The Three Stans of The Silk Road small group holiday

Planet

CARBON REDUCTION

As a travel company we're acutely aware of our impact on the environment. Each one of our tours displays a carbon footprint, and we're working to reduce our emissions by regularly reviewing our itineraries and embracing lower-impact styles of travel such as trains, public buses or walking – which aren't just better for the planet, but we believe offer a more enjoyable and authentic travel experience too. We're a Certified B Corp that's committed to creating unforgettable adventures while protecting our planet for future generations.
There are no internal flights included on this trip, helping to significantly contain carbon emissions. Instead, the itinerary uses overnight and regional rail travel, including the overnight train from Almaty to Turkistan and train journeys between Tashkent, Bukhara and Samarkand in Uzbekistan. These shared public transport options provide a lower-impact way to travel long distances while also offering a more immersive experience.
Vegetarian and vegan meals are available throughout the trip, but a level of repetition in the food eaten should be expected. Around 80% of the food served is locally sourced and seasonal, helping to support local producers and reduce transport-related emissions.
We also encourage accommodation providers to reduce single-use plastics through the use of refillable dispensers and reusable amenities where possible.

ENVIRONMENT & WILDLIFE

We strive to support nature and biodiversity through protection and regeneration projects, and for every customer that travels with us we make a donation to Rewilding Britain and Cool Earth.
We encourage customers to avoid single-use plastic on tour, and our leaders give advice on refill points each day. Where tap water isn't safe to drink we recommend Water-to-Go bottles, a filtration bottle allowing you to drink water from any source.
While this trip does not directly contribute to wildlife or conservation projects, we aim to minimise environmental impact through responsible travel practices. The itinerary makes extensive use of public rail transport rather than internal flights, helping to reduce overall emissions. Customers are encouraged to reduce their use of single-use plastics throughout the journey, and local suppliers are encouraged to limit unnecessary plastic waste and disposable items where possible.

People

LOCAL ECONOMY

Our leaders are the heart of tours. They bring passion and unrivalled knowledge of the destinations and communities that we visit. Their guidance ensures we observe the cultural norms in a destination, they act as a bridge between travellers and the local community and ensure that tourism is a positive experience for both host and guest. We believe in supporting local; staying in locally-run hotels, exploring markets, buying snacks from street vendors, and by doing this we add money to the local economy and enhance our connection with the local community.
All accommodation used on this trip is locally owned, with no international hotel chains included. Notable stays include a yurt camp at Issyk Kul Lake and a guesthouse near the Kolsay Lakes. All guides and drivers are locally employed, and the trip includes a range of community-based experiences that directly support local people and businesses. We'll enjoy meals in local family homes and restaurants, and meet a family of yurt makers in the village of Kyzyl Tu, where we take part in a traditional yurt-building activity. The itinerary also includes visits to local markets, workshops producing traditional Kyrgyz musical instruments, and demonstrations by local eagle hunters, with entrance fees and activity payments helping to support local livelihoods.
We visit a female-led cooperative in Kochkor, preserving the traditional craft of felt-making while providing local artisans with a reliable and independent income. During our visit, we’ll take part in a hands-on masterclass in shyrdak production, working alongside craftswomen whose skills have been passed down through generations. Income from workshops and sales is shared among the artisans and reinvested into the cooperative, helping to support families, strengthen the local community, and safeguard this cultural tradition for future generations.

EMPLOYMENT, INCLUSIVITY & DIVERSITY

We believe that diversity is to be celebrated and as a Certified B Corp we're committed to championing equity and inclusion throughout our entire supply chain. We believe that an inclusive approach is essential, and that the best results occur when contributors have different opinions, experiences and backgrounds to bring to the table.
Around 95% of the people employed on this trip are from the country visited, with approximately 70–80% coming from the local community. We also create income-generating opportunities for groups that are often underrepresented, including women through cooperatives and employment as guides and staff. All staff are paid fair wages well above the minimum wage, enabling them to support their families without reliance on tips.
We operate an equal opportunities approach across our workforce and ground partners, and this trip is LGBTQ+ friendly.