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Excellent variety of sites and inclusion of a bit of culture in Turkistan with the visit to the Mausoleum was great. Very knowledgeable and enthusiastic [tour leaders], easy going and responsive.
H. M, Donegal, Apr '26
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The Tulip Meadows of Kazakhstan's Steppes & Tien Shan Mountains
Tour Code: KAZ04A 12-day botany tour of the steppes and Tien Shan Mountains of Kazakhstan, with particular emphasis on the wonderful spring display of wild tulips.
12 days
from
£4,995
£4,995
Land only price
from
£4,495
£4,495
Highlights
Tour Itinerary and Reports
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Summary
Against a stunning backdrop of the snow-capped 'Celestial Mountains' of the Tien Shan range, we will search flower-filled meadows of Kazakhstan to find up to 10 species of wild tulip in their homeland. Early collectors first brought these much loved plants to Europe from this region and our tour is timed to witness the flowers in bloom. Our itinerary includes the wonderful Aksu-Zhabagly Nature Reserve where over 1,400 plant species have been recorded, and the mountains above Almaty where high-altitude flowers add splashes of colour to the remnants of winter snow.
- Up to 10 species of wild tulips in their homeland
- Superb displays of tulips blooming in meadows & mountains
- Abundant flora – over 6,000 species, including rare plants & endemics
- Magnificent montane scenery & Central Asian steppe
- Outstanding birdlife
- At the heart of the Old Silk Road
- Led by an expert botanical guide
Grading
Grade B. Easy/moderate day walks only.
Outline Itinerary
Day 1
Fly Almaty
Day 2
Almaty area
Day 3/4
Merke and Merke Gorge
Day 5/8
Aksu-Zhabagly Nature Reserve, Tien Shan Mountains
Day 9
Kyzylkol Lake, Shymkent; fly Almaty
Day 10
Charyn Canyon and Bartogay Lake
Day 11
Kaskelen Gorge
Day 12
Fly London
What's Included?
- Flights
- Accommodation:
We stay in a comfortable hotel in Almaty and simple guesthouses when off the beaten track.
- Food:
All meals are included in the price.
Reviews
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We really had a brilliant holiday.
T. & D.L. Dunblane -
An amazing experience! Visit to Green Market was a great cultural experience. I love my dombra!
M.C. USA -
I have nothing but praise for the whole trip. The botany was brilliant, even if much was above my head, and all the arrangements were good... I make no reservation in recommending Naturetrek to friends and acquaintances and look forward to travelling with you in the future. I will be retiring at the beginning of next year and hope to take full advantage of my freedom.
A.W. Oxfordshire
Dates & Prices
2027
Departures
Availability
Cost
Sun 11th Apr – Thu 22nd Apr
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.
£4,495
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£645
Tour Leaders:
Please note that, whilst we assign leaders to particular tours well in advance, we reserve the right to make changes if necessary
Jessica Turner, Erik Jansen
Tour Leader: Jessica Turner
Jessica claims she started her lifelong love of plants through having a field guide as a favourite picture book at an early age! She went on to study Botany at Cambridge University, specialising in ecology and pollen analysis, and has been involved in a variety of botanical survey projects for the National Trust and a local Wildlife Trust. Jessica is based in Oxford where she now works as a hospital chaplain. However, plants remain a passion, together with birds, butterflies and other aspects of natural history. She loves sharing her enthusiasms with others, and has travelled with Naturetrek over a number of years, first as a client and now a leader.
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.
Enquire
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!
