To save you money and the hassle of booking multiple trips, this journey is a combination of some of our most popular adventures so your leader and the composition of your group may change.

Basix

Overland

Occasionally our itineraries are updated during the year to incorporate improvements stemming from past travellers' comments and our own research. The information given in this itinerary may be slightly different to that in the brochure. It's very important that you print and review a final copy of your Trip Notes a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans. For the latest updated Trip Notes please visit our website: www.intrepidtravel.comPlease note that while we operate successful trips in this region throughout the year, some changes may occur in our itineraries due to inclement weather and common seasonal changes to timetables and transport routes. This can happen with little notice so please be prepared for modifications to the route.

We must emphasise that the routes, activities and places visited described in these trip notes are intentions and are meant as a rough guide only. We intend following the route detailed but exact night stops cannot be guaranteed. It sometimes happens that we decide to make a change to our basic planned itinerary. This may be for a variety of reasons - climatic, road or bureaucratic conditions may demand it. Or it may be because we find a better, more interesting route. While actually en route, unexpected hospitality, a local festival or a great place to chill out can determine our exact route and itinerary on any given trip.Overnight stops and driving distances each day may vary to best suit the needs of the group.

The comforts of home are more of a rarity. English isn't common and the food will be quite different to home. It's important to observe some of the local customs to not cause offence. Many of the locals’ standard of living may be confronting.

This trip will raise your heartbeat. Moderate physical activities are included and a good level of fitness is required.

In these parts of the world you'll need to be healthy enough to cope with extremes of climate; from hot deserts through to the cold of high mountain areas. Overland travelling can be demanding - long, rough travel days and dusty conditions can be challenging to some. You'll need to be fit enough to help every day with the camp chores (cooking, washing up, general camp set up) as well as putting up, and taking down your own tent. There are some long driving days and some early morning starts. The step-up into the overland vehicle, while not overly high, can become tiring. You need to judge if you are physically fit enough to haul yourself up and down the step at least 8-10 times a day.

Included activities are listed in the day-to-day itinerary, all other activities are optional and at your own expense. If you choose not to participate in the included activities on this itinerary, the cost will not be refunded.

On this trip it's compulsory to contribute to a kitty. The kitty is an on-ground payment put into a central fund and overseen by travellers and the crew. It helps fund accommodation, camp meals and some included activities. Kitty amounts are subject to change to reflect local price increases. Please check our website for the up-to-date amount 48 hours prior to your trip commencement.Your kitty will be collected when you arrive for your trip, either on day 1 or, if on a combination trip, in stages throughout your trip.

You may pay your kitty in a mixture of US Dollars cash and the rest in local currency (amount and type of currency to be agreed by the leader at the start of the trip). Most of our travellers chose to bring a cash passport with them for withdrawing local currency (you can visit www.cashpassport.com for further information on these). This is a very secure way of carrying your money whilst travelling. You treat them exactly like an ATM card and draw out local currency from an ATM to give to your leader within each country.If you do choose to pay part in local currency your trip leader will confirm the current exchange rates with you so you will know exactly how much to hand over.Travellers cheques have become increasingly difficult to change around the world with passengers and our leaders experiencing huge frustration and numerous hours spent trying to find a bank which will change travellers cheques. For this reason we no longer accept them on our trips.

Kitty does not cover food while staying in hotels and hostels.

KITTY CHANGES:
We constantly monitor local price changes and exchange rate fluctuations that could affect kitty expenses. Final kitty contributions are likely to be different from those quoted in the brochure or at the time of booking so you must check the final amount just before departure.

As our kitty is flexible the indicated amount is indicative only. Follow the link below to view the kitty amount for your departure date.

A selection of optional activities are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only. Prices are for entrance only and don't include transport costs to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination. Optional activities aren't necessarily endorsed or recommended by Intrepid nor included in price of this trip. If you do any optional activities, you do so at your own risk and it must be clearly understood that your participation is your own decision and doesn't form part of your contract with Intrepid. You may be required to sign/complete a waiver form or a receipt for some optional activities.

The official currency of Turkey is the Turkish Lira (TRY, although prior to 2005 the currency code was TL). ATMs are common throughout the main cities and these are a safe and convenient way to withdraw money. Credit cards are also widely accepted. Cash in any of the major currencies (EUR, GBP and USD) is easily changed. Travellers cheques in major currencies (EUR, GBP and USD) can be changed at selected local banks but it can be time consuming and subject to high fees.

The official unit of currency is the Iranian rial (IRR), but locals almost always talk in terms of tomans, a unit equal to 10 rials. Iran is very much a cash economy. This means travellers can rarely use debit or credit cards or travellers cheques while in Iran. There may be rare occasions in tourist-orientated shops that credit cards are accepted, otherwise cash is the main method of trade in Iran. US dollars and euro notes are the only hard currencies accepted by Iranian banks and money changers (please don't bring British pounds as it's very difficult to find banks that will change them). Having those notes changed into Iranian rials is a fairly simple exercise. Please make sure that all the bills are unmarked and undamaged in any way and were printed since 1996. New and fresh notes are preferred in most banks. You'll get a slightly higher rate for larger notes (50 and 100 notes) but also bring plenty of smaller denominations (5, 10, 20 etc).Upon arrival at the Tehran airport there are a few places where you can change money. However we do not recommend that you change your money in the Airport because the rate you will get is dramatically different to what you will get at a money exchange downtown. If you need to, change just a small amount at the airport on arrival and the rest at a money changer in the city. There are quite a few located along the main street near the hotel. Ask your leader to take you to one.Please note that if you run out of money while in Iran it can be difficult, expensive and time consuming to find banks that can transfer money over to you. Before leaving for Iran, calculate how much money you think you'll need in either US dollars or euros and take that with you, plus a bit extra. This should cover all optional activities, meals, special clothing requirements, some souvenirs and other items. If you're a big shopper (and there are so many great things to buy in Iran, especially carpets) we recommend you bring more. Please take into consideration the safety issues of carrying so much cash with you - bringing a money belt with you is absolutely essential. Thankfully Iran is one of the safest countries that you'll probably ever visit and crime against foreigners is virtually unheard of.Banks and money changers can be found in most of the places that we visit throughout the country. The largest Iranian rial note is the IRR20,000 note (approx US$2) but the IRR10,000 notes (approx US$1) are far more widely used. Thankfully new 'Iranian travellers cheques' make dealing with such large numbers of rials much easier. It's a lot safer and easier than carrying around huge wads of notes. It's especially useful for people who may need to spend up big on that special gift (carpets!). These cheques are available in 1 million and 500,000 rial denominations and can be organised easily in most Iranian banks. Changing them back into Iranian rial notes is trouble free. Note: you can't change Iranian rials into hard currency outside of Iran.

The official currency of Turkmenistan is the manat (M). It’s set at a fixed government exchange rate, but traded for far less on the black market. As ATM's are virtually non-existent, you're best to exchange foreign currency once inside the country. Don't bother with travellers cheques - they're not accepted anywhere. The black market is easy and accessible to foreigners, and the only place you’ll get a realistic exchange rate.

The official currency in Uzbekistan is the Uzbekistan Som (UZS). This can only be obtained in Uzbekistan. Conversion of UZS back into other foreign currencies may prove difficult. Banks are rarely able to exchange foreign currency so you should ask the advice of your hotel or leader for where to change money. There are also many private money changers in Uzbekistan but if you choose to use them you must be sure to check the rate and your change carefully. Major credit cards are rarely accepted in shops and restaurants even in bigger cities. Some banks in Tashkent will allow cash advances against a credit card but cash withdrawals are subject to a 5% or more service charge. In Tashkent you may be able to find ATMs that accept international cards and use them to withdraw local currency; however these should not be relied on as your sole financial source. Some souvenir sellers and tourist restaurants may accept USD or EUR as payment but all other purchases in Uzbekistan must be made in local currency. Please note that you must declare ALL currency (including travellers cheques) on entry to and exit Uzbekistan. Failure to do so accurately, or exiting the country with more currency than when you entered may result in delays, fines or the additional sums being confiscated.

The official currency in Kyrgyzstan is the Kyrgyzstan Som (KGS).This can only be obtained within Kyrgyzstan. Conversion of KGS back into other foreign currencies may prove difficult. There are many private money changers in Kyrgyzstan, but if you choose to use them you must be sure to check the rate and your change carefully. Major credit cards are rarely accepted in shops and restaurants even in bigger cities. Some banks in Bishkek will allow cash advances against a credit card but cash withdrawals are subject to a 5% or more service charge. In Bishkek you may be able to find ATMs that accept international cards and use them to withdraw local currency; however these should not be relied on as your sole financial source. Some souvenir sellers and tourist restaurants may accept USD or EUR as payment but all other purchases in Kyrgyzstan must be made in local currency.

The official currency in China is the yuan or renminbi (CNY). 1 renminbi (yuan) = 10 jiao (mao).We strongly advise against bringing travellers cheques as in China they can be extremely difficult or impossible to change.ATMs are widespread, so the easiest way to access cash on your trip is to bring a credit card. Please check with your bank about overseas withdrawal fees before you depart. Some banks will allow a cash advance against a major credit card which will incur a service charge of 5% or more.Currency exchange is available at major banks and some hotels. The easiest foreign currencies to exchange are USD and EUR, however please be aware of the security risk of carrying large amounts of cash. In any case, some money should be taken as cash in case of emergencies - we recommend around US$400 per person. Commission is sometimes charged for currency exchange. Check the rate before you exchange and carefully check the amount you are given and ask for a receipt.Please note that due to restrictions on currency conversion for foreigners in China it may not be possible to change left over CNY back into foreign currency, so please plan your budget and spending money well by withdrawing/exchanging what you need as you go.

The official currency in Kazakhstan is the Tenge (T).

Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping, participating in optional activities, and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.

If you're happy with the service you receive, providing a tip - though not compulsory - is appropriate. While it may not be customary to you, it's of great significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels, inspires excellent service, and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many Intrepid destinations. Please note we recommend that any tips are given directly to the intended recipient by a member of your group, rather than collected and passed on by the group leader.

All departure taxes should be included in your international flight ticket.

Due to a British government travel warning, from September 2012 this itinerary will no longer be able to visit Iran. It will instead travel from Turkey to Georgia and then through Azerbaijan to Turkmenistan. Passengers already booked to travel in 2012 have been notified. The new itinerary for 2013 will be published by November.

LOCAL PARTNER:
Please note this Intrepid trip is operated by our experienced local partners Dragoman Overland. Your departure will be run in a Dragoman vehicle with a Dragoman crew.

MINIMUM AGE:
The minimum age for this trip is 18 years old and bookings for minors, even if accompanied by a parent, cannot be accepted.

This is a tough trip and should only be attempted by people who are prepared for cold, discomfort and trip alterations. We'll be travelling through high remote mountains, with the understanding that weather or road conditions could affect the itinerary.

In order to confirm your booking on this trip we require a scanned copy of your passport prior to travel.

If it is too cold to visit Song Kul Lake we will do a homestay at Kochkor instead (between Tashkent and Bishkek).

EXPORTS / IMPORTS:
An export certificate is required to take carpets and anything else considered antique out of Turkmenistan. Export certificates are available from the Carpet Museum or this can be arranged through the seller. It is also important to catalogue and declare to Customs any carpets or anything antique looking - even if clearly from a different part of the world - that you bring into Iran and Turkmenistan with you.

IDENTITY DOCUMENTS:
You should carry an identity document at all times while in Tashkent and in Ashgabat. Requests to produce proof of identity, for example by the police, are frequent.

VISA APPLICATIONS:
Visas for this trip can take many weeks to be issued so book early. Central Asia visa support letters are included in the trip price. NB: These are not the actual visas. Visa costs are a separate to the trip price.

CHANGE TO ITINERARY:
Please note that the itinerary for this trip has changed since the brochure was released. Unfortunately due to government travel warnings we are unable to visit the southern region of Kyrgyzstan including Osh on our itinerary, which will also mean us missing the Fergana Valley in Uzbekistan. The itinerary will now concentrate more on the Northern region of Kyrgyzstan. Instead of exiting from Uzbekistan direct to Kyrgyzstan we will now visit Kazakhstan for 2 nights en route to Kyrgyzstan finishing this section in Bishkek as per our itinerary. This does mean however that a Kazakh visa will now have to be obtained for this trip.

RAMADAN & THE EID UL-FITR FESTIVAL (BAYRAM) 2012:
In 2012 the important month of Ramadan will be in progress from the 20th July through till the 18th August, and the Eid ul-Fitr festival will be held directly at its conclusion for 3-4 days. Ramadan is a festival of sacrifice where the devout refrain from eating or drinking during daylight hours. During Ramadan business hours are shortened, including opening hours at some tourist attractions. Alcohol is not permitted during daylight hours and many restaurants will be closed. While you should expect some delays and inconveniences during this period, the month is a fantastic opportunity to travel in a Muslim country and witness this unique period, particularly the nightly celebrations when the sun sets and the fast is broken. Please note that although the Eid ul-Fitr festival can also be a fascinating time to travel it is a period of National holiday. Most government offices and businesses will be closed and some tourist site opening hours may be impacted.

Maximum of 19 travellers per group.

As you travel on a group trip you will be exposed to all the pleasures and maybe some of the frustrations of travelling in a group. Your fellow travellers will probably come from all corners of the world and likely a range of age groups too. We ask you to be understanding of the various needs and preferences of your group - patience with your fellow travellers is sometimes required for the benefit of everyone's travel experience. Remember too that you have responsibilities to the group. If you are requested to be at a place at a certain time, ensure that you don't keep the rest of the group waiting. We have found time and time again that the very best trips we operate are those where the dynamics within the group work well - this takes just a little effort on your part.Due to privacy reasons we are unable to provide you with contact details and any personal information about your fellow travellers booked on your trip prior to departure. However you can download Intrepid's FREE Meet Up app to chat with your fellow travellers before your trip. Meet up, discuss your upcoming trip and share the excitement of planning for your adventure. For more information visit:
www.intrepidtravel.com/meetup

Our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and don't involve a compulsory single supplement. Single travellers share with people of the same gender in accommodation ranging from twin to multishare. Some of our itineraries have accommodation booked on a mixed gender share basis and where applicable this will be specified in our Trip Notes. On a selection of our trips, you have the option to pay a single supplement to ensure that you have your own room (where available). Please note that this only applies to accommodation during the tour - pre-trip and post-trip accommodation will be booked on a single room basis.

Hotel (55 nts), Bush camp (no facilities) (15 nts), Camping (with facilities) (7 nts), Yurt (5 nts), Guesthouse (3 nts), Homestay (2 nts), Hostel (2 nts), Caravanserai Zein-o-Din (1 nt), Cave house (1 nt)

The type and variety of accommodation is determined by conditions on each of our routes. Each route is different - on some we use a mixture of campsites and wild camps; on others we also use hotels.Where it's not practical to camp (ie: in towns and cities), we use hotel accommodation and eat out in local restaurants. The frequency and regularity of hotel stops depends on the route and area.Campsites will range from rather basic to those with excellent facilities, including swimming pools, restaurants and bars. In some cases it may also be possible to upgrade locally to bungalows, lodges or even tree-houses. One of the highlights of overlanding is that in more remote areas we will wild-camp. This allows us to get far away from the tourist crowds to some beautiful, secluded spots. We will also arrange as many village or local homestays as possible, allowing us to get close to indigenous populations and ensures our money stays within local communities.

While travelling with us you'll experience the vast array of wonderful food available in the world. Your group leader will be able to suggest restaurants to try during your trip. On our camping trips we often cook the region's specialities so you don't miss out. To give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat, generally not all meals are included in the trip price. This also gives you more budgeting flexibility. As a rule our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There's no obligation to do this though.

All meals when camping

USD 1000.00

Your kitty covers the cost of any meals while staying at camp sites.

Overland vehicle

Roads can be very rough which makes for long, slow travel days. It's all worth it however for the spectacular scenery and novelty of truck travel.

On all of our Dragoman-operated Overlanding trips you will be accompanied by two Western crew members who are responsible for the group and the overall organisation of the trip.While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad knowledge of the places visited and to offer suggestions of things to do and see. In East and Southern Africa we will also have an African camp master/cook who is in charge of running the camp and organising all of the meals. Their knowledge of the local produce makes shopping at the markets great fun and you will learn how to prepare and cook some unusual dishes. In the rest of Africa, South America and the majority of Central Asia and China we use local guides who may stay with us for just a few hours or will actually travel with us for some or all of the journey. In these cases they become a third crew member and are able to offer their local knowledge as well as a real insight into the lives of the local people. Our crew are chosen for their leadership skills, and most importantly have a passion for the region and its people.We endeavour to provide the services of an experienced leader and crew; however, situations may arise where your leader is new to a particular region or training other group leadersOn any Overland trip, there are a number of tasks that need to be done. Our overland trip leaders will organise the group into smaller groups of two or three who will take turns in the daily shopping and cooking, vehicle cleaning, disposing of rubbish, etc. There are also a number of other jobs that need doing e.g. collecting water and firewood, luggage loading, supervising the kitty and food stores, which may be assigned to particular people or on a rota system according to group size, make-up, and so on. You must come prepared to 'pull your weight' and share in these duties; you will become very unpopular with other group members if they have to do your share. The more you put into a trip, the more you'll benefit.

Orient Hostel

Akbiyik Caddesi no:13

Sultanahmet

Istanbul

Istanbul

TURKEY

The Orient Hostel Istanbul is ideally located close by to the Topkapi Palace, Saint Sophia, The Blue Mosque, Yerebatan Cistern, Hippodrome, numerous museums are only 200m away, the Grand Bazaar, Spice Market, Cemberlitas, and Beyazit are an easy walk. It is also in a easily accessible location to transport and public services. Please note the rooms are small at this hostel.

Ataturk International airport is situated 25 km west of Istanbul's city centre. The airport has several banks, and ATMs open 24hrs for either withdrawals or cash advance. The quickest and easiest way to the hotel is by taxi - there are ranks outside the arrivals terminal. Insist they use the meter. The fare during the day should be approx. TRY30 but up to double that for a night time journey. Airport buses leave every 30 minutes between 6.00 and 23.00 but only go as far as Aksaray (10ytl). From here you could catch the tram into Sultanahmet or you could hail a taxi.

We don't expect any problems (and nor should you) but if for any reason you are unable to commence your group trip as scheduled, please contact your starting point hotel, requesting that you speak to or leave a message for your group leader.If you have pre-booked an airport transfer (where available) and have not made contact with our representative within 30 minutes of clearing customs and immigration, we recommend that you make your own way to the starting point hotel, following the Joining Instructions in these Trip Notes. Should this occur, please apply to your travel agent for a refund of the transfer cost on your return.No refund is available on missed transfers or portions of your trip owing to a different flight arrival or delayed flight arrival. Any additional cost incurred in order to meet up with your group is at your own expense.

Hu Guo Si Hotel

125 Huguosi Street

Beijing

CHINA

Phone: +86 10 6618 1113

In the ancient part of the city close to Gong Wang Fu prince garden, Bei Hai Park and the Forbidden City.All rooms have private bathroom, air-conditioning and TV. There is also a restaurant on site.

Your tour leader or hotel reception will be able to help you with the bus, or organise a taxi to take you to the airport.

Dragoman 24 HOUR EMERGENCY NUMBER Tel: +44 (0) 1728 862 222 This is an answer-phone. If calling outside UK office hours for non urgent questions, please leave a message. There is a number provided to call for a 24 hour manned mobile, in case of genuine emergency. For further emergency contact details go to:

Please also make sure you have access to an additional US$400, to be used when unforeseen incidents or circumstances outside our control (eg. a natural disaster, civil unrest or an outbreak of bird flu) necessitate a change to our planned route.

Visas are the responsibility of the individual traveller. The visa requirements for your trip vary depending on where you are from and where you are going. As a general rule most countries expect that you will have at least 6 months' validity on your passport. On arrival visitors may be asked to present return tickets and evidence of means to cover your intended stay. We keep the following information up to date as much as possible, but rules do change - it's important that you check for yourself. Residents from other countries must consult the relevant embassies or your travel agent.

CENTRAL ASIA VISAS:
Visas for this trip can take many weeks to be issued so book early. The process can be quite complicated and you are urged to read the information provided carefully, as well as do your own research. The process of getting a visa can be further complicated if you are doing further travel before this trip, so we suggest booking this trip on its own, or doing it at the beginning of your broader travel plans.Central Asia visa support letters are included in the trip price, however these are not the actual visas. Visa costs are a separate to the trip price.Dragoman sends out a Central Asia Visa information form. Please read the information carefully and ensure that you send the Central Asia Visa Form, with a scanned copy of the details page of your passport, to us at least 8 weeks before the trip departure date. Even if you are on a trip where many visas will be obtained en-route, it is still vitally important that we receive the form and the copy of your passport as we need to apply for travel permits.http://www.dragoman.com/images/stories/files/Central_Asia_China visa_form.pdf

The visa process for Iran and countries in Central Asia can be quite complicated and time consuming. We highly recommend that you use the services of a qualified visa agent for the process. Your booking agent can advise of a reputable service.

For Turkey, an entry visa is required for citizens of the following countries (not limited to this list):
- USA (US$20),
- Canada (US$60 on arrival; CAD$75 for advance application)
- U.K. (US$20; GBP45 for advance application)
- Australia (US$20 on arrival)
- Austria, Belgium, Canada, Holland, Ireland, Israel, Portugal & Spain (varies from US$10-100)The visa costs can change at any time and with little notice depending on the political climate of the region.A valid passport is sufficient for citizens of most other countries including New Zealand, Argentina, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Japan, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland for stays up to 3 months. All other nationalities please check with your nearest Turkish embassy.Generally visas can easily be attained on arrival. Visas obtained on entry must be paid in cash in US$ so ensure you have some on hand. Depending on your nationality, visas are either valid for 3 months or 1 year.

IRAN: Iranian visas are issued in a two step process:
1. An authorisation code for your visa must be issued by the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
2. A visa for your passport must then be obtained at an Iranian Embassy once the authorisation code has been issued.For your nearest Iranian Embassy please check the Iranian Ministry of Foreign affairs of Iran website: www.mfa.gov.irStep 1- How to apply for your authorisation code:
Please immediately fill in the visa authorisation form sent to you by our sales team at the time of booking. If you are arriving early or staying on afterwards this needs to be written on your application form. As you are technically the responsibility of our Intrepid operator for your entire stay, only Intrepid-booked activities/accommodation are able to be nominated as part of this visa application. If you don't receive this form at the time of booking please enquire with your agent.We recommend your flight to Iran should be as close to the starting date as possible. We also recommend your flight dates should be changeable in case of delays at the embassy issuing the visa.Return the visa authorisation form together with a scanned copy of the first page of your passport via email to iran@intrepidtravel.com and pretrip@intrepidtravel.com immediately. Please ensure all details are correct before sending. Any errors may result in your visa being denied or delayed. It's vital that you provide us with an email contact at the time of booking. On occasions our local operator may contact you directly regarding the information provided for the authorisation code processing.Our local operator in Iran will process visa authorisation applications with the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Visa authorisation generally take 3-5 weeks depending on your nationality (up to two months for US citizens).When approved, your visa authorisation code will be faxed to the Iranian embassy processing your visa (nominated on the authorisation form). Our Iranian operator will also notify you of your authorisation code via email. Once the code is received please apply for your visa directly with the nominated Iranian embassy (see Step 2 for further instructions). The process is complete once your passport is returned with the Iran visa stamped inside.While not common, there are occasions where the Ministry of Foreign Affairs rejects a visa application for a variety of reasons (usually unknown to us). Unfortunately we have no control over the success of your application and have little recourse if it's rejected.It's not uncommon for Iran authorisation codes to be submitted very close to the actual time of travel. Obviously this can be an anxious period but again unfortunately we have little authority to speed up the process. If you haven't received your authorisation code within 10 days of trip departure contact us to make alternative travel plans.Step 2 - How to obtain your visa stamp:
Once you have received your emailed authorisation code from our local operator, immediately apply for your visa with your nominated Iranian embassy. You'll need to provide a visa application form (usually you can download it from the embassy website), your passport, the visa fee and photos.The cost of an Iran visa varies between US$60-80 depending on your nationality. Please check with your nominated embassy for visa costs. For women we recommend they provide a photo with their hair covered by a headscarf (not a hat). If you wish to personally collect your visa at the designated embassy you must also arrive wearing a headscarf. In order to collect your visa from the consulate, you must carry your travel insurance policy that covers Iran.In our experience the turnaround time for your visa to be stamped in your passport and returned to your home address is normally within a week, but can take longer. Please check with your nominated Iranian embassy for their opening times and processing times for visas (some embassies will say that it takes up to a month). Please note that Iran embassies and consulates worldwide may only open for 2 or 3 days a week and have very limited opening hours.If possible, visiting the embassy personally can speed up the process.Visas are valid for three months from the time of issue.We will do our best to secure your authorisation code, however the final decision rests with the government of Iran, therefore we cannot guarantee when and if a visa will be granted.If you have any questions regarding this process, please feel free to email iran@intrepidtravel.com.Important Visa Notes:
1. Please check that the embassy issues you with a tourist visa and not a business visa (the stamp in your passport must state that the visa is a tourist one). If you're issued with a business visa, hotels will charge you the business travellers rates which are often far higher than the tourist rates.2. A visa will be flatly refused if your passport contains evidence of travel to Israel. Note: this is not confined to just an Israeli stamp in your passport. You will be refused an Iranian visa if there's an Egyptian entry or exit stamp from the Egyptian/Israeli border (at Taba or Rafah) or a Jordanian entry or exit stamp from the Jordanian/Israeli border (at Wadi Araba near Aqaba, Sheikh Hussein bridge or King Hussein bridge, otherwise known as the Allenby bridge) in your passport. Even without actually having an Israeli stamp in your passport, these exit or entry stamps prove that you have visited Israel and entry into Iran will be disallowed.3. Upon arrival in Iran, women not wearing an Islamic headscarf, long sleeves, covered shoes and a loose fitting skirt or pants may be refused entry into the country (to avoid this problem bring a thin full-length raincoat with you if you choose to buy a manteau after you arrive). A manteau is a loose-fitting trench coat that comes down to just above your knees and is required by law to be worn by all women in Iran. Men must also be conservatively dressed, wearing long trousers upon arrival, or they too may be refused entry.4. The Iranian Foreign Ministry usually closes over the Iranian New Year period (approx 12 March to 2 April) and will not process visa applications over this time. Please have your visa application in well before this date.

Where to obtain your visa:
It is recommended that you state that you are obtaining your visa beforehand. This could be at any Embassy or Consulate of Iran that is convenient for you. UK citizens must provide fingerprints when collecting your Iran visa. We recommend that you obtain your visa Istanbul.USEFUL INFORMATION FOR COMPLETING THE VISA FORM
Purpose of visit – Tourism
Name of Host: Intrepid Iran, Shiraz, Iran, Tel +989177142602.
Email: iran@intrepidtravel.com, info@uppersia.com
Your address & telephone number in Iran: - Parastoo Hotel, No 15 Sahid Mohamad Baig Alley, Jomhoori Avenue, Tehran. Tel: +98 21 667 08571.
How will you support yourself: - Please tick cash and travellers cheques and enter amount as at least £300 or US$400
Do you intend to enter Iran with a tour operator: - Yes, Dragoman, Camp Green, Debenham, Stowmarket, Suffolk IP14 6LA Tel: +44 1728 861133.

TURKMENISTAN (DRAGOMAN):
Australia: Yes - in advance
Belgium: Yes - in advance
Canada: Yes - in advance
Germany: Yes - in advance
Ireland: Yes - in advance
Netherlands: Yes - in advance
New Zealand: Yes - in advance
South Africa: Yes - in advance
Switzerland: Yes - in advance
United Kingdom: Yes - in advance
USA: Yes - in advanceAll visitors to Turkmenistan require a visa. Visas can only be issued once a letter of authorisation has been obtained. The cost of the visa varies depending on your nationality, you should allow approximately US$85 in cash.Dragoman will apply for the authorisation letter on your behalf through our Turkmenistan agent. In order to do this we need all passengers to complete the Asia form found here:
http://www.dragoman.com/images/stories/files/Central_Asia_China visa_form.pdf
Return this completed form to centralasiavisas@dragoman.co.uk as soon as possible, along with the following:
1. A completed Turkmenistan visa form downloadable here - www.dragoman.com/images/Turkmenistan_Visa_form.xls
2. 1 good quality, scanned colour passport photo (size 3x4cm)
3. A quality, scanned copy of your passport. It is crucial that this scan is clear, in colour, and high definition. If your copy is not good enough quality it will be sent back to you which could hold up the process.If you are starting your trip in Istanbul or Tbilisi you must obtain a visa for Turkmenistan before travel. Costs for this will vary.If you are entering Turkmenistan overland on a westbound trip your visa will be obtained en route at the land border into Turkmenistan where the original letter of invitation will be sent. This will costs between US$55 - US$85 depending on your nationality. A tax is also payable at the border of approx US$14 pp. You will need to fill out an immigration card upon entering. Please make sure you keep this card for the entire journey.If you are flying into Ashgabat you can obtain your visa on arrival at Saparmurat Turkmenbashy International Airport. This will cost approximately US$85. A printed copy of your approved Invitation letter will be required at the check-in
desk for your flight to Ashgabat as proof of visa authorisation. Dragoman will once again apply for this on your behalf
but please note, Dragoman will require exact details of your intended arrival date and flight details before we can start
this process.You can also obtain your visa in advance if you wish to do so. Please indicate where you wish to obtain your visa on the Asia visa form.***Please note that if you decide to obtain the visa in a different location a new letter of invitation will be required which may delay you obtaining your visa therefore it is vital that you are clear on where you will obtain your visa. ***You will need at least four passport photographs for registration purposes.A tax is payable at the border of approx US$14 pp. You will need to fill out an immigration card upon entering. Please make sure you keep this card for the entire journey.Name of Host:
Ayan Travel.
Magtymguly Avenue 108-13, 14,
Ashgabat,
Turkmenistan.
00993 12 352914Address in Turkmenistan:
Ak Altyn Hotel
141/1 Magtymguly ave
744000
Ashgabat
Tel: 0099-312-363700Travelling to Turkmenistan in October:
Independence Day in Turkmenistan is on October 27th. The government usually imposes restrictions on the issuance of the Letters of Invitation (and therefore visas) during the month of September for all those travelling to Turkmenistan in October. Dragoman must therefore have all the requested information and a copy of a passport in August as applications made after this date may not be granted.*Please note that from time to time some visa applications are rejected by the Ministry of Internal Affairs in Turkmenistan or incorrect dates given for travel. If this happens, we will contact you as soon as it is known and we will help you arrange alternative travel plans. Unfortunately neither Dragoman nor Intrepid cannot be held responsible if your visa application is refused.

UZBEKISTAN (DRAGOMAN):Most nationalities require a visa to visit Uzbekistan:Australia: Yes - in advance
Belgium: Yes - in advance
Canada: Yes - in advance
Germany: Yes - in advance
Ireland: Yes - in advance
Netherlands: Yes - in advance
New Zealand: Yes - in advance
South Africa: Yes - in advance
Switzerland: Yes - in advance
United Kingdom: Yes - in advance
USA: Yes - in advanceAn authorisation letter is required for most nationalities to obtain an Uzbekistan visa. These are issued for specific dates according to your itinerary. All nationalities should check with their respective embassies for more information and costs.British nationals DO NOT currently require a letter of invitation if applying for a visa in LONDON. Nationals of USA, Austria, Belgium, Germany, Italy, France, Japan, Spain or Switzerland also do require a Letter of Invitation in order to apply for a visa. However, this information is subject to change at short notice and it is therefore recommended that you check with the Embassy or a Visa agency such as Travcour UK before applying for your visa. VALIDITY: A single entry Tourist visa is valid for a period of 30 days. It is advisable when applying for your visa that you state entry / exit dates 2 days either side of the actual entry / exit dates on your trip itinerary. The validity of a visa starts from date of issue and is valid for a period of 3 months. Applicants must enter Uzbekistan before the expiration date listed on your visa.FOR ALL NATIONALITIES THAT REQUIRE A LETTER OF INTRODUCTION:
Dragoman will apply for the authorisation letter on your behalf. In order to do this we need you to complete the Central
Asia & China visa form and return it to centralasiavisas@dragoman.co.uk, indicating where you will be obtaining the visa, a scanned copy of your passport and a proof of employment letter. Students need to provide details of their University.Please return the completed Asia visa form to Dragoman 4 MONTHS before your trip is due to start, or as soon as
possible after booking. Any delays in returning the Asia visa form to Dragoman will have a knock on effect to the amount
of time you have in applying for the actual visa.Once a letter of Invitation has been authorised a copy will be sent to the embassy where the visa is to be issued and
another copy sent to Dragoman and onto you. You can then begin the process of applying for your visa. Please be aware
that the invitation letter is only valid for a 3 month period, you must apply for a visa within 3 months of the invitation
letter being issued.*Please note that if you decide to obtain the visa in a different location a new letter of invitation will be required which
may delay you obtaining your visa therefore it is vital that you are clear on where you will obtain your visa. *WHERE TO OBTAIN YOUR VISA:
It is advisable to obtain your visa in advance i.e. London, Singapore, Jakarta. However, if you are on a longer
combination trip and plan to be in Istanbul for a few days before the trip starts, it is possible to obtain an Uzbek visa
at the Consulate in Istanbul. If there is NOT an Embassy or Consulate in your country of residency you will have to send your application overseas to
your nominated Embassy (i.e: to London, Jakarta, Singapore ) in order to obtain a visa. Please bear in mind the extra
time you will need for your application to be posted to / from your nominated Embassy. It is also important that you
state on your Asia visa form the exact place you wish to apply for your visa.IMPORTANT:
If you are on a trip coming from China or Kyrgyzstan it is possible to obtain the visa en route in Bishkek but at a slightly inflated price of approximately 50USD. This is the easiest option for all those on a westbound trip.Information to help fill in your visa application form is below.
Name of Host:
Dolores Travel,
27, M. Tarobiy Str,
Tashkent,
Uzbekistan
Email: timur@dolores.uz
Tel: +998 71 1208883Address in Uzbekistan:
Grand Orzu Hotel,
14 Ivlefa Street,
Tashkent 700200

KYRGYZSTAN (DRAGOMAN):
Australia: No - not required
Belgium: No - not required
Canada: No - not required
Germany: No - not required
Ireland: No - not required
Netherlands: No - not required
New Zealand: No - not required
South Africa: Yes - in advance
Switzerland: No - not required
United Kingdom: No - not required
USA: No - not requiredThe Kyrgyz government recently changed its laws to allow citizens of many countries to visit Kyrgyzstan without a visa for a duration of up to 60 days.Citizens of the following countries require a visa (maximum stay up to 90 days) which can be obtained at the Embassy without an invitation letter - Albania, Andorra, Argentina, Brazil, Bulgaria, Chile, Cyprus, Indonesia, Israel, Macedonia, Mexico, Montenegro, Oman, Philippines, Romania, San Marino, South Africa, Serbia, Thailand, Turkey, Venezuela.Foreign nationals of other countries not listed should check their requirements at their nearest embassy.If you do require a visa we strongly advise that you obtain your visa in advance. Visas are valid for 3 months prior to the arrival date. Some nationalities may need to present an invitation letter which can be obtained from Intrepid/Dragoman.

CHINA (DRAGOMAN OVERLAND):
Australia: Yes - in advance
Belgium: Yes - in advance
Canada: Yes - in advance
Germany: Yes - in advance
Ireland: Yes - in advance
Netherlands: Yes - in advance
New Zealand: Yes - in advance
South Africa: Yes - in advance
Switzerland: Yes - in advance
United Kingdom: Yes - in advance
USA: Yes - in advancePlease apply in advance for your visa. The visa is valid for 3 - 6 months from the date of issue and has a validity of 30, 60 or 90 days. All nationalities should check with the respective embassies for more information and costs.You require a single entry tourist visa for either 30, 60 or 90 days depending on your trip. If you are applying for your visa outside of your country of residence, or applying for a 90 day visa, you may need a support letter to submit with your application. Dragoman can supply you with a support letter, please contact us if you require this letter once you have checked with the Embassy or visa agent that this would be required.Please list counties/cities and provinces to visit in China in chronological order. Do not mention Kashgar, Turpan or Tibet anywhere on your application form as this could delay the process.Name of Host –
Jason Tours,
Sichuan China YTS.
2nd Floor, 19
Dongchenggeng Street.
Chengdu,
China 610031jasontours@tom.com
Tel: +86-28-89075414 IMPORTANT:
Please note that if travelling to Tibet, in order to confirm your booking on this trip we require a scanned copy of your passport prior to travel. If you require a hotel list for your visa application we will also need a scanned passport copy in order to provide this.

KAZAKHSTAN:
ALL visitors to Kazakhstan require a visa. An authorisation letter is not required to obtain a visa for Kazakhstan. However, depending on your nationality you may require what we call a letter of guarantee and hotel confirmation that will be supplied to you by Dragoman. Please complete the Central Asia & China visa form and return it to centralasiavisas@dragoman.co.uk, indicating where you will be obtaining your visa. Visa and other entry and exit conditions change regularly. Please check at your nearest Embassy or Consulate for up to date information on obtaining a visa or contact a visa agency such as Travcour UK.Visa processing time:
- Applications for visas submitted in person will be processed within 3 working days.SINGLE ENTRY TOURIST VISA.
In order to apply for a Kazakhstan 30 day single entry tourist visa, you will need to provide your embassy with the following documents:1. A letter with a request to issue a visa addressed to the Consular Section of the Embassy of Kazakhstan (supplied by Dragoman). Please, indicate the purpose of your trip, your contact in Kazakhstan, the dates of your planned trip, and places to be visited.
2. Printed hotel booking confirmation (Supplied by Dragoman)
3. A completed visa application form (one per person). All fields must be completed; otherwise your application can be refused.
4. A valid passport (a photocopy will not be accepted) which should have at least one blank page for a visa. Your passport must be valid for at least six months longer than the validity of the requested visa.
5. One passport size photo of the applicant which should be stapled to the marked space in the upper right hand corner of the application form.
6. Payment should be done by card, cheque/ postal order payable to the Embassy of Kazakhstan (no cash) - This costs approximately 35 GBP.
All nationalities should check with their respective embassies for more information and costs.IMPORTANT:
- On some trips you used to be able to obtain your visa en route in either Bishkek or Tashkent. This is no longer possible and you must now obtain your visa in advance. NAME OF HOST - for the application form:
Wild Nature
House 14
Taldybulak St
Zhabagly
Kazakhstan

While we always endeavour to provide the best possible holiday experience, due to the nature of travel and the areas we visit sometimes things can and do go wrong. Should any issue occur while you are on your trip, it is imperative that you discuss this with your group leader or our local representative straight away so that they can do their best to rectify the problem and save any potential negative impact on the rest of your trip.We recognise that there may be times when your group leader/local partner may not be able to resolve a situation to your satisfaction - if this is the case, please ask the leader to speak to their direct manager.You may also choose to provide details in your online feedback, which we ask you to complete within 30 days of the end of your trip. But we do ask you to be aware that it is very difficult for us to provide any practical help after the trip is complete.

What you need to bring will vary according to the trip style you have chosen, the countries you are visiting and when you are travelling. Generally speaking you should pack as lightly as possible. On the vast majority of our trips you are expected to carry your own luggage and although you won't be required to walk long distances with your luggage (max 30 minutes), we recommend keeping the weight under 10kg / 22lb.Most travellers carry their luggage in a backpack, although an overnight bag with a shoulder strap would suffice if you travel lightly. Smaller bags or backpacks with wheels are convenient although we recommend your bag has carry straps. You'll also need a day pack/bag to carry water and a camera etc for day trips.You can find Intrepid's Ultimate Packing List on our website. It should be used as a guide only and isn't intended to be a complete packing list.

SLEEPING BAG:
Please bring a sleeping bag (4-season is recommended - check what the weather will be like over the dates you are travelling), sleeping mat and a pillow as these items are not provided.

WATER BOTTLE:
Consider bringing your own water bottle to refill along the way. The sale of bottled water contributes to an enormous environmental problem around the world. In addition to the water in bottles, the production of a 1 litre plastic bottle takes 2 litres of water and 200ml of oil. A large proportion ends up in limited landfill or discarded in waterways and natural environments. Although it can be difficult to avoid bottled water when travelling, please consider water purification techniques such as iodine or micropur and use the water dispensers which are provided at some of our accommodation. When unable to avoid bottled water it is better to buy the largest available and distribute into your smaller bottle for the day

All Intrepid travellers need to be in good physical health in order to participate fully on this trip. When selecting your trip please make sure you have read through the itinerary carefully and assess your ability to cope with our style of travel. Please note that if, in the opinion of our group leader or local guide, any traveller is unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group, Intrepid reserves the right to exclude them from all or part of a trip without refund.You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information or for any necessary vaccinations and anti-malarial requirements before departure. We recommend that you carry a first aid kit as well as any personal medical requirements (including a spare pair of glasses) as they may not easily be obtained at the locations on this trip. For legal reasons our leaders and guides are prohibited from administering any type of drugs including headache tablets and antibiotics. Please ensure that you are adequately prepared.

Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure. Please refer to our website's safety page for links to major travel advisories and updates on safety issues affecting our trip.We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe-keeping of your passport, air tickets, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of our hotels have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage.Your leader will accompany you on all included activities, however during your trip you'll have some free time to pursue your own interests, relax and take it easy or explore at your leisure. While your group leader will assist you with the available options in a given location, please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your Intrepid itinerary, and Intrepid makes no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgement when selecting an activity in your free time. Please also note that your group leader has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it's deemed necessary due to safety concerns.For more details on the type of conditions and safety standards you can expect on your trip, please refer to Intrepid's operational safety policy on our website. We recommend that you take a moment to read through this information before travelling, and would appreciate any feedback on how well it's being implemented in the field:

PETTY THEFT AND PERSONAL SAFETY:
While travelling there is always the risk of pick-pocketing and petty theft, particularly in the more touristy cities. We recommend that you exercise caution when walking alone at night and encourage you to walk together and only on main, well-lit thoroughfares. Be particularly vigilant on public transport. Simple measures like carrying your day pack on your front, not hanging your bag over the back of your chair and wearing a money belt will reduce any chance that your valuables should go missing.

FIRE PRECAUTIONS:
Please be aware that local laws governing tourism facilities in this region differ from those in your home country and not all the accommodation which we use has a fire exit, fire extinguishers or smoke alarms.

TRAFFIC AND DRIVING ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE ROAD:
Depending on where you come from please note that drivers in this part of the world may drive on the opposite side of the road from what you are used to. Look both ways before crossing any road. Traffic can be a little more chaotic than you might be used to at home. Be aware!

One of the advantages of overland travel is that the vehicle provides a very real level of security when travelling. There's no doubt that a properly equipped overland vehicle, with safes, fully lockable doors and windows is an obvious advantage when travelling in much of the world. Any personal effects that are left on the truck, even if they are stored in the safe, are left at your own risk and Dragoman cannot be held responsible for any damage or theft that may occur.The safety of our passengers, leaders and operators is a major priority. With this in mind we monitor world events very closely. By the very nature of the adventure travel that we take, there are risks and hazards that are inherent in our itineraries. Dragoman makes operational decisions based on informed advice from a number of sources:- The British Foreign and Commonwealth Office travel advice
- Reports from other travel companies and local suppliers
- Leaders reports from off the road
- Local contacts we have built up over 30 years of experience.

TRAVEL ADVISORY:
Where we use a local partner to fully operate one of our itineraries, we use the travel advisory of the country where that operator is based rather than the Australian DFAT advisory. This itinerary is operated by our local partners Dragoman, and as such will follow the British Government (FCO) Travel Advice. To view these travel advisories please log on to:

Travel insurance is compulsory for all our trips. We require that, at a minimum, you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects.When travelling on a group trip, you won't be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance and the insurance company's 24 hour emergency contact number has been seen by your leader.If you have credit card insurance your group leader will require details of the participating insurer/underwriter, the level of coverage, policy number and emergency contact number rather than the bank's name and credit card details. Please contact your bank for these details prior to arriving in-country.Please go to our website for links to various travel insurance providers:

We believe strongly in low impact or rather positive impact tourism. Broadly speaking this means that we try to minimise the negative aspects of tourism on the local cultures and environments that we visit and highlight the positive aspects. Please visit our website for further details and suggestions on how you can be a responsible traveller:

We recommend that you dress respectfully at all stages of the trip especially when in and around religious sites. In Central Asia both men and women generally dress very conservatively by covering their legs and shoulders. Women are advised to cover their heads when entering functioning Orthodox churches and mosques, while men should remove their hats.

ALCOHOL:
Alcohol is strictly forbidden in Iran and will be confiscated at customs by anyone attempting to bring it into the country.

Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on our trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land, but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for Intrepid travellers. Intrepid's philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter and in particular, the local people who make our destinations such special places. The exploitation of prostitutes is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our group leader has the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or if they use prostitutes.

Since Intrepid Travel commenced operating in 1989 we've been committed to giving something back to the communities we visit. One way has been through our support for local humanitarian, development and conservation projects. Many of our travellers want to contribute something too. Whilst it is often tempting to give hand-outs to those less fortunate, this has the potential to promote a culture of begging and dependency. Handouts are not a sustainable way for individuals or communities to live. That’s why we established The Intrepid Foundation – to make it easier for travellers wishing to give back to communities in an effective and meaningful way. The Intrepid Foundation is a not-for-profit fund offering a selection of excellent grassroots organisations which you can contribute to. All donations to The Intrepid Foundation will be matched by Intrepid Travel dollar for dollar (up to AU$5,000 per donor and a total of AU$400,000 for all donors in each financial year). And every cent gets there as Intrepid Travel pays for all the administration costs. Donating is simple and secure. Please ask your group leader for information on the projects we support through The Intrepid Foundation or go to our website:

After your travels, we want to hear from you! This is so important to us that we'll give you 5% off the price of your next trip if your feedback is completed online within 4 weeks of finishing your trip.