Discover the spectacular birdlife of Northern Tian-Shan and Issyk-Kul Lake in Kyrgyzstan on this 13-day guided birdwatching tour. Explore diverse habitats from alpine meadows and rocky high-mountain valleys to river floodplains, lakes, and forested gorges. Observe rare and migratory species, including those listed in the Kyrgyz Red Book and IUCN Red List, in their natural environment.
This immersive eco-tour is perfect for birdwatching enthusiasts, photographers, and nature lovers, offering:
- Observation of over 140 bird species, including mallard, gray duck, red-nosed duck, coot, grebes, Saker Falcon, Golden bee-eater, Black-throated loon, Chukar, Bearded Partridge, White-tailed Eagle, and more.
- Visits to unique habitats: Ala-Archa Reservoir, Issyk-Kul southern and northern coasts, Altyn-Arashan Gorge, Tup & Jergalan River valleys, Grigoriev Gorge.
- Opportunities to witness spring and autumn migrations of tens of thousands of waterfowl.
Best season: Late April – May, September – October
Duration: 13 days (alternative 7-day option available)
Tour Highlights
- Northern Tian-Shan landscapes: intermountain lowlands, alpine meadows, rocky high valleys.
- Issyk-Kul Lake: wetlands, coastal thickets, and forested peninsulas.
- Rare species spotting: Red Book birds like curly pelican, Black-throated loon, whooper swan, White-eyed duck.
- Eco-cultural experience: guided tours, bird photography, local cuisine, yurts stay, and interactions with Kyrgyz nature experts.
Photo of winter birds on Issyk-Kul Lake
Photo Birdwatching on Lake Issyk-Kul (Northern Tian-Shan)
Program (13 Days)
Day 1. Bishkek: Arrival, briefing, bird lecture. Overnight in hotel.
Day 2. Bishkek – Ala-Archa Reservoir: Ducks, herons, waders, birds of prey including steppe eagle, osprey; mammals: corsac fox, muskrat. Overnight in Bishkek.
Day 3. Kegety Gorge: Tits, thrushes, warblers, nightingales. Overnight in guesthouse.
Day 4. Issyk-Kul (southern coast): Mallard, gray duck, red-nosed & red-headed diving ducks, coot, grebes, hawk warbler, Indian warbler, nightingale, blackbird, Eastern nightingale. Overnight in Bokonbaevo.
Day 5. Bokonbaevo – Altyn-Arashan Gorge: Skazka Gorge and Altyn-Arashan for hoopoe, golden bee-eater, black kite, buzzard, pheasant, Caprimulgus, pigeons, possibly Saker Falcon. Overnight in Karakol.
Day 6. Karakol – Jergalan Floodplain: Black-throated loon, waterfowl, passerines; river valleys and bays of Issyk-Kul. Overnight in Karakol.
Day 7. Tup River Valley: Floodplain birdwatching; black-throated loon, coots, grebes, passerines. Evening lecture on endangered birds. Overnight in Karakol.
Day 8. Tasma Peninsula: Waders, mallard, gray duck, diving ducks, coot, grebes; forested areas with pheasants, warblers, nightingales. Ak-Suu Gorge excursion. Overnight in Karakol.
Day 9. Grigoriev Gorge: Chukar, Bearded Partridge, pheasant, woodpecker, golden bee-eater, cuckoo. Overnight in yurts.
Day 10. Grigoriev Gorge: Birdwatching & birds of prey demonstration: Saker Falcon, Gyrfalcon. Local lunch and cultural interaction. Overnight in yurts.
Day 11. Cholpon-Ata: Northern Issyk-Kul coast, boat trip, relaxation. Overnight in hotel.
Day 12. Bishkek: Excursion to ancient petroglyphs (UNESCO World Heritage). Overnight in hotel.
Day 13. Departure: Airport transfer.
Alternative 7-Day Tour
Day 1: Bishkek – southern coast of Issyk-Kul – Kadzhi-Sai
Day 2: Kadzhi-Sai – Karakol – Jergalan River floodplain
Day 3: Karakol – Tup River Valley
Day 4: Karakol – Eastern Cape, Tasma Peninsula
Day 5: Karakol – Grigoriev Gorge
Day 6: Surroundings of Cholpon-Ata
Day 7: Cholpon-Ata – Bishkek / Airport
- Pricing & Accommodation
- Price: on request – negotiable based on group size and interests
Optimal group: 2–7 participants
Hotels:
- Bishkek – 2 nights
- Karakol – 4 nights
- Bokonbaevo – 1 night
- Cholpon-Ata – 1 night
Total: 8 nights
Yurts:
- Grigoriev Gorge – 2 nights
Total: 2 nights
Our email: info@geoexplorersclub.com