Plan Your Trip

Yes. Uzbekistan’s borders with Kyrgyzstan are open for international visitors, making overland multi-country travel between the different countries straightforward. The Dostuk/Dustlik border checkpoint near Osh, Kyrgyzstan is the easiest way to cross into Uzbekistan from Kyrgyzstan. The border is open daily, often 24-hours a day, and is a simple process of going through Kyrgyz exit formalities and then walking a short distance to clear Uzbekistan passport control. Just have your passport and visa (if needed) ready.

After you clear the border, you can catch a shared taxi or bus to Andijan or another city in the Fergana Valley, which is an interesting stopping point before taking the train to Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara, or other Silk Road destinations in Uzbekistan.

There is another international border crossing between Kensey – Uchkurgan that connects Jalal-Abad Region in Kyrgyzstan with Namangan Region in Uzbekistan. This might be useful if you want to travel to Uzbekistan after one of our Arslanbob Trekking or Horse Trek tours.

We can provide up-to-date guidance on border crossing procedures and even help arrange transport or drivers on either side if you are combining a Kyrgyzstan tour with travel in Uzbekistan.

The best time to visit Kyrgyzstan is during the late spring, summer, and early autumn months – roughly late May through late-September. This is when the weather is warm and the mountain passes become free of snow.  Kyrgyzstan cultural tours are possible all year round, but late spring and early autumn are often favorite times as the temperatures are cooler.

For high-altitude treks and hikes in Kyrgyzstan, July to mid-September are ideal as the days are long, mountain temperatures are at their warmest, the highest mountain passes are clear of snow, and nomadic families are up in the jailoos (summer pastures), which adds to the cultural experience.

We’ll advise you on the best time for your chosen tour, as some tours and routes have slightly different optimal windows based on their location, altitude and activity level.

In summer (June–August), weather in Kyrgyzstan’s mountains is generally sunny and mild, but it varies greatly by elevation and time of day. During the day in the mountains temperatures can reach 20–25°C (68–77°F). The temperatures vary during the day depending upon the altitude, wind and other weather conditions, so it’s still important to bring layers to stay warm. The sun is very strong at these high altitudes, so be sure to protect your skin and your eyes.

Nights in the mountains can be cold, even in summer. You can expect around 5°C at high altitudes and frosty mornings, especially by late August.

Although rainfall is relatively rare in summer, mountain weather can change quickly so you might experience an afternoon thunderstorm or a brief rain/snow shower over a high pass. You  should be prepared for a bit of everything by dressing in layers and having the right gear: warm sunshine, cool winds, cold nights and maybe a bit of rain.

Our treks and tours have recommended packing lists, but if you have specific questions about the weather and what to bring on your tour, just let us know.

Kyrgyzstan in winter (December through February) is cold and snowy, particularly in the mountains. Although our trekking or horseback riding tours are not offered during winter, you can still enjoy cultural tours and city visits. And Kyrgyzstan offers a lot of other winter activities and sports like skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing and winter yurt stays.

If you’d like to visit Kyrgyzstan in winter, we’re happy to craft a special winter itinerary so you can enjoy Kyrgyzstan as a winter wonderland.

Your mobile phone should work in Kyrgyzstan/Tajikistan if you enable international roaming, but roaming costs from international carriers can be very expensive.

If you want to stay connected during your trip to Kyrgyzstan or Tajikistan, we recommend getting a local SIM card upon arrival for convenience and cost savings. Alternatively, you could get an eSIM like Airalo that offers weekly or monthly data plans.

In Kyrgyzstan, the main mobile operators are Beeline, O!, and MegaCom. They all have good coverage in cities and even decent reach in many rural areas. A tourist SIM with a data package is quite cheap — e.g., $5-$10 for several GB of data and local calls. Your guide can help you purchase and register a SIM in Osh or Bishkek when you start the tour. You’ll need to show your passport. If you stay in Kyrgyzstan longer than 30 days then you’ll need to register your IMEI number with a government database on the IMEI.kg website. The process is inexpensive (around 550som / US$6.30), but it can be a bit difficult to get set up for foreign phones.

In Tajikistan, Babilon or MegaFon are common operators. Khorog and Dushanbe have many shops to get a SIM card. Coverage in the Pamirs is spotty, but you’ll get signal in towns like Murghab and Khorog.

If you prefer not to bother with getting a SIM card, you can still get online from time to time. Many cafes and hotels in cities or bigger towns offer free Wi-Fi.

Note: If your phone is locked to your home carrier, it may not accept a foreign SIM, so ensure your phone is unlocked before buying a SIM card.

Traveling from Osh to Bishkek (or Bishkek to Osh), your main transportation options are:

1. Domestic Flight: ~40 minutes, tickets around $45-$60. This can be booked through us or online at bookit.kg or ticket.kg.
2. Private Car/Van Transfer: ~10 hours driving, scenic but long. Cost per person depends on the group size.
3. Shared Taxi/Minibus: Cheaper, but less comfort and flexibility. You may also have to wait some time until there is a minimum group size.

We can help with booking whichever method suits your budget and schedule.

Yes, we can organize private transfers from Osh to Tashkent (or other Uzbek cities) via the Dostuk border crossing. It is also easy to travel independently by catching a shared taxi or bus at the border. We can provide you the information you need if you prefer this option.

Crossing times and costs vary depending on your group size so let us know what you need. Travel typically takes 5–7 hours total, including border formalities. We’re happy to advise on or arrange the logistics.

Traveling from Samarkand, Uzbekistan >>> to Dushanbe, Tajikistan by road offers a scenic journey with a mix of border-crossing adventure and cultural discovery. This guide provides step-by-step instructions, transport options, and practical advice to help you plan your trip effectively. With efficient border crossings and affordable taxis, this is one of the best routes to explore Central Asia. The border crossing connecting Uzbekistan (Samarkand) and Tajikistan (Panjakent) is called Jartepa.

Step 1: Travel from Samarkand to the Jartepa Border Crossing

The Jartepa border lies about 46 km from Samarkand, and there are a couple of easy ways to reach it from Samarkand.

• Yandex Taxi: 100,000–120,000 UZS (USD 8-10)
  Travel Time: 1 hour
  Convenience: Yandex taxis offer direct service to the border, avoiding the hassle of shared transportation.
• Marshrutka (Minibus): 45,000 UZS (USD 3.70)
  Travel Time: 1–1.5 hours
  Availability: Departs from Kaftarkhona Terminal but only leaves once full. Expect a few stops along the way.

Step 2: Border Crossing at Jartepa

The Jartepa-Panjakent border crossing is generally smooth and efficient with minimal paperwork and waiting times.
Be prepared to show hotel registration slips upon request, although not all officials will ask for them.
Money exchange services are available—negotiating rates helps. Expect approximately 530 TJS per USD 50​
On the Tajik side, most travelers report a quick and friendly immigration process, with minimal or no questions asked.
Border crossing time usually takes 20-30 minutes, though it can vary depending on traffic​

Step 3: Traveling from Jartepa to Dushanbe

Once across the border, you’ll need a ride from Jartepa to Dushanbe. Here are your best options:

• Shared Taxi: 100-150 TJS (USD 10-15) per seat. Travel Time: 3.5–4 hours.
  Note: Shared taxis depart only when all seats are filled, so you might have to wait for other passengers.
• Private Taxi: 600 TJS (USD 50-60).
  Convenience: If you don’t want to wait, hiring a private taxi ensures a faster and more comfortable trip. This scenic drive passes through mountain tunnels, small villages, and valleys, making it an enjoyable part of the trip.

Step 4: Arriving in Dushanbe

Once in Dushanbe, you can either get dropped off at a central station or negotiate a hotel drop-off for an extra fee. It’s advisable to use ATMs upon arrival, as some drivers may not accept foreign currency. Carry Tajik somoni (TJS) for local expenses.

Tips for a Smooth Journey from Samarkand to Dushanbe

• Start Early: Early departures help avoid long border queues and ensure shared taxis fill up quickly.
• Carry Multiple Currencies: Bring USD, Uzbek som, and Tajik somoni to handle transport and border fees efficiently.
• Prepare to Bargain: Negotiating taxi fares is standard practice—agree on prices upfront to avoid confusion.
• Pack Light: Space may be limited in shared taxis, so keep luggage manageable. Large bags may need to be strapped to the roof rack.

Kyrgyz cuisine is hearty and meat-forward, with staples like lamb, beef, and horse meat, often served with noodles, rice, or bread. Meals are influenced by nomadic culture and neighboring Central Asian cuisines.
Here are some traditional Kyrgyz dishes to try:

• Beshbarmak – Boiled meat (often lamb or horse) with wide noodles and onion broth
• Laghman – Hand-pulled noodles in a rich, spicy broth with vegetables and meat
• Plov – Central Asian rice pilaf cooked with carrots, onions, and meat
• Manty – Steamed dumplings filled with meat or sometimes pumpkin
• Samsa – Oven-baked pastries filled with meat, potato, or pumpkin
• Ashlyan-fu – A cold noodle dish with vinegar and chili, often vegetarian (especially in Karakol)
• Shashlik – Skewered grilled meat, commonly served at roadside cafes
• Kuurdak – Fried meat with onions and potatoes
• Boorsok – Fried dough bites, often served with tea
• Chalap – A savory fermented yogurt drink, similar to ayran

While traditional meals are centered around meat, vegetarian travelers can still eat well in Kyrgyzstan. Many local dishes include fresh produce, grains, and dairy. Salads, manty with pumpkin, fried potatoes, and lentil soups are widely available, especially in cities and tourist areas.

Where in Kyrgyzstan is it easiest to find vegetarian food?

Karakol stands out as one of the best destinations for vegetarian travelers. With its diverse community and active trekking culture, Karakol offers a range of restaurants and cafés that cater to vegetarians and vegans, including international and fusion cuisine options.

In larger cities like Bishkek, Osh, and Karakol, you’ll find cafés and restaurants serving European, Asian, and Middle Eastern cuisine that often include vegetarian or vegan-friendly foods.

Are there any local vegetarian dishes to try?

Yes! Try ashlyan-fu, a cold noodle dish from Karakol often served vegetarian, or samsa filled with vegetables or pumpkin. In Osh, you can also find maida manty, which are ravioli/dumplings/stuffed pasta filled with potatoes or spinach.  You can also find fresh dairy products, homemade breads, and seasonal fruit preserves in local guesthouses and bazaars. Many of the large food bazaars have sections with “Korean salads” that are vegetarian/vegan.

It’s becoming easier to get to Kyrgyzstan with an international flight as more connections are added each year. Although there are no direct flights to Kyrgyzstan from Europe or North America, it is easy to catch a connecting flight through Istanbul or Dubai as they have many flights to Kyrgyzstan each week.

Kyrgyzstan has two main international airports: Bishkek Airport (FRU) and Osh Airport (OSS).

The majority of international flights to Kyrgyzstan land in Bishkek including:

• Turkish Airlines from Istanbul to Bishkek
• Pegasus Airlines from Istanbul to Bishkek
• Flydubai Airlines from Dubai to Bishkek
• AirArabia Airlines from Sharjah in UAE to Bishkek
• Jazeera Airways from Kuwait to Bishkek
• Air Astana from Almaty to Bishkek

There are an increasing number of international flights direct to Osh, which is convenient if you are doing a trek or tour in the Alay Mountains.

• Pegasus Airlines from Istanbul to Osh
• Flydubai Airlines from Dubai to Osh

Domestic flights between Bishkek and other cities.

There are 4-5  regular flights everyday between Bishkek and Osh cities. There are also domestic flights to other cities in Kyrgyzstan as to Tamchy village and Karakol in Issyk-Kul Region and Jalal-Abad. However, these are not regular and usually only operate in the high summer season. You can book domestic flights only one month in advance. The best local websites to book domestic flights in Kyrgyzstan online are bookit.kg and tickets.kg.

We can also assist you in buying domestic flights in Kyrgyzstan for a small fee as one of our services. Just let us know how we can assist you.

You can find almost all types of accommodation in Kyrgyzstan to match every level of comfort, style and budget. Booking.com is one of the easiest ways to book accommodation online in Kyrgyzstan as many hotels, guest houses, hostels and even yurt camps are listed there.

Different accommodation options in Kyrgyzstan include:

• Hotels: These are mostly found in the big cities or larger towns like Bishkek, Osh or Karakol. These can range from simple 2* to more luxurious 5* hotels. Bishkek has several main international hotel chains like Sheraton, Hyatt, Marriot, Novotel and Ramada.
• Guest houses: These are smaller accommodation that are usually run by a family business so while they may be more basic than a hotel, they offer many modern comforts with a more personal touch. Guest houses are common throughout Kyrgyzstan and most include breakfast as a standard service.
• Hostels: Easiest to find in the cities or bigger towns, hostels are becoming more popular as they are budget accommodation option that provides travelers a good way to meet each other.
• Homestays: These are located in the smaller towns and villages. Homestays are usually where a family has opened up several rooms in their house to host visitors. Sometimes this might mean shared rooms and facilities. Although the services and comfort might be more basic, it’s a more personal experience with your local host. Often a home-cooked breakfast and dinner is provided.
• Yurt Camps:  Yurts are the traditional Kyrgyz nomadic homes that are circular and are made from felt. Staying in a yurt is one of the most memorable experiences in Kyrgyzstan. These are located along the south shore of Lake Issyk-Kul and high in the mountains. Many of our trekking tours include yurt stays.

Yes, there are a few cultural considerations to keep in mind when hiking and trekking in Kyrgyzstan in order to be respectful of local people, culture and traditions. For example, be sure to remove shoes before entering a yurt or a home. Additionally, always ask for permission before taking photographs of people, their animals and their belongings.

If you visit a mosque or other religious place, it’s essential to dress modestly and for women to cover their heads.

Yes, we offer both private tours and small group tours. You can choose which option works best for you. If you’re a solo traveler, a couple, or a pre-formed group of friends/family traveling together, you can book any of our itineraries as a private tour just for you. We’ll provide your own guide, driver, and you’ll have private accommodation. Private tours are great if you prefer traveling at your own pace or have specific dates.

We can also create customized itineraries for private groups that combine tours or are a completely bespoke itinerary that meets your schedule and interests.

We also organize group tours with scheduled departures, especially for popular tours like the Pamir Highway or Best of Alay Trek. Group tours are typically 4–10 travelers from around the world who join together to share costs and experiences. This is a nice option for solo travelers or pairs looking to meet others and reduce the cost of the trip. If you don’t see a tour departure on our Group Tours page that fits your schedule, ask us if we can match you with others who have similar plans.

Whether you choose a private or group tour, our standard of service is the same; you’ll get an experienced English-speaking guide, reliable transport, local accommodation and hosts, and a carefully crafted itinerary.

Solo travelers are very welcome on all of our tours. You have the option to join a scheduled group tour as we frequently have groups forming for treks, horse treks, cultural tours and Pamir Highway road trips.

Joining a group is a great way to share costs and meet other travelers as these group tours often have mixed groups of solo travelers, couples and friends traveling together. If we don’t yet have a group on your desired dates, you can be the first to start one. We’ll list the departure and try to find a few more people to join you. Also, there’s no single supplement fee for joining a group tour. We arrange rooming by gender, unless you prefer to pay extra for a single room/tent.

If you prefer more privacy and flexibility, you can book a private trip just for yourself. It will cost more than a shared group, but you get one-on-one guiding and full flexibility.

We keep our groups small and personable. A typical group tour will have about 4 to 8 travelers for treks and cultural tours and up to 4 people on group Pamir Highway tours (maximum capacity for a 4×4 vehicle). We usually cap the group size at around 10 people maximum (depending on the tour).

By limiting group size, we ensure you get plenty of attention from the guide and have more personal experiences. It’s also easier for small groups to stay in family yurt camps or small guesthouses or homestays so that we can support local small businesses.

As for your fellow travelers, they tend to be like-minded adventure enthusiasts from all over the world. The group tours are often a mix of solo travelers, couples, or friends traveling together. Given the focus of our tours, our travelers are mostly interested in trekking, nature, and cultural interaction.

The age range varies as we’ve hosted people in their early 20s up to their 70s, but the average is probably mid-20s to mid-40s. English is our guiding language so everyone speaks English on the tour even if though they come from all over the world and speak different mother languages. Group dynamics are usually very positive as travelers enjoy sharing the challenge of crossing a high mountain pass or enjoying a hearty meal in the yurt together after a long day of hiking. We often see travelers become friends and keep in touch long after the trip.

If you’re curious about a specific group departure, we can tell you how many people are currently signed up and the general age/interest background. In any case, expect an intimate group experience on our group tours than a big, mainstream tourist experience.

We provide all necessary private transportation during our tours, using comfortable and reliable vehicles suited to the local terrain. In cities or on good paved roads (for example, transfers around Bishkek, Osh, or Issyk-Kul region), we typically use a minivan or SUV depending on group size.  For the Pamir Highway and transfers to mountain villages for our treks or horse treks, we use sturdy 4×4 vehicles since the roads are rough and often unpaved. These 4WD vehicles have high clearance and are driven by experienced local drivers who know the roads well.

We maintain our vehicles well for safety and comfort with seat belts for all passengers and A/C (although often we drive with windows down to enjoy fresh mountain air.

If you want to book additional transportation or transfers for before or after your tour, just let us know and we can arrange this.

Our tour prices are designed to be comprehensive and cover nearly all your essential expenses during the trip. Inclusions vary a bit by itinerary, so it is important to check the specific details of your tour as to what is included in the price and what isn’t.

In general, the tour price includes:

• All accommodation at local hotels, guesthouses, homestays, yurt camps, or tents (camping).
• Private transportation and transfers during the tour.
• An English-speaking guide who may also be your driver on Pamir Highway road trips or a separate guide on cultural tours or trekking trips.
• Most meals on the tour. This varies per the type of tour as trekking tours usually include all meals while cultural tours may only have select meals. Check the specific details for your tour.
• All entrance fees for scheduled activities (e.g., entry tickets to museums, border zone permits, national park fees).

In general, what’s not included in the tour price:

• International airfare to Kyrgyzstan or transport to the tour starting point. We can assist with domestic flights or transfers to the starting point.
• Visas (if required) or special permits like the GBAO permit to travel along the Pamir Highway
• Travel and international health insurance
• Alcohol or personal snacks, although sometimes a welcome drink is provided
• Accommodation before the tour begins or after it ends.
• Lunches and dinners in bigger cities (e.g., Bishkek, Osh or Karakol) on cultural tours might be left open so you can explore restaurant options. We’ll note it in the itinerary.
• Optional or additional activities not included in the itinerary.
• Tips for guides and drivers are not included. Tipping is optional, but appreciated.
• On Pamir Highway tours accommodation and meals at homestays are paid by travelers on the spot in order to keep flexibility, but we give you an estimate of how much cash to bring so you are prepared.

Every tour description has a list of what is included and excluded in the tour price so there are no surprises and you can budget accordingly.

On our Kyrgyzstan cultural tours or outside of the nights in the mountains, we choose local accommodations that are the best available in each location, with an eye for comfort, cleanliness, and local charm. In towns and cities, we typically use well-regarded family-run guesthouses or B&Bs. These usually are private rooms (single or double) with private bathrooms, hot showers, Wi-Fi, and breakfast included. In more remote towns or villages, sometimes the facilities are shared and these will be more basic homestay experiences.

For the yurt stays like at Song-Kul Lake, accommodation is in traditional yurts run by shepherd families or community cooperatives. Yurts are shared (2-4 guests per yurt, usually gender-separated unless you’re a couple/family) with mattresses on the floor and plenty of blankets. It’s snug and an authentic nomad experience, often one of the favorite experiences from a trip to Kyrgyzstan.

Our goal with our accommodation is that they become part of your travel experience as you’ll have an opportunity to meet local families and enjoy cultural and culinary traditions. In addition, we work with families or small businesses to ensure that the money stays local.

If you have a specific accommodation request, please let us know when you book your tour.

In cities and larger towns like Osh, Bishkek, and Karakol, you’ll have regular electricity (220V, European-style two-pin outlets) and usually free Wi-Fi at hotels and guesthouses. Many cafes and restaurants in these places also offer free wifi.

Once you go into the mountains or rural areas, you might expect limited electricity and very little internet in remote villages. Yurt camps in the mountains often have some electricity, usually solar-powered or generator-based, for lighting in the evenings and maybe charging phones. We suggest you bring a power bank to recharge your devices on multi-day treks or Pamir Highway trips, since you might not have nightly access to outlets.

As for mobile data coverage, most villages and towns have at least a 3G or 4G signal if you have a local SIM card, but once you get deeper into the high mountains and go into valleys expect little to no signal. While some rural homestays and guesthouses advertise free Wifi, it is often from mobile data and is not very strong. It’s best to assume you’ll be off-grid for portions of the trip, especially during high altitude treks and in remote areas of the Pamir Highway.

If you really want to be connected, we suggest you buy a local SIM card or eSIM (e.g., like Airalo). Kyrgyzstan’s and Tajikistan’s SIM cards and prepaid data plans are very inexpensive. Our guides can help you buy a local SIM card.

Otherwise, think of the trip as a chance to disconnect in order to reconnect with nature, culture and new experiences.

Our guides are one of our greatest assets as they are all local experts in their field. You’ll be accompanied by a friendly, knowledgeable local guide throughout your tour. Our guides speak English (some are fluent, others conversational but very understandable) and of course they speak the local languages (Kyrgyz, Russian, and often Tajik or Uzbek if in those regions). This means that they can also act as impromptu interpreters when talking and interacting with local people.

Many of our guides have 5+ years of experience leading tours and most grew up in the very regions you’ll be visiting, so you’re truly getting a local’s insight. For example, on a trek in the Alay Mountains, your trekking guide might from one of the mountain villages who has been hiking those mountains or going with his family in the summer months to the jailoo (high pasture) with their animals since childhood. We aim for guides who are not just competent in outdoor skills and logistics, but also passionate about sharing their culture with you. They’ll happily teach you a few Kyrgyz phrases or introduce you to a shepherd friend along the way.

On overland road trips like the Pamir Highway tour, often the driver is also the guide. These driver-guides speak English and act as interpreters when interacting with locals. In some cases where we have a large group or by request, we have a separate dedicated guide plus a driver.

All our guides are experienced, well-trained and genuinely care about your experience, as well as benefiting the local communities we visit. They’ll handle all the on-the-ground arrangements, from check-ins to meal orders, and troubleshoot any issues.

If you have specific language needs like a German or French-speaking guide, we can sometimes arrange that as well. Just ask us in advance when you book your tour.

We are a locally owned company and very committed to community-based, sustainable tourism practices. This means we operate and make decisions in order to try and ensure that our tours and operations provide positive socioeconomic impact on local communities and limit our environmental footprint.

Our commitment to sustainability principles and community tourism includes:

• We hire local staff and work with guides, drivers, horsemen, homestay families and local coordinators from the places you are visiting so that tourism income benefits the local people in these communities. For example, many of our trekking guides are local university students so that they can earn additional income in the summer to support their studies. We pay fair wages and ensure that they have proper gear.
• On our treks we use yurt camps run by local families or shepherds so that they can earn additional money from hosting and feeing trekkers and hikers in the summer months. We helped set up many of these yurt camps by providing special hospitality training to the families and financial support to buy additional yurts to host trekkers. In remote high mountain regions without a lot of job opportunities, this additional money often is used for schooling, health costs, home improvements and more.
• We buy food and supplies from local businesses and village markets to support local farmers, producers and businesses.
• We choose accommodation in cities and towns that is locally owned and usually family-run. This ensures that we are supporting local small businesses and the money is staying local.
• We aim to preserve the natural environment by enforcing a “leave no trace” policy on treks – e.g., all trash packed out, no picking rare flowers or plants, staying on the trail, etc. — and educating travelers on respecting the fragile high altitude mountain landscapes. After the trekking season ends we often organize cleanups where our staff picks up litter and trash left on the trails from the summer.
• We try to limit single use plastics by encouraging use of reusable water bottles and boiling water at yurt camps to provide clean drinking water
• We encourage respectful cultural exchange by briefing our guests on respectful behavior like modest dress, asking permission before photographing people, and understanding local customs. This helps avoid negative cultural impacts.
• We support animal welfare by having weight limits on what pack animals can carry, the number of hours per day they should work, ensuring proper rest and food.
• A portion of some tour proceeds go to a local development fund that helps support local family yurt camps and businesses to invest in and grow their business.

By choosing to travel with Visit Alay, you’re supporting a network of Kyrgyz and Tajik families and small businesses, many of whom live in remote mountain regions. We believe tourism can and should benefit everyone involved with the traveler having an immersive and memorable experience while the local communities benefit from their visit. We’re always looking for ways to improve our sustainability approach. Feel free to ask us more if you’re curious.

Tipping is not mandatory in Central Asia, but it is always very welcome if you are happy with the service and had a good experience. Our guides and drivers never demand tips, but they certainly appreciate them. Although they are paid a fair wage, these extra thank-you amounts do help, especially in countries like Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan where salaries are modest.

The following is a rough guideline for tips for guides, drivers and other support staff during your tour in Kyrgyzstan and along the Pamir Highway. For private tours you may want to add more than this for the personalized care and services.

• Guide on treks, horse treks or cultural tours: $50 to $200, depending upon the length and complexity of the tour
• Pamir Highway drivers (who also act as guides):  $50 to $100
• Horsemen (for luggage) and porters: $30 to $100

We can advise discreetly if you want guidance on tipping for your specific tour setup.

Accommodation on the Pamir Highway is a highlight and experience in itself as you’ll stay in authentic local guesthouses and homestays in remote towns and villages along the way. These accommodations usually have basic services (e.g., toilets might be outside) and are in a local family home, but they are clean and comfortable. They also offer a unique opportunity to experience local Pamiri and Kyrgyz culture, hospitality and traditional cuisine.

Accommodation options along the Pamir Highway mainly include guesthouses and home stays in the small towns and villages along the way.

On our Pamir Highway tours the driver will book accommodation in the villages, but you have the option to book your own accommodation in the cities of Khorog or Dushanbe (e.g., on Booking.com). Accommodation in villages with dinner and breakfast usually costs around $20-$30/person per day.

Here are some typical overnight stops along the Pamir Highway and their accommodations, but please check your itinerary for specific details.

• Tulparkol Lake (Kyrgyzstan): Stay in a traditional Kyrgyz yurt camp at 3,500 meters after a hike up to Traveler’s Pass (4,130 meters). Alternative accommodation is a homestay in Sary Mogul village.
• Karakul Lake (Tajikistan): A small village where we stay in traditional yurts. No running water (outhouse toilet), but lots of blankets and a hearty meal by a stove.
• Murghab: A high plain town where accommodation is usually a family homestay, usually with twin or shared rooms (up to 4 people). Shared facilities, usually outdoors.  Rooms might be private or shared twins, some with shared bath.
• Langar (Wakhan Valley): Homestay or village guesthouse, often Pamiri style house (distinctive design with pillars). Cozy sleeping arrangements on mats or beds, shared facilities.
• Khorog: This is the main town in the Pamir Region and it has small guesthouses or hotels, sometimes with en-suite facilities. Electricity and wifi is usually available.
• Jizeu: This small, remote village has simple homestays with shared rooms and facilities.
• Kalaikhum: Comfortable guesthouse with shared facilities and rooms.

In summary, you’ll be staying with local families and hosts each night, which means that your trip is supporting the local communities and economy in addition to being a memorable experience.

Yes, creating customized itineraries for private tours is one of our specialties! Think of our listed tours as a starting point for ideas. Then we are happy to customize an itinerary to suit your interests, schedule, and budget.

Many of our clients mix and match or combine tours. For example, combine a cultural tour around Issyk-Kul and Song Kul Lake with a trek into the Tian-Shan mountains. Or add a multi-day trek in the Alay Mountains after a Pamir Highway road trip. We’ve arranged everything from photography-focused tours to ultra-specialized itineraries like mountain biking or attending a local festival. Because we’re a local company with partners throughout Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, we can create unique and lesser known routes and itineraries.

Creating a customized itinerary usually starts with you telling us your wish list of things you definitely want to see or do, your group size, and how many days you have. Then we propose a draft plan and refine it together until we agree on the perfect itinerary for your interests and schedule.

We pride ourselves on not being a cookie-cutter tour operator and we love putting together unique and unusual itineraries based on our local expertise and network. Just reach out and let us know what you’re dreaming of doing and we’ll try to make it happen.

We use 4×4 SUVs (e.g., Toyota Land Cruiser, Nissan Patrol) with experienced local drivers who have safely navigated the Pamir Highway for years. They know the terrain, high-altitude passes, and road conditions intimately. Our drivers are also trained in basic vehicle repairs for remote areas.

Yes, vegetarians and vegans are very welcome on our treks and tours! We can absolutely accommodate a vegetarian or vegan diet and have a lot of experience in this over the years. The homestays, guest houses and yurt stays are able to cook vegetarian food and will offer more eggs, dairy products (e.g., yogurt, kefir), and vegetables. Vegan eaters will be served more vegetable, fruit and grain options during meals.

Please inform us in advance that you are vegetarian or vegan so we can make the proper arrangements for the food needed along this tour.