Sustainable development policy Sayakat tourism

Our mission is to provide a quality and affordable tourism product to customers visiting Kyrgyzstan. In doing so, our tourism product supports the economy of local communities and biodiversity, without harming the environment or preserving culture.

Our main goals are:

Supporting local people and the economy

We work to maximise the positive impact of tourism on the local economy and local communities by

Involvement of predominantly local staff
Planning and carrying out visits with local suppliers
Encouraging our customers/passengers to buy from local suppliers of goods and services

Preservation of the environment

We try to preserve the environment and reduce the negative impact by

Using local transport where it is safe, reliable and feasible
Ensuring proper maintenance and choosing the most efficient mode of transport
Minimise waste and consumption while travelling
Ban on rubbish dumping everywhere except in rubbish bins
Compliance with all national park visiting regulations

We oppose all exploitative or illegal practices and those that have a negative impact on animal welfare.

Cultural preservation

We try to preserve the culture and reduce the negative impact by

Observing and respecting local customs and etiquette
Promoting local interaction and understanding of the local way of life
Asking permission before taking a photo

Human rights

Respecting the basic principles of human rights as set out in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and ensuring that our employees, customers, local communities and suppliers/business partners promote their right to be treated;

dignity,
equality,
freedom and
respect

Tours:

Do not offer excursions that are harmful to people, animals, plants or natural resources, or that are socially and culturally unacceptable
When travelling in natural areas, refuse disposable plastic, and do not leave rubbish behind (collect it and dispose of it safely at designated points)
We do not promote souvenirs containing endangered species of flora and fauna as listed in the CITES treaty and the IUCN Red List; or historical and archaeological artefacts (except where permitted by law)
Advise guests on standards of behaviour during excursions and activities with a focus on respect for local people and communities, local culture, nature and the environment
When planning tours, consider climate, terrain, load and maximum time of use

Excursions involving animals:

We do not offer any tours involving captive wildlife except for properly regulated activities in accordance with local, national and international legislation;
Not related to companies that harvest, consume, exhibit, sell or trade wildlife species, except as part of a regulated activity that ensures that their use is sustainable and complies with local, national and international laws;
Think twice when organising tours with animals
Choose experienced suppliers who comply with the regulations and laws of the Kyrgyz Republic and treat their animals with care and responsibility
Instruct tourists on how to behave with animals in order to avoid any risks; never let tourists in under the influence of alcohol or drugs
All animals that take part in tours or shows are fed, live in good conditions and are treated with care

Special rules relating to horseback riding tours:

Selecting an experienced supplier and groom
Equipment — checking the helmet for hikers
Check load capacity (man up to 100-110 kg, parterre up to 80 kg)
Distance — approx. 16 km per day, operation — 6 hours in mountainous conditions, 8 hours on a straight track

Special rules relating to shows involving birds of prey:

Do not use red-listed birds (falcons)
Check that you have the appropriate equipment (cap, etc.)
Don’t take the birds away from their habitat
Observe appropriate tourist attire (no dangling items in clothing)
You must not use the drone when filming

It is also one of the main rules of the company to respect all our obligations to tourists, employees and suppliers.