The hike is absolutely breathtaking - but it’s not to be underestimated. Previous participants have described it as the most beautiful, yet also the most challenging hike of their lives. The second day is particularly demanding: it’s long, and we ascend up to 3,900 meters. While altitude sickness is rare, it can occur at this elevation. Though we’ll take plenty of breaks, you should have prior hiking experience, feel comfortable walking for several hours in mountainous terrain, and have a good level of overall fitness. If you’re well prepared, the reward is truly unforgettable.

For this trip, basic riding experience is helpful but not essential. Our Kyrgyz horses are a bit smaller than Western horses but incredibly steady on mountain terrain. We'll have a thorough orientation before setting off, and our horse guides are experts at matching riders with appropriate horses.

Keep it simple and authentic! I'm looking for your personality and genuine interest. Mention why you're drawn to Kyrgyzstan specifically. No fancy editing needed - just you speaking from the heart for 1-3 minutes. Authenticity matters more than production quality!

Let's be honest - they're basic! Yurt camps have simple outhouse-style toilets (clean but rustic). When camping, we use a portable toilet system with a privacy tent. It's all part of the adventure! We provide biodegradable supplies and hand sanitizer. Most travelers find it easier than expected, and the spectacular mountain views make it all worthwhile.

You'll receive a detailed packing list after booking. Essentials include broken-in hiking boots, layers for temperatures between 0°C and 30°C, and a high-quality sleeping bag for the yurt and camping nights.

Absolutely. While the traditional Kyrgyz diet is meat-heavy, our expedition cooks are great at accommodating dietary restrictions (vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free) if you note them in your application.

Yes! Kyrgyzstan is a photographer's dream. We encourage you to capture the magic, as long as it doesn't hinder your or the group's experience. Note: drone regulations must be followed.

We take altitude seriously and design our itinerary with proper acclimatization. The highest point is around 3,900m at Ala Kul pass. Most people experience only mild symptoms like slight breathlessness. Our guides are trained to recognize signs and carry appropriate first aid.

Stomach upsets can happen when traveling, but we take every precaution: filtered water, high hygiene standards, and quality ingredients. We recommend bringing basic stomach medication (charcoal tablets/Imodium) just in case. Our guides always carry a comprehensive first aid kit.

Yes. To join us, you must have comprehensive travel health insurance that includes emergency medical evacuation (minimum $100,000 USD recommended). This is for your safety in these remote areas.

No. A 50% deposit secures your spot, and the rest is due 45 days before we start our journey together.

Once your spot is confirmed, you'll need to pay the deposit, sign the T&Cs and Waiver to secure it. Spots are limited and fill up quickly, so we recommend applying as soon as possible once you've decided you're up for the adventure!

Due to our fixed commitments with local nomad families and guides, payments are generally non-refundable. We strongly recommend travel cancellation insurance to protect your investment.

Most Western citizens can enter Kyrgyzstan visa-free for up to 30 days. However, your passport must be valid for at least six months from entry. Please check the official e-visa portal for your specific nationality!

Mountains are unpredictable. If safety is at risk, our guides may adjust the itinerary. Journeyious is not liable for changes due to "Force Majeure" (weather, trail conditions), but we always find an amazing alternative.

Flights are not included in the trip price. You'll book your own flights to and from Bishkek. We'll send you all the info you need on airports, arrival times, and useful connections closer to the trip so you're all set! We always recommend arriving a day or two early in Bishkek, just to be safe and to give yourself a little buffer. Flights can get delayed or rerouted, and arriving early means you start the trip stress-free instead of rushing. Some of our travelers did this last year and it made all the difference! And if your flight does get delayed, don't stress. Reach out to us and we'll find a way to get you to the group. We've got you. 🙏 Just keep in mind that we have no control over airlines, schedules, or flight disruptions. To make sure you're fully covered, we really recommend getting travel cancellation insurance that includes flight disruptions. It's a small investment that gives you a lot of peace of mind.

We know the world feels a bit uncertain right now, and we totally understand if you have questions about this. We want to be fully transparent with you. We are monitoring the situation very closely and your safety always comes first - no exceptions. If we decide that the trip cannot safely take place, we will of course not send you there. In that case, you'll get two options: 1) rebooking to a future trip, or 2) a refund. The same goes for the other way around: if circumstances prevent you from traveling, whether it's flight cancellations, border closures, or anything else beyond your control, please reach out to us and we'll figure it out together. We're a small team and we genuinely care about every single one of you. That said, we do want to be honest: as a small company, we invest a lot of time, energy, and money into planning these trips months in advance. That means we can't always guarantee a full cash refund in every situation, but we will always do our best to find a fair and personal solution. One thing we really recommend: look into a "Cancel for Any Reason" insurance (CFAR). Regular travel insurance usually doesn't cover cancellations due to global events. A CFAR policy costs a little more but reimburses 50–75% of your trip cost no matter what. It's honestly the best thing you can do to protect yourself!