Best time to visit: June–July
Duration: 14 days (with an alternative 7-day itinerary)
Optimal group size: 2–15 participants
Route length: approximately 2,500 km
Difficulty level: moderate, with altitudes up to 4,000 m
Overview
Embark on a unique journey into the pristine landscapes of the Kyrgyz Tien Shan, a biodiversity hotspot in Central Asia. This butterfly-focused expedition offers a rare opportunity to observe endemic and threatened species in their natural habitats, from alpine meadows to high mountain valleys. Accompanied by a seasoned entomologist specializing in Central Asian Lepidoptera, participants will explore ecosystems spanning over 3,000 meters in elevation, observing not only butterflies but also birds, wildflowers, and other wildlife.
The Kyrgyz Tien Shan is home to extraordinary species such as the Royal Sulphur (Colias regia), found at elevations up to 4,000 m, and the Christoph’s Sulphur (Colias christophi), named after the renowned entomologist Hugo Christoph and listed in Kyrgyzstan’s Red Book of Endangered Species. This tour offers both scientific insight and aesthetic delight, blending adventure, nature study, and cultural encounters with local nomadic communities.
Scientific and Ecological Highlights
- Diverse Habitats: From semi-arid foothills to alpine meadows and glacial valleys, each altitude zone hosts distinct Lepidoptera and plant communities.
- Endemism and Conservation: Encounter species unique to the Tien Shan, some of which are of global conservation concern.
- Altitudinal Gradients: Observe how butterfly species composition changes with elevation, providing a living laboratory for ecological and evolutionary studies.
- Pollination Networks: Study interactions between butterflies, flowering plants, and other pollinators in undisturbed ecosystems.
- Cultural Insights: Visit traditional Kyrgyz villages and yurt settlements, observing the harmonious coexistence of people and high-altitude environments.
Tour program (14 Days)
Day 1 – Arrival in Bishkek
Meet at the airport, introduction to the expedition, briefing by the entomologist, and overnight stay in a local hotel.
Day 2 – Bishkek to Issyk-Kul and Karakol
Ascend from 700 m to 1,600 m, traveling to the Issyk-Kul region. Explore mountain valleys and reserves, observing species such as Apollo butterflies (Parnassius apollo, Merzbacher subspecies). Guided walks in the Grigoriev Gorge showcase native pine forests and alpine lakes. Overnight in Karakol.
Day 3 – Karakol to Karkara
Journey into the inner Tien Shan to the Karkara valley. Walks across alpine meadows and forested slopes reveal diverse Lepidoptera and other invertebrates. Overnight in a field camp.
Day 4 – Karkara to Sary-Jaz
Ascend to over 3,500 m using specialized vehicles (6WD or 4WD depending on group size). Search for the rare Loxias Apollo butterfly, a species of high scientific importance for biogeography and evolutionary studies. Overnight in a high-mountain field camp.
Day 5 – Sary-Jaz to Chon Ak-Suu and back to Karakol
Explore the high-altitude valleys of Sary-Jaz (3,500–4,000 m) before descending to Chon Ak-Suu gorge. Observations include alpine flora, endemic insects, and birdlife. Overnight in Karakol.
Day 6 – Karakol to Kochkor
Pass through the scenic Barskoon and Jeti-Oguz gorges. Visit local craftsmen producing traditional felt items. Overnight in a guesthouse.
Day 7 – Kochkor to Naryn and Lake Köl-Suu
Travel through the Inner Tien Shan, observing species such as Thermophila filipendulae, Pontia daplidice, and Arctia caja. Camp near Lake Köl-Suu.
Day 8 – Köl-Suu to Chatyr-Kul and Tash-Rabat
Visit high-altitude Lake Chatyr-Kul with its alpine meadows, then explore the historic caravanserai of Tash-Rabat on the Silk Road. Overnight in traditional yurts.
Day 9 – Tash-Rabat to At-Bashi and Naryn
Walks in floodplain forests of the At-Bashi valley, observing diverse flora and butterfly species. Overnight in Naryn.
Day 10 – Naryn to Lake Son-Kul
Lake Son-Kul, located at 3,000 m, is surrounded by alpine meadows and nomadic settlements. Explore the Karatal-Japryk Reserve en route. Overnight in yurts.
Day 11 – Son-Kul to Kyzyl-Oy
Explore the Kokomeran river valley, observing high-altitude butterfly species and diverse wildlife. Overnight in a guesthouse.
Day 12 – Kyzyl-Oy to Suusamyr Valley
High-mountain Suusamyr Valley (2,500 m) offers rich flora and opportunities to see Papilio machaon, Parnassius mnemosyne, Speyeria aglaja, and Macroglossum stellatarum. Overnight in a local guesthouse with kumis treatments.
Day 13 – Suusamyr to Lake Saz-Kul and Toktogul Reservoir
Scenic Lake Saz-Kul and Chychkan Gorge. Visit Toktogul, the largest artificial reservoir in Central Asia. Overnight in a lakeside hotel.
Day 14 – Toktogul to Bishkek
Return via Tuy-Ashu Pass with stops for butterfly observation. Overnight in Bishkek.
Day 15 – Departure
Transfer to the airport, concluding the expedition.
Inclusions
- Airport transfers
- All transportation according to the itinerary
- Accommodation in hotels (3*), guesthouses, and twin tents
- Full board meals (vegetarian options available)
- Professional chef
- Entry fees to reserves and protected areas
- Expert entomologist guide
- Bottled water
Exclusions: personal expenses
Price: upon request, depending on group size (optimal 2–15 participants)
Our address: info@geoexplorersclub.com