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Excellent variety of habitats and breathtaking scenery. Absolutely loved this trip. Andy Smith was an outstanding trip leader. He had excellent eyes and ears for spotting the birds and made sure that everyone in the group had the best possible views. I also appreciated his interest and enthusiasm for all other aspects of the natural world. Everything about our three nights in Kyrgyzstan was perfect - sunshine, stunning mountain scenery, brilliant birds and a lovely guesthouse to return to at the end of our action-packed days.
K. A, Kent, May '25
Tour Itinerary and Reports
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Birds of Kazakhstan & Kyrgyzstan
Tour Code: KAZ06A 13-day birdwatching holiday to Kazakhstan and the remote highlands of Kyrgyzstan for some of Central Asia's best birding.
13 days
from
£4,995
£4,995
Land only price
from
£4,595
£4,595
Highlights
Tour Itinerary and Reports
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Summary
Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan lie at the heart of Central Asia, a land of deserts and mountains the size of western Europe yet sparsely populated and astonishingly rich in both birdlife and flora. This action-packed tour provides a taste of Himalayan birdwatching in both the deserts and mountains, the latter where Himalayan Snowcock, Ibisbill and a host of passerines (either resident or on migration) may be seen. We should also see a wide variety of breeding birds in the deserts, lakes and canyons visited elsewhere during the tour. Utilising desert camps and well-situated typical tourist hotels to access these wild areas, we’ll look for such highly prized Central Asian birds as MacQueen's Bustard, Pallas's Sandgrouse, Yellow-eyed Dove and Caspian Plover, and witness an ever-changing kaleidoscope of spring migration on a scale far beyond that in Europe.
- Ibisbill, Lammergeier and Himalayan Snowcock in Kyrgyzstan
- MacQueen's Bustard, Caspian Plover and Pallas's Sandgrouse in the deserts
- Mongolian and Asian Crimson-winged Finches in the valleys
- Other excellent birds comprising Azure and Turkestan Tits and White-winged Woodpecker
- Grey Wolves and Persian Gazelles possible
- A wonderful 2-night stay in a yurt camp
- Led by a local naturalist and a Naturetrek tour leader
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.
Outline Itinerary
Day 1
Depart London
Day 2
Almaty
Day 3/4
Sogety Valley and Charyn Gorge
Day 5/7
Kyrgyzstan; birding the Karakol Mountains
Day 8
Return to Kazakhstan. Overnight Almaty
Day 9/11
Taukum Desert
Day 12
Almaty
Day 13
Fly London
What's Included?
- Flights
- Accommodation:
A mix of comfortable, but simple, hotels, lodges and yurt camps.
- Food:
All included in the price.
Reviews
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Chris and Ghani both went above and beyond the call of duty to provide the best trip possible. The visit to the mountains in Kyrgystan was something that will remain with us for a long time into the future.
M. D & L. D, Jersey, May '25 -
Excellent bird watching trip with great guides and a lovely bunch of clients. They really got us into remote places and we stayed in some unusual spots!
M.S., London, May 25 -
The holiday was amazing. The passion that Ghani and Chris had for the work they do, really just made the trip so much more enjoyable. They took care of us at every opportunity and made sure we saw everything we wanted to see. I honestly can’t pick one highlight of the trip because it was just incredible from start to finish. This was my first time [travelling with Naturetrek] and I will definitely use them again. Everything was organised perfectly, and from the second we met the guide in the airport I felt so at ease and knew everything would be perfect. The passion and love that the guides have for what they do is just incredible.
M.F, Dublin, May '25 -
The scenery is beautiful and we loved walking up the hills and down the valleys looking at the many birds, mammals and snakes. Really loved this trip which was an adventure.
G.M & I.M, Hertfordshire, May '24 -
The birding was exceptional and what I learned from [guides] Andy and Alex was immense.
A.W, Leicestershire, May '24
Extensions
Kazakhstan - Korgalzhyn Steppe & Wetlands Extension
This short but rewarding extension takes us deep into the vast steppes and wetlands of central Kazakhstan, offering an unforgettable taste of this remote and little-visited corner of Central Asia, where Black and White-winged Larks will be some our targets. Minimum of 3 participants.
4 days from £1,495
Dates & Prices
2026
Departures
Availability
Cost
Mon 11th May – Sat 23rd May
FULL
£4,995
Flights:
Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.
Flights are included in the tour cost
Regional Departures:
On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.
Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£4,595
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£645
Tour Leader:
Please note that, whilst we assign leaders to particular tours well in advance, we reserve the right to make changes if necessary
Andy Smith
Tour Leader: Andy Smith
Andy lives on the edge of Dartmoor in South Devon. He’s been a keen birder and naturalist for as long as he can remember and has enjoyed a varied career divided between conservation work in Britain and Ireland, school teaching and wildlife tour leading. He started leading for Naturetrek way back in 1997 and has now led over 150 tours to a wide range of destinations in Europe, Africa, Asia, the Americas and Antarctica. When not currently leading tours Andy teaches geography and history to teenagers and in his spare time he explores the natural history of Dartmoor and the South Hams and serves on the records committee of Devon Birds. He also makes regular trips to the west of Ireland to visit his children and grandchildren.
Mon 25th May – Sat 6th Jun
FULL
£4,995
Flights:
Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.
Flights are included in the tour cost
Regional Departures:
On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.
Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£4,595
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£645
Tour Leader:
Please note that, whilst we assign leaders to particular tours well in advance, we reserve the right to make changes if necessary
Chris Griffin
Tour Leader: Chris Griffin
Chris was obsessed with wildlife from an early age, when he spent every available moment either at a local nature reserve or buried in a bird book! Naturally this led to a wildlife orientated career, where he worked for the RSPB and various environmental consultancies as a Field Ornithologist. Now, three decades on, his life hasn’t changed much, as he still birds his local reserves and is regularly found delving his head into a field guide!
Chris is a keen wildlife photographer, and particularly enjoys the Somerset Levels where he photographs anything and everything. Birds are his first love, but Chris also enjoys watching, and has excellent knowledge of lepidoptera, odonata, reptiles, and amphibians. His enthusiasm for wildlife is infectious, and he relishes any opportunity to share his wealth of knowledge and experience!
Fri 29th May – Wed 10th Jun
SPACES
£4,995
Flights:
Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.
Flights are included in the tour cost
Regional Departures:
On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.
Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£4,595
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£645
2027
Departures
Availability
Cost
Sat 8th May – Thu 20th May
SPACES
£4,995
Flights:
Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.
Flights are included in the tour cost
Regional Departures:
On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.
Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£4,795
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£695
Sat 22nd May – Thu 3rd Jun
SPACES
£4,995
Flights:
Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.
Flights are included in the tour cost
Regional Departures:
On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.
Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£4,595
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£695
Sat 29th May – Thu 10th Jun
SPACES
£4,995
Flights:
Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.
Flights are included in the tour cost
Regional Departures:
On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.
Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£4,595
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£695
Prefer to Travel in a Private Group?
For any interested natural history club or society, we can arrange for a private departure of this tour.
Enquire
Tour Reports
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:
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