Birding in Kazakhstan & Kyrgyzstan

Kazakhstan, lying at the heart of central Asia on the Old Silk Road, is a huge country spanning over two and a half million square kilometres from the Caspian Sea to western China — an area equivalent to the whole of Western Europe! Yet, with a population of just 18 million people — most of whom live in the cities — this is a nation of endless vistas and unpopulated landscapes. Great stone and sand deserts, and wide grassy steppe, occupy the majority of the country, interspersed with such vast inland lakes as Lake Balkhash and the Aral Sea. Neighbouring Kyrgyzstan is a fraction of the size of its northern neighbour but is no less wild and spectacular, especially its remote and under-explored Karakol Mountains. Across this diverse range of habitats lives a wonderful variety of birdlife and avian highlights here include Dalmatian Pelican, Saker Falcon, Himalayan Snowcock, Demoiselle Crane, MacQueen's Bustard, Ibisbill, Pallas's Sandgrouse, White-winged Woodpecker, Himalayan Rubythroat, Eversmann's and Güldenstädt's Redstarts, Sykes's Warbler, Desert Warbler, White-browed Tit-warbler, Azure Tit, Turkestan Tit, Saxaul Sparrow, Red-mantled Rosefinch, White-winged Grosbeak, Red-headed Bunting and much more!

Our tour starts with a flight from London, via Istanbul, to Almaty, in south-eastern Kazakhstan, arriving in the early morning. Situated at around 750 metres above sea level and touted as the greenest city in central Asia, Almaty was built as a Russian military outpost in the latter part of the 19th century. Formerly known as Verny (meaning 'faithful'), the city today is a pleasant and leafy modern metropolis with a fabulous backdrop, nestling as it does beneath the peaks of the Tien Shan Mountains. From here, we will drive westwards with our local team of experts towards Kaskelen and the Ili-Alatau National Park. Created in 1996, this 200,000-hectare park has spectacular views in all directions and lush habitats in which we hope to find a wealth of birds, wildflowers and some of the country's smaller mammals too. Meadow Bunting occurs in the park, and this will be our only opportunity to see this species, mostly found in eastern Asia. Other specialities here include White-crowned Penduline Tit and Azure Tit, while overhead Steppe, Booted and Golden Eagles soar.

 After a night on the outskirts of Almaty, we will embark eastwards towards Kyrgyzstan, stopping at the mighty Charyn Gorge for two nights. Roadside breaks along the way will provide good opportunities to see various northbound migrants such as Rose-coloured Starlings and Sykes's Warblers. The gorge itself is likely to lure in more migrants, and we should also be on the lookout for the resident Mongolian Finches, which are occasionally joined by Asian Crimson-winged Finches too. Raptors might include Egyptian, Himalayan Griffon and Cinereous Vultures, Long-legged Buzzard, Golden Eagle, Saker Falcon and Lesser Kestrel. Our base on the Sogety Plain could turn up a long list of exciting birds, with Pallas's Sandgrouse and Caspian Plover being two of the most sought-after. Mammals to look out for include Great Gerbil and Siberian Ibex, whilst Grey Wolves also roam across these open plains. 

Next, we head into Kyrgyzstan for three nights, where our mountain birding will commence as we travel up the gorges of the Karakol region, listening out for the call of the Himalayan Snowcock and scouring the surroundings for an array of high mountain species. We will explore two key areas of this spectacular region: the Chon-Ashu Pass and the Barskoon Gorge, both of which hold a range of exciting passerines that breed above the treeline. Kyrgyzstan has much to offer beyond its superb birdlife, including fascinating geological features, breathtaking scenery and remote landscapes. We will then cross back into Kazakhstan and drive west towards Almaty for a night — stopping at any suitable habitat along the way — before spending three nights in the Taukum Desert. Here, we will be staying in comfortable yurts, which are well positioned for early morning birding walks and our wider exploration of the region. MacQueen's Bustard is a key target here, although the bubbling sounds of Black-bellied Sandgrouse overhead will no doubt draw our attention too. Scattered patches of woodland hold White-winged Woodpecker, Saxaul Sparrow, Turkestan Tit and Yellow-eyed Pigeon. The area is also excellent for mammals. Persian Gazelles are preyed upon by Grey Wolves, which are resident in good numbers, while planned nocturnal sessions may reveal a variety of rodents, especially Jerboas and even perhaps a Wonder Gecko!

Our holiday will end with a drive back to Almaty, with possible sightings of Montagu's Harrier, Lesser Grey Shrike and a variety of migrant waders along the way. After a final overnight stay in the city, we will depart early the following morning for our flight back to London, via a short stop in Istanbul.