Question 1

How do I book a trip?

Accepted Answer

Simply contact us by filling up our contact/booking form, or through email and our social media accounts.

We will contact you via email and guide you through the payment process, as well as answer any questions and concerns you may have. You'll have to sign a Terms and Conditions document. To confirm your booking, you'll need to pay a non-refundable deposit ranging between 30% and 40%

The balance must be paid in cash in U.S. dollars at the trip's start point.

Question 2

Do I need a visa to travel to these countries?

Accepted Answer

Do contact us, and we'll inform you if you will need a visa for your trip.

Singaporeans and European Union Citizens can enter Armenia, Georgia, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Kazakhstan visa-free.

Malaysians can enter Georgia, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Kazakhstan visa-free. Malaysians require an e-visa to enter Armenia, which can be applied online

All travelers will need a Turkmen Tourist Visa for trips to Turkmenistan, as well as pay a Turkmen Migration Fee. All travelers travelling to Turkmenistan with us must apply for a visa through us.

For the latest information regarding visas, please consult these websites:

Iran: Application Register (mfa.ir)
Uzbekistan: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan (mfa.uz)
Kyrgyzstan: Визовые и безвизовые режимы - The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic (mfa.gov.kg)
Kazakhstan: Visa regime of the Republic of Kazakhstan for foreign citizens (www.gov.kz) 
Tajikistan: Tajikistan visa
Armenia: Visa - mfa.am
Georgia: Migration Commission :: Who can travel visa-free to georgia

Question 3

Do I need to do a pre-departure COVID test?

Accepted Answer

As the situation relating to COVID is constantly evolving, we will update you with the latest COVID-related border entry requirements approximately 4 weeks before the trip. To be on the safe side, we recommend you to bring along a copy of a proof of vaccination, if you're vaccinated.

Question 4

Who will I be travelling with?

Accepted Answer

Our groups comprise between 4 to 6 travellers, in addition to a guide. You can either join our groups with your friends or come alone and meet other like-minded travellers.

Before the trip, we'll organise a virtual meeting where you can meet your travel mates and guide.

Question 5

Do I need to be fit?

Accepted Answer

Our trips are geared toward reasonably healthy individuals who love the outdoors and are seeking a local experience. Our trips include extended periods spent in the outdoors and walking. We take public transportation as part of the local experience.

We do not recommend our trips to individuals who have mobility issues, or who are unable and/or are unwilling to spend prolonged periods outdoors and under the elements.

Question 6

What will my sleeping arrangements be?

Accepted Answer

In most cities, we'll be staying in boutique guesthouses (twin-sharing rooms paired by gender and relationship). In the countryside, we'll stay in either traditional yurts or in the houses of locals.  Proper mattresses and clean bedding will be provided.

Some trips may include camping in nature. When camping, each tent will be shared by two travellers (paired by gender and relationship). When camping, we will provide you with tents and all-season sleeping bags.

Question 7

How safe are the countries we'll be visiting?

Accepted Answer

Armenia, Georgia, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan and Iran are some of the safest countries for travelers. Violent crimes, especially against foreigners, are rare and unheard of.

Common safety precautions should be taken, however. Pickpocketing is a problem in many crowded areas, such as in marketplaces and public transportation. Visitors should ensure that their valuable personal belongings are kept on them, and out of view and reach from potential pickpockets.

Question 8

How much cash should I bring?

Accepted Answer

The currencies of the respective countries are:

Uzbekistan - Uzbek Som (UZM)
Kyrgyzstan - Kyrgyz Som (KGS)
Kazakhstan - Kazakh Tenge (KZT)
Turkmenistan - Turkmen Manat (TKM)
Tajikistan - Tajik Somoni (TJS)
Armenia - Armenian Dram (AMD)
Georgia - Georgian Lari (GEL)

All these currencies can be easily converted from most major currencies (U.S. dollar, Euro). As the U.S. dollar is the most accepted currency in the region, the U.S. dollar tends to fetch the best conversion rate. Hence, we recommend you bring some U.S. dollars in cash for personal expenses.

Many places do not accept payments by mobile phones and bank cards.

In Iran, international bank cards do not work. You will need to bring all your funds IN CASH from your home country.

As people have varying taste buds and dietary restrictions, we do not include meals (except for breakfast, and dinners on certain days) in our price. From our research and experience in the region, most meals cost less than US$10. However, we recommend a minimum of US$12 for each meal that is not included in the tour price just in case you would like to splurge a little bit more to treat yourself. We recommend a cash amount of US$300 per person (based on a two-week trip duration).

Question 9

What will I be eating during a trip? Are there Halal, Vegetarian, Vegan and Non-Beef options?

Accepted Answer

We will mostly be eating at affordable local eateries during our trip. We will select the eatery based on the travel group's consensus. During homestays, our host family will cook us meals and they will also teach us how to cook those delicious fares! It is important that you notify us of any dietary restrictions and preferences before your trip to avoid any unpleasant surprises.

The cuisines of The Caucasus (Armenia and Georgia), Central Asia (Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan and Tajikistan), and Iran are meat-heavy. Most meals include meat and animal by-products. While we will try to cater to people’s different dietary preferences and restrictions, our ability to do so may be limited, especially outside of big cities. Vegetarian food options are limited. Vegan options are almost non-existent, even in the big cities.

As the population of Iran, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Kazakhstan are majority Muslim, Halal food options are widely available there.

Non-beef meat alternatives such as chicken and lamb options are widely available.

Question 10

Can I change the dates of my trip after booking?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but we will charge you an additional change-of-booking fee of USD 100.

If The Untold Direction has already incurred non-refundable costs on our side due to the change of trip dates initiated by the customer, the customer will have to bear the additional costs. Further, the client is permitted a single alteration of the trip's date, with the stipulation that the new departure date falls within a span of 90 days preceding or succeeding the original trip commencement date.

Dates of trips cannot be changed less than 60 days from the start date of the initial trip.

Question 11

What is your refund policy?

Accepted Answer

All cancellation notices must be received in writing and will become effective as of the date of receipt by us. Tour deposits will not be refunded.

If the client has paid an amount above the deposit, we will refund the excess amount. The client is liable for any transaction charges associated with the refund process. All cancellations incur a US$100 processing fee.

In the event of the company incurring non-refundable costs and expenses, including, but not limited to flight booking and hotel reservations this shall be deducted from any refund due to the client.

Trips to Pakistan

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