Butterfly Watching in Kyrgyzstan – Butterflies of Southwestern Tian-Shan, 14 days and 10 days

Favorable tour dates – June 15 – June 28, 2024

An alternative 10 day tour is presented below

The southwestern Tian-Shan is very different from the northern Tian- Shan in its natural landscapes, as well as fauna and flora. Southern Tian-Shan is a different cultural space, it is a different ethnography and history. Here we will see different types of butterflies – endemic butterflies and butterflies listed in the Red Book. The most favorable time for a trip is June – July. At this time, you can see the maximum number of butterflies. An experienced local butterfly specialist will accompany you. During the tour, you will visit national biosphere reserves, and national parks that are UNESCO sites. These are such territories as: Chatkal, Sary-Chelek, Padysha-Ata, as well as a Geopark in the south of the Fergana Valley. The most favorable time for a trip is June-July.

  • Duration of the tour – 14 days,
  • The optimal number of participants is 2-15 persones.
  • The length of the route is about 2700 km.

The route can be changed in advance, at the request of the participants. During our trip we will be able to see various types of butterflies: Libelloides macaronius, Pontia daplidice, Machaon (Papilio machaon), Parnassius mnemosyne Christof, Colias christophi, Vanessa cardui, Macroglossum stellatarum, Rethera komarovi, Arctia caja, and other species.


PROGRAM

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.

Day 14. Bishkek - Airport

Transfer to Airport.


The price includes
  • Meeting and seeing off at the airport
    Transport according to the programme
    Accommodation according to the programme in 3 * hotels, guest houses and tents (for two)
    Full board meals
  • Chef
    Meals for vegetarians
    Entry tickets to reserves according to the programme
    Guide-expert
    Bottled water
    Map of Kyrgyzstan
Not included in the price
  • - International flights
    - Rental of individual equipment
    - Surcharge for single occupancy
    - Cost of visa and consular services
    - Personal expenses in a hotel: bar, international calls, etc.
    - Insurance
    - Any changes to the program
    - Visa

 


Price on request

According to the request and interest, we can negotiate the optimal price for your budget.

Price depends on the number of participants.

Optimal group – 2-15 persons


Alternative tour for 10 days

  • Day 1. Bishkek – Kyzyl-Jar savannah – Tash-Kumyr
    Day 2. Tash-Kumyr – Sary-Chelek Nature Reserve
    Day 3. Sary-Chelek – Padysha-Ata Nature Reserve
    Day 4. Padysha-Ata – Arslanbob
    Day 5. Surroundings of Arslanbob
    Day 6. Arslanbob – Osh
    Day 7. Osh – Kozho-Kelen
    Day 8. Surroundings of Kozho-Kelen
    Day 9. Kozho-Kelen – Osh
    Day 10. Osh – Airport

Tour cost on request


 

TOUR REQUEST

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