2026 Expedition
Applications

Pricing

What you pay, what it covers

Terms

Booking agreements

Summer is short and busy here. The moment your deposit arrives, I lock in your spot — guides, permits, domestic flights, family camps, fuel — and most of those costs don't come back once paid out. The policy below just reflects that, so everything runs smoothly for everyone on the trip.

Deposit & payment

A 30% deposit confirms your spot. The remaining balance is due before departure — the exact timing depends on how close we are when you book (45 days out is the standard window for tours further away; full payment is required up front for tours less than ~2 weeks away). Bank transfer preferred (zero fees) or card (adds 3%).

Cancellation & refunds

90+ days before departure: full refund minus a $100 admin fee. 60–89 days: 50% refund. 30–59 days: 25% refund OR full credit toward any 2027 departure (your choice). Inside 30 days: non-refundable — we've paid for your seat by then. No partial refunds for unused days, late arrivals, or early departures.

Non-refundable costs

Altai departures include a round-trip flight to Ölgii that's non-refundable once booked (typically 45 days before departure). If you cancel after flight ticketing, you forfeit that portion in addition to the schedule above.

We're moving — guaranteed

Every departure on the calendar runs. People are already lining up. If something unexpected happens in-country (weather, road closure), we re-route — we don't cancel.

Travel insurance

You'll want travel insurance covering medical, emergency evacuation, and trip cancellation. If you don't have a provider yet, tell me — I'll help you find a plan that works for your passport and tour. No stress.

Physical & pace

Small-group adventure, not luxury. Long drive days, camping nights, basic facilities, altitudes up to 3,000 m on Altai, weather that changes hourly. Flag any health conditions when you apply so we can plan with you.

Liability

You are responsible for your own safety. We take every reasonable precaution and hire experienced local guides, but adventure travel carries inherent risk. Submitting the booking form acknowledges this.

Code of conduct

Respect the land, the animals, the hosts. Leave every camp cleaner than you found it. No single-use plastics on camp nights. No drones without checking first. Photography of people — always ask. We book families and camps we want to be welcomed back to.

Before you come

Useful to know