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),...
Archives: FAQs
FAQ
What is the Afghan Market? How can I visit during my Pamir Highway road trip?
If you’re traveling along the Pamir Highway, make sure to stop by the Afghan Market in Ishkashim, Tajikistan. Known for its vibrant atmosphere, this market is an incredible place to experience a blend of Afghan, Tajik and Central Asian cultures. Held primarily as a Saturday narket in the town of Ishkashim, it attracts locals, tourists,...
FAQ
What is the altitude of the Pamir Highway? How do I avoid altitude sickness?
The Pamir Highway is a high altitude road and reaches elevations of over 4,600 meters (15,000 feet) in some areas, which can cause altitude sickness in some travelers. In fact, the border crossing between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan at Kyzyl Art Pass is at 4,280 meters (14,000 feet). Although the Pamir Highway tour is a road...
FAQ
What is a Pamir Highway tour?
A Pamir Highway tour is a guided tour that takes travelers along the Pamir Highway, typically in a 4×4 vehicle and with an experienced driver of these rugged roads and terrain. Our Pamir Highway tours are designed to showcase the natural beauty of the Pamir Mountains, as well as the local culture of the local...
FAQ
How do you handle hygiene to prevent gastrointestinal illness on treks?
We’ve strengthened our hygiene measures to reduce GI and stomach issues: We provide hand sanitizer at meal stations. We encourage frequent handwashing with safe water (boiled or filtered). All drinking water is boiled or purified. We train local families on better dishwashing practices and safer food prep (e.g., washing produce with boiled water, careful handling...
FAQ
What if I’m lactose intolerant?
We can minimize dairy products upon request. Please let us know in advance so we can inform hosts and cooks in advance to provide alternatives (e.g., vegetable-based soups, no yogurt sauce, etc.). Many traditional Kyrgyz dishes and yurt-camp meals do involve dairy (yogurt, kumis, cheese). We recommend bringing lactase enzyme supplements just in case.
FAQ
I have celiac disease (gluten intolerance). Will that be a problem?
We can work with our partners and hosts to adapt meals to be gluten-free if you let us know well in advance. However, gluten-free products are not widely available in Kyrgyzstan or Tajikistan, so we recommend you bring any specialty items like GF snacks with you. Our team will do its best to prepare meals...
FAQ
What kind of vehicles and driver experience do you provide for the Pamir Highway tour?
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.
FAQ
Do you offer transport from Kyrgyzstan directly into Uzbekistan, for example Osh to Tashkent?
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...
FAQ
How do I get from Osh to Bishkek or vice versa?
Traveling from Osh to Bishkek (or Bishkek to Osh), your main transportation options are: Domestic Flight: ~40 minutes, tickets around $45-$60. This can be booked through us or online at bookit.kg or ticket.kg. Private Car/Van Transfer: ~10 hours driving, scenic but long. Cost per person depends on the group size. Shared Taxi/Minibus: Cheaper, but less...