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UZBEKISTAN, KAZAKHSTAN & KYRGYZSTAN
Central Asia: Birding the Silk Road
Journey through the heart of Central Asia for an unforgettable fusion of natural and cultural discovery. From the fabled Silk Road cities of Samarkand, Bukhara, and Tashkent to the wild steppes, deserts, and snow-capped peaks of Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, this extraordinary expedition combines breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and world-class birding. Seek legendary species such as Turkestan Ground-Jay, Sociable Lapwing, and White-browed Tit-Warbler, while exploring ornate mosques, vibrant bazaars, and ancient monuments along one of history’s most storied trade routes.
Starting At
$11,995 per person
22 Days
22 Days
8 Guests
Pace
Tour Overview
This exceptional journey across Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan offers a rare chance to explore the cultural heart of the Silk Road while experiencing some of Eurasia’s most dramatic birding.
In Uzbekistan, we begin amid turquoise domes and mosaic-tiled madrasas, visiting Samarkand and Bukhara, both UNESCO World Heritage sites. Amid the grandeur of these ancient cities, we’ll seek desert specialties such as White-tailed Lapwing, Yellow-breasted Tit, and the elusive Turkestan Ground-Jay in the Kyzyl Kum Desert.
From there, we venture into Kazakhstan’s immense steppe landscapes, home to flocks of Sociable Lapwings, Pallas’s Sandgrouse, Macqueen’s Bustard, and nesting Demoiselle Cranes. Vast plains dotted with saline lakes and canyons hold dazzling contrasts—rosy starlings, Black Larks, and Dalmatian Pelicans among them.
Crossing into Kyrgyzstan, we ascend to the magnificent Tien Shan Mountains, a realm of snow-capped peaks, braided rivers, and flower-rich meadows. Here we search for White-browed Tit-Warbler, Ibisbill, White-tailed Rubythroat, Himalayan Snowcock, and soaring Lammergeiers over juniper-clad slopes.
A journey through Central Asia is also a journey through time—following the paths of merchants and conquerors through caravan cities, mountain passes, and remote deserts where cultures, languages, and landscapes merge in brilliant diversity. With expert local guides, comfortable lodgings, and carefully planned logistics, this is a grand adventure through some of the world’s most awe-inspiring wildlands.
Ecosystems Experienced
A spectacular blend of desert, steppe, mountain, and alpine forest, ranging from arid oases and saline lakes to glacial valleys at over 10,000 feet.
Expected Climate
Temperature
Highly variable: 40–100 °F (5–38 °C) depending on altitude and region. Expect hot, dry days in deserts and cool mornings in the mountains.
Rainfall
Generally dry with occasional showers or mountain snow possible, especially at higher elevations.
Seasons
Held in May, when breeding activity peaks across Central Asia’s steppes and mountains, and spring migration enriches the region’s avian diversity.
Key Species
Turkestan Ground-Jay
White-browed Tit-Warbler
Leader
+ Alexander Povarintsev
Itinerary
Day 1
Depart home for Central Asia, crossing continents toward Uzbekistan’s modern capital, Tashkent.
Day 2
Arrive in Tashkent and transfer to the Hyatt Residence.
Attend an evening welcome dinner with your guides.
Day 3
Begin your journey through Central Asia’s storied past with a morning visit to Old Tashkent, its grand mosques and markets revealing centuries of Silk Road heritage.
Enjoy an afternoon at leisure before dinner highlighting classic Uzbek cuisine.
Day 4
Travel to the fabled city of Samarkand, once a jewel of the Timurud Empire.
En route, look for White Storks, European Rollers, and early migrants along the irrigated plains.
Stroll the Registan, a breathtaking ensemble of tiled madrasas glowing gold at sunset.
Turn-in for the night at the Malika Prime, Samarkand.
Day 5
Climb into the juniper hills of Takhtakaracha Pass, where White-throated Robin, Eastern Rock Nuthatch, and Hume’s Lark enliven rocky slopes.
Return to Samarkand for guided visits to Bibi Khanum Mosque and Timur’s Mausoleum, masterpieces of Islamic architecture.
Day 6
Drive west through the ochre sands of the Kyzyl Kum Desert, watching for Turkestan Ground-Jay, Isabelline Wheatear, and Desert Finch.
Arrive in Bukhara, a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with ancient domes, caravanserais, and trading courtyards.
Retire for the night at the As-Salam Hotel, Bukhara.
Day 7
Explore Bukhara’s old city, from the Kalon Minaret to the Ark Citadel, once home to Silk Road emperors.
Visit nearby wetlands where Dalmatian Pelican, Pygmy Cormorant, and White-tailed Lapwing gather in shimmering pools.
Day 8
Enjoy morning birding in desert scrub for Menetries’s Warbler, Blue-cheeked Bee-eater, and Pale Rockfinch before returning to Tashkent by high-speed train and back to the Hyatt Residence, Tashkent.
Day 9
Journey into the Chimgan Hills, foothills of the Tian Shan, for mountain species such as Yellow-breasted Tit, Greenish Warbler, and Rufous-naped Tit.
Return to the city for a final Uzbek dinner before the next morning’s flight.
Day 10
Fly north into Kazakhstan, a vast land of endless steppe and rugged mountains.
Spend the afternoon birding Almaty’s nearby lakes for Demoiselle Crane and Black-headed Gull.
Spend the night at the Mercure Hotel City Center, Almaty.
Day 11
Descend into the red sandstone grandeur of Charyn Canyon, its cliffs echoing with the calls of Cinereous Vultures and Long-legged Buzzards.
Wander the surrounding plains for Pallas’s Sandgrouse, Red-headed Bunting, and Mongolian Finch under vast Central Asian skies.
Relax the evening away at the Hunting Lodge, Charyn Canyon.
Day 12
Descend into the red sandstone grandeur of Charyn Canyon, its cliffs echoing with the calls of Cinereous Vultures and Long-legged Buzzards.
Wander the surrounding plains for Pallas’s Sandgrouse, Red-headed Bunting, and Mongolian Finch under vast Central Asian skies.
Relax the evening away at the Hunting Lodge, Charyn Canyon.
Day 13
Cross into Kyrgyzstan, driving through high valleys where Demoiselle Cranes stride across alpine meadows.
Explore the breathtaking Tien Shan Mountains, seeking Ibisbill, White-browed Tit-Warbler, White-tailed Rubythroat, and Rufous-backed Redstart among juniper slopes and snow-fed streams.
Watch for Lammergeiers circling over the high passes and listen for Himalayan Snowcock calling from the ridgelines.
Retire for the night at the Matsunoki Guesthouse, Karakol.
Day 14
Cross into Kyrgyzstan, driving through high valleys where Demoiselle Cranes stride across alpine meadows.
Explore the breathtaking Tien Shan Mountains, seeking Ibisbill, White-browed Tit-Warbler, White-tailed Rubythroat, and Rufous-backed Redstart among juniper slopes and snow-fed streams.
Watch for Lammergeiers circling over the high passes and listen for Himalayan Snowcock calling from the ridgelines.
Retire for the night at the Matsunoki Guesthouse, Karakol.
Day 15
Cross into Kyrgyzstan, driving through high valleys where Demoiselle Cranes stride across alpine meadows.
Explore the breathtaking Tien Shan Mountains, seeking Ibisbill, White-browed Tit-Warbler, White-tailed Rubythroat, and Rufous-backed Redstart among juniper slopes and snow-fed streams.
Watch for Lammergeiers circling over the high passes and listen for Himalayan Snowcock calling from the ridgelines.
Retire for the night at the Matsunoki Guesthouse, Karakol.
Day 16
Drive back to Almaty, stopping en route for Steppe Eagle, Long-tailed Shrike, and late spring migrants.
Day 17
Venture into the Taukum Desert, a quiet expanse of dunes and salt flats alive with song.
Search for Caspian Plover, Saxaul Sparrow, and Turkestan Tit in the cool of morning.
As dusk falls, listen for Pallid Scops-Owl calling from the Turanga woodlands at the Private Yurt Camp, Taukum Desert.
Day 18
Venture into the Taukum Desert, a quiet expanse of dunes and salt flats alive with song.
Search for Caspian Plover, Saxaul Sparrow, and Turkestan Tit in the cool of morning.
As dusk falls, listen for Pallid Scops-Owl calling from the Turanga woodlands at the Private Yurt Camp, Taukum Desert.
Day 19
Spend the morning at Sorbulak Lake, where thousands of waterbirds gather—Dalmatian Pelican, Ferruginous Duck, Terek Sandpiper, and European Roller among them.
Return to Almaty for a relaxed evening at the Mercure Hotel City Center.
Day 20
Fly north to Astana, gateway to the great Kazakh steppe.
Visit Korgalzhyn Nature Reserve, home to spectacular wetlands where Sociable Lapwing, Greater Flamingo, and Black Lark breed.
Day 21
Visit Korgalzhyn Nature Reserve, home to spectacular wetlands where Sociable Lapwing, Greater Flamingo, and Black Lark breed.
Enjoy a farewell dinner overlooking the city’s futuristic skyline and retire for the night at the Hilton Astana.
Day 22
Take a morning transfer to Nursultan Nazarbayev International Airport for your flight home.
What’s Included
Accomodations & Dining
Settle into comfortable accommodations with modern amenities. Enjoy freshly prepared meals that highlight local flavors and international favorites, with consideration for any dietary needs.
Guided Services & Gratuities
Experience each destination with the help of Leaders who share history, culture, and wildlife insights. Gratuities for crew and local guides are included, ensuring seamless service without extra concerns; tipping for your Leaders is discretionary and not included.
Active Essentials
Every tour includes the core elements that make our field experiences possible so you can stay engaged with a range of activities. All outings include the necessary equipment and full safety support, making it easy to join at your own pace.
Transportation & Logistics
We coordinate every transfer, from airport pickup to port boarding. Whether traveling by bus, boat, or charter, our team ensures smooth connections and stress-free travel.
FAQs
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