Highlights of Uzbekistan: Tashkent, Samarkand & Bukhara

• In order to enter Turkey and Uzbekistan (plus Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan on the tour extension), American and Canadian citizens need a valid passport with an expiration date extending at least six months beyond the date of return.
• We recommend having at least two blank passport pages for entry stamps.
• There is no visa required for American or Canadian citizens to enter Uzbekistan on the main tour; Tajikistan on the optional excursion; and Kyrgyzstan or Kazakhstan on the tour extension.
• If you’re not an American or Canadian citizen, you must contact each country’s consulate for specific entry requirements.
• You can see the most up-to-date entry requirements for the destination(s) you’ll visit on tour by going to goaheadtours.com/entry-requirements and searching for the code UZB.

• Round-trip flights booked through Go Ahead Tours arrive in and depart from Istanbul, Turkey.
• Transfers to and from the airport at your destination are included for travelers who have purchased their flights through Go Ahead Tours. Travelers who booked their own flights are responsible for securing their own airport transfers.
• When you arrive in Istanbul, a Go Ahead representative will be waiting for you in the arrivals hall with a Go Ahead sign or one bearing your name. If you don’t see a representative immediately, please be patient and stay in the arrivals area. They may be assisting another traveler who has also just arrived and will be back shortly.

Physical Activity Level

This is a high physical activity-level tour. You can expect vigorous activity throughout the course of the tour.

Tour Pacing

This is a brisk-paced tour. The pace of a tour itinerary considers how often you’ll switch hotels, the amount of planned daily activities, and how you’ll get from place to place. You can expect:

• Three one-night stays
• Most days full of included activities
• Most transportation by motor coach, some by train and flight
• Daily drive time varies and can be lengthy, particularly on days 9 and 15.

Walking, Terrain & Physical Requirements

• Travelers should be prepared to walk two to three miles per day on city streets, cobblestones, dirt pathways, bridges, stairs, and hills.
• Cobblestone streets can become slick when wet.
• Climbing the Islam Khodja Minaret in Khiva (and Burana Tower on the tour extension) involves navigating a steep, narrow staircase to reach the top for panoramic views.
• The Shah-i-Zinda necropolis in Samarkand is accessed via a steep outdoor staircase with multiple steps.
• On the tour extension, Issyk-Kul Lake sits at an elevation of approximately 5,270 feet; travelers may experience effects of higher altitude.
• Travelers should be healthy enough to participate in all included walks without assistance.

Climate Considerations

• Temperatures vary significantly throughout the year in Uzbekistan. Summers can be hot and dry, with temperatures often reaching the high 90s F to low 100s F, particularly in the desert regions and cities like Bukhara and Khiva. Winters are much colder, with temperatures ranging from the mid-20s F to low 40s F.
• Uzbekistan experiences very little rainfall throughout the year, as the country has a predominantly arid climate. The brief rainy season occurs in spring (March-April), bringing occasional showers.
• During the warmer months (June-August), expect hot, sunny days with temperatures frequently exceeding 95 F. During the cooler months (November-February), temperatures can drop significantly, ranging from 30-45 F, with occasional frost and snow in mountainous areas.
• In Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan (on the tour extension), temperatures can vary significantly, particularly due to the higher elevations and mountain terrain. Summers are mild to warm, with temperatures often reaching the mid-70s F to mid-80s F in lower-altitude areas like Bishkek and Almaty. Winters are much colder, with temperatures ranging from the low teens F to mid-30s F, and snowfall is common in mountainous regions.
• The Issyk-Kul Lake region benefits from a unique microclimate, with slightly milder temperatures year-round due to the lake’s moderating effect. However, travelers should be prepared for cooler temperatures at higher elevations, especially during morning and evening hours.
• During the warmer months (June-August), expect pleasant days with temperatures ranging from 70-85 F, though mountain areas remain cooler. During the cooler months (November-March), temperatures can drop significantly, ranging from 15-40 F, with frequent snow in higher elevations and the potential for icy conditions.

Physical Activity & Tour Pace Questions

• Go Ahead Tours and the Tour Director who accompanies your group are unable to provide special mobility or luggage handling assistance to travelers on tour. The responsibility of the Tour Director is to ensure the group enjoys a smooth and informative journey, and they can’t be relied on to provide individualized assistance to any one traveler.
• This tour moves at a reasonable pace to avoid missing scheduled stops. The rest of the group cannot miss any scheduled activities because of the needs of an individual.
• Due to the pace and physical activity level of this tour, mobility aids such as wheelchairs or walkers will be difficult to use and are not recommended. Please notify Go Ahead Tours before your departure if you plan to bring these on tour with you.
• If you have mobility concerns or tour pacing questions, please visit our Help Center or send a message to our Customer Experience Team.

• This tour includes various modes of transportation, including train, plane, and private motor coaches. Some modes of transportation will have raised platforms or steps and often not provide access to ramps or lifts.
• Flights from Istanbul to Tashkent, Urgench to Tashkent, and Tashkent to Istanbul as well as a train ride from Tashkent to Samarkand are included in the price of your tour.
• Flights from Tashkent to Bishkek and Almaty to Istanbul are included in the price of the tour extension.
• All other included transportation on this tour is by private motor coach.
• Uzbek train stations typically operate with security measures similar to airports, including baggage and body scanners before entering the platform areas. Platforms may require travelers to manage their luggage on escalators or stairs, and porterage services are not offered on train transfers. Luggage storage on trains can be limited, with designated areas at the end of each carriage or overhead racks. Please keep in mind that trains may only be stopping at stations for a few minutes; speed and efficiency with loading and unloading may be imperative. Passengers should have their tickets and identification ready for inspection by conductors during the journey.

• Please note that our travelers are limited to one checked bag and one carry-on bag per person due to storage limitations on motor coaches.
• Contact your airline(s) for baggage size and weight restrictions for your flights, which may include on-tour flights in addition to your round-trip flights to and from tour. Please note that your included on-tour flights may have more restrictive baggage limits.
• Some airlines may impose additional charges if you choose to check any baggage or exceed baggage size and weight restrictions. Be advised that you are responsible for any baggage fees incurred on all flights.
• Please note that the flights included on the tour extension may have baggage restrictions as low as 35 pounds for checked bags. You will be responsible for any costs associated with overweight baggage.
• Make sure you label your baggage and keep valuables, medication, and documents in your carry-on bag.
• Travelers must manage their own luggage throughout tour as porters are not guaranteed. This includes at hotels, airports, and boarding trains.
• Luggage storage on trains is extremely limited, and only hand luggage is allowed. Larger luggage will be shipped to each hotel and typically arrives the following day so an overnight bag is recommended.

• We recommend packing lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that can be easily layered to accommodate varying temperatures, as well as a light jacket or rainwear.
• A sturdy pair of walking shoes or sneakers is recommended for sightseeing, particularly for navigating cobblestone streets and uneven terrain at historic sites.
• You may want to pack dressier attire if you plan to visit a high-end restaurant or attend a special performance. It's preferable not to visit mosques, madrassas, or other holy places with bare legs or shoulders; entrance may be denied on this basis.
• Women should pack a headscarf for visiting religious sites in Uzbekistan, as head coverings are required or respectful in many locations. For Uzbekistan's desert cities (Bukhara, Khiva, and Samarkand), pack sun protection including a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen, as temperatures can be extremely hot with little shade.
• or the Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan extension, pack additional layers including a warm fleece or jacket, as mountain regions and higher elevations (particularly around Issyk-Kul Lake and Big Almaty Lake) can be significantly cooler, even in summer months.
• We recommend packing a universal adapter, as well as a voltage converter if you plan on using your own hairdryer or other device without a built-in converter.
• We recommend packing your Insurance Card (from your primary insurance provider) in your carry on luggage.

• Go Ahead handpicks every hotel you’ll stay at, striking a balance between comfort, location, and local charm.
• Specific properties will vary based on your departure date but are typically three- to four-star hotels; always include private bathrooms; and usually have in-room safes for valuables. Additionally, your hotels will have Wi-Fi, but access may be limited to common areas. There may also not be elevators.
• Unfortunately, we can’t guarantee that your accommodations will have laundry services or facilities. We recommend checking directly with your hotels once they’ve been confirmed, about 30 days prior to departure.
• Some hotels on this tour are situated on narrow streets; as such, our buses can’t drop you off right out front. In these instances, you’ll have to walk your luggage to the property, no more than a few blocks.
• The strength of the air-conditioning in hotels in Asia is often not as strong or as cool as what one might be used to in the U.S. or Canada. When air-conditioning is available, it is usually regulated seasonally and controlled centrally by the hotel.
• All destinations visited on tour operate on 220-240 volts and use Type C, E, and F plugs with two small, round pins.
• Specific accommodations will vary based on your departure date.

• Excursions are available for purchase prior to departure, and most excursions will be available for purchase while you are on tour directly through your mobile app for an additional $10 USD.
• We recommend purchasing excursions at least three days prior to your tour departure. Please note some excursions have advance booking deadlines. Check your tour itinerary for more information to ensure you don’t miss the deadline to add them.
• Optional excursions may be canceled on tour due to reasons like low enrollment, weather, or unexpected closures. If an excursion you signed up for is canceled by Go Ahead Tours, you will be refunded the full cost of the excursion. Please note it may take up to 60 days for your refund to be processed.
• Your Tour Director may offer their own optional excursions, which can only be purchased on tour with cash (in local currency).

• At least 60 days prior to departure, check with your doctor or healthcare provider for the latest updates and entry requirements, or visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website at cdc.gov.
• If traveling on the Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan extension, please be aware that you will be traveling at altitudes as high as 7,200 feet above sea level, particularly at Issyk-Kul Lake. These higher altitudes can sometimes cause breathing difficulties for travelers who have heart problems or respiratory ailments. If you suffer from any of these conditions, please speak to your doctor regarding any potential health risks.
• During the extension, even healthy travelers may experience altitude sickness—a temporary condition featuring symptoms such as headache, fatigue, nausea, and lightheadedness. Until your body acclimates to the higher altitudes, we suggest that you drink plenty of fluids and limit your intake of caffeine and alcohol.
• Be sure to take proper care for sun exposure, as the sun can be intense in Uzbekistan’s desert climate and at higher altitudes in Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan.
• Drink bottled water only. Refrain from ingesting tap water, including when brushing your teeth.
• Avoid eating fresh fruits and vegetables unless they’re cooked or washed in clean water and peeled.
• Public restrooms in Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Kazakhstan can vary in quality and amenities. We suggest carrying bathroom tissue and hand sanitizer with you.
• If you have dietary restrictions and/or food allergies, please notify Go Ahead Tours at least 30 days prior to your departure by logging in to your account and updating your traveler info. To update this information closer to your departure date, please contact our Customer Experience Team.
• If you have medication that you take daily, be sure you have enough for each day of the tour as well as any possible delays encountered.

• Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Kazakhstan are predominantly Muslim countries with secular governments. While they are generally more liberal than some neighboring regions, it’s important to be respectful of local customs and cultural sensitivities.
• Dress modestly, particularly when visiting mosques, madrassas, and other religious sites. Women should cover their shoulders and knees, and headscarves are required or appreciated in many holy places. Men should also avoid wearing shorts at religious sites.
• Photography restrictions are enforced at certain locations, including government buildings, military installations, border crossings, and some metro stations (particularly in Tashkent). Always ask permission before photographing people, especially women, and respect any signage prohibiting photography.
• Public displays of affection should be kept to a minimum. While hand-holding is generally acceptable, more overt displays of affection may attract unwanted attention or disapproval.
• Drug laws are extremely strict throughout Central Asia, and penalties for possession or use can include lengthy prison sentences. Avoid any involvement with illegal substances.
• Alcohol is available in restaurants, hotels, and some shops in major cities, though it may be more restricted during religious holidays such as Ramadan.

• This tour includes three lunches and four dinners: They may be set menus, buffets, or family-style meals, depending on the location. Dinners also include one glass of beer, wine, or a soft drink, as well as water.
• Breakfast each morning is also included at the hotel and is typically buffet style with hot and cold options.
• Uzbek cuisine is characterized by its hearty, flavorful dishes influenced by centuries of Silk Road trade. Plov (also called osh), a fragrant rice pilaf cooked with meat, carrots, and onions, is the national dish and a must-try. Bread, particularly non (flatbread baked in clay ovens), is central to every meal and carries deep cultural significance. Lamb and beef are the most common meats, often featured in dishes like shashlik (grilled meat skewers), lagman (hand-pulled noodles), and manti (steamed dumplings). You’ll also encounter samsa (savory pastries filled with meat or vegetables) and fresh salads featuring tomatoes, cucumbers, and herbs. Meals are often accompanied by green tea, and you’ll have the opportunity to sample fresh and dried fruits, nuts, and local sweets.
• In Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan on the tour extension, the cuisine reflects the countries’ nomadic heritage, with a strong emphasis on meat and dairy products. Beshbarmak, which translates to “five fingers,” is a traditional dish of boiled meat (usually lamb or beef) served over flat noodles. Kymyz (fermented mare’s milk) is a traditional beverage, though it may be an acquired taste for some travelers. You’ll also find plov, shashlik, and various breads similar to types served in Uzbekistan. The Dungan minority in Kyrgyzstan offers a unique culinary experience, blending Central Asian and Chinese flavors with dishes featuring hand-pulled noodles, aromatic spices, and stir-fried vegetables. Fresh dairy products, like kurut (dried yogurt balls) and creamy kaymak, are common accompaniments to meals.

• At the conclusion of your tour, it is customary to offer your Tour Director and driver a gratuity in local currency. Please keep current exchange rates in mind.
• We recommend tipping $ 10 USD to $ 12 USD per person per day for your Tour Director and $ 4 USD per person per day for your driver.
• We also recommend $ 2 USD per local guide.
• Tips can only be paid in cash.
• If you are traveling to multiple countries with different currencies and the same Tour Director, ask them what currency they prefer for their tip.
• The cost of porterage is included in your tour price, and it is not necessary to tip baggage handlers.

• You will use the Turkish lira in Turkey and the Uzbekistani sum in Uzbekistan, plus the Kazakhstani tenge in Kazakhstan and the Kyrgyz som in Kyrgyzstan on the tour extension.
• Better rates of exchange are usually available overseas, though you can look into ordering some local currencies from your local bank or a foreign currency exchange retailer, such as Travelex, before you arrive. These currencies can be difficult to obtain outside of Central Asia, but you will have the chance to exchange currency at airports, banks, and authorized exchange offices in each country, or withdraw local currency from ATMs in major cities.
• Currency exchange offices are widely available in cities like Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva, Bishkek, and Almaty. Keep receipts of your exchanges, as you may need them when departing the country or exchanging remaining local currency back to your home currency.
• If you wish, you can obtain local currency through a currency exchange booth at the airport upon your arrival in each country. ATMs are readily available in major cities and tourist areas, though less common in rural regions.
• Cash is the preferred method of payment across Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Kazakhstan, particularly in smaller towns, markets, and family-run establishments. Some larger vendors, hotels, and restaurants in major cities may accept international debit and credit cards, such as MasterCard and Visa, though it is not universal and a minimum payment may be required. You should not rely on using your credit card for all purchases while on tour.
• U.S. dollars and euros are widely recognized and can be exchanged easily throughout your journey. Bring clean, newer bills without tears or marks, as damaged currency may be rejected.
• Plan ahead and bring cash to tip your Tour Director, local guides, and bus drivers.

• To help you feel prepared before traveling on tour, we strongly recommend downloading the EF Go Ahead Tours mobile app. It’s free and provides information about important deadlines and entry requirements, as well as your detailed itinerary, packing tips, and more. You can also connect with fellow travelers through the app’s chat feature.
• Wi-Fi is available in most hotels, though some charges may apply.
• There is no Wi-Fi on any of the motor coaches.
• Please contact your mobile service provider for information on roaming charges.

• Your Tour Director will be leading your group throughout your journey. You will have a different Tour Director in each country on this tour.
• The role of the Tour Director is not only to provide information and context on the destinations you visit, but also to confirm services, coordinate inclusions, prepare each days’ activities and support travelers while on tour. As such, they must focus on the success of the group, and cannot provide individualized assistance to any one traveler.

• One of the benefits of traveling with EF Go Ahead Tours is our on tour emergency support team.
• Our extensive network of offices around the world, and our integration of ISO 31000: Risk Management Guidelines, help our dedicated 24/7 Emergency Service teams anticipate and address on-tour challenges in a flexible and iterative way.
• This team supports travelers and Tour Directors using a combination of extensive training, simulations, incident response planning, and decades of experience to help manage emergencies if they arise, ranging from personal health concerns or injuries to major world events.
• As needed, On Tour Support can facilitate additional support for travelers on tour, arrange assistance from outside specialists, and liaise with local and international authorities to help solve on-the-ground issues. In addition, the team is dedicated to supporting and facilitating communication between travelers and families in the event of an emergency while on the road or at home.

• Turkey is seven hours ahead of Eastern Time (ET). Please note that Turkey does not observe daylight saving time.
• Uzbekistan is nine hours ahead of ET, while Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan are 10 hours ahead of ET. These countries do not observe Daylight Saving Time.
• When it’s noon in New York, it’s 7 p.m. in Turkey; 9 p.m. in Uzbekistan; and 10 p.m. in Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan from November through March. From April through October, it’s 6 p.m. in Turkey; 8 p.m. in Uzbekistan; and 9 p.m. in Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan.

• When you travel with Go Ahead Tours, you’ll make a positive impact on the places you visit and the people and animals you meet along the way. That’s because our three core Responsible Travel commitments—protecting the environment, supporting local communities, and promoting animal welfare—are at the heart of every tour we offer.
• Travel, when done responsibly, can have an enormous socioeconomic impact on communities. To maximize your impact, eat at locally owned restaurants and shop at small businesses. Ask your Tour Director to point out restaurants they recommend.
• Prepare for your trip: Be aware of monetary norms such as tipping and negotiating in a market; learn about the destination’s forms of etiquette; and take some time to learn a few words in the local language.
• When interacting with locals, make sure to ask people for permission before you take their picture, and approach cultural differences with empathy and an open mind.
• Go Ahead Tours encourages travelers to limit their waste while on the road, especially single-use plastics. You can cut back on generating plastic waste by packing your own toiletries, using electronic documents, and bringing a reusable water bottle and shopping bag. If you need to use plastics or paper, please recycle.
• When visiting national parks, reserves, or other protected areas, please do not remove anything from the natural environment or leave any litter. Carry out what you carried in.
• When you come across wild animals on tour, take the philosophies of World Animal Protection to heart: Don’t touch or feed them, and maintain a respectful distance. The animals you encounter on your trip should be able to exhibit natural forms of behavior.
• Furthermore, avoid buying exploitative animal products, like crafts made from tortoiseshell or meals such as shark fin soup.
• If you feel we aren’t meeting any of these commitments, please let us know.