Duration: 12 days (7 or 13 days optional)
Discover the incredible wildlife of Kyrgyzstan! This ecotour through protected areas and unique natural sites allows you to observe over 150 bird species in their natural habitat, enjoy guided hikes, explore the flora and fauna of Central Asia, and visit legendary locations: Sary-Chelek, Arslanbob, and Kyrgyz-Ata National Park.
Sary-Chelek Biosphere Reserve is a gem of Kyrgyz nature and a UNESCO site. Sary-Chelek Lake and six smaller lakes, surrounded by walnut, apple, and pear forests, provide perfect conditions for birds and wildlife: muskrat, red deer, roe deer, marten, argali, ibex, and over 150 bird species.
Arslanbob — a unique area with walnut and fruit forests. This living natural museum lets you walk among ancient trees and observe rare birds. The landscape combines forests, gorges, and cliffs, with hundreds of plant species creating rich habitats for birds and wildlife.
Kyrgyz-Ata National Park is a botanical paradise with juniper forests, mountain tulips, and saffron. Over 200 animal species live here, including snow leopards, lynxes, wolves, hares, and foxes. The park combines unique landscapes with rich biodiversity, including rare raptors and nesting eagles.
Best time for the tour: spring and autumn, during bird migrations.
Photos of some birds of Kyrgyzstan
Tour Program
Day 1. Bishkek
Arrival in Bishkek, airport pickup, briefing, and lecture on Kyrgyz birds and reserves. Overnight in a hotel.
Day 2. Bishkek – Lake Saz-Köl (Western Tien Shan)
Transfer to the Susamyr Valley (2300 m). Hike through alpine meadows and mountain forests. Lake Saz-Köl and surrounding shrubs offer excellent birdwatching. Overnight in tents.
Day 3. Saz-Köl – Itagar Gorge
Excursion through Itagar Gorge and nearby lakes. Birds nest at river confluences, in dense shrubs and spruce forests. Return to camp.
Day 4. Saz-Köl – Sary-Chelek
Stop at Toktogul Reservoir along the way. Observe rare birds: Bearded Vulture (Gypaetus barbatus), Demoiselle Crane (Anthropoides virgo), Eastern Imperial Eagle (Aquila heliaca), Tawny Owl (Strix aluco). Transfer to Sary-Chelek Lake, overnight in a guesthouse.
Day 5. Sary-Chelek — Birdwatching
Excursion around lakes and forests. Bird species include:
- Red-necked Grebe (Podiceps auritus)
- Great Cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo)
- Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea)
- Pintail (Anas acuta)
- Common Merganser (Mergus merganser)
- Osprey (Pandion haliaetus), Northern Goshawk (Accipiter gentilis)
- White-tailed Eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla), Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus), Saker Falcon (Falco cherrug)
- Common Coot (Fulica atra), Lapwing (Vanellus vanellus), Yellow-headed Wagtail (Motacilla citreola)
Day 6. Sary-Chelek – Kyzyl-Djar Savannah – Arslanbob
Transfer through Kyzyl-Djar savannah. Observe steppe and semi-desert birds: Emberiza bruniceps, Crested Lark (Galerida cristata), European Roller (Coracias garrulus), Nightjar (Caprimulgus europaeus), Steppe Kestrel (Falco naumanni), Steppe Eagle (Aquila nipalensis), White Stork (Ciconia ciconia). Arrival in Arslanbob in the afternoon. Overnight in a guesthouse.
Day 7. Arslanbob — Walnut Forests & Waterfalls
Excursion through Arslanbob’s unique walnut and fruit forests. Birds at forest edges and cliffs include:
Northern Goshawk (Accipiter gentilis), Eurasian Sparrowhawk (Accipiter nisus), Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus), Common Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus), Chukar Partridge (Alectoris chukar), Turtle Dove (Streptopelis decaocto), Common Wood Pigeon (Columba palumbus), Long-eared Owl (Asio otus), White-winged Woodpecker (Dendrocopus leucoptera), Rock Bunting (Emberiza buchanani), Paradise Flycatcher (Terpsiphone paradise), rare Short-toed Snake Eagle (Circaetus gallicus). Visit waterfalls and meet local residents.
Day 8. Arslanbob – Osh
Transfer to Osh, city tour, and seminar on southern Kyrgyz birds. Overnight in hotel.
Day 9. Osh – Kyrgyz-Ata National Park
Excursion to the park and Dangi Canyon. Observe raptors: Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetus), Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus), Common Quail (Coturnix coturnix), Eagle Owl (Bubo bubo), Hawk Owl (Surnia ulula), Hoopoe (Upupa epops), White-winged Woodpecker (Dendrocopus leucoptera), European Bee-eater (Merops apiaster), Mountain Wagtail (Motacilla cinerea), Black-faced Shrike (Lanius minor), Archaur Goose (Mycerobas carnipes), rare Shikra (Accipiter badius). Overnight in hotel.
Day 10. Kyrgyz-Ata – Tuya-Muyun – Osh
Hikes in Dangi Canyon and Tuya-Muyun plateau. Excellent opportunities to observe: Egyptian Vulture (Neophron percnopterus), Eurasian Griffon (Gyps fulvus), Eurasian Eagle-Owl (Bubo bubo), Bonelli’s Eagle (Hieraaetus fasciatus), Lammergeier (Gypaetus barbatus). Evening transfer to Osh, dinner, and discussion.
Day 11. Osh – Bishkek / Departure
Airport transfer, end of tour.
Pricing and Participation
Cost: on request
We can tailor the tour to your budget and group size.
Group size: optimal 2–7 participants.
Accommodation
Hotels:
- Bishkek – 1 night
- Sary-Chelek – 2 nights
- Arslanbob – 2 nights
- Osh – 2 nights
- Kyrgyz-Ata – 2 nights
Total: 9 nights
Tents:
- Lake Saz-Köl – 2 nights
Total: 2 nights
Alternative 7-day tour option
Day 1: Bishkek – Sary-Chelek Reserve
Day 2: Birdwatching in Sary-Chelek
Day 3: Sary-Chelek – Kyzyl-Djar Savannah – Tash-Kumyr
Day 4: Tash-Kumyr – Osh
Day 5: Osh – Tuya-Muyun Mountains – Dangi Canyon
Day 6: Osh – Chilisay Valley
Day 7: Osh – Airport
Cost: on request
Our email: info@geoexplorersclub.com