Most Inspirational Moment
As everyone says the Eagle hunting was amazing - like nothing I’ve ever seen before! Our first view of the Registan in Samarkand.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Vitaliy (Kyrgyzstan & Kazakhstan) was very knowledgeable, great organiser & time keeper and also fun! Jahongir (Uzbekistan) was equally a great guide - so knowledgeable about everything! (Occasionally told us sl more than we may have needed to know - but did it with great fun, humour & and infectious chuckle!)
Advice for Potential Travellers
Go if you can. I’m in my early 60’s & was a bit concerned re reviews that said trip was too fast paced/ tiring / long journeys etc…….. I don’t know if we were just lucky but all went smoothly for us - train trips were comfortable & fun! Border crossings easy……. No hitches! Coaches all comfy (drivers all excellent!) We went in September & had packed for autumn - but still 28-33 degrees (yurt night was cooler - down to 10 degrees) Points to note: USD must be crisp / clean and post 2013 or they won’t be exchanged for local currency. The larger USD notes (50/100) get better exchange rates. In Bukhara/ Khiva you are able to buy things with USD, otherwise local money only. We found visa / Mastercard widely accepted in towns. 24 hour electricity in yurt camp - easy to charge phones etc. Karakol has a very poor bazaar…….. Bukhara and Khiva are excellent for bazaars! We found food choices to be excellent - lots of salads, soups, vegetables, fruits - we had been led to believe very meat based - but didn’t find this. Locals very friendly, no evidence of crime, never felt unsafe. I’ve travelled extensively & really enjoyed this trip - go for it!