Over the last three years I have trekked in Kyrgyz, Kazak, Azeri, Georgia and Armenia and used alcohol on both trips with no problem. They do actually refill gas canisters in a lot of these countries (sounds scary but it was okay). If you locate a trekking company, they will help you if you want to go down the canister route. There are lots of great treks to keep you busy! Maps can be a bit of a problem in some areas. There are excellent Russian trekking maps for the more popular areas of Kyrgyz. In Kazak and Azeri it was 1:100000! In Georgia you can go to an office in Tbilisi, choose the area and get them printed off.
Hello Anne,
I was reading your reply and would love some info about the Altai region. I will be in Russia this summer (school hols). I plan to take the train to Baikal and walk in the Sayan mtns and around Baikal before flying back to Moscow. A friend, who lives in Moscow, is sorting out permits for Elbrus so that seems fine. I don't have much info on the Altai. I have booked a flight with S7 into Barnaul. I believe I have to register?
Hope you can help
Thanks
David