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We've given each of our tours a comfort rating and a tour pace, walking or cycling grade to give you a general idea about the level of activity on each tour and the standard of accommodation you will be staying in at the end of your day's adventure.
Often you'll stay in different styles of accommodation during your tour; so we make an average rating across the entire tour. For more information on where you'll stay each night, please refer to the day by day tour itinerary.
Back to topThe following excursions and/or activities are usually available and may be arranged locally. Estimated costs are provided below for guidance only, are on a per person basis unless shown otherwise, and may depend on the number of participants. Prices quoted are correct as of the date these trip notes were originally issued but may change at any time due to currency fluctuations.
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Silk Road to Lake Kara kul A trip along the famous Silk Road from Kashgar to Lake Kara Kul can be organised locally. Due to the transport required the price varies according to the number of participants; US$127 per person for 2 people, US$51 per person for 10 or more travelling. (including lunch and entrance fees)
Ala Archa Gorge Due to the transport required the price vaires according to the number of participants; US$25 per person for 2 people, US$15 per person for 10 or more travelling.
Tour Leader: At your discretion you might also consider tipping your Tour Leader in appreciation of the efficiency and service you receive.
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Local Staff: In this area, tipping is a recognised part of life. Some local staff will still look to members of the group for personal recognition of particular services provided. Accordingly, you should allow US$ 45 for tipping (it would be better if the tips were supplied to the tour leader un US$ as GBP can sometimes be difficult to change).
Local Currency: China: Renminbi/Yuan.Kyrgyzstan: Som.
Recommended Currency for Exchange: Take your spending money in US$ cash, as many bars and shops only accept hard currency (and often lack the facility to change travellers cheques). We recommend you take new (post 1990), good condition dollar bills.
Where to Exchange: In major towns. Your tour leader will advise you. ATM Availability: Very limited do not rely on this.
Credit Card Acceptance: Limited to major restaurants and stores in cities only. Travellers Cheques: Not recommended for these tours.
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| UK | China | Kyrgyzstan | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tea/Coffee | £1.50 | £1.00 | £0.20 |
| Soft Drink | £1.50 | £1.30 | £0.40 |
| Bottled Water | £1.50 | £1.30 | £0.30 |
| Bottle of Beer | £3.50 | £2.20 | £1.00 |
| 2 Course Meal* | £15.00 | £7.50 | £3.00 |
| 3 Course Meal** | £20.00 | £14.00 | £5.00 |
| Bottle of Wine | £14.50 | ||
| Breakfast | £5.00 |
*Cheap local fare in a small cafe or restaurant.
**Typical food in a simple, reasonably comfortable mid-range restaurant.
It is a condition of joining any of our tours that you must have valid travel insurance. It must indicate that you have cover for (at least) medical expenses and emergency repatriation in the event of illness or injury. We also strongly recommend your policy includes cancellation protection as all deposit paid are non-refundable.
If you require travel insurance for your tour, Explore Worldwide is an appointed representative of Campbell Irvine Limited, who is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services authority. Our travel insurance policy is specially tailored to the needs of the adventure traveller and will cover you for any included activity on any Explore trip. You can either purchase this at the time of booking or call us 0844 499 0901 after you have booked.
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Kyrgyzstan: Visas are not required for visits of less than 60 days for EU, CAN, AUS, US citizens and various other nationalities as listed on the London Kyrgyz Embassy website: www.kyrgyzvisa.com.
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China: Single entry visas are required by all visitors and can be obtained through Explore’s recommended Visa Service, Visa Swift, or for overseas clients by their Explore agent.
Due to the fact that Kashgar is in a politically sensitive area and it is unusual for visa applicants to have this part of China as their sole destination, some UK customers have experienced difficulties in getting their China visas issued. To assist the process we strongly recommend that you use the services of the Visa Swift agency rather than making an independent application.
Around 6 weeks before your tour starts Explore will obtain an invitation letter from our agent in China to be used in support of your China visa application.This supporting document will be sent direct to Visa Swift for UK based customers or direct to overseas customers. UK based customers not wishing to use Visa Swift should advise us as soon as possible. Please also let us know if your travel plans mean that you will need to apply for your visa early (and hence need the invitation letter earlier than 6 weeks before the tour).
Registering with the Chinese authorities: You are required to register your place of residence with the local Public Security Bureau within 24 hours of arrival in China: Chinese authorities are now actively enforcing this requirement. If you are staying in a hotel, registration is done on your behalf as part of the check-in process, and you will be registered for the duration of your tour. Please note that if you intend to arrive more than 24 hours before your tour starts or to stay in China after your tour has finished and you are not staying in a hotel, you will need to register with the local Public Security Bureau.
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All visa information is subject to change. You should confirm all visa related issues with the relevant Embassy prior to departure.
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The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at http://www.explore.co.uk/Travelhealth/ and from your local healthcare provider.
Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed before departure.
Back to topWe strongly recommend that you check your government’s travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination: safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs, including advice re: the legality of and local attitudes towards same-sex relationships. For UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office Advice follow the link at http://www.explore.co.uk/Traveladvice/
Back to topSeasonal weather patterns can be unpredictable. For up-to-date information on the weather worldwide please visit www.bbc.co.uk/weather.
Back to topSeasonal Climate Western China/Central Asia: Primarily a temperate climate, with the four seasons encompassing a wide spectrum of extremes due to its area. Sub-zero temps may occur at the Torugart Pass and in the mountains in Kyrgyzstan. Bear in mind that conditions in mountain areas can change at any time. Once out of the mountain areas, we can expect hot temperatures in the summer months during the day but temperatures will still drop at night.
Additional information and climate charts can be accessed at http://www.explore.co.uk/ weather. Seasonal weather patterns can be unpredictable. Up-to-date information on the weather worldwide can be found by following the BBC weather link on this page.
Back to topTo assist with packing for your tour, we have detailed some of the essential items you should take with you.
Back to topLuggage: One main bag (soft holdall style is preferable to a hard suitcase) and a small rucksack suitable for taking overnight necessities.You will not have access to your main luggage during the Yurt stays in Kyrgyzstan.Total allowance: 44lbs/20kgs.
Clothing: Light-weight cottons are most suitable for the hot summers of Central Asia with warmer clothing including waterproof/windproof jacket also needed for the time spent in the mountains. At any time of the year a pair of thermals is beneficial as an extra layer or for wearing in bed and a good fleece jacket and/or down jacket plus gloves and hat are recommended.The region has its own national characteristics and traditions (Moslem), so brief shorts and skirts, or clothes that are revealing offend local sensibilities. Women should bring a headscarf as this is necessary for some mosque visits.
Footwear: Good quality, comfortable shoes/trainers. Walking shoes/boots for the optional walks.
Equipment: Bring a small torch, a water bottle, insect repellent and a small travel towel as some of the yurt camps do not supply towels. Although the yurt camps do provide thick blankets you may wish to bring your own sleeping bag for additional warmth as it can become very cold at night. If using the local blankets then a sleeping bag liner or sheet should make your stay more comfortable.
Back to topOur Journey - Kyrgyzstan is a remote and mountainous country. There are quite a few lengthy drives on rough and difficult terrain on this tour and customers should come prepared for long and possibly bumpy journeys in the tour vehicle. To reach Kashgar we follow the major route south through Kyrgyzstan to China across the Torugart Pass and return via the same road - please be prepared for this. The border crossings can also be lengthy depending on the situation at the check point staff and border bureaucracy.
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