Not at all! Most people who join my group trips come completely solo.

These trips are designed to make it easy to experience somewhere incredible even if you don’t have someone to go with, and you’ll be travelling with the group throughout the entire trip.

The trip starts and finishes in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.

Airport transfers are included, so once you arrive in Bishkek we’ll take care of getting you to the hotel and the same applies for your departure on the final day.

You’ll need to fly into Manas International Airport (FRU) in Bishkek.

You’ll receive more detailed arrival information closer to the trip.

You don’t need to be an athlete, but you do need a reasonable level of fitness for this trip.

There are several hiking days, including longer distances and significant elevation gain, particularly around Ala-Kul Lake and the surrounding mountain passes.

I’d definitely recommend doing some walking or hiking in the lead-up to the trip so you can enjoy the trekking days as much as possible.

The trekking is moderate overall, but some days will feel challenging due to the distance, elevation and altitude.

You can expect several hours of hiking per day through mountain terrain, including uphill and downhill sections.

No technical hiking experience is required, but you should be comfortable walking for extended periods.

The itinerary takes us into high-altitude areas, including Ala-Kul Pass at around 3,900m.

Altitude can affect everyone differently, regardless of fitness level, so we’ll take things steadily and follow the guidance of our local trekking team.

Previous hiking experience is helpful, but it isn’t essential.

As long as you’re reasonably fit, comfortable walking for several hours and willing to do some preparation before the trip, you should be able to take part.

No! The horseback portion of the trip is designed to be beginner-friendly.

You’ll receive instructions before we set off, and we’ll have local horse guides with us throughout the trek.

You’ll need proper hiking shoes or boots, comfortable hiking clothes, warm layers, a rain jacket, sun protection and a small daypack.

Weather in the mountains can change quickly, so layers are really important.

I’ll send everyone a full packing list and preparation guide closer to the trip.

Sleeping bags are provided where required during the mountain and yurt stays, so you won’t need to bring your own unless you personally prefer to.

You won’t need to carry your full suitcase or backpack during the trekking sections.

Your main luggage will be stored safely while you carry only what you need for the trek in a smaller daypack.

We’ll stay in a mix of hotels, guesthouses, mountain camps and traditional yurts.

The hotels are more comfortable, while accommodation in the mountains is much more basic and may include shared facilities, limited Wi-Fi and more simple rooms.

That’s all part of the experience of travelling through such remote areas.

Wi-Fi should be available in the larger towns and hotels, but once we head into the mountains and more remote areas, connectivity may be limited or unavailable.

I’d definitely come prepared for a few days where you’ll be mostly offline.

Yes! Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included throughout the trip.

You’ll be eating a mix of local Kyrgyz food and meals provided by our accommodation and local hosts along the way.

Expect lots of traditional Kyrgyz and Central Asian food throughout the trip.

Meals may include soups, rice dishes, noodles, breads, vegetables and meat-based dishes, particularly in rural areas and yurt camps.

We’ll do our best to accommodate dietary requirements and allergies.

Because we’ll be travelling through remote areas, options can sometimes be more limited, so it’s really important that you let me know about any dietary requirements before the trip.

Yes. Travel insurance is mandatory for everyone joining the trip.

Your policy needs to cover trekking at altitude, horseback riding, medical expenses, emergency evacuation, cancellations and delays.

Make sure you check your policy carefully, as standard travel insurance doesn’t always automatically cover higher-altitude trekking.

Visa requirements depend on your nationality.

Many travellers can enter Kyrgyzstan visa-free, but you’ll need to check the requirements for your own passport before travelling.

The local currency is the Kyrgyz som.

Cards are easier to use in Bishkek and larger towns, but once we’re travelling through rural areas, cash is much more important.

I’d recommend carrying some local currency with you throughout the trip.

We’ll have organised transport throughout the trip, with a mix of private vehicles and special transfers where required.

Some journeys through the mountains and remote areas can take time, so there will be a few longer travel days.

You only need a deposit to secure your spot, and the remaining balance can be paid off through a payment plan.

Once your deposit is paid, your spot is officially secured and you’ll be able to follow the payment schedule from there.