Butterfly Expedition in Southwestern Tien Shan, Kyrgyzstan – 14 Days

Best time to visit: June–July 2026
Alternative 10-day tour available
Duration: 14 days
Optimal group size: 2–15 participants
Route length: approximately 2,700 km

Tour Overview

Immerse yourself in the unique landscapes of the Southwestern Tien Shan, a region distinguished from the Northern Tien Shan by its dramatic mountain scenery, rich flora and fauna, and fascinating cultural heritage. This butterfly-focused expedition is perfect for nature lovers, entomologists, and eco-tourists, offering an opportunity to observe rare and endemic butterfly species, explore alpine meadows, and experience the local ethnography.

During the journey, participants will visit UNESCO-protected biosphere reserves and national parks, including Chatkal, Sary-Chelek, Padisha-Ata, and the geopark in the southern Fergana Valley. A local butterfly expert will accompany the group, sharing in-depth knowledge about the biology, ecology, and conservation of rare species.

The best months to visit are June and July, when the maximum number and diversity of butterflies are visible.

Butterfly Species You May Encounter

Participants will have the chance to observe a wide variety of butterflies, including:

Libelloides macaronius – Owlfly
Pontia daplidice – Small White
Colias christophi – Christoph’s Clouded Yellow
Papilio machaon – Old World Swallowtail
Parnassius mnemosyne – Black Apollo
Vanessa cardui – Painted Lady
Macroglossum stellatarum – Hummingbird Hawk-Moth
Rethera komarovi – Komarov’s Sphinx
Arctia caja – Garden Tiger Moth

…and many other species characteristic of the mountain ecosystems of Southwestern Tien Shan.

Key Features of the Tour

Observation of endemic and rare butterfly species of Kyrgyzstan
Exploration of diverse ecosystems and altitudinal zones with rich flora and fauna
Visits to UNESCO biosphere reserves and national parks
Guidance from a professional entomologist
Combination of nature and culture, including visits to local villages and ethnographic sites

Tour program (14 days)

Day 1. Arrival in Bishkek

Meeting at the airport. Briefing. Meet a local expert. Hotel accommodation.

Day 2. Bishkek - Talas

Our path passes through the Tuya-Ashuu mountain pass (3300 m), then we will get to the high-mountainous Suusamyr valley, where alpine meadows are located. Here we will visit a tugai forest located along the Suusamyr River. Further our way to Talas. In the Talas Valley, tugai forests are located on a large area along the Talas River. Here we will study butterflies. We will also visit the lakes in the Besh-Tash reserve. Here we will try to find Aleksanor, subspecies Voldemar (Voldemar Southern Swallowtail), as well as other species of butterflies. Accommodation in a hotel in the Talas city.

Day 3. Talas - Kanysh-Kiya

On this day we will overcome the pass over the Talas ridge. The height of the pass is about 4000 m. Further we will find ourselves in the Chatkal valley. This area is a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site of international importance. Accommodation in a Kyrgyz guest house.

Day 4. Kanysh-Kiya - Padysha-Ata

Before leaving Chatkal, we will take an excursion to the spring lakes. The Chatkal valley has a special microclimate and its own ecosystem. Watching butterflies along the Chatkal valley. Then, we will continue our journey to the southern Chatkal, where we will visit the Padysha-Ata nature reserve. This place is considered a haven for biologists. Rare endemic tulips and equally rare insects, including butterflies, grow here. Overnight at the guest house.

Day 5. Padysha-Ata - Sary-Chelek

Our way from one reserve to another goes along the southern slopes of the Chatkal ridge. Sary-Chelek is a biosphere territory of international importance and is under the protection of UNESCO. There are several lakes here, surrounded by an abundance of flora. It is home to various species of fauna, including exotic insects. It is home to Aleksanor, subspecies Voldemar (Voldemar Southern Swallowtail), Libelloides macaronius, Papilio machaon, as well as other species of butterflies. Overnight at a guest house in the Arkit village.

Day 6. Sary-Chelek - Arslanbob

The next route runs along the eastern end of the Fergana Valley. Arslanbob is the only walnut forest in the world, located on a huge area of the Fergana ridge. These are relict forests. Excursion to the waterfall. Overnight at the guest house.

Day 7. Arslanbob - Osh

On this day, the path goes along the eastern outskirts of the Fergana Valley. We are going to the Osh city. This part of the country is agricultural, so the road passes through agricultural fields. This is the hottest part of Kyrgyzstan. On the way, we can meet Parnassius mnemosyne, Rethera komarovi and other species. Hotel accommodation.

Day 8. Osh - Sary-Tash - Achik-Tash

Our journey continues to the south of the Tian-Shan. Through two passes we will get to the Alai Valley, which is the border between the Pamir and Tian-Shan. The valley is over 2800 m high. Rare butterflies live here: Colias wiskotti, Colias christophi and other species. Night in tents at an altitude of more than 3600 m. We will spend the night in the base camp of climbers under Lenin Peak (7134 m).

Day 9. Achik-Tash - Osh

In the morning we will leave Achik-Tash and cross the Alai ridge. This is the widest ridge in the Tian-Shan mountain system. Arrival to Osh. City tour, free software. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 10. Osh - Batken - Madygen

Further, our journey will continue through the driest places of the southwestern Tian-Shan. We will drive along the southern part of the Fergana Valley. On the way we will try to see: Libelloides macaronius, Parnassius mnemosyne, Parnassius apollonius, Rethera komarovi and other species of butterflies. This area is limestone landscapes. The path lies along the Alay and Turkestan mountain ranges. We will cross the semi-desert and arrive at the Madygen oasis. In June – July, you can also see rare species of butterflies. Overnight in tents in the poplar grove of Mydygen.

Day 11. Madygen - Osh

We will leave Madygen early in the morning. The further path lies past apricot gardens and magnificent landscapes. On the way, we will stop at the gorges to explore the local butterflies. Overnight at the hotel in Osh city.

Day 12. Osh - Toktogul reservoir

In the morning we will leave the ancient Osh city. On the way, we will see the ancient IX-X centuries historical and architectural complex in the Uzgen city. After the hot Fergana Valley we will drive along the Naryn River. After the Kok-Bel pass we will find ourselves in the Ketmen-Tube valley filled with the Toktogul reservoir. This reservoir is the largest in Central Asia. In the vicinity of the reservoir, we will explore the habitat of butterflies. Accommodation in a hotel on the shore of the reservoir.

Day 13. Toktogul - Bishkek

Our path goes along the picturesque Chychkan gorge. Chychkan Gorge is an abundance of flora, magnificent landscapes and a habitat for various insects. Then we will again get to the Suusamyr valley and from there we will return to the Bishkek city.