FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Everything You Need to Know

Good questions. Straight answers.

Adventure travel can be wonderfully unpredictable. We’ve put together answers to the questions we hear most often, drawing on years of travelling and working with our local teams.

Booking & planning

Everything you need to know before you reserve your place.

Choose a trip and contact our team using the enquiry form. We will confirm availability, explain the booking process and send the relevant booking documents and payment instructions.

Absolutely. Many of our travellers join us solo. Our small-group tours are a great way to meet like-minded people, and we can also arrange private journeys for solo travellers.

Yes. We create independent trips for individuals, couples, families and groups. Tell us your interests, preferred dates and travel style, and we will put together a proposal with our local partners.

Group sizes vary by tour and destination. We favour smaller groups where practical, allowing a more personal experience and easier access to places that larger groups may struggle to visit. Check the individual tour details or ask us for the expected group size.

Departure arrangements and any minimum numbers depend on the tour. We will explain the status of your chosen departure before booking, including any changes to who will lead the trip.

A deposit is normally required to secure your booking. Your confirmation and invoice will show the amount due, payment deadlines and applicable terms.

Bank transfer is our preferred payment method. Card payment may also be available, normally with a 5% processing fee; we will confirm the available options before you pay.

Cancellation charges and any refund entitlements depend on your booking terms and the date you cancel. Please review the Terms & Conditions supplied with your booking and contact us as early as possible.

On many tours, yes. A single supplement may apply and single rooms can be limited, especially in remote regions. Ask us about the options for your particular departure.

Often, yes. We can usually help arrange pre- or post-tour accommodation and transfers in our main gateway cities. Please send your flight details and requirements well in advance.

Life on the road

A little preparation goes a long way.

Accommodation ranges from city hotels to family guesthouses, traditional ger camps, yurts and occasional camping. Facilities vary greatly by destination and itinerary; each tour will outline the accommodation style.

Some trips involve long drives, uneven ground, stairs, altitude or simple facilities. Others are more relaxed. Tell us about any mobility or health considerations before booking so we can discuss what is realistic for your chosen itinerary.

We do our best to accommodate vegetarian and other dietary needs when notified in advance. Choices can be limited in remote areas, and we cannot guarantee an allergen-free environment. Please tell us about allergies or requirements before booking.

Layers, comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, a reusable water bottle, personal medication and a small daypack are good starting points. Some trips need warmer clothing, a sleeping bag or specific equipment; we will advise you before departure.

Usually in major cities, but not necessarily in the countryside, mountains or desert. Some remote journeys have very limited coverage. We recommend downloading essential information and letting family know you may be offline.

Yes. Please arrange suitable travel insurance covering your destinations, medical treatment, emergency evacuation, cancellations and any planned activities. Check exclusions carefully, particularly for high-altitude or remote-area travel.

Occasionally. Weather, road conditions, border procedures, flight changes and local regulations can affect plans. We work with our partners to find sensible alternatives while preserving the spirit of the journey.

This varies by country and itinerary. Your pre-departure information will help you budget for meals not included, drinks, souvenirs and optional tips. Tips are discretionary unless specifically stated otherwise.

Requirements depend on your passport, itinerary and current entry rules. Some destinations require visas or invitation documents arranged in advance. We will explain the relevant process, but travellers remain responsible for ensuring their documents are valid.

Mongolia

Wide-open landscapes, nomadic hospitality and the occasional very bumpy road.

June to September is popular for countryside travel, with July especially busy around Naadam. Spring and autumn can be beautiful but changeable; winter offers very different experiences and serious cold. The best time depends on the places and events you want to see.

A ger is a traditional circular Mongolian dwelling. Tourist camps often provide beds and shared bathroom facilities, while some offer private bathrooms. More remote stays may be considerably simpler. We will explain what to expect on your tour.

At established camps there are usually toilets and showers, although hot water can be limited. In remote areas or while camping, facilities may be basic or unavailable.

Mongolia has excellent stretches of paved road but also long distances on unsealed tracks. Journeys can be dusty, bumpy and slow. This is part of reaching the places that make Mongolia special.

Yes, we offer itineraries built around Mongolia’s traditional festivals. Dates, locations and programmes can change, particularly for regional events, so we advise booking early and allowing some flexibility.

Some itineraries include optional horse or camel experiences. Suitability depends on the location, conditions and your experience. Please follow your guide’s instructions and tell us if you prefer not to ride.

Central Asia: the Five Stans

Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan.

Possibly. The Five Stans have different entry requirements, and these depend on your nationality and route. We will provide country-by-country guidance for your trip, including any invitations or e-visas required.

Some crossings are straightforward; others can involve queues, paperwork, luggage checks and walking between border posts. Your guide will explain the process, but border timings and procedures remain outside our control.

Cards and ATMs are useful in many cities, but cash is important in smaller towns and remote regions. Turkmenistan has particular payment and exchange considerations. We will send destination-specific advice before departure.

The Pamir Highway crosses remote mountainous terrain at high altitude. Expect long drives, variable roads, simple accommodation and potentially significant effects from altitude. It is important to discuss medical or mobility concerns before booking.

Expect a mix of hotels, family-run guesthouses and, on some journeys, traditional yurts or homestays. Mountain accommodation can be simple, with shared facilities and limited heating or hot water.

Yes. Its historic Silk Road cities, rail connections and developed tourism facilities make Uzbekistan a good introduction to the region, while still offering plenty of opportunities to explore beyond the main sights.

Turkmenistan

One of our most unusual destinations, with some extra practical considerations.

For many travellers, an approved Letter of Invitation (LOI) is part of the visa process. Requirements and processing times can change, so please do not make assumptions about approval or visa issuance. We will guide you through the process relevant to your tour.

This may be possible for eligible travellers with the required prior approvals at designated entry points, but arrangements can change. We will confirm the process and documents for your itinerary before travel.

Do not rely on international cards being accepted. Travellers should follow the cash and currency guidance supplied before departure and carry suitable funds for personal expenses and applicable entry charges.

Access, overnight arrangements and the appearance of the crater can change due to local restrictions and developments. We will advise on the current situation and any alternatives if necessary.

Travel is more regulated than in many neighbouring countries. Permits, approved routes and local arrangements may limit spontaneous changes, and sites or hotels can become unavailable at short notice.

The Caucasus

Azerbaijan, Georgia and Armenia — three very different experiences.

Our Caucasus itineraries are designed to explore Azerbaijan, Georgia and Armenia, subject to current border and entry rules. The order and means of travel are chosen around the practical restrictions in place at the time.

Do not assume a direct land crossing is available. Border restrictions and regional tensions affect routing, and itineraries generally use Georgia as the connecting country. We will confirm the actual route before departure.

Requirements differ between Azerbaijan, Georgia and Armenia and depend on your nationality. Azerbaijan may require an e-visa for some visitors, while other entry arrangements vary. Please check the latest advice for your passport.

Expect distinctive regional cuisines, including breads, vegetables, grilled dishes, dumplings and local specialities. Vegetarian options are often available, although choice varies by location and itinerary.

Still have a question?

We’re real people, and we’re always happy to talk through a trip. Tell us where you’d like to go and we’ll help you work out the details.

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