/ This trip directly supports Eden Reforestation Projects, who are tackling climate change by restoring forests across the world; they also hire locally and create job opportunities within local communities. Donations support restoration across planting sites in 10 countries, including Madagascar, Kenya and Nepal. To find out more or make a donation, visit: http://www.theintrepidfoundation.org/t/eden-reforestation-projects 

OCCASIONAL ALTERNATIVE ACCOMMODATION The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline. On rare occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our usual accommodation. A similar standard of accommodation will be used in these instances. TWIN SHARE / MULTI SHARE BASIS Accommodation on this trip is on a twin/multishare basis. Please note there may be times where facilities will be shared rather than ensuite and rare occasions when you share a room with passengers travelling on a different Intrepid trip than your own. CHECK-IN TIME Throughout the trip we request that our hotels prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination. PRE/POST TRIP ACCOMMODATION If you've purchased pre-trip or post-trip accommodation (subject to availability), you may be required to change rooms from your trip accommodation for these extra nights. HOMESTAYS: Please note that at our homestays you might be required to share a room with people of other genders, or with your leader. Because we stay at real people's homes, beds might be pull-out couches or mattresses on the floor, or even a yurt in their backyard. Some of the accommodation along the way is very basic, staying in local guesthouses, yurts and homestays with limited facilities. Some facilities are shared and some accommodation has cold water only or no bathroom facilities.

Travel insurance is compulsory on all our trips for those travelling internationally. We require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. If you are travelling within your home country or region please confirm before travel that you are entitled to access the public medical system easily should an accident occur. We strongly recommend all travellers have a policy that also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage or personal effects. For international trips, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance and the insurance company's 24-hour emergency contact number has been sighted by your group leader or local representative. If you have credit card insurance your group leader or local representative will require details of the participating insurer/underwriter, the level of coverage, policy number, and emergency contact number rather than the bank's name and your credit card details. Please contact your bank for these details prior to arriving in-country. For travellers who reside within the European Union, Switzerland or USA the requirement to purchase travel insurance cannot be compulsory. However the purchase of travel insurance is still highly recommended, and travellers from these regions who decline travel insurance when travelling outside of their home region must sign a Travel Insurance Waiver Form at the Group Meeting, recognizing personal responsibility for emergency medical and repatriation costs should they arise. For assistance with travel insurance or other services, please visit the link below: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/booking-resources/our-services

As you travel on a group trip you will be exposed to all the pleasures and maybe some of the frustrations of travelling in a group. Your fellow travellers will probably come from all corners of the world and likely a range of age groups too. We ask you to be understanding of the various needs and preferences of your group - patience with your fellow travellers is sometimes required for the benefit of everyone's travel experience. Remember too that you have responsibilities to the group. If you are requested to be at a place at a certain time, ensure that you don't keep the rest of the group waiting. We have found time and time again that the very best trips we operate are those where the dynamics within the group work well - this takes just a little effort on your part. Due to privacy reasons, we are unable to provide you with contact details and any personal information about your fellow travellers booked on your trip prior to departure. SOLO TRAVELLERS On our trips, rooming is organised on a twin-share basis. We pair up solo travellers with another traveller of the same gender, as per the gender marker on each of their passports. We also offer an optional single supplement on most trips for travellers who prefer to have their own room. This only applies to accommodation during the tour. Pre-trip and post-trip accommodation booked through us will always be on a single-room basis. On a small selection of trips some accommodation will be open-gender and multishare, such as a felucca in Egypt or an overnight train in Vietnam. Please review the Accommodation section of the Essential Trip Information for details about your trip. LGBTQIA+ TRAVELLERS We strive to create a safe and inclusive environment for everyone. If your gender identity differs from what is indicated on your passport, please contact us so that we can discuss rooming options with you.

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk.

Hotel (17 nights),Guest House (1 night),Tourist Yurt Camp (3 nights),Home Stay (2 nights)