Insights - Is This Trip Right For You?

Is this trip right for you? 

You want to get it right — finding a trip that suits your travel style. These insights will help you decide if this journey is a good fit. 

ABOUT THE GROUP

• A small group experience exclusively for solo travellers — capped at 12 travellers
• For travellers aged 40 and over
• You enjoy the camaraderie of group travel — shared meals, new friendships, and the comfort of travelling with like-minded adventurers.
• You’ve got a spirit of adventure and know this itinerary includes some longer travel days, occasional basic toilet stops (particularly in Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan), and varied road conditions. 

TOURING QUICK FACTS

• Spring & Autumn: Mild days, cooler nights — pack layers.
• Summer: Can be hot and dry in the day, cooling down at night.
• Winter: Not a touring season we offer due to extreme cold at some destinations 

🧥 Tip: Best to pack a mix of light, breathable layers plus a warm outer layer for cooler evenings — especially in mountainous regions like Kyrgyzstan.

ACCOMMODATION

• City stays: Modern, comfortable 4 to 5 star hotels.
• Regional areas: Clean and welcoming 3 star hotels or guesthouses, chosen for quality and location — may have simpler amenities than city hotels.
• There is also one Yurt Camp stay that is basic and with shared bathroom facilities 

PHYSICAL CHALLENGES

• There’s a some longer road travel, especially in Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan, where road travel is key to reaching more remote areas around the lake.
• You’re comfortable walking around uneven sites and getting on and off the vehicle multiple times a day.
• Travellers with low mobility are not suited to this itinerary. 

LOCAL FOOD

• The cuisine leans heavily towards meat-based dishes, especially beef and horse (horse more in Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan). We don’t opt for horse on meals included however it’s on menus and in markets.
• Vegetarian options are possible but expect options to be limited or repetitive in some areas. A vegan diet can’t be catered for or otherwise heavily restricted and may require some self arrangements to substitute meals on the itinerary and your own cost.
• Local flavours are part of the adventure — expect traditional Central Asian cuisine, occasional hearty soups, grilled meats, dumplings, and flatbreads.
  

🍽 If you have strict dietary needs, let us know early — and pack snacks for peace of mind. 

ANIMAL WELFARE

• We’re committed to responsible travel and do not support activities where animals are exploited for tourist entertainment with the exception of traditional use of animals as part of local culture 

• This trip includes a cultural demonstration of traditional eagle hunting in Kyrgyzstan — an ancient practice passed through generations. The experience is hosted by local families who are part of a long-standing tradition and have been carefully vetted to ensure the birds are treated with respect and care.
  
  🦅 It’s an opportunity to witness a unique nomadic custom in a thoughtful and respectful setting.  

SOAKING UP CULTURE & TRADITION

• You’re curious and open to learning about local traditions, religions, and history.
• Modesty is important in some cultural sites — cover shoulders and knees when visiting mosques, mausoleums, or religious spaces.
• Some areas are more traditional, especially rural Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan — dress respectfully.

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS

Connectivity

• Wi-Fi is available in most city hotels but can be patchy or non-existent in remote areas. Loss of connectivity generally only likely to happen on some road travel.

📶 Stay connected by bringing a SIM card or eSIM with roaming for Central Asia if you need regular access.

Local Currency & Cash

• Credit cards are accepted in major cities, but cash is recommended in case for regional areas and local markets.
• ATMs are common in cities but can be unreliable in smaller towns.

Toilets

• Western-style toilets in hotels and many restaurants.
• Some rural stops may have basic squat toilets or no formal facilities, so be prepared. This is more likely in Kyrgyzstan and travel to Almaty, Kazakhstan. We do our best to plan the itinerary to work around ‘toilets in nature’ but in some cases it’s unavoidable should ‘nature call’.

This trip is ideal for solo travellers seeking something off the typical tourist trail — you’ll cover a lot of ground, discover incredible cultures, and share the ride with fellow solo adventurers. Bring your curiosity, flexibility, and sense of humour — the rewards are big.