FAQ

General

Can I do the road trip alone?

Our base prices for road trips are calculated based on two people per car. If you want to go solo, you'll need to pay the base price twice. Also, the distances can sometimes be long and tiring. That's why we do not recommend traveling alone. If you don't have a partner for this road trip, we suggest you:

Can I add or remove optional activities?

You have until 45 days before your departure to modify your participation in optional activities.

You can manage this directly in your Travelbase space by logging into your account.

Is there on-site support?

On arrival, you will be warmly welcomed by our local partners. They will greet you and give you a brief introduction before your trip begins.

You will also be given access to a chat group with all the other participants departing on the same date just before you set off. You can use this group to chat with each other or with our team.

About Kyrgyzstan Nomads

Are there any medical contraindications for this trip?

Kyrgyzstan is a very mountainous country, with significant differences in altitude. You will spend 2 nights at over 3000m altitude, which may cause migraines and altitude sickness in some people. We do not recommend this trip for individuals with respiratory issues or for pregnant women.

As for the rest, Kyrgyzstan is a very safe country, especially in terms of food hygiene.

What does the roadbook contain?

The travel journal will serve as your guide to explore Kyrgyzstan. It contains the general itinerary that takes you through the country's most iconic sites, as well as anecdotes, tips, and recommendations from our team. While suggested stops are provided, you'll have the freedom to adjust the route to your liking and add extra stops.

Should we share the yurts with other duos?

The yurts are reserved for pairs/trios, so you won't have to share any common rooms. The restrooms, however, especially in the yurt camps, may be located outside the accommodations.

Can we participate with children?

Kyrgyzstan Nomads is not an ideal road trip for young children. Due to

  • the long mountain journeys,
  • the high altitude (up to 3,000 m)
  • and the sometimes rough conditions.

We recommend a minimum age of 8 years.
Below this age, comfort and safety are no longer guaranteed.


For a more family-friendly adventure, consider the Namibia Nomads, Jordan Nomads, Morocco Nomads, Scotland Nomads, or Norway Nomads.

Is there wifi in the accommodations?

Most of our accommodations have Wi-Fi, including hotels and some guesthouses. However, in more remote areas, like Song-Kul or certain yurt camps, the connection may be limited, slow, or even nonexistent.

We recommend buying a local SIM card with mobile data as soon as you arrive in Bishkek. Network coverage is generally good throughout the itinerary, except for a few isolated valleys where the signal is naturally weaker.

This way, you can stay connected while fully enjoying the disconnection that some of the most beautiful places in Kyrgyzstan offer.

Is there electricity in all the accommodations?

Each accommodation has electricity. In the yurt camps, sometimes the outlets for charging phones and other devices are available in the common areas.

Some accommodations are powered by solar energy for electricity.

Who is this trip suitable for?

Kyrgyzstan Nomads is perfect for anyone who loves nature and adventure. Whether you’re an experienced traveller or are just venturing outside your comfort zone for the first time, if you’re open to new experiences, you’ve come to the right place!

When can I do this trip?

The calendar on the website shows all departure dates, available spots and prices.

Would you like to be notified personally when new departure dates are posted online? If so, please complete this form with your details.

Prices & Booking Conditions

How old do I need to be to be able to drive?

For this trip, you must be at least 23 years old and have held a driving licence for 3 years.

What are the additional costs?
  • Fuel: ± €160 per car for the entire road trip.
  • Food and drinks (more information under the food and drinks section).
  • Entrance fees to places of interest.
  • Parking.
  • Local SIM card or eSIM: €10.
  • Personal expenses, such as souvenirs.
What is included in the price?

The basic price includes the following: a fully equipped car, overnight stays at unique locations, a comprehensive roadbook with useful tips and tricks, access to an exclusive app, and support before and during your trip.

With how many people can I book this road trip?

Kyrgyzstan Nomads has been specifically designed for groups of 2, 3 or 4 people.

A regular group consists of 2 people, but for each departure date, a single group of 3 can also take part. In that case, we will provide a car and a triple room in each hotel. Groups of 3 people will receive a discount of €300 on the final invoice.

Would you like to travel with 4 people in one car? That’s possible, you’ll then receive a discount of €350 on the final invoice. Please bear in mind, however, that in most accommodations you’ll be allocated two twin rooms instead of one quadruple room.

Can I still cancel my trip?

It is always possible to cancel your trip. You can find the general cancellation conditions here. You can also rely on the Superflex cancellation conditions. More info under the FAQ ‘What are the Superflex cancellation conditions?

What are the Superflex cancellation conditions?

The Superflex cancellation conditions are available for anyone who books early.

You can reschedule your trip to another period within the same season (depending on availability) or cancel for free before a certain date, which is clearly stated on the registration form.

If the deadline to use the Superflex conditions has passed, the general cancellation conditions apply.

Can I modify my registration?

Depending on availability, you can add or remove most options (except cancellation insurance) until 45 days before departure. Generally, we follow a first-come, first-served principle, so early decision-makers are at an advantage.

What is the payment procedure?

Within 5 days after your registration, you must pay a deposit of 35% to confirm your trip. After that, you still have until 45 days before departure to modify your options and pay the remaining balance. If you make changes, the deposit is automatically recalculated.

There are various payment options, including Bancontact, Mastercard, iDeal. If you have a Travelbase voucher, you can use it as well.

If your payment fails, it is likely due to an incorrect reference number or exceeding your account limit.

Preparation

De quels documents ai-je besoin pour voyager au Kirghizistan ?

The essential documents to have with you are as follows:

  • A valid passport for the entire duration of your trip and at least 6 months after your return date.
  • An international driving permit (International Driving Permit – IDP) that must include the page in Russian is required. IDPs that do not have this page are not recognized by local authorities and therefore do not allow you to rent or drive a vehicle on-site.
How to get an international driver's license?

🇧🇪 Belgium

The international driving permit can be obtained from the municipality of your residence.

When applying, you can request to see a sample of the IDP or explicitly ask for the document to comply with the standard multilingual version, which allows you to check that it includes Russian.

If possible, request that the IDP be printed in the official format (usually a small booklet or pamphlet); "homemade" or unofficial versions do not guarantee translation.

Once received, make sure to check the inside: the translation pages should include Russian (in addition to English, French, etc.).

🇫🇷 France

In France, the international driving permit is obtained through the official body ANTS, via an online process followed by postal delivery.

Upon receipt, ensure that the format complies with the standard model, as this model guarantees multilingual translations, including Russian. If the received IDP appears "simplified," it's best to contact ANTS for confirmation.

Note that even if the IDP is compliant, it does not replace your French license while you are in France/EU.

We recommend checking this point well in advance to avoid any issues during your trip.

Do you need a visa to travel to Kyrgyzstan?

No, to enter Kyrgyzstan, no visa is required if you stay for less than 30 days.

Are there towels in the accommodations?

All the hotels will provide towels for you. However, we recommend bringing your own personal towel for swimming breaks.

Should I exchange money before my departure?

It's recommended to bring some cash upon your arrival in Kyrgyzstan to avoid wasting time at the airport and to easily cover your initial expenses (SIM card, taxi, meals, small daily expenses).

We suggest bringing around 90 to 120 USD per person, in good condition bills, which you can exchange for Kyrgyz soms (KGS) upon arrival (at the airport or in town). Euros can also be exchanged at currency exchange offices in the city, but they are less readily accepted directly for certain expenses like taxis or SIM cards.

Cash payments are still predominant in Kyrgyzstan. ATMs are mostly found in larger cities, and withdrawal fees may apply depending on your bank. Having cash from the start of your trip will allow you to travel more comfortably, especially in more remote areas.

How should I dress in Kyrgyzstan?

Kyrgyzstan is a moderately Muslim country, and the Kyrgyz people are known for their hospitality and kindness. Showing respect through appropriate clothing is seen as a sign of consideration. In return, you will be warmly welcomed, often over tea or a shared meal. There are no strict dress codes, but it's advisable to wear respectful attire, especially in villages: avoid overly short or tight clothing. Choose comfortable, covering clothes that are suitable for temperature variations (it can be very hot during the day and cold at night, especially at higher altitudes). A light scarf can also be handy when visiting religious sites.

Do I need to take out damage coverage?

An accident can happen quickly, which is why we recommend adding a damage waiver to your booking. This coverage will cost you €37 per day and ensures the vehicle when a member of your team is driving. By selecting this coverage, you won't have to pay a deposit.

If you choose not to take the coverage, you'll need to pay a deposit of €1000 before your departure, and a deductible of up to €3000 may be required in case of damage.

What should I bring?

A few weeks before departure, you will receive a detailed packing list, carefully compiled by our experienced team. The packing list includes everything you need for your adventure, from clothing to equipment and useful extras.

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