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We have just completed a 12 day tour of Kazakhstan with Naturetrek on which we were lucky enough to have had two very fabulous leaders - both Botanists with exceptional knowledge. Svetlana Baskakova who has lived next to Kazakhstan’s oldest nature reserve, Aksu-Zhabagly, sorted a brilliant itinerary ensuring that we covered as many different ecosystems as possible. Both Svetlana and co-leader Sophie Leguil went to enormous lengths each night to ensure the many new species we found in the reserve were correctly identified. The weather was perfect and the plant range superb.
G.T. New Zealand, June 19
Tour Itinerary and Reports
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Alpine Flowers of the Tien Shan
Tour Code: KAZ01A 13-day holiday in the Tien Shan Mountains of Kazakhstan in search of alpine plants.
We hope to run this tour in the future, but have not yet finalised dates and prices. To be added to a waiting list and be informed when details are confirmed, please click on the register interest button, or phone 01962 733051.
Highlights
Tour Itinerary and Reports
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Summary
As the summer sunshine softens the contours of the high Tien Shan Mountains in Kazakhstan, a profusion of delightful alpine flowers seize their brief opportunity to bloom. The mountain pastures are a riot of colour at the time of our tour, with a score of allium species alongside later flowering species of tulip as well as a host of other exciting plants, many of which are endemic to the region. We spend a glorious five days exploring the wonderful Aksu Dzbagly Nature Reserve before travelling to the mountains high above the capital, Almaty, where yet more alpine species will be on display at the edge of the snowline.
- Incredible high alpine meadow flowers among a wealth of botanical treasures
- Globe Flower & Paraquilegia anemoides among a wealth of exciting plant-life
- Amazing scenery – high mountains, juniper forests & gorges
- Impressive birdlife includes Ibisbill & Himalayan Snowcock
- Led by an expert botanist guide
- Traditional Kazakhstan hospitality
Outline Itinerary
Day 1
Fly Almaty
Day 2
Train to Aksu Dzabagly
Day 3
Aksu Dzabagly
Day 4
Transfer to Ulken-Kaindy mountain house
Day 5
Ulken-Kaindy Pass
Day 6
Baydaksai
Day 7
Aksu Dzabagly
Day 8
Aksu Canyon. Train to Almaty
Day 9/11
Big Almaty Lake, Tien Shan Mountains
Day 12
Return to Almaty
Day 13
Fly London
What's Included?
- Flights
- Accommodation: Comfortable hotel in Almaty; simple guesthouses elsewhere. Facilities are shared except in Almaty.
- Food: All included in the price.
Reviews
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A very enjoyable, well-organised and informative trip. Thank you.
B.H. Kent -
Taken as a whole this holiday was a wonderful experience. The exhilaration of riding in the Tien Shan is a memory I shall long cherish. Maureen led the group very skilfully: combining an almost encyclopaedic botanical knowledge with unfailing good humour and concern for everyone's welfare.
J.R. Gloucestershire -
The translator proved to be an excellent leader - enthusiastic, flexible, attentive and informative.
N. & A.F. Herefordshire -
This was an interesting and enjoyable trip... the flowers were wonderful, the wildlife, birds and scenery were excellent.
Mr & Mrs D. Scotland -
The leader is an excellent naturalist who was patient and helpful.
T. & J.W. Somerset -
This was a fantastic holiday - I enjoyed every minute of it and would like to do it all over again. We were extremely well looked after at every stage and our translator Nezira in particular was on duty the entire time, always with a smile.
J.S-B. Hampshire -
The UK leader, local botanist and Kazakh translator were superb. The venue is spectacular. Lots of plants and local people were helpful.
P.G. Ceredigion -
Our 8 members all got on well together and Neil and Anna [the leaders] were great. I thoroughly enjoyed my holiday... Anna and Neil are treasures!
J.H. West Midlands -
I have just enjoyed the holiday of a life time in Kazakhstan. As always with a Naturetrek holiday the organisation was excellent. The three leaders were marvellous and Nezira, in particular, worked so hard to ensure everything went like clockwork. This was my fifth holiday with you and I don’t think you will ever be able to match the vision of the Kazakstan flower meadows, they were out of this world!
J.H. Hampshire
Why Naturetrek?
At Naturetrek we craft expertly-guided group and tailor-made wildlife holidays and cruises to all seven continents. On one of our holidays, you can be assured that our passionate team will enable you to experience and enjoy the best of the world's wildlife and natural spectacles in as comfortable and rewarding a manner as possible, caring as best we can for the environment in the process. We are proud to provide:
- The widest choice of wildlife holidays worldwide
- Tours managed and led by naturalists, for naturalists
- Outstanding value and exceptional customer service
Furthermore, as a Naturetrek client, our office team are always to on hand to help you – so if you have any queries about your holiday, whether before or after you have booked, we will be delighted to answer them on the phone. Please just give our team a call!
