Kyrgyzstan - The Flora & Fauna of the Celestial Mountains

Tour Code: KYR01

A 12-day wildlife holiday through the wild heart of Central Asia.

12 days from
£4,995
Land only price from
£4,195
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Highlights

Summary

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 alpine meadows and coniferous forests of Ala-Archa National Park, with chances to see Himalayan Snowcock, Blue-capped Redstart and Brown Dipper. We then travel to Chon Kemin, a dry yet botanically rich region, ideal for open-ground species such as Red-headed, Grey-necked and Corn Buntings. Next, we ascend to Jashyl-Kol, a pristine mountain lake surrounded by alpine flora, before embarking on the scenic journey to Son Kol Lake, a vast, high-altitude grassland. Here, we will marvel at meadows filled with edelweiss, Trollius lilacinus and the rare Smelowskia calycina, while scanning for Tibetan Sand Plover, White-winged Snowfinch and Güldenstädt’s Redstart. From Son Kol Lake, we head south to Tash-Rabat, a historic Silk Road caravanserai nestled in a remote valley adorned with Clematis alpina, Ligularia narynensis and tumbling mountain streams. We continue via the dramatic Dolon Pass to Issyk-Kul Lake, exploring valleys brimming with orchids, primulas, and steppe flora, before experiencing the surreal beauty of Fairytale Canyon.

In the high alpine terrain of Barskoon Gorge and Chon Ashuu, we search for botanical treasures such as Desideria flabellata, Primula nivalis, and Aquilegia atrovinosa, while birding for Himalayan Snowcock, Altai Accentor, Red-fronted Rosefinch, Sulphur-bellied Warbler and the iconic Ibisbill. A day at Chon Ashuu, enjoying the rich plant life of the high meadows, will also offer another chance to see the elusive Ibisbill, as well as White-winged Snowfinch and Red-mantled Rosefinch. Finally, a four-wheel-drive expedition to Ala Kol Lake takes us up to 3,560 metres, where hardy alpine plants grow in the rugged, glacial landscape.

 

  • Incredible high alpine meadow flowers among a wealth of botanical treasures
  • Excellent numbers of exciting butterflies and dragonflies
  • Amazing scenery – high mountains, juniper forests & gorges
  • Impressive birdlife includes Ibisbill & Himalayan Snowcock
  • Led by expert guides
Itinerary

Outline Itinerary

Day 1
Outbound flight
Day 2
Arrive Bishkek
Day 3
Chon-Kemin National Park
Day 4
Jashyl-Kol Lake
Day 5
Song-Köl Lake
Day 6
Tash Rabat Caravanserai
Day 7
Issyk-Kul Lake
Day 8
Barskoon Valley
Day 9
Chon-Ashuu
Day 10
Ala-Kul
Day 11
Karakol to Bishkek
Day 12
Inbound flight
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Dates & Prices

Dates & Prices

2026

Departures Availability Cost
Tue 9th Jun – Sat 20th Jun SPACES £4,995
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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.
£4,195
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£595
Tour Leader:
Please note that, whilst we assign leaders to particular tours well in advance, we reserve the right to make changes if necessary
Erik Jansen
Erik Jansen

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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Why Naturetrek?

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!