Essential Information - Kyrgyzstan - The Shepherd's Way

Tour Status

Before booking your holiday with us, please check the status of your chosen tour. We strongly advise against booking any flights or making other travel arrangements until the tour is marked as Guaranteed.

To confirm your place, simply pay the deposit. This deposit can be refunded at any time until the tour status changes to "Guaranteed". Your final balance will be due 56 days before the tour start date.

When you book, you are agreeing to our booking conditions – please take a moment to read them in full.

Each tour requires a minimum number of participants to go ahead. As bookings come in, the status will update from Available, to 2 More to Guarantee, and finally to Guaranteed once the minimum is met. You can always check the current status on the ‘Dates and Prices’ section of the tour page.

Tour status definitions:

✅ Guaranteed – The tour is confirmed and open for booking.

✅ Guaranteed – Limited – Confirmed to run, but only a few spaces left.

⏳ Available – 2 More to Guarantee – Tour is open but needs just 2 more bookings to confirm.

🟢 Available – Open for booking but not yet confirmed to run.

📩 Contact – Please get in touch if you're interested in this tour.

❌ Fully Booked – This tour is no longer available.

Once a tour is marked Guaranteed, you can confidently go ahead with booking your flights and making travel plans. We don’t cancel trips once they reach guaranteed status, except in very rare and exceptional circumstances.

🚐 Support Vehicle A fully equipped support vehicle accompanies you throughout the tour.

🏨 Accommodation Comfortable lodging provided for the duration of the trip.

🛌 Sleeping Mats Sleeping mats are included at no extra charge.

🍛 Most Meals Most meals are provided — refer to trip notes for specific details.

🚴‍♂️ Snacks & Mineral Water (Cycling Days) Enjoy snacks and mineral water during cycling activities.

✈️ Airport Transfers (Start & End Dates)Transfers are included on the official start and end dates of the tour.

🧭 Local English-Speaking Guide(s) Experienced, professional guides fluent in English will lead your tour.

 ✈️ International Flights
Flights to and from the tour destination are not included.

🚐 Airport Transfers (Outside Tour Dates)
Transfers outside the scheduled tour dates are available at an additional cost if arranged in advance.

🍷 Alcoholic Beverages
Alcohol is not covered in the tour package.

🍽️ Unspecified Meals
Only meals listed in the itinerary are included.

🛏️ Sleeping Bag Rental
Sleeping bags can be hired for an extra fee with advance booking.

🛂 Visa Fees
Visa application and processing fees are not included.

🛡️ Travel Insurance
Participants must arrange their own travel insurance.

💰 Tips for Guides & Support Staff
Gratuities for guides and staff are not included.

🚴 Bike Hire
Bicycles are available to hire upon request.

✈️ Getting There and Away:
📍 Tour Start Location: Bishkek
The tour begins in Bishkek. Please plan to arrive on Day 1 of the itinerary.

🛫 Departure:
Book your return flight for the final day of the itinerary.

🌍 Global Arrivals Welcome
We understand that travelers join from around the world. No matter your arrival time on the trip start date, you and your luggage will be transferred to the joining hotel.

🕒 Early Arrivals
Arriving before midday? Your room may not be ready immediately, and you might need to wait for check-in.

🛎️ Need Extra Nights?
Arriving early or staying longer? We can assist with additional accommodation and airport transfers for an extra fee.

🚫 International Flights Not Included
The tour price does not include your international airfare.

🌐 Flight Booking Resources
For flights, check:
www.kayak.com or www.opodo.co.uk

The local currency is the Kyrgyzstani Som (KGS). All transactions must be made in som—foreign currencies are not accepted for purchases.

What to Bring

Bring a Visa or Mastercard debit/credit card for ATM access

Travellers from the UK, Europe, US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand: bring USD or EUR for easier exchange.Clean, undamaged notes only—torn or old bills may be rejected

Cash is essential for rural areas where card facilities may not be available

Where to Exchange

At Manas International Airport (FRU), Bishkek:

Currency exchange desks are available in the Arrivals area

ATMs are also accessible in the terminal

✅ Exchange a small amount on arrival (e.g. 2,000–3,000 KGS / £18–£28) for immediate expenses

 ❌ Rates at the airport are typically less favorable—better rates are found in Bishkek city

✔ Your redspokes guide will assist with exchanging money and using ATMs throughout the tour

💸 Spending Money

We recommend budgeting around £200 / $270 for the trip, to cover drinks, snacks, souvenirs, and incidental expenses.

Typical Costs in Kyrgyzstan

🧭 Helpful Tips

Cash is the most reliable form of payment, especially in the countryside

Alert your bank before departure to avoid ATM issues

Bring small denomination notes for local markets and tips

ATM availability decreases significantly in rural areas—plan ahead

Your redspokes guide is always there to help with any money-related needs

💁‍♂️ Staff Tipping

Tipping is appreciated and a great way to show gratitude to the guiding and support team.

💷 Recommended: £60–£80 per person
💵 Or $80–$100 equivalent

Tipping is usually done collectively at the end of the tour, with your guide distributing the amount fairly among the crew.
While not compulsory, tips are welcomed when service has been outstanding. redspokes ensures all staff are paid fairly—tips are seen as personal recognition for great service.

🚴 Bike Hire & Single Rooms

Need to rent a bike or prefer a single room supplement? These options are usually available for an additional cost.

Request them during booking or later (subject to availability) by emailing us.

🏨 Extra Nights & Transfers
Arriving early or staying longer? We can arrange:

Additional accommodation 

Airport transfers
These services are available before or after the tour for an extra charge.

🚴‍♂️ Bike Support & Grading

🚐 Full Vehicle Support
A backup vehicle (jeep or bus) will accompany the group at all times, carrying your main luggage and offering a lift if needed.

🎒 Luggage Transport
Your baggage is moved daily by the support vehicle from one overnight stop to the next — no need to ride with heavy loads.

📍 Regular Stops
The support vehicle stops approximately every 12 miles (20 km) to assist and provide access if needed.

🧰 Basic Bike Repairs
Our tour leaders carry a comprehensive tool kit and can assist with most minor mechanical issues during the ride.

⚠️ Bring a Reliable Bike
While we offer support, we cannot guarantee all repairs can be done on the road. If you're bringing your own bike, make sure it’s in excellent condition — a full service before departure is highly recommended.

In Kyrgyzstan we provide Cannondale Trail SL 3 hardtail mountain bikes or similar. 

The bikes are equipped with flat pedals. Those who prefer to use spd or clip-in pedals, are welcome to bring these with you, along with your own cycling shoes and cleats. You are also welcome to bring your own saddle.

If you are able to do a simple repair yourself then you can if you wish take a small repair kit with you as this will avoid the need to wait for assistance should the team or support vehicle be any distance away. The bikes will come with one water bottle cage fitted.

You are required to bring your own cycle helmet as this is not included as part of your bike hire and hire or purchase options cannot be guaranteed.  It is mandatory for cycle helmets to be worn at all times when cycling.  Failure to wear a cycle helmet is at your own risk and might also affect the validity of your travel insurance.

✅ Bike Type This tour is best suited for mountain bikes with knobbly or semi-slick tyres to handle mixed terrain comfortably.

🔧 Pre-Tour Bike Check
We strongly recommend having your bike fully serviced before departure. Key checks include:

🛞 Adjusting wheel spokes

⚙️ Greasing all bearings

🪛 Inspecting gear and brake cables

🔩 Tightening all nuts and bolts

⛓️ Checking chain, quick release clamps, and tyres

🧽 Installing new inner tubes

💿 Ensuring wheel rims are not worn

🧰 Essential Bike Tools to Bring
Make sure you pack the following:

🧷 Multi-tool

🪛 Tyre levers

💨 Compact pump

🔁 Spare inner tubes

🧵 Spare spokes

🛑 Spare disc or brake pads (check with your bike shop)

🔗 A few chain links

🧪 Spares for unique features (e.g. hydraulic fluid, bleed kit)

🛄 Luggage Considerations
✈️ Your bike must be transported as part of your checked luggage

📦 A packed bike in a cardboard box typically weighs 15–20 kg

💼 Check your airline’s excess baggage policy before travel

🛡️ Travel Insurance – Mandatory

✅ Insurance is Required
All participants must be fully insured for the entire duration of the tour.

🚑 What Your Policy Must Cover:

 Personal injury

Medical expenses

Death and repatriation

Helicopter or aircraft rescue

Loss of luggage or equipment

Tour cancellation or curtailment

⚠️ Check Activity Exclusions Make sure your policy does not exclude coverage for adventure or cycling-related activities.

📝 Claims Process  All insurance claims must be made directly with your insurer.

📅 Insure at Time of Booking We strongly advise purchasing travel insurance when you book your trip to ensure coverage in case of cancellation.

🍽️ Eating & Drinking (Special Diets)

✅ Most Meals Included
Nearly all meals are covered, except on non-cycling days and specific exclusions — please refer to your itinerary for full details.

🌱 Special Dietary Requirements
Have dietary needs? Let us know at the time of booking. Most diets can be accommodated with advance notice.

📍 Exceptions:
Meals in Bishkek and on the rest day are not included — giving you the freedom to explore local cuisine on your own.

Sample Kyrgyz Cuisine:
Experience local favorites such as:

Manti – dumplings similar to large ravioli

Kuurdak – fried meat and potatoes

Lagman – mildly spicy noodle soup

Guro Lagman – dry noodles with vegetables

Plov – rice with meat and vegetables

We choose accommodation on the basis of comfort rather than luxury. Our prices are based on sharing a twin room. Should you wish to have a room all to yourself there is a single supplement option on the majority of our tours. For more information on the additional costs please see dates and prices.

The accommodation for this trip is varied and is a mixture of Guest Houses, Hotels, Yurts and Camping.   Please be aware that the Yurts are on a shared basis between 4 or 6 people.

Some rooms within the Hotels will have en suite facilities and air conditioning. There are showers at the Yurt camps and hot water will be provided for washing on the camping nights. 

🚴‍♀️ Solo Travellers Welcome

🌍 Join a Diverse Group
Our tours attract a great mix of solo travellers, friends, and couples — everyone is welcome!

🛏️ Shared Accommodation
Prices are based on twin-shared rooms. If you're joining solo, we'll pair you with another same-gender guest from your group.

🚪 Want Your Own Room?
Prefer privacy? Single room upgrades are available on most tours for an additional charge.

You must hold a valid passport in order to travel.  Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months from the date of your return from any overseas destination. 

Visa and entry requirements for most countries can and do change from time to time and so we strongly recommend that you consult the government travel website for where your passport was issued.

For UK nationals, please visit the gov.uk website for up to date information about entry requirements for Kyrgyzstan.  The website also provides vaccination advice as well as the option to sign up for Alerts so that you are aware if requirements have changed. 

✅ Who needs a visa?

Since late 2012 Kyrgyzstan has allowed most nationalities to visit for tourist or business reasons without having to obtain a visa. Depending on nationality, no official invitation letter is now needed. Please note visa requirements frequently change and as such we advise that you check with the relevant embassies.

You can check on the official Kyrgyzstan e-visa portal.

🏥 Health & Travel Preparation

 📋 Consult a Health Professional
Speak with your doctor or travel clinic before your trip to ensure you're fully prepared for travel to Kyrgyzstan.

🌐 Use Trusted Resources
Check your country’s national travel health authority for the latest advice and recommendations.

 ⚠️ Disclaimer
Health requirements can change without notice. As we are not authorized to provide medical advice, please consult a licensed health professional before you travel.

🌤️ Kyrgyzstan Climate Overview

• 🏔️ Diverse Weather by Altitude
  Thanks to its mountainous terrain, Kyrgyzstan experiences a wide range of climates — from sunny lowlands to snow-covered highlands.

• 🌞 General Climate

  • Mostly temperate and sunny

  • Low rainfall throughout the year

• 📉 Lowland Temperatures:

  • January: 21–24°F (–6°C to –4°C)

  • July: 61–75°F (16°C to 24°C)

• ❄️ Mountain Temperatures:

  • Summer: 46–54°F (8°C to 12°C)

  • Winter: 7°F to –4°F (–14°C to –20°C)

  • Expect heavy snowfall in winter months

• 📅 Best Time to Visit:
  May to October offers the most comfortable weather for outdoor activities and cycling tours.

🎒 Equipment List

This is a flexible guide to help you prepare for your tour. Adjust it based on your personal needs and preferences.

🛌 Sleeping Gear

• 💤 3–4 season sleeping bag (recommended for cold nights)

🚴‍♂️ Cycling Essentials

• 🪖 Cycle helmet (mandatory and must be worn at all times while cycling)

• 🎒 Small bike bag or daypack for essentials

• 💧 Water bottles or a CamelBak hydration pack

• 🕶️ Sunglasses

👕 Clothing

• 👕 Base layer tops

• 🧥 Fleece jacket/pullover

• 🌧️ Waterproof cycling jacket (breathable)

• 🩳 Baggy trekking shorts

• 👖 Long cycling trousers / trekking trousers

• 👚 T-shirts – lightweight

• 👕 Long-sleeved shirt

• 🩲 Padded cycling shorts

• 👟 Trekking shoes or cycle shoes

• 🧦 Lightweight & heavyweight socks

• 🧤 Fingerless cycling gloves

• 🧤 Thermal gloves

• 🧢 Fleece hat

• 🧢 Cap (to wear under helmet)

• 🧣 Buff or neck gaiter

• 🩴 Flip-flops or sandals for around camp

❄️ Thermal Layers

• 👖 Long johns

• 👕 Thermal tops

🧴 Toiletries & Protection

• 🧻 Towel

• 💄 Lip balm

• 🌞 High-factor sunscreen

• 🧴 Insect repellent

• 🧼 Hand sanitizer

• 🧽 Antiseptic wet wipes

🧰 First Aid Kit (Recommended Personal Items)

• 💊 Paracetamol / Ibuprofen

• 💊 Lomotil or Diacalm (for digestive issues)

• 💧 Rehydration salts (e.g., Dioralyte)

• 🧴 Antiseptic cream

• 🍬 Throat lozenges

• 🩹 Plasters (band-aids)

• 👃 Nasal spray

• 👁️ Eye drops

• 🎧 Ear plugs

⚡ Extras

• 🍫 Energy bars, gels, or power snacks

• 🥤 Energy/recovery drinks

• 📷 Camera (optional but great for capturing memories)

In Kyrgyzstan, the standard voltage is 220 volts with a frequency of 50 Hz, which is typical for many countries in Europe and Asia. The country primarily uses Type C and Type F sockets.

•  🚫 Kyrgyzstan Cycle Tops
  
  

• Our Kyrgyzstan-themed cycling tops are currently out of stock. We’ll update you as soon as they become available again.

• ✅ Redspokes T-Shirts Available
  We do have Redspokes-branded T-shirts in stock.