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Expansive views across the steppe, Kyrgyzstan - Ancient Silk Road Cities - The Five Stans, Kyrgyzstan
Expansive views across the steppe, Kyrgyzstan  | Maria Torres
Turkmenistan's Darvaza Gas Crater, also known as the 'Door to Hell', at sunset - Ancient Silk Road Cities - The Five Stans, Kyrgyzstan
Turkmenistan's Darvaza Gas Crater, also known as the 'Door to Hell', at sunset  | Richard I'Anson
Pilgrims with traveller at Shah-i-Zinda, avenue of mausoleums, Samarkand - Ancient Silk Road Cities - The Five Stans, Kyrgyzstan
Pilgrims with traveller at Shah-i-Zinda, avenue of mausoleums, Samarkand  | Richard I'Anson
Ulugbek Medressa, Registan, Samarkand - Ancient Silk Road Cities - The Five Stans, Kyrgyzstan
Ulugbek Medressa, Registan, Samarkand  | Richard I'Anson
Observe intricate needlework in Bukhara - Ancient Silk Road Cities - The Five Stans, Kyrgyzstan
Observe intricate needlework in Bukhara  | Richard I'Anson

Ancient Silk Road Cities - The Five Stans

Cross five Central Asian republics on a single itinerary, from minaret-lined Samarkand to remote mountain passes, with local guides and homestays arranged in each country

Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan
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 49 reviews

23 Days from

$ 

Trip Code: FSS
View dates to Book
Essential Information
Duration
  • 23 Days
Activities
  • 21 days adventure touring
Accommodation
  • 19 nights hotel
  • 3 nights basic guesthouse / yurt camp
Meals
  • 4 Dinners
  • 2 Lunches
  • 22 Breakfasts
Difficulty Grading  
2 / 10

Adventure touring

Carbon Footprint  

39kg of CO2-e PP per day

(858kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)

Silk Road Five Stans Trip highlights

  • Discover the five former Soviet Republics of Central Asia
  • Uncover the history and culture of the fabled Silk Road cities, Samarkand and Bukhara
  • Discover the ancient walled city of Khiva, a World Heritage Site
  • Enjoy the natural beauty of Iskanderkul Lake in the Fann Mountains
  • Marvel at Darvaza - one of the world’s more unusual sites in the Karakum Desert
  • Journey through the central Tian Shan Mountains to the Chychkan Gorge
  • Take in the highlights of the cities of Ashgabat, Dushanbe, Osh, Bishkek and Almaty

Overview

Journey across the heart of Central Asia on this expertly guided exploration of the Five Stans: Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan.

Step into the story of the Silk Road as you explore UNESCO-listed cities, glittering mosques, ancient fortresses and colourful markets. From the white marble grandeur of Ashgabat and the fire-lit Darvaza Crater, to the blue-tiled splendour of Samarkand and the artisan workshops of the Fergana Valley.

Travel overland with local guides in each country, uncovering hidden histories and the natural beauty of Tajikistan's alpine lakes, Kyrgyzstan's remote mountain villages and Kazakhstan's Charyn Canyon. Along the way, stay in a mix of comfortable hotels and warm local guesthouses for a genuine taste of Central Asian hospitality.

For travellers with an interest in Silk Road heritage, diverse cultures, and off-the-beaten-path discovery, this immersive adventure crosses five countries in one journey.

Itinerary

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Join Ashgabat, the capital of Turkmenistan. You will be met on arrival and transferred to the group hotel. No activities are planned today as most international flights arrive into Ashgabat in the early hours of the morning, allowing time to rest and recover after your journey. The remainder of the day is at leisure before the trip begins. Note: Hotel check-in time today is 2:00pm. If your flight arrives earlier, please speak with your World Expeditions Adventure Travel Consultant regarding arrangements for earlier room access. Accommodation: Sport Hotel or similar

Meals: Nil

There will be a group briefing at the hotel at approximately 1:00pm before heading out on a city tour of Ashgabat. Holding the world record for the highest concentration of white marble buildings, the Turkmen capital is a striking and surreal city shaped by monumental architecture, grand boulevards and elaborate fountains. During the tour, you visit major landmarks including Independence Park, the Neutrality Arch and the Turkmenbashi Mosque-Mausoleum. You also explore the ancient fortress of Nisa, a former capital of the Parthian Empire and a UNESCO World Heritage site dating back more than 2,000 years. Accommodation: Sport Hotel or similar

Meals: B,D

After breakfast, visit several of Ashgabat’s key attractions including the National Museum, Ertogrul Gazy Mosque and the Russian Bazaar. You also have the opportunity to see the renowned Akhal-Teke horses, a breed long associated with Turkmenistan’s nomadic heritage and prized for their speed and endurance. Leaving the capital behind, travel north into the Karakum Desert towards the Darvaza Gas Crater, one of Central Asia’s most unusual sights. The drive includes both sealed roads and long sections of rough, potholed desert road before reaching the crater, known locally as the ‘Gates of Hell’, which has been burning continuously since a Soviet drilling accident in 1971. The glowing crater is visible after sunset, set against the dark desert landscape. Accommodation: Yurts near Darvaza

Meals: B,D

Today is a long travel day as you journey north through Turkmenistan towards the border town of Dashoguz and continue into Uzbekistan, the second ‘Stan’ on the journey. After farewelling your Turkmen crew, complete border formalities before meeting your Uzbek crew on the other side. Please note that border crossing procedures can sometimes take more than an hour depending on processing times. From the border, continue by road to the historic Silk Road city of Khiva. Accommodation: Malika Khiva Hotel or similar

Meals: B

The ancient walled city of Khiva is one of Central Asia’s most impressive Silk Road centres and offers a remarkable insight into the region’s rich trading history. Once an important stop for caravans crossing the desert, the city is filled with intricately decorated mosques, mausoleums, palaces and medressas enclosed within towering mud-brick walls. Today, spend time exploring the atmospheric laneways and historic monuments of the old city while learning about Khiva’s role as a major trading and cultural hub. The compact nature of the old town makes it ideal for exploring on foot. Accommodation: Malika Khiva Hotel or similar

Meals: B

Depending on the train schedule, travel to Bukhara either by train or private vehicle. Please note that train departure times are subject to change and final arrangements will be confirmed locally. On arrival, discover one of Central Asia’s most celebrated Silk Road cities, renowned for its remarkably preserved Islamic architecture and long history as a centre of trade, scholarship and culture. With more than 140 protected architectural monuments, Bukhara offers an atmospheric introduction to Uzbekistan’s historic heartland. Please note that lunch may be later than usual today, at approximately 4:00pm, so it is recommended to keep some snacks handy during the journey. Accommodation: Kavsar Boutique Hotel or similar

Meals: B

The region surrounding Bukhara has been inhabited for more than 5,000 years, while the city itself has stood for over two millennia as one of Central Asia’s great cultural and trading centres. The UNESCO-listed old city reflects centuries of Silk Road history, where merchants, scholars and travellers once passed between the Mediterranean and China. Over the centuries, Bukhara flourished as a centre of religion, learning and commerce, surviving invasions by Genghis Khan and Tamerlane before later becoming the final capital of the Emirate of Bukhara. Today, explore the city’s remarkable architectural legacy, beginning with the historic Lyabi Khauz complex, centred around one of Central Asia’s oldest reflection pools and framed by elegant medieval buildings including the Nadir Divan-Begi Madrasah and Khanaka. Continue to the Poi Kalyan Complex, home to the 48m / 157ft Kalyan Minaret, the city’s defining landmark, and the vast Kalyan Mosque with its 288 domes. You also visit the Samanid Mausoleum, the Ark Citadel and Chor Minor, famed for its four distinctive minarets. Accommodation: Kavsar Boutique Hotel or similar

Meals: B

This morning, continue exploring Bukhara with a visit to the Sitorai-Mokhi-Khosa Palace, the summer residence of the Emirs of Bukhara, blending traditional local craftsmanship with Russian and European architectural influences. After lunch, depart east towards Samarkand, travelling along one of the great historic Silk Road routes once traversed by figures such as Alexander the Great, Genghis Khan and Tamerlane. En route, stop in Gijduvan to visit the home and workshop of a renowned family dynasty of ceramic masters, known for preserving traditional Uzbek pottery techniques. By evening, arrive in Samarkand, one of Central Asia’s most celebrated Silk Road cities. Accommodation: Ideal Hotel or similar

Meals: B

Samarkand, one of the Silk Road cities, is renowned for its blue-tiled architecture and rich Timurid history. At the heart of the city lies Registan Square, one of the world’s great public squares, framed by the madrassahs of Ulugh Beg, Sher-Dor and Tilya-Kori, whose monumental facades and intricate mosaics influenced Islamic architecture far beyond Central Asia. During today’s exploration, visit key Timurid-era sites including the Gur-Emir Mausoleum, final resting place of Tamerlane, Ulugh Beg’s Observatory, the vast Bibi-Khanym Mosque and the Shah-i-Zinda Necropolis with its dazzling tiled mausoleums. As the capital of the Timurid Empire, Samarkand became one of the richest and most influential cities of its era under Tamerlane’s rule. Accommodation: Ideal Hotel or similar

Meals: B

Today you cross into the third ‘Stan’ of the journey, Tajikistan. After farewelling your Uzbek crew at the border, complete immigration formalities before meeting your Tajik crew on the other side. From here, travel into the western Fann Mountains to visit the Seven Lakes, a chain of vividly coloured alpine lakes set within a rugged mountain landscape. Depending on the group’s fitness and available time, explore several of the lakes on foot, with colours ranging from deep turquoise to striking shades of purple. Enjoy lunch at a guesthouse near Lake Nophin before continuing to Penjikent, an ancient Sogdian city founded more than 1,500 years ago and later destroyed during the Arab conquests of the 8th century. Accommodation: Panjakent Plaza or 7 Lakes 3* Hotel or similar

Meals: B,L

Today, travel through the dramatic landscapes of the Fann Mountains to Iskanderkul Lake, a striking alpine lake situated at 2,200m / 7,218ft and named after Alexander the Great. Local legend claims the lake is the final resting place of his beloved horse, Bucephalus. Spend time exploring the area surrounding the glacial lake, including a walk to the country's largest waterfall, often referred to as the 'Tajikistan Niagara', which plunges 38m / 125ft into the gorge below. After lunch, continue by road to the Tajik capital, Dushanbe, arriving in the evening. Accommodation: Rumi Hotel or similar

Meals: B,L

Although Dushanbe’s origins date back more than 3,000 years, the city expanded significantly during the Soviet era when it became the capital of the Tajik Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic. This morning, explore the Tajik capital on a guided city tour visiting major landmarks including Independence Square, the Samany Monument dedicated to the founder of the Tajik state, and the broad tree-lined Rudaki Avenue. You also visit the Museum of National Antiquities and the ornate Kokhi Navruz tea house, known for its richly decorated interiors showcasing traditional Tajik craftsmanship. Later, travel to the nearby Hissor Fortress, an ancient stronghold that once guarded important trade routes through the region. Accommodation: Rumi Hotel or similar

Meals: B

Today, journey north through Tajikistan’s agricultural and industrial heartland towards the historic city of Khujand. En route, stop in Istaravshan, a city believed to have been founded by the Persian king Cyrus in the 6th century BC, where you explore the old town, local bazaar, Kok-Gumbaz Mosque and madrassah. Continuing onwards, arrive in Khujand, one of Central Asia’s oldest cities and an important Silk Road trading centre that has witnessed the passage of armies led by Alexander the Great, Arab conquerors and Genghis Khan. This afternoon, explore some of the city’s remaining historic landmarks including the Sheikh Muslihiddin Mausoleum and mosque, the lively Payshanbe Bazaar and the Urumkhodjaev family estate, inspired by the grand palaces of imperial Russia. Accommodation: Parliament Palace Hotel or similar

Meals: B

Today, cross back into Uzbekistan via the Andarkhan border crossing, farewelling your Tajik crew before rejoining your Uzbek team. From the border, continue into the fertile Fergana Valley, making several stops along the way to explore the region’s rich artistic and trading heritage. Your first stop is Kokand, once the capital of the powerful 19th century Kokand Khanate, where you visit the ornate Khudoyar-Khan Palace, the Norbuta-Biy Madrassah and the Modarikhon Mausoleum. Continue to Rishtan, a town renowned throughout Central Asia for its ceramic traditions and generations of master potters. Here, visit a local ceramics workshop and watch a demonstration of the craft for which the town is famous. Later, stop in Margilan to visit a traditional silk factory and learn about the production techniques behind one of the Silk Road’s most important trading commodities. By evening, arrive in Fergana town for the night. Accommodation: Asia Fergana Hotel or similar

Meals: B

Today, travel to the fourth of the five 'Stans' on the journey, Kyrgyzstan. This morning, transfer to the Uzbek–Kyrgyz border where you farewell your Uzbek crew before meeting your Kyrgyz team. From the border at Dustlik, continue to the ancient city of Osh, regarded as one of Central Asia's oldest continuously inhabited cities and long considered an important commercial centre of the fertile Fergana Valley. Legends link the city to both Solomon and Alexander the Great, reflecting its deep historical significance along the Silk Road. After checking in, explore Osh Bazaar, one of Central Asia's largest markets, where rows of spices, fresh produce, metalwork and handicrafts provide an immersive glimpse into daily life in the region. Following lunch, visit Suleiman Mountain, an important Islamic pilgrimage site and UNESCO World Heritage site overlooking the city. Here, explore the historical museum housed within a cave before walking to the summit, home to the small Babur Mosque built in honour of the founder of the Mughal dynasty. Accommodation: Sun Rise Hotel or similar

Meals: B

After breakfast, depart Osh and drive towards Jalal Abad, stopping en route in the historic town of Uzgen to visit its ancient minaret and mausoleum complex, important remnants of the Karakhanid period. Continue onwards to the Arslanbob Valley, situated at 1,600m / 5,249ft and known for its cooler mountain climate, fertile orchards and extensive walnut forests, believed to be among the largest natural walnut forests in the world. On arrival, there is time to relax before taking a short walk to a nearby waterfall and enjoying the peaceful mountain surroundings. For the next two nights, stay with a local family in a traditional guesthouse. Facilities are simple, but the experience offers an authentic opportunity to connect with the warm hospitality and daily life of the local community. Accommodation: Local guesthouse

Meals: B,D

After breakfast, begin the drive towards Sary-Chelek Lake, located within the protected landscapes of Sary-Chelek Biosphere Reserve and National Park. Surrounded by the rugged peaks of the Chatkal Range, the reserve is known for its forested valleys, mountain rivers, alpine lakes and rich biodiversity. Along the way, pass through remote rural communities and dramatic mountain scenery before reaching the striking alpine lake, known for its turquoise waters. There will be time to explore the lakeshore area on foot and enjoy the peaceful mountain setting before continuing to a small village within the reserve. Tonight, stay with a local host family and enjoy a traditional home-cooked dinner. Accommodation: Local guesthouse

Meals: B,D

This morning, farewell your hosts and depart the Sary-Chelek region, travelling through mountain landscapes towards Chychkan Gorge. Renowned for its striking alpine scenery, the gorge supports a rich diversity of flora and fauna, including ibex, roe deer, argali sheep, wild boar and soaring eagles. Forested slopes of juniper and spruce line the valley, while the Chychkan River winds through the gorge before flowing into the Toktogul Reservoir. On arrival, there is time to explore the natural beauty of the area, which includes alpine lakes situated above 3,000m / 9,843ft and waterfalls cascading through the surrounding mountains. Accommodation: Oson Motel or similar

Meals: B

This morning, depart Chychkan Gorge and travel east to Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan. Set at 800m / 2,625ft at the foot of the Kyrgyz Ala-Too Range, part of the vast Tian Shan Mountains, the city is framed by dramatic snow-capped peaks rising above the surrounding plains. Known for its broad boulevards, Soviet-era architecture and tree-lined streets fed by an extensive network of irrigation canals, Bishkek offers a fascinating contrast between Central Asian traditions and Soviet urban planning. This afternoon, enjoy a sightseeing tour of the city. Depending on available time, visits may include Ala-Too Square, the Manas Monument, the State History Museum, Victory Square, the Independence Monument and the Old Square with Parliament House. Accommodation: B-Hotel or similar

Meals: B

After an early breakfast, depart Bishkek and travel north across the fertile steppe towards Kazakhstan, the fifth and final ‘Stan’ of the journey. Border formalities at the Kyrgyz–Kazakh crossing can take around an hour, although your guide will assist throughout the process. Once across the border, continue to Almaty, Kazakhstan’s largest city, set against the dramatic backdrop of the Trans-Ili Alatau mountains. Following hotel check-in, enjoy a sightseeing tour of the city’s major landmarks. Depending on timing and museum opening hours, visits may include Republic Square and the Independence Monument, Abai Square, the Palace of the Republic, Presidential Park and the Historical Museum, home to an extensive collection of Kazakh artefacts. Later, ride the cable car to Kok Tobe Hill for panoramic views across the city and surrounding mountains. Accommodation: Hotel Kazzhol or similar

Meals: B

After breakfast, travel east from Almaty to Charyn Canyon, one of Kazakhstan’s most striking natural landscapes and part of Charyn National Park. Carved by the Charyn River over millions of years, the canyon is renowned for its dramatic rock formations, towering cliffs and richly coloured sandstone walls. Spend time exploring the canyon on foot, including the scenic Castle Valley section, famous for its natural rock towers and unusual geological formations. The national park is also home to a rare grove of ancient ash trees, a remnant of prehistoric Central Asian forests. After exploring the canyon, return to Almaty in the evening. Accommodation: Hotel Kazzhol or similar Note: Days 21 and 22 may be swapped depending on museum closures.

Meals: B

Until 1997, Almaty served as the capital of Kazakhstan and today remains the country’s cultural and commercial centre. Surrounded by the snow-capped Trans-Ili Alatau mountains, the city blends wide boulevards, leafy parks and Russian imperial architecture with modern development. Today’s sightseeing tour may include Panfilov Park, home to the striking wooden Zenkov Cathedral, one of the world’s tallest wooden Orthodox churches, as well as the Great Patriotic War Memorial and the Museum of Kazakh Folk Musical Instruments. You may also visit the lively Green Bazaar and the Central State Museum, known for its extensive ethnographic and archaeological collections. Later, travel to the Medeo Gorge and take a cable car to the mountain resort of Shymbulak for views across the surrounding Tian Shan landscapes. Accommodation: Hotel Kazzhol or similar Note: Days 21 and 22 may be swapped depending on museum closures.

Meals: B

After breakfast at the hotel, the trip concludes with a private transfer to the airport. If you would like to spend additional time exploring Kazakhstan, a range of extension options are available. Please speak with your World Expeditions Adventure Travel Consultant for further details.

Meals: B

Ready to start your adventure?

3 scheduled departures between 18 Apr 2027 and 30 Aug 2027.

  • Departs 18 Apr 2027 – ends 10 May 2027 (23 days)
  • Departs 16 May 2027 – ends 7 Jun 2027 (23 days)
  • Departs 30 Aug 2027 – ends 21 Sep 2027 (23 days)
View dates to Book

What's included?

Included

  • Comfortable hotels on a twinshare basis
  • Simple local guesthouses & yurt camp on a multi-share basis (no single accommodation possible)
  • Expert bilingual guide (different in each country)
  • Local sightseeing and entrance fees as listed in itinerary
  • 22 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 4 dinners
  • Private air conditioned vehicles or train as listed in itinerary
  • Airport transfers in Ashgabat and Almaty
  • Emergency medical kit

Not included

  • International airfares
  • Travel insurance (compulsory)
  • Meals not indicated in the program
  • Any optional tours, and entrance fees and permits during free time (ie. photo & video shooting fees in museums vary and must be paid in cash locally)
  • Expenditure of a personal nature such as drinks, souvenirs and laundry
  • Visas (Turkmenistan visa is USD$89 per person to be paid in USD Cash at Ashgabat Airport, subject to change)
  • Compulsory local payments - Turkmenistan migration taxes to be paid in USD Cash (US$140 per person at Ashgabat Airport, and US$4 per person per hotel night in Turkmenistan, subject to change)
  • Tips and gratuities for group leaders, local sightseeing guides & drivers
  • Excess luggage charges

About your guide

On this trip you will have national English-speaking escort guides (different in each country).

Videos

Joanna Lumley's Silk Road Adventure | The Afrasiab Museum of Samarkand | ITV
Joanna Lumley's Silk Road Adventure | The Afrasiab Museum of Samarkand | ITV
David Baddiel On the Silk Road: Episode 3 - The Best Smile in Bukhara

Reviews (49)

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Very comprehensive and well organised.

Edward|New South Wales, Australia
16 Jun 2026
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What a great trip! Would avoid the high temperature times if possible and brush up on the history before you leave, and the similarities and differences between the countries. A very few of the days were incredibly long, so be forewarned. An hour to eat and repack, etc. for departure can be a bit of a pain, especially if you have no idea of the day's explicit itinerary.

Ian|Alberta, Canada
16 Jun 2026
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Had a great trip, well organised, some long driving days but the tour does cover great distances. Saw so many fantastic places and beautiful scenery. Can highly recommend this tour.

Dianne|New South Wales, Australia
2 Jun 2026
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It was an amazing trip, very well organized and beautiful places. I enjoyed it very much!!

Karin|Las Condes, Chile
29 May 2026
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For a comprehensive travel and learning experience, I can thoroughly recommend the Ancient Silk Road Cities - The Five Stans tour. Each country was different and unique.

From the desert of Turkmenistan to the snow-capped mountains of Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan. From the magnificent cultural heritage sites in Uzbekistan to the modern, beautiful city of Almaty in Kazakhstan. We experienced the culture and learned about the history of each country under the guidance of excellent guides throughout this well-organised tour. It was a holiday to be remembered for all time.

Barbara|Victoria, Australia
19 May 2026
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This tour covered several of the must-see sights available in these 5 countries, and the local guides were generally excellent and enthusiastic at telling their country's history and associated facts and figures.

Hotels were better than I expected.

You had to find your own dinner on most evenings, which sometimes posed problems - getting a SIM for these countries is advised, as finding your way around the town and identifying restaurants/cafes will be easier and safer.

I really enjoyed this tour.

Glenn|United Kingdom
19 May 2026
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Well organised and coordinated tour through the 5 Stans. All the tour guides were knowledgeable, helpful and delightful to be with.

Rusli|NSW, Australia
7 Oct 2025
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Enjoyed every aspect.

Linda|WA, Australia
2 Oct 2025
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Amazing trip to incredible places. The guides really knew their history and were very responsive to all our requests. A must do trip.

Craig|WA, Australia
30 Sep 2025

Extra trip info

AccommodationWill My Trip Run?Why Book With Us
Atlas Hotel, Dushanbe - TWN

Hotels

In the cities and towns we use carefully selected, centrally located 3-4 star hotels. We select quality hotels with character which reflect the local traditions of the destinations. Pictured is the Atlas Hotel in Dushanbe.

Darvaza Yurt Camp interior

Yurts

Guest House Shahboz

Local Guesthouses

In more remote locations outside the towns and cities, where hotels are not available, we use local guesthouses. We carefully select the best available accommodation in these remote locations but please note that facilities are very basic. Rooms are usually on a multi-share basis and washing facilities are again very basic. They do however provide us the opportunity to explore the natural beauty of these remote locations and offer a true experience of how the local population reside in these rural regions of Central Asia.

Every departure date advises whether the date is confirmed, and roughly how full it is. Here is what each one means.

Is the departure confirmed?

Guaranteed to go This departure has reached its minimum number and will run.
It is the point travellers should wait for before booking any non-refundable flights.
Close to guaranteed This appears only when a date is close to reaching minimum numbers. If it shows 1 or 2 to guaranteed, book as a pair on a date needing two and it reaches its minimum. Your booking confirms the date for everybody already booked.

How full is the date I am looking at?

Space is filling or Space is filling fast This date has bookings and places are still open. Filling fast means limited spots available, so don't leave your decision too late.
Closing soon Down to its last few places, or close enough to departure that we are finalising numbers. Still bookable online.
Closed Not bookable online - either full, or inside the notice we need to arrange permits, flights and logistics. Ask us anyway, you never know!

Availability questions answered

Will this trip actually go ahead, or could it be cancelled?

If a date shows Guaranteed to go, it runs regardless of further bookings.

What does 2 to guarantee mean?

It means two travellers are enough to confirm the departure. It could be 2 more to add to the group, or the date only needs 2 people to run. Either way, if you book for two people, the date will become guaranteed to run.

What happens if my departure does not reach minimum numbers?

You will know the status before you book. Every date on this page is labelled, and dates marked “Guaranteed to go” are running regardless of further bookings. Where a date has not reached its minimum we either offer a surcharge to operate for a smaller group size so it can still run, or we cancel it. We contact you directly either way.

Will I get my money back if you cancel a departure?

If we cancel a departure due to not meeting minimum trip numbers, you receive a full refund of everything you have paid us less any non recoverable costs, where insurance may cover you. We cannot refund money committed elsewhere – additional non refundable deposits advised at the time of booking, flights, visas, vaccinations, gear - which is why it is worth waiting for “Guaranteed to go” before booking other arrangements around this trip date. Please read our Booking Terms and Conditions before you book.

Why can't I book some dates online?

Each trip closes online a set time before departure. Permits, internal flights and hut or campsite bookings all have to be arranged before we take payment. Call or enquire as it might still be possible to organise last minute places.

The date I want is closed. What are my options and why does it say to enquire?

Cancellations happen and places do open up on closed dates, so it is worth being on our list. We can also tell you which nearby date on the same trip has space, which is usually the faster route.

None of these dates suit me. Can you run this trip on another date?

Yes, as a private departure. We can run this trip on a date you choose, for your own group - family, friends, a club, or in many cases, just for the two of you. Tell us when you want to travel and who is coming, and we will build it around that.

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