In the heart of Central Asia, we find the attractive countries of Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan (Kirgizia). For a long time, known for their wide variety of rare Western Palearctic species and alluring steppe species like Black Lark and White-winged Lark. In Kazakhstan, everything is on a vast scale, which is not surprising; it is the ninth largest country in the world! Vast expanses of flat steppe grasslands merge into sandy and stony deserts. Dotted here and there are saline and freshwater lakes that act like magnets to nesting and migrant birds. In sharp contrast, we find the tiny nation of Kirgizia. The ‘Switzerland of Central Asia’ is well-known for its massive towering peaks of the Tien Shan Mountains – an extension of the Himalayas – edging onto China, rise to over 20,000 feet. Here we find ecosystems varying from massive tracts of deciduous and coniferous forest cut by untamed rivers in deep gorges at lower elevations, to snow-capped peaks and flower-rich alpine meadows higher up.
The birdlife is stunning! Apart from an extensive list of more typically European species, there is a remarkable list of extraordinary breeding birds primarily confined to Central Asia. To us, western birders, the most attractive for sure, are the near-mythical species such as the previously mentioned Black and White-winged Larks; a chance for the endangered Sociable Plover and sensational displaying Macqueen’s Bustard; flocks of the secretive and rare Pallas’s Sandgrouse and tiny Asian Desert Warblers singing loudly in the vast plains of Sogety. Visits to the declining Turanga Forest near Balkhash Lake is a near-certainty for White-winged Woodpeckers, Saxaul Sparrow, Shikra, and the very rare Yellow-eyed Pigeon.
Finally, we meet a plethora of Himalayan specialties in Kirgizia. Like pleasing White-tailed Rubythroat’s; glamorous looking Ibisbill; crazy colorful White-browed Tit-Warblers; an odd White-winged Grosbeak or two. We relish the Curlew-like calls from Himalayan Snowcock. The flying strawberry, better known as Red-mantled Rosefinch, is found in some dwarf-junipers! Not to mention some fascinating mammals, butterflies, and reptiles! Birders have been enjoying these stable countries and their fantastic birds and history ever since they gained independence after the collapse of the Soviet Union. A combined visit to these destinations is a guaranteed unforgettable experience. Terrain will vary and a reasonable level of physical fitness is required to undertake this tour. This new revised itinerary is highly recommended to enable you to get the most out of your holiday to this fabulous birding destination. Your principal tour leader will be Dominic Mitchell assisted throughout by a local guide. You can expect to see approximately 200 species.
DAY ONE
Fly London/Almaty on an overnight flight.
DAY TWO
Almaty Kaskelen.
Upon arrival in Almaty, Kazakhstan, you will meet up with your team at the airport. They will guide you throughout your Central Asian adventure. Our first destination is Kaskelen National Park, where we will search for the Meadow Bunting and other interesting species such as Brown Dipper, Blue Whistling-Thrush, and White-crowned Penduline Tit. Occasionally, we are fortunate enough to find a Wallcreeper as well.
In the afternoon, we will return to Almaty and check into our comfortable tourist hotel, where you can relax and prepare for the exciting days ahead. Night: Comfortable Tourist Hotel Almaty
In the afternoon, we will return to Almaty and check into our comfortable tourist hotel, where you can relax and prepare for the exciting days ahead. Night: Comfortable Tourist Hotel Almaty
DAY THREE
Sogety Valley and Kokpek Pass.
Heading out from our hotel in Almaty this morning we travel two hundred kilometres east to one of the more spectacular and well-known sites in Kazakhstan – the red, yellow and black canyons of the Charyn River Gorge. Amidst this lovely scenery we should encounter beautiful species such as Chukar, Rufous-tailed and Blue Rock Thrushes, Red-tailed Shrike, Hume’s Whitethroat, White-capped, Grey-necked, Rock and Red-headed Buntings. Raptors might include Egyptian, Himalayan Griffon and Cinereous Vultures, Long-legged Buzzard, Golden Eagle, Saker and Lesser Kestrel. We may come across roadside colonies of nomadic Rosy Starlings. In the evening we visit a small artesian where leaking pipes create small puddles. We will wait for incoming Mongolian Finches should be seen, and hopefully several of the much larger Asian Crimson-winged Finches should drop by for a drink. After this spectacle, we drive to our basic guesthouse which is located in an oasis of the Charyn River.
Overnight in basic hunting lodges.
DAY FOUR
The Charyn Canyon to Kirgizia
We start the day with an early walk on the Sogety Valley where we are in search of one of the most sought after species in Central Asia; the Pallas’s Sandgrouse! Here we also might come across Steppe Eagle; Sykes’s Warbler, Asian Desert Warbler;Shore Lark and Central Asian Lesser Whitethroat. Our journey continues south towards the Kyrgyz border where a lunch stop might produce Rock Sparrows In the vicinity of the mountains. The ground becomes more suitable for growing crops and in these agricultural lands we have chance to come across some really interesting birds such as Upland Buzzard and Saker and large groups of gentle Demoiselle Cranes, as well as Citrine Wagtails and Siberian Stonechats. Overnight Matsunoki Guest House.
DAY FIVE
Chon-Ashou
Today we drive up to great heights with an excursion to the Chon Ashuu pass, which is the highest pass we visit during this tour. With a dazzling 3822 meters, we go today way past the tree line and look for a unique set of avifauna. The nearby wild streaming river holds both White-bellied and Brown Dipper. Lammergeiers are patrolling the sky. The lush meadows are home to one of the strangest waders of the world; the elusive Ibisbill. Eversmann’s Redstart, together with Himalayan and Brown Accentor’s, are quite common up here. The gorgeous White-browed Tit Warbler needs some more time to be found just as his colourful friend the Güldenstädt’s Redstart! Greenish and Hume’s warblers are common in the open patches of mature, mixed deciduous/coniferous forest. In the evening, we return to our lovely guesthouse in Karakol, where we enjoy another flavorful dinner. Overnight Matsunoki Guest House.
DAYS SIX & SEVEN
From our base in Karakol, near Lake Issyk-Kul, we will further explore the mountains around the city in search of Himalayan gems such as the stunning White-tailed Rubythroat, White-browed Tit-Warbler, Sulphur-bellied Warbler, Himalayan Snowcocks and many more. In the agricultural fields surrounding the city, we will find Corn Buntings, Oriental Turtle-Doves, and Pallas’s Grasshopper Warblers. Nights: Matsunoki Guesthouse
DAY EIGHT
Return to Almaty
We retrace our steps, returning to Almaty as we cross back into Kazakhstan. Our journey includes a visit to the Sogety Valley one last time and possibly Kokpek Pass for any possible missed species. We anticipate arriving around 5 pm back at the hotel in Almaty
DAY NINE
Taukum Desert
Our Taukum Desert adventure begins with an early departure from Almaty. Our first stop is planned at Sorbulak Lake, where we focus on waders and other waterbirds such as Terek Sandpiper and Temminck’s Stints. Here also we have a good chance on observing both Great White and Dalmatian Pelicans. In the afternoon, we explore the artesian wells in Taukum, concentrating on the massive migration taking place. Here we find a plethora of larks with Asian Short-toed Larks, Greater Short-toed Lark, Calandra Lark, Bimaculated Lark and Crested Lark all to the backdrop of the snow-capped Tien-Shan Mountains. In the evening we make a night excursion to find jerboas and other nocturnal mammals. Night: Private Yurt Camp
DAY TEN
The Taukum Desert & Turanga Woodland.
Today is a wonderful day in which we will encounter a wide variety of habitats and some fine birds and other wildlife. Awakening in the midst of this remote desert, we will likely be watching the amazing display of McQueen’s Bustards close to our camp, Caspian Plovers are breeding nearby and Wolves are sometimes spotted together with Persian Gazelles all before breakfast! Once breakfast is complete, we set off on a long jounrey along narrow back-roads, through a variety of steppe/desert habitats to an area of unique Turanga woodland where with a bit of luck we should encounter such specialties as Turkestan Tit, Saxaul Sparrow, White-winged Woodpecker, Yellow-eyed Pigeon and if we are especially lucky Pallid Scops-Owl. Along the way we will undoubtedly encounter a myriad of Greater Short-toed, Lesser Short-toed and Calandra Larks and Isabelline Wheatears and Red-tailed Shrikes, but we must also diligently search for Steppe Grey Shrike. Other possible species en route include Pied and Desert Wheatears, Rock and Spanish Sparrows, Azure Tit and Black-headed Penduline-Tit.
Overnight tented yurt camp.
DAY ELEVEN
Return to Almaty.
Early this morning we will spend more time in the desert to look for beautifully marked Caspian Plover and Greater Sand Plover in breeding plumage. Following breakfast, we will break camp and head back towards Almaty. This road is extremely bad and the journey will be slow, but we will make stops along the way including a fascinating area of ancient petroglyphs; a scrubby, rocky area for the perky Eastern Rock Nuthatch and a breeding colony of exotic Red-headed Buntings. Nearby fringing scrub acts as a magnet for migrant and nesting birds such as Eurasian Hoopoe, European Roller, European Bee-eater, Shikra, Lesser Grey Shrike, Blyth’s Reed Warbler, Sykes’s Warbler and Oriental Turtle Dove.
Overnight Almaty.
DAY TWELVE
Astana
We board our morning/noon domestic flight to Astana. After arrival in the capital, we drive to Korgalzhyn village and bird en-route, coming across many Red-footed Falcons, our first Black Larks, and hopefully Short-eared Owls. Night: Local Guesthouse Korgalzhyn
DAY THIRTEEN
Korgalzhyn Nature Reserve
We will start our day very early, heading out to bird in Korgalzhyn National Park. This vast wetland area, which combines virgin steppe and lakes, is home to wolves, marmots, and saiga antelope, the latter of which have become increasingly easier to find in recent years. However, it is the birds that are the real
attraction. Situated at the crossroads of two migration routes, these wetlands act as a giant motorway junction service station for birds. Lake Tengiz alone has the capacity to feed 15 million birds. Our main targets here are nesting groups of the globally endangered Sociable Lapwing (a 50-50 chance we will see it). In this vast landscape, there are many other fine attractions. Roadside colonies of Black-winged Pratincoles and White-winged Black Terns in glorious breeding plumage should be dotted with migrant shorebirds such as Red-necked Phalaropes, Spotted Redshank, Terek Sandpiper, Ruffs displaying in all their finery, and Little and Temminck’s stints. These numerous wetlands and lakes should also produce breeding Dalmatian Pelicans, Great Bitterns, White-headed Ducks, Red-necked and Eared Grebes, Whooper Swans, Graylag Geese, Red-crested Pochards, and Caspian Terns. More special still are the often close colonies of splendid Great Black-headed Gulls, with a supporting cast of Steppe and Slender-billed Gulls. The damp, grassy steppe contains elegant Demoiselle Cranes, while scattered scrub bushes should hold Booted Warblers, Pallid Harriers, and gorgeous little Red-footed Falcons. Two other very special birds we should find today are Black and White-winged Larks—often numerous along the roadside, both species are confined to the Central Asian steppes. In the evening, we will return to our guesthouse in Korgalzhyn. Overnight Local Guesthouse Korgalzhyn
attraction. Situated at the crossroads of two migration routes, these wetlands act as a giant motorway junction service station for birds. Lake Tengiz alone has the capacity to feed 15 million birds. Our main targets here are nesting groups of the globally endangered Sociable Lapwing (a 50-50 chance we will see it). In this vast landscape, there are many other fine attractions. Roadside colonies of Black-winged Pratincoles and White-winged Black Terns in glorious breeding plumage should be dotted with migrant shorebirds such as Red-necked Phalaropes, Spotted Redshank, Terek Sandpiper, Ruffs displaying in all their finery, and Little and Temminck’s stints. These numerous wetlands and lakes should also produce breeding Dalmatian Pelicans, Great Bitterns, White-headed Ducks, Red-necked and Eared Grebes, Whooper Swans, Graylag Geese, Red-crested Pochards, and Caspian Terns. More special still are the often close colonies of splendid Great Black-headed Gulls, with a supporting cast of Steppe and Slender-billed Gulls. The damp, grassy steppe contains elegant Demoiselle Cranes, while scattered scrub bushes should hold Booted Warblers, Pallid Harriers, and gorgeous little Red-footed Falcons. Two other very special birds we should find today are Black and White-winged Larks—often numerous along the roadside, both species are confined to the Central Asian steppes. In the evening, we will return to our guesthouse in Korgalzhyn. Overnight Local Guesthouse Korgalzhyn
DAY FOURTEEN
Return to Astana
Our final day in Kazakhstan is spent birding the lakes on the west side of the village and finding any missed species in the reserve. We return in the afternoon back to Astana where we enjoy a city tour followed by a grand dinner in an authentic local restaurant serving typical Central Asian meals. Overnight at a comfortable tourist hotel in Astana.
DAY FIFTEEN
It is time to depart for home, arriving in London later the same morning.
ACCOMMODATION
In Almaty, we use a three or four star hotel with en-suite, Wi-Fi and swimming pool. In the Charyn Canyons area we will use a very basic hotel with just three rooms having shared en-suite shower and WC facilities – these will be reserved for couples and/or single females. The other cabins are outside with shared facilities. There is no other accommodation option is this bird rich area (we are here one night). Camping in the deserts of Kazakhstan is the best way to experience the area and reach far into this vast habitat. We have our own exclusive private yurt camp set up for us with large sleeping yurts with blankets and normal beds in each triple/quadruple tent. Facilities here are good and there is a separate yurt for meals and a wooden construction WC and an outside solar heated shower (please bring a towel and a bathing costume). Hotels in Almaty & Astana are of a high standard with en suite rooms, WIFI etc. Everywhere you go, you will find hot water and a smiling welcome.
WHATS INCLUDED
Return flights London/Almaty/Astana/London (non-direct), all internal flights, all accommodation in hotels, camps and basic hunting lodges, meals from in flight dinner on day one to in flight breakfast on final day, services of leaders, transport and reserve entrance fees.
NOT INCLUDED
Transport to/from London airport and any overnight stay that might be involved, travel insurance, drinks, optional gratuities and any items of a purely personal nature.
PASSPORT, VISA & HEALTH
There is currently a 15 day visa waiver in operation for EU member state passport holders (we await how Brexit might effect this), so you do not need a visa to visit Kazakhstan on this holiday. However, this may change, so please check at the time of booking. At times we will be in sensitive border areas and therefore a photocopy of your passport will be required in order for a permit to be issued. Passports must have 6 months validity beyond the return travel date. Standard health and inoculation requirements apply for UK nationals, visit www.masta-travel-health.com to check these and if necessary, download a free health brief to take to a travel appointment at your local medical practice.
“I really enjoyed the tour and look forward to the next one with Oriole Birding”
R.S, Kent
“Many thanks for the tour report – it brought to mind some great birds and fun times”
P.L, Hertfordshire
“We both really enjoyed the tour despite occasional difficult weather conditions. The tour was filled with a wide variety of habitats and the group was very good natured with our particular highlights being the wonderful birds and flower filled meadows of the Tien Shan Mountains. Oriole tours tend to be well chosen destinations and work out to be good value for money that allow participants the chance to do things and meet people which would have otherwise been extremely difficult.
P & M.L, Worcester
Tour at a glance
Tour at a glance
4th May 2027 - 18th May 2027
AVAILABLE
