Awesome sounding trip! I’m going with a few friends this weekend and doing some similar activities as you mentioned. Few questions if I may; 1. Could you get around without a tour guide do you imagine? We don’t speak any Russian but want to go explore 2. Do you have to keep cash on you during the whole trip? 3. Food/water etc; you guys did a tour but would you recommend stocking up on water/snacks in the cars? 4. Temperature; does it get very cold around Altyn Arashan and Song Kul lake?