Tour guide was Hasan. He was pleasant. His English was pretty good, but there was some pronunciation differences, but easy to figure out. Hasan knew his subject and could answer any questions. Tour started on time at 8am. It was only 4 hours long and not the 6-7 hours it promised. Why did I pay so much for less time? I was the only one on the group tour. Hasan didn't think someone can listen if they are also taking pictures. I can do both, but he didn't like that. He kept telling me to look at something, when that's literally what i was doing. I appreciated being taken to some of the craft vendor stalls that was legit and not mass produced. I went back after the tour and shopped. My criticism is there weren't any breaks. I had to force a break when I was about to drop from low blood sugar and he still wanted me to continue. No, I have to eat something now. There wasn't any bathroom or sunscreen application breaks etc. The weather was 95 degrees so its reasonable to have a 10 minute break once in a while. I should be drinking water, but without any breaks in sight, I didn't. I didn't appreciate paying a high price, only for him to agree to take pictures of other tourists. I get it's a tricky situation for him to be put on the spot, but I'm the client, I paid the ticket.
For a critical review like this, it is best to acknowledge the specific concerns without sounding defensive, while also noting the positive feedback about Hasan. Thank you for taking the time to share such detailed feedback about your Khiva tour. We’re glad to hear that Hasan was pleasant, knowledgeable, spoke good English, and was able to answer your questions. We also appreciate your positive comments about visiting the local craft workshops and finding authentic handmade products. At the same time, we are sorry that several aspects of the tour did not meet your expectations. In particular, we take your comments about the tour duration, lack of breaks, and the pace of the tour seriously. Especially in very hot weather, our guests should feel comfortable asking for time to rest, drink water, use facilities, apply sunscreen, or have something to eat. Your health and comfort should always come first. We also understand your disappointment regarding the advertised tour duration. Although the actual duration can sometimes vary depending on walking pace, time spent at individual sites, and the interests of the guest, there should be clear communication about this during the tour, particularly when there is a significant difference from the expected duration. Regarding photography, we understand your point as well. While guides are sometimes approached by other visitors for a quick photo, their primary attention during a private or single-guest tour should remain with their guest. Thank you again for highlighting both the positive and negative parts of your experience. Detailed feedback like yours helps us review our tours with our guides and improve the experience, particularly regarding breaks, pacing, communication, and guest comfort. Best wishes, TravelX Team
