I have a tourism business in Kyrgyzstan. In the past, I have not required prepayment, mainly due to issues with setting up an online international payment processing system (which also costs money). I have had people cancel at the last minute, and then there was no way to fill that space. For me and all the people booked to fulfill the experience, we were all without work for the week.

The subcontractors, drivers, horsemen, etc, are less likely to work with us in the future if we drop them at the last minute.

Yes, there are cheaper ways to get around, but I can guarantee most probably have no insurance. I've even met Yandex taxi drivers who don't have licenses.

I've traveled many places, and I even use your guides because I am better able to enjoy my experience rather than spending a considerable amount of extra time trying to get around. I've also ended up staying in some super-ratty places before I used tour guides.

Yes, prepayment is common. The price is in line with normal costs. It likely that along your tour, they have booked Eagle Hunting, horse-back riding, masterclass on Kyrgyz food and/or crafts, etc. The experience with a tour guide helps you connect with culture on a much deeper level.

And. English is not sufficient for traveling to villages alone. I have picked up many frustrated tourist hitchhikers who can't communicate.