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Kyrgyzstan - The Flora & Fauna of the Celestial Mountains
Tour Code: KYR01A 13-day wildlife journey through Kyrgyzstan’s spectacular Tien Shan Mountains, combining outstanding wildlife and dramatic high‑mountain scenery with warm nomadic hospitality.
£5,295
£4,495
Highlights
Tour Itinerary and Reports
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Summary
Kyrgyzstan – a land of soaring mountains, flower-filled meadows and a rich biodiversity – is one of Central Asia’s best-kept natural secrets. On this expertly guided tour, we explore the breathtaking landscapes of the Tien Shan, the 'Celestial Mountains', in search of their unique flora and alpine wildlife.
We begin in the northern Tien Shan, where we explore Ala‑Archa National Park before ascending to the high grasslands of Son Kol Lake, one of Kyrgyzstan’s most evocative landscapes. Here, vast open meadows, wetlands and surrounding peaks support a wealth of alpine plants, including edelweiss, Trollius, Smelovskia and numerous regional specialities, alongside butterflies such as Snow Apollos. Birdlife is equally impressive, with Himalayan Snowcock, White‑winged Snowfinch and Tibetan Sand Plover among the highlights.
Heading deeper into the interior, the journey follows ancient Silk Road routes to Tash‑Rabat and the mountains around Naryn, before crossing dramatic high passes en route to Issyk‑Kul. A series of carefully chosen excursions explore alpine meadows, scree slopes, spruce forests and semi‑desert habitats, each supporting distinct plant communities and bird assemblages. Sites such as Salkyn‑Tör Nature Park, Chon Ashuu, Barskoon Gorge and Ala Kol Lake provide superb opportunities to study Central Asian alpine flora at close quarters, while mammals such as Grey Marmot and Large‑eared Pika are frequently encountered.
The tour concludes with time in the scenic Chon‑Kemin Valley before returning to Bishkek, rounding off a richly varied exploration of one of Central Asia’s most rewarding mountain regions.
- Comprehensive natural history tour exploring the flora, fauna and landscapes of Kyrgyzstan’s spectacular Tien Shan ('Celestial') Mountains
- Visits to iconic mountain locations including Ala‑Archa National Park, Son Kol Lake, Tash‑Rabat and Ala Kol Lake, set against dramatic snow‑capped scenery
- Excellent chances of mammal encounters, including Grey Marmot and Large‑eared Pika, alongside abundant butterflies and other invertebrates
- Rich birdlife throughout, with opportunities to see Himalayan Snowcock, Ibisbill, White‑winged Snowfinch, Güldenstädt’s Redstart and Altai Accentor
- Exceptional alpine botany, with an outstanding diversity of high‑altitude plants including edelweiss, Snow Apollos’ larval foodplants, primulas, androsaces and many localised endemics
- Exploration of a wide range of habitats, from semi‑desert and steppe to spruce forest, alpine meadows and high mountain scree
- Travel through historic Silk Road landscapes and traditional nomadic regions, with nights spent in yurts as well as comfortable hotels and guesthouses
Outline Itinerary
Dates & Prices
2027
Tour Leader: Erik Jansen
Erik’s passion for wildlife-watching began in his childhood in the Netherlands and has since taken him across the globe. He has been actively involved with Batumi Raptor Count since 2019, where he monitors raptor migration in the Caucasus, coordinates counts, and co-authors research on spring migration patterns in Georgia. His diverse experience includes working as a ranger at an RSPB reserve in the UK, contributing to a Macqueen’s Bustard project on the Kazakh steppes, and conducting breeding bird surveys in the Dutch dunes. Erik is always eager to share his extensive knowledge with fellow enthusiasts and can engage in endless conversations about birds.
In addition to his ornithological work, Erik has searched for wildlife in various east and southeast Asian countries, including Thailand, Indonesia, and Taiwan. When not wildlife-watching, he enjoys studying languages, exploring new cuisines, and learning about the broader world of fauna and flora.
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.
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