DESTINATION INFORMATION FOR
KAZAKHSTAN, UZBEKISTAN, TURKMENISTAN AND THE
ORIENT SILK ROAD EXPRESS
What You Need to Know Before You Go
PASSPORT AND VISA INFORMATION
In order to enter Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan as a citizen of the United States, you
will need:
A signed passport valid for 6 months beyond the completion of this trip and a tourist visa for
Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. Make sure your passport has enough blank pages (excluding
amendment pages) available for entry and exit stamps. You will need at least 5-6 blank pages in
your passport for the necessary visas and entry/exit stamps.
Please ensure that you allow enough time for visa processing and submit your visa applications
so that you receive your passport and visas in time for your trip. It may take up to 3 months to
process all the visas required for your journey. It is suggested that you apply for your Uzbekistan
visa first before applying for the Turkmenistan visa* (see notes below).
*Turkmenistan visa: US passport holders need a letter of invitation from Immigration Services in
Turkmenistan in order to obtain a visa from the Turkmenistan consulate in Washington, D.C.
Abercrombie & Kent has made arrangements to obtain the necessary approval letter on your
behalf and the cost of obtaining the letter is included in the price of your journey. It takes about
three weeks to process,once the required documentation is submitted to the agent. Please refer
to the Visa Information Form included with this mailing of your pre-tour materials for additional
information. You must return the Turkmenistan Visa Information (2x2 passport photo
attached) and Personal Information Forms (along with a good quality, scanned color
photocopy of the information pages of your passport) to A&K no later than June 15, 2015
to ensure enough time for our agent to obtain the letter on your behalf. The invitation letters
issued by Turkmenistan Migration Service officials are based on group arrivals and are not issued
as individual invitation letters. The invitation letters will be submitted directly to VisaCentral
(A&K’s recommended travel partner) so that the visa service can begin processing your visa once
you submit your Turkmenistan application.
Uzbekistan visa: Travellers should ensure they have single-entry Uzbek visa and proper visas
for the neighboring countries to avoid delays in travel. It is important to indicate your intended
period of stay when applying for your visa as Uzbek visas indicate not only the validity of the visa,
but also have the period of time a person is allowed to stay in Uzbekistan on a given trip. A visitor
will have to leave the country before the number of days indicated as the duration of stay on the
visa expires. The Uzbek government tightly controls all official border crossings.
Kazakhstan visa: The Government of Kazakhstan is eliminating the visa exemption on July 15,
2015. This means that U.S. nationals now require a visa even for short stays in country. Travelers
entering Kazakhstan on or after July 15, 2015 are required to be in possession of a valid visa.
Contact our partner, VisaCentral for easy, efficient passport and visa processing. Call 844-8231224 and reference A&K’s account number #73001 or visit our Travel Store at
abercrombiekent.com/travel_store. You may access the necessary visa applications for this
program on the VisaCentral website approximately 120 days prior to the tour’s departure date.
If you are not a citizen of the United States, your entry requirements may vary. Please consult the
nearest diplomatic or consular office of the country or countries you will be visiting.
Turkmenistan Entrance Card: When you arrive at the Turkmenistan border, Turkmen
authorities charge $14 to issue an immigration card. You must carry this card for the duration of
your stay in Turkmenistan. Prior to leaving the United States, please ensure you have a
photocopy of your passport and two color passport photos with you for the registration procedure.
When you leave Turkmenistan, you need to turn in the customs form to the authorities at the
airport. If you are departing from the Ashgabat airport and using a non-Turkmen flagged carrier,
you will need to pay a departure fee of $25.
CONSULAR INFORMATION
The U.S. Department of State provides Country Specific Information Sheets for every country in
the world, as well as Travel Alerts and Warnings. Find this information by calling 888 407 4747 or
202 501 4444 or online at travel.state.gov.
CURRENCY
Kazakhstan’s unit of currency is the Tenge.
In Uzbekistan the official currency is the Sum.
Turkmenistan’s currency is the Manat.
Exchange currency only at authorized outlets such as exchange kiosks, banks and hotels and
exchange only what you think you will need during your trip. In some places (such as Samarkand)
it may be difficult to obtain local currency. Please consult with your Tour Director or local guide
regarding reasonable and safe opportunities to exchange money in Uzbekistan. Converting your
money back upon departure may be difficult. Coins cannot be exchanged. Save your exchange
receipts; you may need these to reconvert local currency.
The countries visited on your journey are still by and large cash economies. Travellers checks
and credit cards are not widely accepted except at large hotels and restaurants catering to
international visitors and incur costly service charges. When travelling in Central Asia, it is
suggested that you use US dollars in excellent condition and small denominations ($20 or less) to
pay for your purchases. Old, worn, torn bills are likely to be rejected. Banknotes with a serial date
prior to 1990 will not be accepted. Exchange only a small amount of currency for small, same-day
purchases such as souvenirs (many souvenirs can be purchased with US dollars).
ATMs exist in Almaty and Ashgabat.
Overseas merchants and vendors are increasingly requiring credit cardholders to enter their
personal identification number (PIN) instead of signing a receipt for sale transactions. Be careful
to shield your PIN from view while punching in the numbers on a keypad and never verbally
disclose your PIN information.
HEALTH
It is a good idea to read up on any health issues or concerns related to your destination. The
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers current health information; it can be
reached at 800-232-4636 or online at wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel .
Required vaccination(s)
The government of Kazakhstan requires proof of yellow fever vaccination only if you are arriving
from a country with risk of yellow fever. The CDC provides a list of affected countries. If
vaccination for yellow fever is necessary, you must carry an International Certificate of
Vaccination provided by your physician; without it, you may be denied entry. If your physician
advises against receiving the vaccination because of your personal medical history, he or she can
provide you with the necessary documentation for the country(ies) that you are visiting.
We suggest that you see a healthcare provider at least 4-6 weeks before your departure to allow
time for any vaccinations or treatments to take effect.
WEATHER
The vast plains and high mountains of the landlocked regions of Central Asia influence the
weather and climate of these countries. The climate is dry and extreme heat and cold is not
uncommon. Spring and early autumn are pleasant but rainy and these seasons are short. The
month of October is characterized by falling daily high temperatures, decreasing from 80 -70°F at
the beginning of the month to between 65-55°F towards the end of the month. Lows in the 30s
can be expected at night.
Use a website such as weather.com to find average temperatures and rainfall during your travel
times.
ELECTRICAL SERVICE
Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan - 220-240 volts and 50 hertz
On board the train sockets for both 110 and 220 volts are available
Voltage converters and adapter plugs may be purchased from our partner, The Travel Outfitter by
New Headings, at abercrombiekent.com/travel_store or at most retail luggage stores.
WHAT TO PACK
Daytime/Evening attire: Dress is casual both on and off the train throughout the journey. Pack
comfortable, casual clothing in natural, breathable fabrics that you can layer as temperatures may
change throughout the day. Cotton and other light fabrics are comfortable choices for
summertime. In Central Asia, a woman wearing shorts or revealing clothing is likely to provoke
unwelcome attention from the local male population. Pack a coat, hat, gloves, warm socks and
sleepwear, etc. if you are visiting between late October and April.
Mosques, cathedrals and other religious sites require conservative dress. Arms and shoulders
should be covered. When visiting mosques, wear or carry a pair of socks, since shoes must be
removed before entering. As a rule women must cover their heads with a scarf and the A&K Tour
Director or local guide will advise you of the appropriate guidelines prior to visiting religious sites.
Comfortable, walking shoes with low or no heels; a rubber sole is recommended to avoid possible
slipping.
Wool sweater, fleece and/or lightweight jacket
Lightweight raincoat and/or umbrella
Swimming suit
Sunglasses, sun block and a sunhat
Simple first-aid kit
Mosquito repellent
Prescriptions and medications (We recommend you carry these in their original bottles and/or
packaging.)
Charging cables for electronics
Voltage converter and adapter plugs
Laundry service is not available on board the train. A&K’s Traveller’s valet service includes
complimentary laundry service for eight (8) pieces (exclusive of dry cleaning). Laundry service is
available on Day 6 at the Registan Plaza Hotel in Samarkand only.
Baggage Restrictions
There is limited storage space inside the cabin for luggage storage. Huge bags and hard cases
are the most difficult to store; soft-topped luggage is suggested. A small overnight bag is
recommended for overnight hotel stays throughout the journey. Large bags can be left on board
the train.
What You Need to Know When You Arrive
TIME ZONES
Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan and the western region of Kazakhstan operate on Greenwich Mean
Time (GMT) +5 hours.
At 9:00 a.m. these countries, it is:
EST
11:00 p.m. the previous day
CST
10:00 p.m. the previous day
MST
9:00 p.m. the previous day
PST
8:00 p.m. the previous day
Eastern Kazakhstan operates on Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) +6 hours.
At 9:00 am in Eastern Kazakhstan (Almaty), it is:
EST
10:00 p.m. the previous day
CST
9:00 p.m. the previous day
MST
8:00 p.m. the previous day
PST
7:00 p.m. the previous day
LANGUAGE
Kazak is the official language of Kazakhstan and is a Turkik language related to Uzbek, Kyrgyz,
Turkmen and Turkish. It is spoken by about 52% of the population. Russian is also spoken and is
the language of business. The government is currently replacing the Cyrillic alphabet with the
Turkish version of the Latin alphabet.
The official language of Uzbekistan is Uzbek, followed by Russian and other Central Asian
languages. English is rapidly replacing Russian as the second language spoken by the younger
generation and the government has expressed the intention of replacing the Cyrillic alphabet with
the Latin alphabet.
In Turkmenistan, Turkmen is the official state language, and is closer to Turkish, Azeri and
Crimean Tartar than those of its neighbors, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan. The Turkmen script was
changed from Latin to Cyrillic in 1940, but the process of changing back to the Turkish version of
the Latin script is underway.
Please consult with your guide on translations, if needed.
AIRPORT INFORMATION
At most international airports, passengers cannot be met inside secured areas. This includes
Immigration, Customs halls and Baggage Claim. A representative will greet you as you exit these
restricted areas; look for the person holding the distinctive yellow A&K signboard with your name
on it.
Before departing, remember to tag your checked luggage with the yellow A&K tags we provided.
These brightly colored markers help identify you and your luggage quickly.
PROTECTIONS AND PRECAUTIONS
Use the safes where available in your accommodations to secure your valuables, especially
passports, medications, jewelry, money and electronics. Except for the Khalif category, train
compartments do not have a safe. When you leave your train compartment for meals you may
ask the guard to lock it. The compartment doors lock from the inside at any time. Do not carry
large amounts of cash. If you must carry valuables, keep them on your person at all times. Be
mindful of your surroundings and take extra caution in crowds.
Photocopy the personal-information pages of your passport; leave one copy at home with family
or a friend, and pack another separately from the passport itself. It is also suggested that you
make a photocopy of your visas in the event of loss, although copies are not sufficient to permit
departure. You may want to carry an additional 2 or 3 passport photos in the event these are
required.
Police officers in in the CIS (Commonwealth of Independent States which includes Kazakhstan,
Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan) have the authority to stop anyone and request their identity and
travel documents at any time, without cause. You should carry a photocopy of your passport and
visas with you at all times.
Throughout the journey the train will make one to three stops of about 20 minutes each day to
exchange locomotives. Passengers may disembark at this time; however, the train may move
again without a signal. It is important to keep an eye on the train and the guard at all times and
never cross the tracks.
ETIQUETTE AND PHOTOGRAPHY
Unless you are shooting a crowded public scene, it is considered courteous to ask permission
before taking pictures of local people, especially small children. Please be respectful of local
people who do not wish to be photographed.
Photography is not permitted at some locations, which may include government buildings and
installations, museums, art galleries, private houses, bridges and military or police personnel.
These areas are usually clearly marked. If in doubt, please ask; this will avoid having your
camera confiscated.
Be sure to pack ample amounts of batteries and memory cards or film for your camera and video
equipment, along with the appropriate charging cables. A dustproof case or sealable plastic bags
and lens brush are also recommended.
FOOD AND DRINK
Do not use tap water for drinking or tooth brushing. Even if "purified," water in flasks and
thermoses can be suspect and should be avoided. Drinking directly from a bottle or can is safer.
Attendants on board the train can provide bottled water (half-liter bottle costs €1.20) in
compartments. Water and ice provided in carafes during meals is pure still mineral water.
Regardless of precautions, changes in water and diet can result in mild abdominal upsets and
nausea. To prevent serious illness, avoid suspect foods such as uncooked vegetables, peeled
fruit, un-pasteurized milk and milk products. Beware of any food or drink sold by street vendors.
If you have special dietary requirements (vegetarian or vegan menus, food allergies, etc.) please
advise Abercrombie & Kent at least 6 weeks prior to the beginning of your journey. Every effort
will be made to comply with your request. Please note kitchen facilities on board the train are
limited and cooks may not have the training needed to prepare special dietary menus.
SHOPPING
Many A&K guests enjoy the chance to purchase items that reflect their destination, and so as a
courtesy, your guide may recommend a particular shop or arrange a shopping visit. Please note,
however, that these recommendations should not be taken as A&K’s endorsement of the shop,
merchandise and/or pricing. You assume all responsibility for any transactions that take place,
including shipping arrangements that are made.
The decision to shop while travelling is a personal choice and shopping is never compulsory. If at
any point during your journey you feel pressured to shop or make purchases, please immediately
discuss the matter with your Abercrombie & Kent representative.
To avoid disappointment, we suggest the following guidelines:

Compute the exchange rate and thoroughly review credit card receipts before signing.

Take your purchases home with you whenever possible. Airfreight can take many months
and actual shipping charges can be quite excessive. Customs delays, fees and regulations
can further complicate the issue.

Duty taxes, if applicable, are paid as you re-enter the United States. Regardless of
assurances by merchants, these cannot be prepaid on your behalf.

Keep all sales receipts for items purchased throughout your trip and try to pack all items that
you will need to declare together. This will ease the Customs process upon re-entry into the
U.S.
Consult the U.S. Department of State for current customs and import restrictions:
http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/tips_1232.html#customs.
COMMUNICATIONS
Contact your cellular telephone provider to determine if your phone operates on the Global
System for Mobile Communications (GSM) and what, if any, activation may be required.
If your phone is not GSM-enabled, you may find that renting a phone specifically designed for use
overseas is the most practical option.
Mobile phone coverage can be found virtually along the entire train route, however it is not
continuous. Roaming costs are relatively high for making and receiving messages.
Accessing e-mail: If access to e-mail is of critical importance during your trip please check
availability before you leave. Internet connection is not available on the train; however it is
possible to check emails during hotels stays (internet access charges may apply).
TIPPING GUIDELINES
Small Group Journeys
All gratuities are included on our Small Group Journeys (Luxury, Connections and Marco Polo
Club Invitational) with the exception of your Tour Director. While this decision rests entirely with
you, we recommend US$20 per person, per day.
Signature or Tailor Made Journeys
If you are traveling on a Signature or Tailor Made Journey or you have arranged extra
services in addition to your Small Group journey, we suggest the following gratuities (noted in
U.S. dollars):
Local Guides
$20-25 per person, per day (full day)
Drivers
$10-15 per person, per day (full day)
Airport Transfer Drivers
$5 per person, per transfer
Hotel Porters
$2 per bag
Housekeepers
$2 per person, per night
Room Service
10-15% unless already added
Restaurants
10-15% unless already added
OF SPECIAL NOTE
Please pack your patience when travelling outside the major cities of Central Asia. These
countries are developing nations that have experienced significant reforms in their economic and
political institutions over the last two decades; however, these countries are still in the process of
developing their tourist infrastructures.
Abercrombie & Kent is known for its practice of using the very best hotels all over the world, but
hotels of that premier caliber are rarely found in remote regions, which may offer somewhat
sparse accommodations. The private train is the most comfortable way to travel the Silk Road in
Central Asia, but it is not a luxury journey. Luckily, people who enjoy travelling “off the beaten
path” know that its pleasures far outweigh the small inconveniences of more rustic
accommodations. Be assured that A&K believes that the accommodations featured in these
areas are best available - clean, comfortable and with a friendly welcome for their guests. Power
outages are a frequent occurrence in in Uzbekistan and at certain times of the day the hot water
supply may be limited in your hotel.
Sightseeing on some days may be long and tiring, and this tour requires, at minimum, the ability
to walk at a moderate pace and the balance and agility necessary to climb stairs, enter and exit
trains and buses, and navigate uneven or cobble-stoned streets. Passengers with slight walking
difficulties should travel with a companion, as local guides or staffs are not able to provide special
care. Please advise Abercrombie & Kent if you have walking difficulties.
Sightseeing vehicles with air-conditioning may not be available in some cities. Many sightseeing
stops and public facilities do not have elevators or wheelchair access. Additionally, some
sightseeing stops may not have western-style toilet (sitting) facilities and consist of a drain-like
hole in the ground (with or without flush operation). Toilet paper may not be available, so carry it
with you when touring off the train.
During the course of your journey, you may encounter roads which are poorly maintained and
bumpy. Tracks may be in need of repairs or improvements along the route and you can expect
cars to move around (jiggle, sway, bounce) when in motion.
Dust and other air impurities may be present in heavy concentrations, and colds, nasal
congestion and sore throat may result.
Medical care in Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan varies from services provided in the
United States and Western Europe. Basic medical supplies are often in short supply. Medical
facilities are limited and the quality of equipment and care may put elderly travelers and those
with existing health problems at risk. There is a doctor on board who can provide basic care if
needed. (Fees for medical services apply.)
Carry a simple travellers’ first-aid kit containing items you feel may be required including
remedies for minor stomach complaints and motion sickness. Travelers requiring prescription
medicines or specific brand-name medicines should bring sufficient supplies of medications and
not rely on local availability. It is highly recommended that prescription medication be carried in its
original container and that any over-the-counter medication be kept in its original packaging. It is
also advisable that travellers carrying prescription medication also carry a copy of their valid US
prescription. Large quantities of any medicine will receive scrutiny from customs officials and you
need to be able to prove your perscription was lawfully obtained in the United States.
LIFE ON BOARD ORIENT SILK ROAD EXPRESS
The Orient Silk Road Express is a private train comprised of approximately 10-15 cars. The
dimensions and layout of the train are not suitable for travellers using a wheelchair or for those
with severe walking difficulties. The Khalif category is equipped with upper/lower bunk beds. The
compartment offers a cozy seating bench, a table and a wardrobe. The compartment’s en suite
bathroom features a wash basin, toilet and shower, with storage space for your personal
belongings. Each car of the Khalif category has only six compartments with a total of twelve
guests at most sharing the whole carriage. Khalif compartments feature power outlets for 110/220
volts. In other compartment categories, power outlets are located in the aisles. There is dual
110/220 voltage shaver point in each cabin. A designated smoking area is located at one end of
each car.
The air conditioning only works when the train is moving and the windows are closed. For safety
reasons the windows in the compartments cannot be opened.
The train has two restaurant cars with bar service. The total number of staff on board varies by
departure and number of passengers (usually equal to one quarter of the amount of guests on
board). Each carriage is assigned two attendants; there is someone on duty 24 hours in your rail
car and an attendant remains on the train during sightseeing tours.
Several languages are spoken onboard including German, French and English. Local guides
usually speak English (or someone will translate).
Three meals are included daily - breakfast, lunch and dinner on the train journey. Mineral water,
juice, coffee and tea provided with included group meals on the train. All other beverages and
alcoholic drinks are available at an additional cost. Meal times are dependent on the train’s timetable as well as the daily sightseeing schedule. In general, there is one seating for dinner each
evening and dinner is usually served at 7:00 p.m. Set meals are offered. Both international and
local food is served.
On board the train you will not need much currency, but there are charges for bar bills or other
incidentals. You will be asked to run a “tab” (Beverage Pass) on board and pay the bill in cash at
the end of the tour. Coffee and tea ordered in your carriage have to be paid separately. You will
need cash for souvenirs and any shopping you may choose to do off the train. Please refer to the
section on currency for information on exchanging money. The Tour Manager on board and local
guides can also provide information on how, and if necessary, where to change money.
For off-train excursions, passengers may be divided into groups (dependent on size of transport
vehicles available) to visit specific sights/museums, etc.
Smoking in the cabins is strictly prohibited. You can smoke in specific designated areas at the
end of the train carriage. Do not smoke on train platforms.
Border formalities on board the train usually don’t take very long and consist of filling in the entry
and customs forms and undergoing passport inspection and customs inspection. Forms are
usually distributed 30 minutes prior to arriving at the border and collected about two hours later.
You will receive instructions on how to complete the forms. You must remain in your compartment
during the inspections until the conductor or the Tour Director advises you may walk around. The
Tour Director must also remain in his/her compartment but will be notified immediately if you have
any problems and can come to your assistance accompanied by a border official. Customs
procedures and border formalities are subject to change.