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Signature: The Five Stans & the Heart of the Silk Road

19 days, From Bishkek to Ashgabat, From $11,599 USD
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Banner image of Signature: The Five Stans & the Heart of the Silk Road
Signature: The Five Stans & the Heart of the Silk Road
From$11,599 USD/ person
Valid on

Apr 13, 2027

Duration

19 days


Tour Overview

THE EXPERIENCE REVEALED
Trip CodeAYIANS
Days19
FromBishkek
ToAshgabat
Countries VisitedKyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan
Countries VisitedKyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan
Trace the legends of the Silk Road across five nations. From the snow-capped Tian Shan mountains to the monuments of Tashkent, connect with the living soul of Central Asia. Experience exclusive museum access, master the art of Uzbek plov, and tour top-secret science facilities on an expedition defined by discovery and depth.

Is this tour for me?

Travel Style
National Geographic Signature
Exceptional exploration led by renowned experts, offering rare, private access to the world’s most storied sites — all defined by an unparalleled level of service and comfort.
Service Level
Luxury
Physical Grading
2 - Light
Trip Type
Small Group
Age Requirement
12+
Under age 18 must be with an adult
19Trees for Days
From$11,599 USD/ person
Valid on

Apr 13, 2027

Duration

19 days

Tour Highlights

WHERE STORIES COME TO LIFE

What’s included

  • AccommodationHotels (18 nights)
  • Meals Included18 breakfasts, 11 lunches, 12 dinners
  • TransportPrivate Vehicle, Walking, Plane, Train, Metro.

The Extras

  • Your flightCall us, we can help.
  • Meal BudgetAllow USD210-275 for meals not included.

Accommodation

Stays of distinction

Rixos Almaty Hotel

Almaty, Kazakhstan
3 nights (Day 3 - 5)
Rixos Almaty is a grand five-star sanctuary located at a prime junction in the heart of Kazakhstan’s cultural capital. The hotel features 235 elegantly furnished rooms, each designed with a private balcony that opens up to impressive city views. A massive 2,200 m² spa serves as a central highlight, offering a serene Turkish bath, indoor gardens, and an expansive swimming pool which is primed for relaxation. Guests can enjoy 24-hour service at the Lobby Bar or explore international flavours at the Brasserie.
Rixos Almaty Hotel - Image 1

19 days, Bishkek to Ashgabat

YOUR EXPEDITION, DAY BY DAY
Map of Signature: The Five Stans & the Heart of the Silk Road
Week 1/2
Week 1/2
Start DateApr 13End DateMay 1
Double Occupancy
5 available
$11,599 USD/personBook Now
Single Occupancy
Sold Out
Start DateApr 27End DateMay 15
Double Occupancy
7+ available
$11,599 USD/personBook Now
Single Occupancy
Sold Out

Frequently asked questions

Expedition essentials
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your Expedition Leader and Group, Bishkek Your Foodie Moment: Kazakh Dinner in Traditional Yurt, Almaty Signature Moment: “Golden Man” Experience at Issyk State Historical and Cultural Reserve Museum, Almaty Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment and Dinner - Meet Your Expedition Leader and Group, Tashkent Signature Moment: After-Hours at the Guri Emir Mausoleum, Samarkand Your Local Living Moment: Plov Cooking Class and Dinner, Samarkand. Arrival and departure transfer. Bishkek City Walking Tour. Free time in Bishkek. Traditional Kyrgyz Dinner & Cultural Demonstration. Burana Tower Visit. Lunch and Village Immersion with Nomadic Traditions. Almaty City Tour. Central State Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Huns Ethno Village Visit and Lunch. Free Time in Almaty. Guided City Tour of Dushanbe. Traditional Tajik Welcome Dinner. National Museum of Antiquities of Tajikistan. Historic Hissor Fortress & Madrasah. Local Family Visit & Cultural Experience. Free time in Dushanbe. Guided City Tour of Tashkent. Farewell Dinner at the TV Tower. Historic Tashkent City tour & Sacred Sites Visit. Chorsu Bazaar Visit. Rakhimov Family Art Studio Visit. Free time in Tashkent. Guided Tour of Samarkand. Architectural Wonders of Samarkand. Tersak Village Visit. Afrasiab Museum of Samarkand Visit. Guided Exploration of Bukhara's Icons. Naqshnabdi Mausoleum Visit. Sitorai Mohi-Khosa Visit. Free Time in Bukhara. Bukhara Old Town visit. Caravanserai dinner. Old Town Exploration in Khiva. Guided Tour of Khiva. Free Time in Khiva. Khorezmian Music and Dance Show. Dashoguz Local Market. Ancient Settlement of Nisa. Free Time in Ashgabat. City Tour of Ashgabat. Engaging Discussions with the National Geographic Expedition Expert throughout. Porterage at hotels and when getting on and off of vehicles. Tips are included for all activities, meals and porterage, except for your Expedition Leader. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.
Gain insight into local conservation with a talk by a National Geographic grantee, Enjoy pre-opening access and a curator talk on the Scythian 'Golden Man' treasure, Explore Tajikistan's National Museum with an archaeologist focusing on Buddhist history, Enter Tamerlane’s mausoleum after hours for a private talk on the Timurid legacy, Walk the ruins of the Parthian capital with a specialist to uncover its ancient power, Bake bread and samosas with a local family before sharing a home-cooked meal.
This compiled itinerary represents our thoughtfully designed plan, provided in good faith and correct at the time of publication. However, to ensure we deliver the most rewarding experience possible, our itineraries remain dynamic; we continuously refine our routes based on research, field insights, and guest feedback, meaning details may evolve between the release of our annual directory and your departure. Flexibility is a cornerstone of our travel philosophy, and while we intend to follow the path described, the nature of exploring unpredictable environments means alterations may occur, and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife encounters cannot be guaranteed. We invite you to view these travel times and details as an approximate guide rather than a strict contract, and we kindly ask that you review a final copy of your Trip Details a few days prior to departure to ensure you have the most current information for your upcoming expedition.
CULTURE Central Asia is a region which may be very different to anything you have experienced before. The region exists as a living palimpsest where the monumental, concrete ghosts of the Soviet empire cast long shadows over ancient Islamic minarets, and where brutal winter freezes routinely give way to the punishing, sun-baked heat of the desert summer. For the uninitiated traveler, the initial plunge into its sensory tapestry can provoke a sharp shock to the system; yet, to those who look closer, this complex collision of history, faith, and climate reveals itself not as a barrier, but as one of the planet's most thrilling and uncharted cultural frontiers. DRESS CODE Though you can see lots of people in traditional clothes, Central Asia has adopted western style clothing as well. Don't hesitate to pack your usual travel clothes: in summer it can be shorts and t-shirts, sandals etc. We recommend not to bring tank tops/singlets and any types of clothes with bare shoulders and backs - it is unacceptable in most areas, even in bigger cities. Our tour takes us to many religious sights, where dress code is very strict. We recommend women to have a headscarf in their day bags to cover up when going inside mosques (it's also a great help in the heat in summer). Best things to pack for the hot Central Asian climate is loose, long clothing - long trousers and sarongs or long skirts for women. In colder months (from the end of October through the end of April) it can rain and snow - bring warm clothes, jackets and comfortable warm shoes for walking. ALTITUDE CONSIDERATIONS This trip operates at altitudes over 800m. Whilst we travel slowly allowing plenty of time to acclimatize you may experience headaches, nausea, lethargy. It is important to be aware of the affects of altitude on one's tolerance especially on long driving days. MONEY Due to the restrictions on changing money in Central Asia region, only notes/bills printed after 1996 and in good condition will be accepted for exchange. Usually 50 and 100 USD/EUR notes get better exchange rate. We recommend to bring smaller denominations as well - many vendors accept them if you don't have local currency. RAMADAN According to the lunar cycle, Ramadan will fall between Feb 7th - Mar 8th 2027, and Jan 27th - Feb 25th 2028. Please note that Ramadan is a month of fasting observed by Muslims throughout the world, during which time the followers of Islam should not eat or drink between sunrise and sunset. There may be some limitations to services and disruptions to schedules during Ramadan, but generally our tours still operate effectively during this period and food is available to non-Muslims throughout the day. It is very important to display increased cultural sensitivity during Ramadan. Please wear loose fitting clothes, that cover knees and shoulders, and try to avoid eating, drinking or smoking in public out of respect for those who can't at that time. COMBO TRIP Please note that this tour combines with otherNational Geographic Expedition tours. As such, the staff and some travel companions on your tour may have previously been traveling together with National Geographic Expeditions, prior to Day 1 of your tour. Likewise, some staff and travel companions may be continuing together on another National Geographic Expeditions tour, after your trip concludes. ACCOMMODATION NOTE: Please be aware that properties we stay in with only two stories may not have elevators installed and climbing the stairs with your luggage will be necessary. Please note, Turkmenistan have strict advisories on prohibited medications which can be taken into the country. If you require further details, please reach out to our Sales team who will be able to advise further.
Every National Geographic Signature departure is accompanied throughout by a dedicated National Geographic Expedition Leader, whose purpose is to ensure a seamless experience so you can fully immerse yourself in the destination. Your Expedition Leader offers deep insight into the landscapes you traverse, suggests enriching independent activities, recommends exceptional local dining venues, and connects you with our community friends along the way. Rather than acting as conventional guides, they possess a broad, sophisticated understanding of the historical, cultural, religious, and social tapestry of the region. To offer the ultimate perspective, we complement their expertise with specialist local guides whose deep regional knowledge adds profound depth to specific sites—delivering a masterfully balanced exploration.
Max 22, avg. 18.
18 breakfasts, 11 lunches, 12 dinners
Private Vehicle, Walking, Plane, Train, Metro.
Please be aware that flight delays can occur. Your Expedition Leader may need to make adjustments to your itinerary in case of flight schedule changes. Please be advised that any flights noted on the G Adventures Itinerary for this tour are included in the tour services provided. Flight tickets are provided by G Adventures during the tour. The date for this service will match the day of the itinerary, for which Day 1 is equal to the start date noted on the Invoice under Land Services: Tour. If flight information is required in advance for visa purposes, please contact G Adventures.
Yes, for those travelling solo there is a single supplement.
Hotels (18 nights)
To review the specific details of your starting property, please refer to your tour voucher, G Account, the G Adventures App or contact your travel agent. A seamless arrival transfer is included for guests landing on the first day of the itinerary, or up to three days prior if your pre-trip accommodations were arranged directly through G Adventures at our starting property. To maintain the exceptional quality and continuity of your experience, all scheduled services must run consecutively. Upon arriving at the starting property, where check-in begins typically by 3:00PM, please look for a dedicated notice from your National Geographic Expedition Leader at the reception desk. This message will outline the specific details for our evening welcome reception and meeting—typically held between 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.—where you will gather with your Expedition Leader, Expedition Expert, and fellow travellers to look ahead at the days to come. Should you arrive later in the evening and miss this initial gathering, your Expedition Leader will leave a comprehensive briefing note for you at reception detailing the next morning's schedule. Please note that the joining day of the itinerary can vary, please refer to your specific itinerary for further details.
While we anticipate a seamless arrival, your peace of mind is our utmost priority. Should any unforeseen circumstances prevent you from beginning your expedition as scheduled, please refer to the essential emergency contact details provided in your documentation and contact us as soon as possible. Upon landing, if you do not connect with our representative within 30 minutes of clearing customs and immigration, we recommend making your own way to the starting point property by following the Joining Instructions. Rest assured, you may submit a request to your travel professional upon your return to secure a refund for any transport costs incurred during this time.
Should you require urgent assistance during your travels, your first point of contact should be our local representative or regional office. If your call is not answered immediately, please leave a detailed message with your contact information so our team can return your call and assist you as quickly as possible. The numbers can be found below. EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBERS G Adventures Office Central Asia: Mr. Laziz Otayarov (Operations Manager - Central Asia) Mobile 1: +99890 963 4779 (24h) If you are unable for any reason to contact our local office, please call the numbers listed below which will connect you directly with our Sales team who will happily assist you. Hours of operation by region can be found here. Toll-free, North America only: 1 800 394 5416 Calls from UK: 0800 041 8146 Calls from Germany: 0800 181 9454 Calls from Australia: 1 800 204 905 Calls from New Zealand: 0800 424 389 Outside North America, Australia, New Zealand, Germany and the UK: +1 416 260 0999 AIRPORT TRANSFER Your included arrival transfer has been meticulously arranged based on the flight details you provided. If you experience a flight schedule change or cancellation within 48 hours of your scheduled arrival, please contact our emergency number immediately with your updated details. Prompt notification ensures we can adjust your transfer; otherwise, you will need to arrange your own transportation to the starting property. Upon arrival, if your transfer representative does not connect with you within 30 minutes of exiting the arrivals area, please take a local taxi directly to the starting property. If your call is specifically concerning Airport Transfer complications please call our local G Adventures Transfer provider directly: Mr. Arlan +996700602090, Mrs. Asel +996777202888 In addition, a dedicated toll-free line is available for guests within North America, connecting you directly to our global operations team during regular business hours. For support outside of standard hours, an emergency mobile line is actively monitored day and night to ensure you are never out of reach. In the rare event that your call is not answered immediately, please leave a detailed message along with your contact information so our team can return your call and assist you as swiftly as possible. Toll-free (North America only): 1-800-465-5600 From the United Kingdom: 0870 080 1756 International (Outside North America and the UK): +1 416 260 0999 Emergency Mobile: (416) 305-6139
You will be met at your hotel property and transferred to the airport for your onward travels at the end of your expedition. Please refer to your individual itinerary for more details.
When deciding what to pack, considerations will vary based on your specific itinerary, the regions you are visiting, and the season in which you are travelling. Generally speaking, we recommend packing thoughtfully and keeping your luggage to one checked bag at a manageable weight to facilitate seamless transitions throughout your expedition. In addition to your primary luggage, you will also require a small day pack or shoulder bag. This smaller bag is essential for keeping your camera, water, and personal items close at hand during day walks, excursions, and daily explorations.
Documents: • Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border) • Insurance info (required) (With photocopies) • Passport (required) (With photocopies) • Vouchers and pre-departure information (required) • Visas or vaccination certificates (With photocopies) Essentials: • Toiletries (required) (Shampoo, bodywash, soap, etc.) • Binoculars (optional) • Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries) • Cash, credit and debit cards • Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights) • Ear plugs • First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking) • Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal) • Fleece top/sweater • Footwear • Hat • Headphones (Noise-cancelling recommended) • Locks for bags • Long pants/jeans • Moneybelt • Outlet adapter • Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.) • Reusable water bottle • Shirts/t-shirts • Sleepwear • Small travel towel • Sunglasses • Swimwear • Watch and alarm clock • Waterproof backpack cover • Windproof rain jacket Health & Safety: • Face masks (Clients will be only be required to wear a face mask where it is mandated by local regulations.) • Hand sanitizer • Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)
Securing the necessary visas and travel documentation is an essential step in preparing for your upcoming expedition, and remains the responsibility of each individual traveller. Entry requirements fluctuate depending on your nationality and destination; while we strive to provide the most current information, immigration regulations change frequently. We strongly advise verifying all entry protocols directly with the relevant embassy or consulate well in advance of your departure. Please also ensure your passport remains valid for at least six months beyond your scheduled departure date from the country. For tailored details specific to your nationality and destination, please consult our dedicated pre-departure resource page at here KAZAKHSTAN If you require a Letter of Invitation (LOI) to apply for a Kazakhstan visa, please fill out & submit the following request form KYRGYZSTAN If you require a Letter of Invitation (LOI) to apply for a Kyrgyzstan visa, please fill out & submit the following request form IMPORTANT NOTE: If you require an LOI (Letter of Invitation) for your Visa application for Kyrgyzstan, you will be subject to a processing fee of $50USD (or currency equivalent) per person. This is charged by Ministry of Foreign Affairs. UZBEKISTAN If you require a Letter of Invitation (LOI) to apply for a Uzbekistan visa, please fill out & submit the following request form TAJIKISTAN British nationals and other nationalities who are not eligible for visa exemption, must apply for an e-Visa.  Your application can be made via the official e-Visa Tajikistan page. Please note, a GBAO Permit is not required for this tour. Following your e-Visa application, you may be required to also provide a Letter Of Invitation (LOI). To ensure you have all of the documents required at time of applications, the following is recommended: - 30-60 days before your departure, apply for your LOI here - as per the Tajikistan e-Visa site, apply for your e-Visa 2 weeks before your trip If you require a Letter of Invitation (LOI) to apply for a Tajikistan visa, please fill out & submit the following request formform IMPORTANT INFORMATION: - Once the Letter of Invitation is processed and approved, G Adventures will send this information to the Expedition Leader guide who will be leading your trip. As the trip crosses into Turkmenistan overland, your visa can be obtained at the (Shavat) border. Our Expedition Leaders will be responsible for presenting the LOIs to Immigration officials. You will then pay your Visa Fee and Immigration tax, before having your passport stamped with the Turkmenistan Visa. - Please note, our Local Office will only reach out prior to travel if your LOI has NOT been approved OR if more information is required. *** As of May 12th 2023, Turkmenistan border officials' have introduced new entry requirements. all travellers will now have their temperatures measured and will be required to carry out a Covid-19 rapid antigen test. All travellers are required to pay USD42 per person for the test. Payment will take place at the border.  If for any reason the test result comes back positive, you will not be able to cross the border and enter Turkmenistan to continue with the tour.  In this scenario, please rest assured, your Expedition Leader will make the necessary arrangements in getting you to Urgench airport (UGC) and booking a return flight to Tashkent airport (TAS). The drive from the border to the airport is roughly 1 hour in length. *** IMPORTANT: if you are extending your stay in Turkmenistan, G Adventures CANNOT grant the additional days to your LOI unless the services are booked directly through our Local Supplier. If you have any questions or require more information to extend your stay, please reach out to our Sales team. Turkmenistan trip extensions MUST be booked and confirmed through our Local Supplier no later than 40 days before the start of your tour. You must have at least two blank passport pages available for each country you will visit on your tour. These are required for entry & exit stamps. Information accurate as of April 1st, 2024.
While personal spending habits naturally vary, we recommend factoring in your individual preferences for shopping, tipping, and beverages to ensure a seamless experience. In addition to these day-to-day comforts, we kindly ask that you maintain access to a minimum of USD $200 (or its equivalent) as a dedicated emergency fund; though exceptionally rare, unpredictable circumstances such as changing weather patterns or natural events may occasionally necessitate a shift from our planned route, and this reserve ensures we can navigate any path ahead with peace of mind.
In general Central Asia is a cash operating region, and travellers cheques are not recommended. Due to bank restrictions, only banknotes printed after 1996 can be exchanged. Better to bring notes without marks or stamps on them. We recommend to bring about 70 USD in small denominations: 1, 5 and 10 USD notes. If you are not able to get local currency it's always possible to pay in USD or EUR. Uzbekistan There are lots of ATM's to withdraw local currency (UZS), and banks around to exchange USD or EUR. Travellers cheques are not recommended, as only limited amount of banks work with them. Please, note that you can withdraw only local currency (Uzbek Sums) from ATM's. Some banks in Tashkent allow USD cash advance, but this option depends on the amount of USD cash in the bank. Kazakhstan The preferred currency for local transactions is the tenge, and local establishments rarely accept credit cards so keep cash on hand. ATMs in Kazakhstan are accessible in the larger cities, and withdrawals can be made by credit card. There are many currency exchange locations available to exchange EUR, USD, GBP, Russian rouble, Kyrgyz som and Chinese yuan. Kyrgyzstan The preferred currency for local transactions is the som, and local establishments rarely accept credit cards so keep cash on hand. There are many of ATMs accessible in Bishkek and other larger cities such as Cholpon Ata and Karakol. Larger cities will also have money exchange locations that will trade EUR, USD, Roubles; some locations will trade GBP, and Chinese yuan. Tajikistan The preferred currency for local transactions is the somoni, and local establishments rarely accept credit cards so keep cash on hand. You may be able to pay in USD and EUR in some places, however, it is recommended that you take out somoni at ATMs in Dushanbe; there are very few ATMs outside of Dushanbe, and those that exist are less dependable.
To ensure a seamless and elevated experience throughout your National Geographic Signature departure, gratuities have been fully taken care of for all included meals, activities, and luggage porterage. On our National Geographic Signature tours, tipping is included for all included activities and meals, and porterage. Tipping is not included for the Expedition Leader. Should you want some basic guidelines on tipping for the activities you do on your own, please see below. At the end of each trip if you felt your National Geographic Signature Expedition Leader did an outstanding job, tipping is appreciated. The amount is entirely a personal preference, however as a guideline would be $10-$15 per person per day. Tipping is neither required nor expected for your National Geographic Expedition Expert. For the independent moments on your itinerary, tipping is generally not expected across Central Asia. However, should you wish to reward exceptional service during independent dining or activities, a modest gratuity of 3–5% is entirely appropriate and warmly received by local community members.
No optional activities
Please note that health requirements and recommended inoculations vary by destination. To ensure your well-being, it is your responsibility to consult with a specialized travel physician for up-to-date medical guidance well before departure. We highly recommend carrying a personal first aid kit, hand sanitizer, and any essential prescription medications. Because our itineraries frequently trace paths through remote regions far from advanced medical facilities, legal regulations prohibit our National Geographic Expedition Leaders from administering any medication, including standard over-the-counter pain relievers. While local pharmacies along our route may stock familiar remedies, they are often produced under regional names, so we advise bringing the generic chemical name of any critical prescription. Before finalising your plans, please carefully review the itinerary and physical requirements to ensure your personal fitness aligns with our style of exploration. To safeguard the well-being of the group, we reserve the right to excuse any traveller from all or part of an itinerary if, in the professional judgment of our Expedition Leader, continuing would pose an undue risk to themselves or their fellow travellers. Please note, Turkmenistan have strict advisories on prohibited medications which can be taken into the country. If you require further details, please reach out to our Sales team who will be able to advise further.
To ensure your well-being and security throughout our explorations, we recommend consulting your home government's regularly updated international travel advisories prior to departure. For peace of mind while on the move, we strongly advise using a concealed neck wallet or money belt to secure your passport, travel documentation, and currency. We suggest leaving exceptional jewelry at home, as it is unnecessary for our style of travel; instead, make use of the safety deposit boxes available at most of our accommodations. Securing your luggage with a reliable lock is also highly recommended. When travelling on a departure, your National Geographic Expedition Leader maintains the authority to modify or adapt any portion of the itinerary should environmental conditions or safety considerations require it. Your Expedition Leader accompanies the group on all scheduled activities, but you will also enjoy unstructured time to pursue personal interests, relax, or discover locales at your leisure. While your leader is delighted to suggest local options for these independent periods, please note that these optional choices do not form part of our curated itinerary, and we make no representations regarding their operating standards; we encourage you to exercise your own discerning judgment. While the destinations we visit are welcoming during the daytime, navigating urban environments at night requires mindfulness. We recommend exploring in small groups and utilizing local taxis when dining out or moving about after dark. Furthermore, should you encounter public demonstrations or political gatherings, please prioritize your safety by leaving the vicinity immediately rather than remaining for photographs, as these situations can evolve rapidly. Water-based experiences carry inherent risks. To ensure your protection, we recommend participating in aquatic activities only when accompanied by professional guides. Our commitment to safety means that our Expedition Leaders are strictly prohibited from facilitating unguided water activities on your behalf. Please note that swimming and snorkelling are always undertaken at your own risk. For further insights on enhancing your personal safety during your voyage, please visit www.gadventures.com/travel-resources/safety/
For peace of mind while on the move, we strongly advise using a concealed neck wallet or money belt to secure your passport, travel documentation, and currency. We suggest leaving exceptional jewelry at home, as it is unnecessary for our style of travel; instead, make use of the safety deposit boxes available at most of our accommodations. Securing your luggage with a reliable lock is also highly recommended.
Our philosophy of travel is rooted in deep respect for the people, cultures, and lands we encounter. To ensure the safety of our travellers, staff, and the communities that welcome us, the possession or use of illegal drugs is strictly prohibited on all departures. While certain substances may be woven into local traditions in some regions, they are not permitted within our groups. Furthermore, any form of exploitation, including the solicitation of sex workers, directly contradicts our values. To protect the integrity of the experience and the well-being of the group, our National Geographic Expedition Leader retains the right to remove any traveller who violates these standards.
Comprehensive travel insurance is a mandatory prerequisite for participation in all our departures. To safeguard your well-being, your National Geographic Expedition Leader will kindly request to verify your physical policy details before you may officially join your fellow travellers. When choosing your coverage, please ensure your policy includes full medical protection, featuring a strict minimum requirement of $200,000 USD for emergency rescue and medical repatriation. For complete peace of mind while exploring, we also strongly advise securing comprehensive coverage for personal liability, trip cancellation or curtailment, and the loss of luggage and personal belongings. If you intend to rely on insurance provided through your credit card, you must supply formal proof of purchase—such as a credit card statement or receipt in your name—along with explicit confirmation from your banking institution regarding the participating insurer, exact policy limits, and their dedicated 24-hour emergency contact number.
Planeterra International Foundation is a non-profit organization committed to turning travel into impact by helping local communities earn an income from tourism. Planeterra connects underserved local communities to the benefits of tourism by developing and supporting small community-owned businesses. These businesses support Indigenous people, empower women, grant youth access to employment opportunities, and protect the environment. Planeterra also works to ensure these businesses have a thriving customer base by integrating their projects into G Adventures’ itineraries globally. G Adventures is Planeterra’s largest corporate donor, covering all operating costs, so 100% of your donation will bring opportunity to people in need. G Adventures Dollar-a-day Program - Make Every Day Count - Turn your travel into impact with Planeterra Foundation. Did you know? Most communities around the world do not benefit from tourism. Give back to the places you visit on your travels by creating opportunities for local people to earn an income, and protect the environment. Make every day count by donating $1/day for the length of your trip, and join us in empowering the communities you will visit when you travel. 100% of your donation goes directly to Planeterra projects.
Central Asian dress is quite conservative. Plan to pack loose-fitting light clothing appropriate for hot weather and plan to cover knees, shoulders and chest. For women, a hair scarf is recommended, though they are easy to buy in country.
Upon your return, we invite you to share your insights with us. Your valued feedback shapes the future of our itineraries and ensures we continue to deliver meaningful experiences. As a token of our appreciation for your time, we are pleased to offer a 5% savings (up to a maximum of $100 USD) toward your next expedition with us. Simply submit your evaluation within four weeks of completing your travels to unlock this benefit and join our global community of returning travellers. *This offer is valid for new bookings only, limited to one per person, and cannot be combined with other promotions or applied to independent itineraries. Maximum value of $100 USD (or local currency equivalent). This program may be amended or withdrawn at any time.
No, international flights are generally not included in the price of your tour. However, on some combo tours travelling between two different countries, international flights are included as part of the itinerary and price of the tour. Please speak to your National Geographic Signature Specialist or booking agent for further details. In addition, check-in times and baggage allowances/restrictions vary by airline and can change at any time. For the most up-to-date information for your flight, please contact your airline. We recommend checking in online in advance to avoid potential delays at the airport.
National Geographic Expedition Leader and National Geographic Expedition Expert
The safety and well-being of all of our travelers is a priority at G Adventures and that includes our travelers who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community. We recognize that there are specific concerns and questions you may have about your adventure in terms of safety and security. We encourage you to visit our LGBTQ+ page for useful resources to ensure you feel safe and comfortable throughout the duration of your trip. The Equaldex tool linked on this page can be of particular help when deciding where you may want to visit next.