{"id":1498,"date":"2019-03-19T13:41:56","date_gmt":"2019-03-19T10:41:56","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/geoexplorersclub.com\/?p=1498"},"modified":"2026-01-02T21:54:42","modified_gmt":"2026-01-02T18:54:42","slug":"english-botanical-expedition-through-the-entire-western-tien-shan-all-of-kyrgyzstan","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/geoexplorersclub.com\/en\/english-botanical-expedition-through-the-entire-western-tien-shan-all-of-kyrgyzstan\/","title":{"rendered":"Botanical Expedition Across Western and Central Tien Shan, Kyrgyzstan \u2013 24 Days | Jule 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"285\" data-end=\"723\">Immerse yourself in the <strong data-start=\"309\" data-end=\"371\">unique world of flora of the Western and Central Tien Shan<\/strong> \u2013 a region of unparalleled biodiversity and global scientific importance. This expedition is designed for <strong data-start=\"478\" data-end=\"552\">scientists, students, botanists, photographers, and nature enthusiasts<\/strong>, offering a rare opportunity to study endemic and rare plants, explore diverse ecosystems, and understand how flora and fauna adapt to extreme environmental conditions.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"725\" data-end=\"1252\">The <strong data-start=\"729\" data-end=\"762\">Western and Central Tien Shan<\/strong> in Kyrgyzstan feature <strong data-start=\"785\" data-end=\"826\">diverse landscapes and interior zones<\/strong>, including high mountains, mid-mountain valleys, steppes, and semi-deserts. The region is home to <strong data-start=\"925\" data-end=\"964\">over 4,100 species of higher plants<\/strong>, representing more than 70% of Central Asia\u2019s flora. On 10,000 km\u00b2, there are <strong data-start=\"1043\" data-end=\"1060\">1,912 species<\/strong>, compared to the global average of 166 species per 10,000 km\u00b2. <strong data-start=\"1124\" data-end=\"1178\">Around 200 species of Tien Shan plants are endemic<\/strong>, making the area a site of continued international scientific interest.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1254\" data-end=\"1537\">The first European scientist to systematically document over 1,000 species in the region was <strong data-start=\"1347\" data-end=\"1376\">Petr Semenov-Tyan-Shansky<\/strong> during his 1856\u201357 expeditions. Today, research continues, and Kyrgyzstan has been a signatory of the <strong data-start=\"1479\" data-end=\"1534\">Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) since 1996<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1539\" data-end=\"1847\">The expedition is suitable for students, early-career specialists, and anyone interested in the mountain flora of Central Asia. <strong data-start=\"1667\" data-end=\"1731\">Local scientists and renowned botanists act as expert guides<\/strong>, providing participants with in-depth knowledge of the flora, biocenoses, and ecological processes of the region.<\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"1849\" data-end=\"1852\" \/>\n<p data-start=\"1854\" data-end=\"1892\"><strong>\ud83c\udf3f Why This Expedition Is Unique<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-start=\"1896\" data-end=\"2091\">The expedition traverses <strong data-start=\"1921\" data-end=\"2005\">diverse climatic belts, altitudinal zones, and interior regions of the Tien Shan<\/strong>: from semi-deserts on lower slopes to mid-mountain valleys and high alpine meadows.<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2094\" data-end=\"2267\">Landscape and climate <strong data-start=\"2116\" data-end=\"2161\">determine the habitats of endemic species<\/strong>, while changes in altitude and humidity create unique ecosystems with characteristic plant communities.<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2270\" data-end=\"2407\">Participants will see <strong data-start=\"2292\" data-end=\"2344\">Tien Shan endemics, rare, and threatened species<\/strong> and study the environmental conditions in which they thrive.<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2410\" data-end=\"2627\">The expedition includes field observations in the <strong data-start=\"2460\" data-end=\"2624\">Sary-Chelek Biosphere Reserve, Karatal-Japyryk Reserve, Arslanbob relic walnut forests, Son-Kul Lake, Chatkal, and the interior regions of the Central Tien Shan<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2630\" data-end=\"2834\"><strong data-start=\"2630\" data-end=\"2691\">Local scientists and recognized botanists serve as guides<\/strong>, explaining the connections between biocenoses and landscape, the role of abiotic factors, competition, natural selection, and human impact.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr data-start=\"2836\" data-end=\"2839\" \/>\n<p>\ud83c\udf38<strong> Expedition Experience<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-start=\"2875\" data-end=\"2945\">Explore <strong data-start=\"2883\" data-end=\"2943\">high-mountain, mid-mountain, and low-mountain ecosystems<\/strong><\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2948\" data-end=\"3048\">Witness <strong data-start=\"2956\" data-end=\"3019\">glacial, alpine, forest, steppe, and semi-desert landscapes<\/strong> within a single expedition<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3051\" data-end=\"3133\">Study <strong data-start=\"3057\" data-end=\"3105\">endemics, rare, and threatened plant species<\/strong> in their natural habitats<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3136\" data-end=\"3223\">Observe the <strong data-start=\"3148\" data-end=\"3221\">impact of landscape, altitude, and climate zones on plant communities<\/strong><\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3226\" data-end=\"3380\">Small-group format (2\u201315 participants) with expert botanist guides for <strong data-start=\"3297\" data-end=\"3378\">personalized scientific learning, photography, and horse-riding opportunities<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr data-start=\"3382\" data-end=\"3385\" \/>\n<p><strong>\ud83d\udc65 Who This Expedition Is For<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-start=\"3426\" data-end=\"3463\">Botanists, ecologists, and students<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3466\" data-end=\"3510\">Nature photographers and macro enthusiasts<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3513\" data-end=\"3594\">Travelers seeking <strong data-start=\"3531\" data-end=\"3592\">off-the-beaten-path, scientifically enriching experiences<\/strong><\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3597\" data-end=\"3707\">Anyone interested in understanding the <strong data-start=\"3636\" data-end=\"3705\">complex interactions between climate, landscape, and biodiversity<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr data-start=\"3709\" data-end=\"3712\" \/>\n<p>\ud83d\udccc<strong> Practical Information<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-start=\"3748\" data-end=\"3796\"><strong data-start=\"3748\" data-end=\"3761\">Duration:<\/strong> 24 days (short version: 15 days)<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3799\" data-end=\"3856\"><strong>Best period<\/strong>: July-August 2026<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3859\" data-end=\"3894\"><strong data-start=\"3859\" data-end=\"3874\">Group size:<\/strong> 6\u201315 participants<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3897\" data-end=\"3930\"><strong data-start=\"3897\" data-end=\"3918\">Distance covered:<\/strong> ~4,000 km<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3933\" data-end=\"4002\"><strong data-start=\"3933\" data-end=\"3944\">Format:<\/strong> Off-road vehicle expedition with expert botanist guides<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/geoexplorersclub.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Botanical-expedition-route-through-the-whole-of-Kyrgyzstan-min.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-1713 size-full\" src=\"http:\/\/geoexplorersclub.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Botanical-expedition-route-through-the-whole-of-Kyrgyzstan-min.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"6000\" height=\"3407\" srcset=\"https:\/\/geoexplorersclub.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Botanical-expedition-route-through-the-whole-of-Kyrgyzstan-min.jpg 6000w, https:\/\/geoexplorersclub.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Botanical-expedition-route-through-the-whole-of-Kyrgyzstan-min-300x170.jpg 300w, https:\/\/geoexplorersclub.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Botanical-expedition-route-through-the-whole-of-Kyrgyzstan-min-768x436.jpg 768w, https:\/\/geoexplorersclub.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Botanical-expedition-route-through-the-whole-of-Kyrgyzstan-min-1024x581.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 6000px) 100vw, 6000px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong>\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0PROGRAM (24 Days)\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<div id=\"accordions-1515\" class=\"accordions-1515 accordions\" data-accordions={&quot;lazyLoad&quot;:false,&quot;id&quot;:&quot;1515&quot;,&quot;event&quot;:&quot;click&quot;,&quot;collapsible&quot;:&quot;false&quot;,&quot;heightStyle&quot;:&quot;content&quot;,&quot;animateStyle&quot;:&quot;swing&quot;,&quot;animateDelay&quot;:1000,&quot;navigation&quot;:true,&quot;active&quot;:999,&quot;expandedOther&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;}>\n                    <div class=\"items\" >\n        \n                <div post_id=\"1515\" itemcount=\"0\"  header_id=\"header-1552993721319\" id=\"header-1552993721319\" style=\"\" class=\"accordions-head head1552993721319 border-none\" toggle-text=\"\" main-text=\"Day 1. Arrival in Bishkek\">\n                                            <span id=\"accordion-icons-1552993721319\" class=\"accordion-icons\">\n                            <span class=\"accordion-icon-active accordion-plus\"><i class=\"fa fas fa-chevron-up\"><\/i><\/span>\n                            <span class=\"accordion-icon-inactive accordion-minus\"><i class=\"fa fas fa-chevron-down\"><\/i><\/span>\n                        <\/span>\n                        <span id=\"header-text-1552993721319\" class=\"accordions-head-title\">Day 1. Arrival in Bishkek<\/span>\n                                    <\/div>\n                <div class=\"accordion-content content1552993721319 \">\n                    <p>Briefing in the conference hall of the hotel. Presentation of the program. Meet the guide expert. Overnight at hotel.<\/p>\n                <\/div>\n        \n                <div post_id=\"1515\" itemcount=\"1\"  header_id=\"header-1552993721780\" id=\"header-1552993721780\" style=\"\" class=\"accordions-head head1552993721780 border-none\" toggle-text=\"\" main-text=\"Day 2. Excursion to the Bishkek Botanical Garden\">\n                                            <span id=\"accordion-icons-1552993721780\" class=\"accordion-icons\">\n                            <span class=\"accordion-icon-active accordion-plus\"><i class=\"fa fas fa-chevron-up\"><\/i><\/span>\n                            <span class=\"accordion-icon-inactive accordion-minus\"><i class=\"fa fas fa-chevron-down\"><\/i><\/span>\n                        <\/span>\n                        <span id=\"header-text-1552993721780\" class=\"accordions-head-title\">Day 2. Excursion to the Bishkek Botanical Garden<\/span>\n                                    <\/div>\n                <div class=\"accordion-content content1552993721780 \">\n                    <p>The Bishkek Botanical Garden was founded in 1938. It is a research institute of the <strong>National Academy of Sciences of Kyrgyzstan<\/strong>. And also is a state reserve. The <strong>Arboretum Reserve<\/strong> is attributed to the monuments of history, culture and architecture. It is under state protection. The Botanical Garden is a scientific institution in the field of introduction, selection, preservation and enrichment of plant genetic resources of the world and natural flora of Kyrgyzstan. Studies on the \"Introduction and acclimatization of plants\" are conducted here as well as the environmental education of young professionals.<\/p>\n<p>In the <strong>Botanical Garden<\/strong> collection there are about <strong>6500 taxa<\/strong> of higher plants. Of them: 2000 are trees and shrubs, 2600 are decorative flowers, 550 are greenhouse, 170 are medicinal, 86 are ground cover, 237 are garden roses, <strong>639<\/strong> are inter-variety and interspecific hybrids and wild species and varieties of fruit plants. Hybrid foundation from the forms of apple and plum gets to <strong>4278<\/strong>. The herbarium consists of 20 thousand sheets. There is a greenhouse of tropical and subtropical plants. The Botanic Garden is a member of the International Council of the BGCI - <strong>Botanic Gardens Conservation International<\/strong>, Kew, UK. In the afternoon, we drive to the <strong>Ala Archa National Park<\/strong>. We will visit the museum of local lore. Excursion up the gorge. It is possible that during this period we will still see theTulip Ostrovsky (Tulipa ostrowskiana) here. And also we will try to find the: <strong>Juno Orchid<\/strong> (<em><strong>Juno orchioides<\/strong>), <\/em><strong>Kolpakovsky iridodictium<\/strong><em> (<strong>Iris kolpakowskiana<\/strong>)<\/em>. Return to Bishkek. Overnight at hotel.<\/p>\n                <\/div>\n        \n                <div post_id=\"1515\" itemcount=\"2\"  header_id=\"header-1552993722258\" id=\"header-1552993722258\" style=\"\" class=\"accordions-head head1552993722258 border-none\" toggle-text=\"\" main-text=\"Day 3. Bishkek \u2013 Issyk-Kul \u2013 Karkara\">\n                                            <span id=\"accordion-icons-1552993722258\" class=\"accordion-icons\">\n                            <span class=\"accordion-icon-active accordion-plus\"><i class=\"fa fas fa-chevron-up\"><\/i><\/span>\n                            <span class=\"accordion-icon-inactive accordion-minus\"><i class=\"fa fas fa-chevron-down\"><\/i><\/span>\n                        <\/span>\n                        <span id=\"header-text-1552993722258\" class=\"accordions-head-title\">Day 3. Bishkek \u2013 Issyk-Kul \u2013 Karkara<\/span>\n                                    <\/div>\n                <div class=\"accordion-content content1552993722258 \">\n                    <p>Today we will drive along the northern shore of the Issyk-Kul Lake. A few days later we will return to the lake after we visit the alpine heart of Tien-Shan. The flora of Issyk-Kul has about 1,500 plant species. It is rich in medicinal, essential oil, tanning, honeys, phytoncide plants forming almost 50 plant communities. There are 54 species of mammals, of which 9 species are listed in the Red Book of Kyrgyzstan. On the territory there are 267 species of birds, of which 18 are listed in the <strong>Red Book of Kyrgyzstan<\/strong> and 2 are species in the <strong>IUCN Red List<\/strong> \u2013 <strong>ibisbill<\/strong>, <strong>Oxyura leucocephala<\/strong>.\u00a0 On the way, we will stop in the valley of the Tup River \u2013 one of the major rivers feeding the Issyk-Kul. There are extensive riparian forests, abundance of grasses, coniferous forests and a great place for birdwatchers. In May \u2013 early June, you can still see such plants as the: <strong>Tulip Greigi<\/strong> (<strong><em>Tulipa greigii<\/em><\/strong>), <strong>Zinaida tulip <\/strong>(<strong><em>Tulipa zenaidae<\/em><\/strong><em>)<\/em>. As well as such species as the: <strong>Tien Shan Sibiraea<\/strong> (<em><strong>Sibiraea tianschanica<\/strong>). <\/em><strong>Karkara<\/strong> is a magnificent landscape filled with numerous herbs and forests. Overnight in tents.<\/p>\n                <\/div>\n        \n                <div post_id=\"1515\" itemcount=\"3\"  header_id=\"header-1552993722764\" id=\"header-1552993722764\" style=\"\" class=\"accordions-head head1552993722764 border-none\" toggle-text=\"\" main-text=\"Day 4. Flora of Karkara\">\n                                            <span id=\"accordion-icons-1552993722764\" class=\"accordion-icons\">\n                            <span class=\"accordion-icon-active accordion-plus\"><i class=\"fa fas fa-chevron-up\"><\/i><\/span>\n                            <span class=\"accordion-icon-inactive accordion-minus\"><i class=\"fa fas fa-chevron-down\"><\/i><\/span>\n                        <\/span>\n                        <span id=\"header-text-1552993722764\" class=\"accordions-head-title\">Day 4. Flora of Karkara<\/span>\n                                    <\/div>\n                <div class=\"accordion-content content1552993722764 \">\n                    <p>Today we will make an excursion up the Karkara River. In addition to the great variety and diversity of plants, here we will find rare species of plants. The valley of the <strong>Karkara River<\/strong> is filled with grass scent. Coniferous and deciduous forests are perfectly combined here. We will try to find a very rare species here \u2013 <strong>Obtusilobous Windflowe<\/strong>r (<strong><em>Anemone obtusiloba<\/em><\/strong>).Return to the camp. Overnight in tents.<\/p>\n                <\/div>\n        \n                <div post_id=\"1515\" itemcount=\"4\"  header_id=\"header-1552993723236\" id=\"header-1552993723236\" style=\"\" class=\"accordions-head head1552993723236 border-none\" toggle-text=\"\" main-text=\"Day 5. Karkara \u2013 Sary-Jaz\">\n                                            <span id=\"accordion-icons-1552993723236\" class=\"accordion-icons\">\n                            <span class=\"accordion-icon-active accordion-plus\"><i class=\"fa fas fa-chevron-up\"><\/i><\/span>\n                            <span class=\"accordion-icon-inactive accordion-minus\"><i class=\"fa fas fa-chevron-down\"><\/i><\/span>\n                        <\/span>\n                        <span id=\"header-text-1552993723236\" class=\"accordions-head-title\">Day 5. Karkara \u2013 Sary-Jaz<\/span>\n                                    <\/div>\n                <div class=\"accordion-content content1552993723236 \">\n                    <p>Our path lies in a highland zone. For this, we will use a former military vehicle remade for research groups and tourists.\u00a0During the day we will be in the highland zone of Sary-Jaz at an altitude of more than 3000 m. <strong>Sary-Jaz<\/strong> is a high-altitude, wide valley. Along the way, we will explore landscapes and the local flora. It is hard to imagine that at an altitude of more than 3000 m, where permafrost lies at a shallow depth, grow various plant species. On the way, we should see a rare plant listed in the red book \u2013 <strong>Obtusilobous Windflower<\/strong> (<em><strong>Anemone obtusiloba<\/strong>). <\/em>In July and August, a medicinal plant blooms here \u2013 <strong>Haplotaxis involucrata<\/strong> <em>(<strong>Saussurea involucrata<\/strong>). <\/em>And also we will see the Berberis kaschgarica. Here we can come across the <strong>Wrapped Alpine Saw-wort<\/strong> (<em><strong>Saussurea involucrata<\/strong>), <\/em><strong>Edelweiss-like Pyrethrum<\/strong> (<em><strong>Pyrethrum leontopodium<\/strong>), <strong>Corydalis krasnovii <\/strong><\/em><strong>Mikhailova<\/strong>. Of course, we will see <strong>Edelweiss<\/strong> and many other plant species. Overnight in tents.<\/p>\n                <\/div>\n        \n                <div post_id=\"1515\" itemcount=\"5\"  header_id=\"header-1552993723706\" id=\"header-1552993723706\" style=\"\" class=\"accordions-head head1552993723706 border-none\" toggle-text=\"\" main-text=\"Day 6. Sary-Jaz \u2013 Turgen-Aksu\">\n                                            <span id=\"accordion-icons-1552993723706\" class=\"accordion-icons\">\n                            <span class=\"accordion-icon-active accordion-plus\"><i class=\"fa fas fa-chevron-up\"><\/i><\/span>\n                            <span class=\"accordion-icon-inactive accordion-minus\"><i class=\"fa fas fa-chevron-down\"><\/i><\/span>\n                        <\/span>\n                        <span id=\"header-text-1552993723706\" class=\"accordions-head-title\">Day 6. Sary-Jaz \u2013 Turgen-Aksu<\/span>\n                                    <\/div>\n                <div class=\"accordion-content content1552993723706 \">\n                    <p>The first half of the day continues along the high mountain zone. Then we will start the descent towards the Issyk-Kul Lake along the beautiful <strong>Turgen-Aksu gorge<\/strong>. Gradually, the alpine meadow zone transforms into the foothill mountain-forest zone. On the way along the river valleys, among stones and rubble, on moraines, stony slopes, scree in the upper zone of the mountains we will see: <strong>Edelweiss-like Pyrethrum<\/strong> (<strong><em>Pyrethrum leontopodium<\/em><\/strong>), <strong>Tianschaniella<\/strong> (<em><strong>Tianschaniella umbellifera<\/strong>) <\/em>and others. These places are also attractive for mammals of high-mountain fauna, including those listed in the Red Book of Kyrgyzstan: <strong>snow leopard, argali, manul, Tien-Shan light-clad bea<\/strong>r, etc. Descent through <strong>Ak-Su gorge<\/strong>. Overnight in tents.<\/p>\n                <\/div>\n        \n                <div post_id=\"1515\" itemcount=\"6\"  header_id=\"header-1552993724178\" id=\"header-1552993724178\" style=\"\" class=\"accordions-head head1552993724178 border-none\" toggle-text=\"\" main-text=\"Day 7. Turgen-Ak-Su \u2013 Karakol \">\n                                            <span id=\"accordion-icons-1552993724178\" class=\"accordion-icons\">\n                            <span class=\"accordion-icon-active accordion-plus\"><i class=\"fa fas fa-chevron-up\"><\/i><\/span>\n                            <span class=\"accordion-icon-inactive accordion-minus\"><i class=\"fa fas fa-chevron-down\"><\/i><\/span>\n                        <\/span>\n                        <span id=\"header-text-1552993724178\" class=\"accordions-head-title\">Day 7. Turgen-Ak-Su \u2013 Karakol <\/span>\n                                    <\/div>\n                <div class=\"accordion-content content1552993724178 \">\n                    <p>Today we will descend to the <strong>Karakol City<\/strong> \u2013 one of the first settlements founded by Russian travelers in the 9th century. Karakol is the most popular touristic city in Kyrgyzstan. On the way we will stop in the area of hot springs. Here is the famous resort with hydrogen sulfide sources. City tour of Karakol. Overnight at hotel.<\/p>\n                <\/div>\n        \n                <div post_id=\"1515\" itemcount=\"7\"  header_id=\"header-1552993724668\" id=\"header-1552993724668\" style=\"\" class=\"accordions-head head1552993724668 border-none\" toggle-text=\"\" main-text=\"Day 8. Karakol \u2013 Skazka gorge \u2013 Karatal-Dzhapryk reserve\">\n                                            <span id=\"accordion-icons-1552993724668\" class=\"accordion-icons\">\n                            <span class=\"accordion-icon-active accordion-plus\"><i class=\"fa fas fa-chevron-up\"><\/i><\/span>\n                            <span class=\"accordion-icon-inactive accordion-minus\"><i class=\"fa fas fa-chevron-down\"><\/i><\/span>\n                        <\/span>\n                        <span id=\"header-text-1552993724668\" class=\"accordions-head-title\">Day 8. Karakol \u2013 Skazka gorge \u2013 Karatal-Dzhapryk reserve<\/span>\n                                    <\/div>\n                <div class=\"accordion-content content1552993724668 \">\n                    <p>From today, we will use a Mercedes Sprinter mini bus. Our route continues along the southern shore of the lake. The plains surrounding the Issyk-Kul Lake are used for agriculture. The altitude of the water level in the lake is 1609 m above sea level. m. On the way we stop in the \"Skazka\" (Fairy tale) gorge. The gorge attracts many tourists because of the local landforms that formed here on the Mesozoic red substrate. Here you can explore the flora of the steppes. The <strong>Issyk-Kul Lake<\/strong> was declared by the UNESCO as a biosphere territory. The lake does not freeze in winter and is important for biodiversity. The lake is used by waterfowl and near-water birds in the autumn-winter period. Every year, 50-80 thousand birds belonging to 30-35 species winter in the Issyk-Kul Lake. The lake is of global importance in the life of various species of birds, which use it for short-term rest and forage. Therefore, it is of international importance under the Ramsar Convention. However, to date, Kyrgyzstan has not supported its participation in the <strong>Ramsar Convention<\/strong>, which undermines the prestige of the republic in the eyes of the international environmental community and deprives it of the opportunity to attract sponsorship in environmental activities in the region. Next we move to the <strong>Karatal-Dzhapryk reserve<\/strong>. In the reserve we will see majestic limestone canyons. Several groups of speleologists tried to find caves here. We will stop at the picturesque canyon, which is formed by the <strong>Son-Kul River<\/strong>. Overnight in tents.<\/p>\n                <\/div>\n        \n                <div post_id=\"1515\" itemcount=\"8\"  header_id=\"header-1552993725139\" id=\"header-1552993725139\" style=\"\" class=\"accordions-head head1552993725139 border-none\" toggle-text=\"\" main-text=\"Day 9. Karatal-Dzhapryk reserve\">\n                                            <span id=\"accordion-icons-1552993725139\" class=\"accordion-icons\">\n                            <span class=\"accordion-icon-active accordion-plus\"><i class=\"fa fas fa-chevron-up\"><\/i><\/span>\n                            <span class=\"accordion-icon-inactive accordion-minus\"><i class=\"fa fas fa-chevron-down\"><\/i><\/span>\n                        <\/span>\n                        <span id=\"header-text-1552993725139\" class=\"accordions-head-title\">Day 9. Karatal-Dzhapryk reserve<\/span>\n                                    <\/div>\n                <div class=\"accordion-content content1552993725139 \">\n                    <p>We will make a tour in the reserve. The reserve is home to 24 species of animals listed in the Red Book of Kyrgyzstan, of which 19 are birds and 5 mammal wild animals. The main purpose of the reserve is to preserve the unique natural resources and rare species of animals and plants. According to the classification of the <strong>International Union for Conservation of Nature<\/strong>, the reserve has been assigned the 1st category, which means a strict natural reserve. At the moment, the number of medicinal plants in the reserve is increasing. It is home to a stable population of mountain gooses, which is on the verge of extinction. Floodplain spruce forests, highland meadows and other ecosystems that are characteristic of the Inner Tien-Shan are protected here. We want to explore the rare plants of the middle mountain zone here. We want to see how the landscape and plants change. Here you can see such rare plants as \u2013 <strong>Susamyr Catchfly<\/strong> \u00a0(<em><strong>Silene sussamyrica<\/strong>), <\/em><strong>Ammopiptanthus nanus<\/strong> (<strong>Piptanthus nanus<\/strong>). Overnight in tents.<\/p>\n                <\/div>\n        \n                <div post_id=\"1515\" itemcount=\"9\"  header_id=\"header-1552993725588\" id=\"header-1552993725588\" style=\"\" class=\"accordions-head head1552993725588 border-none\" toggle-text=\"\" main-text=\"Day 10. Karatal Dzhapryk \u2013 Son-Kul\">\n                                            <span id=\"accordion-icons-1552993725588\" class=\"accordion-icons\">\n                            <span class=\"accordion-icon-active accordion-plus\"><i class=\"fa fas fa-chevron-up\"><\/i><\/span>\n                            <span class=\"accordion-icon-inactive accordion-minus\"><i class=\"fa fas fa-chevron-down\"><\/i><\/span>\n                        <\/span>\n                        <span id=\"header-text-1552993725588\" class=\"accordions-head-title\">Day 10. Karatal Dzhapryk \u2013 Son-Kul<\/span>\n                                    <\/div>\n                <div class=\"accordion-content content1552993725588 \">\n                    <p>The Son-Kul Lake is the largest high-altitude freshwater natural reservoir in Kyrgyzstan (3015 m). The lake is located in the middle of a powerful migration channel connecting bird nesting sites in <strong>Western Siberia<\/strong>, <strong>Altai<\/strong>, and <strong>northeastern Kazakhstan<\/strong> with wintering grounds in China, India, Pakistan and Africa. The Son-Kul Lake is a nesting place for the mountain goose, a species listed in the Red Book of Kyrgyzstan. Therefore, the Son-Kul Lake is a natural reserve. But besides the birds, there is an interesting flora. We will stay in yurts established specifically for tourists. Local nomads have an additional income by serving tourists. On the northern shore of the lake, we will explore the local alpine flora. Here you can see a rare endemic species \u2013 <strong>Korshinsky's Meadow Saxifrage<\/strong> (<em><strong>Seseli korshinskyi<\/strong>).<\/em> The species is of great scientific importance. Overnight in yurts.<\/p>\n                <\/div>\n        \n                <div post_id=\"1515\" itemcount=\"10\"  header_id=\"header-1552993726065\" id=\"header-1552993726065\" style=\"\" class=\"accordions-head head1552993726065 border-none\" toggle-text=\"\" main-text=\"Day 11. Son-Kul \u2013 Kokemeren River \u2013 Susamyr valley\">\n                                            <span id=\"accordion-icons-1552993726065\" class=\"accordion-icons\">\n                            <span class=\"accordion-icon-active accordion-plus\"><i class=\"fa fas fa-chevron-up\"><\/i><\/span>\n                            <span class=\"accordion-icon-inactive accordion-minus\"><i class=\"fa fas fa-chevron-down\"><\/i><\/span>\n                        <\/span>\n                        <span id=\"header-text-1552993726065\" class=\"accordions-head-title\">Day 11. Son-Kul \u2013 Kokemeren River \u2013 Susamyr valley<\/span>\n                                    <\/div>\n                <div class=\"accordion-content content1552993726065 \">\n                    <p>A fascinating route awaits for us today. Our route goes along the K\u00f6kemeren River. Here, in the picturesque gorge, a certain microclimate is preserved for various plant species and endemics. Here you can find: <strong>Dwarf Ammopiptanth<\/strong> (<em><strong>Ammopiptanthus nanu<\/strong>s), <\/em><strong>Sievers's Apple-tree<\/strong> (<em><strong>Malus sieversii<\/strong>) <\/em>\u2013 listed in the International Red Book (IUCN RLTS).<\/p>\n<p>Here you can see therare species <strong>Dwarf Ammopiptanth<\/strong> (<em><strong>Ammopiptanthus nanu<\/strong>s),<\/em> as well as endemics \u2013 <strong>Turkestan Kosopoljanskia<\/strong> (<strong><em>Kosopoljanskia turkestanica<\/em><\/strong>), <strong>Asteraceae<\/strong> (<em><strong>Pyrethrum sovetkinae<\/strong>)<\/em>. Further, we will get to the <strong>Susamyr valley<\/strong> (2800 m). The Susamyr valley is a huge area with lots of alpine meadows. In the summer there are many nomads. They come here to graze cattle, make organic dairy products, as well as honey. Overnight at hotel.<\/p>\n                <\/div>\n        \n                <div post_id=\"1515\" itemcount=\"11\"  header_id=\"header-1552993726523\" id=\"header-1552993726523\" style=\"\" class=\"accordions-head head1552993726523 border-none\" toggle-text=\"\" main-text=\"Day 12. Susamyr \u2013 Toktogul reservoir\">\n                                            <span id=\"accordion-icons-1552993726523\" class=\"accordion-icons\">\n                            <span class=\"accordion-icon-active accordion-plus\"><i class=\"fa fas fa-chevron-up\"><\/i><\/span>\n                            <span class=\"accordion-icon-inactive accordion-minus\"><i class=\"fa fas fa-chevron-down\"><\/i><\/span>\n                        <\/span>\n                        <span id=\"header-text-1552993726523\" class=\"accordions-head-title\">Day 12. Susamyr \u2013 Toktogul reservoir<\/span>\n                                    <\/div>\n                <div class=\"accordion-content content1552993726523 \">\n                    <p>Further our route descends to the low-mountain zone of the steppes and semi-deserts. In the following days we will see a large variety of flora of the Southern Tien-Shan and the <strong>Fergana Valley<\/strong>. Compared with the Northern Tien-Shan, endemic and rare flora prevails here. In the Chychkan gorge \u2013 a picturesque gorge with a diverse flora, we will see many different types of plants. Along the way we will see a rare species of <strong>Susamyr Catchfly<\/strong> (<em><strong>Silene sussamyrica<\/strong>). <\/em>Near the Toktogul reservoir we will see rare endemics of the Fergana Range: <em>Astragalus duanensis, Scutellaria andrachnoides, Scutellaria botbaevae, <strong>Phlomoides knorringiana,<\/strong><\/em><strong> <em>Salvia vvedenskyi, Tymus insertus, Cousinia knorringiae <\/em><\/strong>Bornm, and other plants. In the evening we will have a seminar on plants of the low-mountain belt of the Fergana Range and valleys. Overnight at the hotel on the shore of the reservoir.<\/p>\n                <\/div>\n        \n                <div post_id=\"1515\" itemcount=\"12\"  header_id=\"header-1552993726964\" id=\"header-1552993726964\" style=\"\" class=\"accordions-head head1552993726964 border-none\" toggle-text=\"\" main-text=\"Day. 13. Toktogul reservoir \u2013 Arslanbob\">\n                                            <span id=\"accordion-icons-1552993726964\" class=\"accordion-icons\">\n                            <span class=\"accordion-icon-active accordion-plus\"><i class=\"fa fas fa-chevron-up\"><\/i><\/span>\n                            <span class=\"accordion-icon-inactive accordion-minus\"><i class=\"fa fas fa-chevron-down\"><\/i><\/span>\n                        <\/span>\n                        <span id=\"header-text-1552993726964\" class=\"accordions-head-title\">Day. 13. Toktogul reservoir \u2013 Arslanbob<\/span>\n                                    <\/div>\n                <div class=\"accordion-content content1552993726964 \">\n                    <p>Today will be an exciting trip along the Naryn River. Gradually, we got to completely different natural conditions, than the previous high-mountainous we saw a few days ago. On the way we will make an excursion to the Bekichal gorge. Here you can see: Pyrethrum brachanthemoides R.Kam. et Lazkov, Jurinea narynensis, Lamyropappus schakaptaricus, <strong>Intermediate Hyalolaena<\/strong> (<em><strong>Hyalolaena intermedia<\/strong>). <\/em>Next we will get to the zone of the Tash-Kumyr semi-desert. Here predominate Mesozoic motley-colored geological rocks. Here, we can study semi-desert vegetation and explore the rare plant species: <strong><em>Serratula aphyllopoda <\/em>Iljin<\/strong>, <strong>Litvinov\u2019s Rosewort<\/strong> (<em><strong>Rhodiola litwinowii<\/strong>), <\/em>Korolkov's Pagoda-tree (<strong><em>Styphnolobium korolkowii<\/em><\/strong>), <strong>Short-winged Bladder-s<em>enna<\/em><\/strong> (<strong><em>Colutea brachyptera<\/em><\/strong>), <strong>Kashgarian Bean Caper<\/strong> (<strong><em>Zygophyllum kaschgaricum<\/em><\/strong>), and Intermediate Hyalolaena (<em><strong>Hyalolaena intermedia<\/strong>). <\/em>On the border of the desert and limestone rocks, we will explore the rare <strong>endemic<\/strong> <strong>Seaholly-like Meadow Saxifrage<\/strong> (<strong><em>Seseli eryngioides<\/em><\/strong>). We will try to find very rare plants that are endangered, such as the <strong>Microcarpous Dorema<\/strong> (<strong><em>Dorema microcarpum<\/em><\/strong>), <strong>Andrachne-like Scullcup<\/strong> (<strong><em>Scutellaria andrachnoides<\/em><\/strong>), <strong>Lamyropappus<\/strong> (<strong><em>Lamyropappus schakaptaricus<\/em><\/strong>), and other rare plants. In the evening we will arrive to Arslanbob. Overnight at Uzbek guest house.<\/p>\n                <\/div>\n        \n                <div post_id=\"1515\" itemcount=\"13\"  header_id=\"header-1552993727403\" id=\"header-1552993727403\" style=\"\" class=\"accordions-head head1552993727403 border-none\" toggle-text=\"\" main-text=\"Day 14. Arslanbob \u2013 the only walnut forests in the world\">\n                                            <span id=\"accordion-icons-1552993727403\" class=\"accordion-icons\">\n                            <span class=\"accordion-icon-active accordion-plus\"><i class=\"fa fas fa-chevron-up\"><\/i><\/span>\n                            <span class=\"accordion-icon-inactive accordion-minus\"><i class=\"fa fas fa-chevron-down\"><\/i><\/span>\n                        <\/span>\n                        <span id=\"header-text-1552993727403\" class=\"accordions-head-title\">Day 14. Arslanbob \u2013 the only walnut forests in the world<\/span>\n                                    <\/div>\n                <div class=\"accordion-content content1552993727403 \">\n                    <p>The walnut-fruit forests of Arslanbob are peculiar deciduous forests, which constitute a separate oasis, representing a relic of deciduous forests of the Tertiary period. Here falls the greatest amount of precipitation. In distant geological epochs these forests were widely spread over a wider area. Now these forests have nothing to do with the general natural appearance of Central Asia. These forests are not peculiar to the desert zone. However they exist and they are a unique landscape. The walnut-fruit forests of Arslanbob are a natural monument left over from ancient eras. Scientists believe that if these forests were formed in the Tertiary period, then they are endangered. Other scientists say the opposite, that the walnut forest turned out to be a stable species and became a \u201chotbed of survival\u201d among not favorable conditions. In addition to walnut forests there is a very large combination of other vegetation. Here we will see the rare species: <strong>Alai Centaury<\/strong> (<strong><em>Centaurea alaica<\/em><\/strong>), <strong>Eugenia\u2019s Bell-flower<\/strong> (<strong><em>Campanula eugeniae<\/em><\/strong>), <strong>Microcarpous Dorema<\/strong> (<em><strong>Dorema microcarpum<\/strong>),<\/em> <strong>Chaeto-fruited Sweet<\/strong> (<em><strong>Hedysarum chaitocarpum<\/strong>),\u00a0<\/em><strong>Alliaceae<\/strong> (<em><strong>Allium gultschense<\/strong>), <\/em><strong>Amaryllidaceae<\/strong> (<em><strong>Ungernia ferganica<\/strong>), <\/em><strong>Iridaceae<\/strong> (<em><strong>Juno zenaidae<\/strong>), <\/em><strong>Caryophyllaceae<\/strong> (<em><strong>Elisanthe fedtschenkoana<\/strong>), <\/em><strong>Sievers's Apple-tree<\/strong>\u00a0 (<em><strong>Malus sieversii<\/strong> ) <\/em>and other rare endemics. We will visit the <strong>Arslanbob waterfalls<\/strong> \u2013 popular places for pilgrims throughout the <strong>Fergana Valley<\/strong>. Everyone who is interested can ride a horse. In the evening, we will have dinner with national dishes. Overnight at Uzbek guest house.<\/p>\n                <\/div>\n        \n                <div post_id=\"1515\" itemcount=\"14\"  header_id=\"header-1552993727818\" id=\"header-1552993727818\" style=\"\" class=\"accordions-head head1552993727818 border-none\" toggle-text=\"\" main-text=\"Day 15. Arslanbob \u2013 Osh\">\n                                            <span id=\"accordion-icons-1552993727818\" class=\"accordion-icons\">\n                            <span class=\"accordion-icon-active accordion-plus\"><i class=\"fa fas fa-chevron-up\"><\/i><\/span>\n                            <span class=\"accordion-icon-inactive accordion-minus\"><i class=\"fa fas fa-chevron-down\"><\/i><\/span>\n                        <\/span>\n                        <span id=\"header-text-1552993727818\" class=\"accordions-head-title\">Day 15. Arslanbob \u2013 Osh<\/span>\n                                    <\/div>\n                <div class=\"accordion-content content1552993727818 \">\n                    <p>Today we will visit the scientific institute of walnut farming in Arslanbob. Then our route continues to the Osh City. This city was an important trading hub on the <strong>Great Silk Road<\/strong> in Central Asia. Along the way, we will see how people grow various agricultural crops in a relatively small area: cotton, tobacco, rice, corn, watermelons, melons and other cultivated plants. All this is possible because here is the lowest altitude point in Kyrgyzstan \u2013 400 m above sea level. In the Osh City , we will make an excursion to the <strong>Suleiman-Too Mountain<\/strong> \u2013 a UNESCO heritage. In the evening we will have a seminar on endemics of Alai and Fergana. \u00a0Overnight at hotel.<\/p>\n                <\/div>\n        \n                <div post_id=\"1515\" itemcount=\"15\"  header_id=\"header-1552993728250\" id=\"header-1552993728250\" style=\"\" class=\"accordions-head head1552993728250 border-none\" toggle-text=\"\" main-text=\"Day 16. Osh \u2013 Kyrgyz-Ata\">\n                                            <span id=\"accordion-icons-1552993728250\" class=\"accordion-icons\">\n                            <span class=\"accordion-icon-active accordion-plus\"><i class=\"fa fas fa-chevron-up\"><\/i><\/span>\n                            <span class=\"accordion-icon-inactive accordion-minus\"><i class=\"fa fas fa-chevron-down\"><\/i><\/span>\n                        <\/span>\n                        <span id=\"header-text-1552993728250\" class=\"accordions-head-title\">Day 16. Osh \u2013 Kyrgyz-Ata<\/span>\n                                    <\/div>\n                <div class=\"accordion-content content1552993728250 \">\n                    <p>The <strong>Kyrgyz-Ata<\/strong> reserve was created to preserve juniper forests. Most of the park is occupied by a botanical reserve, created to preserve juniper forests, mountain tulips and saffron. Basically, the <strong>Zeravshan<\/strong> and <strong>Turkestan<\/strong> juniper species grow here; more than 200 animal species live here. Here you can see the \u2013 snow leopard, lynx, wolf, hare and fox. And also there are various types of birds. Here we will study rare plant species: <strong>Knorring's Larkspur<\/strong> (<em><strong>Delphinium knorringianum<\/strong>),\u00a0<\/em><strong>Wolly-fruited Kosopoljanskia<\/strong> (<em><strong>Kosopoljanskia hebecarpa<\/strong>), <\/em><strong>Microcarpous Dorema<\/strong> (<em><strong>Dorema microcarpum<\/strong>), <\/em><strong>Euphorbiaceae<\/strong> (<em><strong>Andrachne pygmaea<\/strong>),<\/em> and other rare endemics. Overnight at the hotel of the national park Kyrgyz-Ata.<\/p>\n                <\/div>\n        \n                <div post_id=\"1515\" itemcount=\"16\"  header_id=\"header-1552993728665\" id=\"header-1552993728665\" style=\"\" class=\"accordions-head head1552993728665 border-none\" toggle-text=\"\" main-text=\"Day 17. Kyrgyz-Ata \u2013 Batken\">\n                                            <span id=\"accordion-icons-1552993728665\" class=\"accordion-icons\">\n                            <span class=\"accordion-icon-active accordion-plus\"><i class=\"fa fas fa-chevron-up\"><\/i><\/span>\n                            <span class=\"accordion-icon-inactive accordion-minus\"><i class=\"fa fas fa-chevron-down\"><\/i><\/span>\n                        <\/span>\n                        <span id=\"header-text-1552993728665\" class=\"accordions-head-title\">Day 17. Kyrgyz-Ata \u2013 Batken<\/span>\n                                    <\/div>\n                <div class=\"accordion-content content1552993728665 \">\n                    <p>We continue our route to the driest places of Tien-Shan. Local semi-deserts and savannah are home to very rare and narrowly endemic plant species. These landscapes mainly consist of limestone mountain ranges and dry intermountain valleys. Here you can also see combinations of biogeocenosis of Middle Mountain and semi-desert zones. On the colorful badlands you can find a surprisingly beautiful life of single flowers or a pleasant combination of floral oases and a dry semi-desert landscape. Despite the small amount of moisture, very rare and aesthetically magnificent plant species grow here. Along the way, we will try to explore the local flora: <strong>Pink Tulip<\/strong>\u00a0 (<em><strong>Tulipa rosea<\/strong>), <\/em><strong>Knorring's Larkspur<\/strong> (<em><strong>Delphinium knorringianum<\/strong>), <\/em><strong>Microfumitory<\/strong> <em>(<strong>Fumariola turkestanic<\/strong>), <\/em><strong>Short-winged Bladder-s<\/strong><em><strong>enna<\/strong> (<strong>Colutea brachyptera<\/strong>), <\/em><strong>Microcarpous<\/strong> <strong>Dorema<\/strong> (<em><strong>Dorema<\/strong> <strong>microcarpum<\/strong>), <\/em><strong>Catmint-like Scullcup<\/strong> (<em><strong>Scutellaria nepetoides<\/strong>), <\/em><strong>Alai Physochlaina<\/strong> <em>(<strong>Physochlaina alaica<\/strong>), <\/em><strong>Nathaliella<\/strong> (<em><strong>Nathaliella alaica<\/strong>), <\/em><strong>Olga\u2019s Chinese Trumpet-creeper<\/strong> (<em><strong>Incarvillea olgae<\/strong>), <\/em><strong>Golden Trichanthemis Centaury<\/strong> (<em><strong>Trichanthemis<\/strong> <strong>aurea<\/strong>). <\/em>\u00a0We will try to find very rare species: <strong>Olga's<\/strong> <strong>Sorbaria<\/strong> (<em><strong>Sorbaria olgae<\/strong>), <\/em><strong>Dense Prickly-thrift<\/strong> <em>(<strong>Acantholimon<\/strong> <strong>compactum<\/strong>).<\/em><em>\u00a0<\/em>We will explore the semi-desert surroundings of Batken. Overnight at hotel.<\/p>\n                <\/div>\n        \n                <div post_id=\"1515\" itemcount=\"17\"  header_id=\"header-1552993729081\" id=\"header-1552993729081\" style=\"\" class=\"accordions-head head1552993729081 border-none\" toggle-text=\"\" main-text=\"Day 18. Batken \u2013 Osh \">\n                                            <span id=\"accordion-icons-1552993729081\" class=\"accordion-icons\">\n                            <span class=\"accordion-icon-active accordion-plus\"><i class=\"fa fas fa-chevron-up\"><\/i><\/span>\n                            <span class=\"accordion-icon-inactive accordion-minus\"><i class=\"fa fas fa-chevron-down\"><\/i><\/span>\n                        <\/span>\n                        <span id=\"header-text-1552993729081\" class=\"accordions-head-title\">Day 18. Batken \u2013 Osh <\/span>\n                                    <\/div>\n                <div class=\"accordion-content content1552993729081 \">\n                    <p>In the morning we will continue to explore the rare fauna of the northern foothills of the Alai Range.\u00a0We will visit the Kyzyl-Kuak Mountain \u2013 the only place in the world where the endangered species of <strong><em>Fritill\u0101ria edu\u00e1rdii<\/em> grows<\/strong>. We will also try to find other endemics: <strong>Polygonum atraphaxiforme<\/strong>, <strong>Incarvillea olgae<\/strong>, Acantholimon compactum, Acantholimon sarytavicum. On the way to Osh, we will see huge areas with Papaveraceae. National dinner in the Osh City. Overnight at hotel.<\/p>\n                <\/div>\n        \n                <div post_id=\"1515\" itemcount=\"18\"  header_id=\"header-1552993729498\" id=\"header-1552993729498\" style=\"\" class=\"accordions-head head1552993729498 border-none\" toggle-text=\"\" main-text=\"Day 19. Osh \u2013 Tash-Kumyr \u2013 Sary-Chelek\">\n                                            <span id=\"accordion-icons-1552993729498\" class=\"accordion-icons\">\n                            <span class=\"accordion-icon-active accordion-plus\"><i class=\"fa fas fa-chevron-up\"><\/i><\/span>\n                            <span class=\"accordion-icon-inactive accordion-minus\"><i class=\"fa fas fa-chevron-down\"><\/i><\/span>\n                        <\/span>\n                        <span id=\"header-text-1552993729498\" class=\"accordions-head-title\">Day 19. Osh \u2013 Tash-Kumyr \u2013 Sary-Chelek<\/span>\n                                    <\/div>\n                <div class=\"accordion-content content1552993729498 \">\n                    <p>We continue our route to the savannah and further to the middle mountain zone. In the vicinity of the city of Tash-Kumyr is the picturesque Char-Tash savannah. These places are a classic place for ephemera \u2013 annual plants with a very short development cycle. Desert dwellers have a short growing season. Therefore, they can only be found in the spring. Here, in the magnificent semi-desert spring landscapes, we will explore interesting species of rare and endemic plants: <strong>Lamyropappus<\/strong> (<em><strong>Lamyropappus schakaptaricus<\/strong>), <\/em><strong>Asphodelaceae<\/strong> (<em><strong>Eremurus zenaidae<\/strong>),<\/em> <strong>Korolkov's Pagoda-tree<\/strong> (<em><strong>Styphnolobium korolkowii<\/strong>), <\/em><strong>Short-winged Bladder-s<\/strong><em><strong>enna<\/strong> (<strong>Colutea brachyptera<\/strong>), <\/em><strong>Intermediate Hyalolaena<\/strong> <em>(<strong>Hyalolaena<\/strong> <strong>intermedia<\/strong>), <\/em>and others. Along the way, we will try to find endangered plant species: <strong>Seaholly-like Meadow Saxifrage<\/strong> <em>(<strong>Seseli eryngioides<\/strong>), <\/em><strong>icrocarpous Dorema<\/strong> (<em><strong>Dorema microcarpum<\/strong>),<\/em> <strong>Andrachne-like Scullcup<\/strong> <em>(<strong>Scutellaria andrachnoides<\/strong><\/em>)<em>. <\/em>Next on our route is Sary-Chelek. Overnight at guest house.<\/p>\n                <\/div>\n        \n                <div post_id=\"1515\" itemcount=\"19\"  header_id=\"header-1552993729939\" id=\"header-1552993729939\" style=\"\" class=\"accordions-head head1552993729939 border-none\" toggle-text=\"\" main-text=\"Day 20. Surroundings of the Sary-Chelek Lake\">\n                                            <span id=\"accordion-icons-1552993729939\" class=\"accordion-icons\">\n                            <span class=\"accordion-icon-active accordion-plus\"><i class=\"fa fas fa-chevron-up\"><\/i><\/span>\n                            <span class=\"accordion-icon-inactive accordion-minus\"><i class=\"fa fas fa-chevron-down\"><\/i><\/span>\n                        <\/span>\n                        <span id=\"header-text-1552993729939\" class=\"accordions-head-title\">Day 20. Surroundings of the Sary-Chelek Lake<\/span>\n                                    <\/div>\n                <div class=\"accordion-content content1552993729939 \">\n                    <p><strong>Sary-Chelek<\/strong> is a <strong>unique biosphere reserve<\/strong>. For Tien-Shan it is one of the humid places with a mild climate. The reserve is located in a subalpine zone. The territory of the reserve is protected from the invasion of cold air masses in winter, which determines the climate with relatively mild, little snow in winter and a warm and wet summer. The average annual precipitation is 836 mm, about 42% of the precipitation falls in the spring. The reserve attracts many tourists and scientists from around the world. Many species of fauna live here. <strong>Sary-Chelek<\/strong> also has a great variety of flora. We will explore the Relic endemic species, <strong>Chaeto-fruited Sweet<\/strong> (<em><strong>Hedysarum chaitocarpum<\/strong>).<\/em>We will also try to find the rare and endemic plant species: <em><strong>Cousinia knorringiae, Campanula eugeniae, Bunium sary-cheleki, Hedysarum chaitocarpum<\/strong>,<\/em> and other plants. Overnight in guest house.<\/p>\n                <\/div>\n        \n                <div post_id=\"1515\" itemcount=\"20\"  header_id=\"header-1552993730379\" id=\"header-1552993730379\" style=\"\" class=\"accordions-head head1552993730379 border-none\" toggle-text=\"\" main-text=\"Day 21. Sary-Chelek \u2013 Chatkal\">\n                                            <span id=\"accordion-icons-1552993730379\" class=\"accordion-icons\">\n                            <span class=\"accordion-icon-active accordion-plus\"><i class=\"fa fas fa-chevron-up\"><\/i><\/span>\n                            <span class=\"accordion-icon-inactive accordion-minus\"><i class=\"fa fas fa-chevron-down\"><\/i><\/span>\n                        <\/span>\n                        <span id=\"header-text-1552993730379\" class=\"accordions-head-title\">Day 21. Sary-Chelek \u2013 Chatkal<\/span>\n                                    <\/div>\n                <div class=\"accordion-content content1552993730379 \">\n                    <p>Today we are going to Chatkal \u2013 a wilderness area and a UNESCO heritage.\u00a0Along the way, in the southern foothills of the Chatkal ridge, we will explore very rare species: <strong>Middle Asian Pear<\/strong> (<strong><em>P<\/em><em>\u0443<\/em><\/strong><em><strong>rus asiae-mediae<\/strong>),\u00a0<\/em><strong>Korzhinski's Pear<\/strong> <em>(<strong>P<\/strong><\/em><strong><em>\u0443<\/em><em>rus korshinskyi<\/em><\/strong>), <strong>Twelve-dentate Onion<\/strong> <em>(<strong>Allium dodecadontum<\/strong>)<\/em>. And also a very rare endangered species \u2013 <strong>Niedzvetzki's Apple-tree<\/strong> (<em><strong>Malus niedzwetzkyana<\/strong>). <\/em>Here in Chatkal, we will also try to explore the only flora of Kyrgyzstan that is included in the <strong>International Red Book<\/strong> (<strong>IUCN RLTS<\/strong>) <strong>Sievers's Apple-tree<\/strong> (<em><strong>Malus<\/strong> <strong>sieversii<\/strong>). <\/em>We will try to explore rare species: <strong>Persian Rowan<\/strong> (<em><strong>Sorbus persica<\/strong>)<\/em> as well as a relict narrow-endemic species - <strong>Petunnikov's Almond<\/strong> (<em><strong>Amygdalus<\/strong> <strong>petunnikowii<\/strong>). <\/em>Overnight at guest house in the Kanysh Kiya Village.<\/p>\n                <\/div>\n        \n                <div post_id=\"1515\" itemcount=\"21\"  header_id=\"header-1552993730858\" id=\"header-1552993730858\" style=\"\" class=\"accordions-head head1552993730858 border-none\" toggle-text=\"\" main-text=\"Day 22. Chatkal \u2013 Talas \">\n                                            <span id=\"accordion-icons-1552993730858\" class=\"accordion-icons\">\n                            <span class=\"accordion-icon-active accordion-plus\"><i class=\"fa fas fa-chevron-up\"><\/i><\/span>\n                            <span class=\"accordion-icon-inactive accordion-minus\"><i class=\"fa fas fa-chevron-down\"><\/i><\/span>\n                        <\/span>\n                        <span id=\"header-text-1552993730858\" class=\"accordions-head-title\">Day 22. Chatkal \u2013 Talas <\/span>\n                                    <\/div>\n                <div class=\"accordion-content content1552993730858 \">\n                    <p>Our further route leads us to the <strong>Northern Tien-Shan<\/strong>. Overcoming the pass with an altitude of 4000 m, we will get into the low mountain zone \u2013 the <strong>Talas Valley<\/strong>. On the way, we will see the <strong>Chatkal Yellow Tulip<\/strong> (<strong><em>Tulipa anadroma<\/em><\/strong>), <strong>Pskem Onion<\/strong> (<strong><em>Allium pskemense<\/em><\/strong>), <strong>Kaufmann\u2019s<\/strong> <strong>Tulip<\/strong> <em>(<strong>Tulipa kaufmanniana<\/strong>),<\/em> and other plants. Overnight at hotel in Talas.<\/p>\n                <\/div>\n        \n                <div post_id=\"1515\" itemcount=\"22\"  header_id=\"header-1552993731265\" id=\"header-1552993731265\" style=\"\" class=\"accordions-head head1552993731265 border-none\" toggle-text=\"\" main-text=\"Day 23. Vicinity of Talas\">\n                                            <span id=\"accordion-icons-1552993731265\" class=\"accordion-icons\">\n                            <span class=\"accordion-icon-active accordion-plus\"><i class=\"fa fas fa-chevron-up\"><\/i><\/span>\n                            <span class=\"accordion-icon-inactive accordion-minus\"><i class=\"fa fas fa-chevron-down\"><\/i><\/span>\n                        <\/span>\n                        <span id=\"header-text-1552993731265\" class=\"accordions-head-title\">Day 23. Vicinity of Talas<\/span>\n                                    <\/div>\n                <div class=\"accordion-content content1552993731265 \">\n                    <p>The Talas Valley is the last major oasis in the north of Tien-Shan. It represents the geographical border between the Tien-Shan and the vast semi-desert steppes of Kazakhstan. Here is an active life of fauna and flora. Here we will see rare and endemic species of plants: Semenov\u2019s, or Tien Shan, <strong>Fir-tree<\/strong> <em>(<strong>Abies semenovi<\/strong><\/em>), <strong>Greig's Tulip<\/strong> (<em><strong>Tulipa greigii<\/strong>),<\/em> <strong>Kolpakovski's Blueflag<\/strong> (<strong><em>Iridodictyum kolpakowskianum<\/em><\/strong>), <strong>Gypsophila-like Allochrusa<\/strong> (<em><strong>Allochrusa gypsophiloides<\/strong>), <\/em><strong>Sievers's Apple-tree<\/strong> (<em><strong>Malus sieversii<\/strong>), <\/em><strong>Persian Rowan<\/strong> (<em><strong>Sorbus persica<\/strong>), <\/em><strong>Petunnikov's Almond<\/strong> (<em><strong>Amygdalus petunnikowii<\/strong>),<\/em>and other plant species. We will conduct an excursion to the <strong>historical and cultural complex \"Manas<\/strong>\". We will have a seminar on the topic: Rare and endemic flowers of the Northern Tien-Shan. Information sharing, Final Briefing. Banquet. Overnight at hotel.<\/p>\n                <\/div>\n        \n                <div post_id=\"1515\" itemcount=\"23\"  header_id=\"header-1552993731691\" id=\"header-1552993731691\" style=\"\" class=\"accordions-head head1552993731691 border-none\" toggle-text=\"\" main-text=\"Day 24. Talas \u2013 Bishkek \">\n                                            <span id=\"accordion-icons-1552993731691\" class=\"accordion-icons\">\n                            <span class=\"accordion-icon-active accordion-plus\"><i class=\"fa fas fa-chevron-up\"><\/i><\/span>\n                            <span class=\"accordion-icon-inactive accordion-minus\"><i class=\"fa fas fa-chevron-down\"><\/i><\/span>\n                        <\/span>\n                        <span id=\"header-text-1552993731691\" class=\"accordions-head-title\">Day 24. Talas \u2013 Bishkek <\/span>\n                                    <\/div>\n                <div class=\"accordion-content content1552993731691 \">\n                    <p><strong>Our expedition<\/strong> is coming to its end. Overnight at hotel.<\/p>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n\n\n    \n                <\/div>\n<hr \/>\n<table style=\"height: 150px;\" width=\"576\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td colspan=\"10\" width=\"689\">Price: Botanical Expedition Across Western and Central Tien Shan (in USD)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"113\">Group size:<\/td>\n<td width=\"69\">6<\/td>\n<td width=\"63\">7<\/td>\n<td width=\"63\">8<\/td>\n<td width=\"69\">9<\/td>\n<td width=\"69\">10<\/td>\n<td width=\"70\">11<\/td>\n<td width=\"69\">12<\/td>\n<td width=\"79\">13<\/td>\n<td width=\"26\">14-15<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"113\">Price per person, $<\/td>\n<td width=\"69\">2350<\/td>\n<td width=\"63\">2150<\/td>\n<td width=\"63\">2100<\/td>\n<td width=\"69\">1900<\/td>\n<td width=\"69\">1700<\/td>\n<td width=\"70\">1650<\/td>\n<td width=\"69\">1500<\/td>\n<td width=\"79\">1300<\/td>\n<td>1300<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<hr \/>\n<div id=\"accordions-1519\" class=\"accordions-1519 accordions\" data-accordions={&quot;lazyLoad&quot;:false,&quot;id&quot;:&quot;1519&quot;,&quot;event&quot;:&quot;click&quot;,&quot;collapsible&quot;:&quot;true&quot;,&quot;heightStyle&quot;:&quot;content&quot;,&quot;animateStyle&quot;:&quot;swing&quot;,&quot;animateDelay&quot;:1000,&quot;navigation&quot;:true,&quot;active&quot;:999,&quot;expandedOther&quot;:&quot;no&quot;}>\n                    <div class=\"items\" >\n        \n                <div post_id=\"1519\" itemcount=\"0\"  header_id=\"header-1552994963052\" id=\"header-1552994963052\" style=\"\" class=\"accordions-head head1552994963052 border-none\" toggle-text=\"\" main-text=\"INCLUDED\">\n                                            <span id=\"accordion-icons-1552994963052\" class=\"accordion-icons\">\n                            <span class=\"accordion-icon-active accordion-plus\"><i class=\"fa fas fa-chevron-up\"><\/i><\/span>\n                            <span class=\"accordion-icon-inactive accordion-minus\"><i class=\"fa fas fa-chevron-down\"><\/i><\/span>\n                        <\/span>\n                        <span id=\"header-text-1552994963052\" class=\"accordions-head-title\">INCLUDED<\/span>\n                                    <\/div>\n                <div class=\"accordion-content content1552994963052 \">\n                    <ul>\n<li>- Meeting and seeing off at the airport<\/li>\n<li>- Accommodation in hotels 3 * according to the program (double\/twin rooms)<\/li>\n<li>- Tents for accommodation<\/li>\n<li>- Large tent for the kitchen and dining room<\/li>\n<li>- Three meals a day for the whole program<\/li>\n<li>- Separate meals for vegetarians<\/li>\n<li>- Transport according to the program<\/li>\n<li>- Guide-expert<\/li>\n<li>- Cook<\/li>\n<li>- Entrance fees to reserves<\/li>\n<li>- Equipment rent<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n                <\/div>\n        \n                <div post_id=\"1519\" itemcount=\"1\"  header_id=\"header-1552994963355\" id=\"header-1552994963355\" style=\"\" class=\"accordions-head head1552994963355 border-none\" toggle-text=\"\" main-text=\"EXCLUSIONS\">\n                                            <span id=\"accordion-icons-1552994963355\" class=\"accordion-icons\">\n                            <span class=\"accordion-icon-active accordion-plus\"><i class=\"fa fas fa-chevron-up\"><\/i><\/span>\n                            <span class=\"accordion-icon-inactive accordion-minus\"><i class=\"fa fas fa-chevron-down\"><\/i><\/span>\n                        <\/span>\n                        <span id=\"header-text-1552994963355\" class=\"accordions-head-title\">EXCLUSIONS<\/span>\n                                    <\/div>\n                <div class=\"accordion-content content1552994963355 \">\n                    <ul>\n<li>- International flights<\/li>\n<li>- Rental of individual equipment<\/li>\n<li>- Single room accommodation<\/li>\n<li>- Cost of visa and consular services<\/li>\n<li>- Personal expenses in a hotel, bar, international calls, etc.<\/li>\n<li>- Insurance<\/li>\n<li>- Any changes to the program<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n\n\n    \n                <\/div>\n<hr \/>\n<ul>\n<li>Upon request, we can negotiate the optimal price for your budget.<br \/>\nPrice depends on the number of participants.<br \/>\n<strong>Group size<\/strong>: 6-15 people.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<p><strong>Accommodation in hotels:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>&#8211; Bishkek &#8211; 3 nights<\/li>\n<li>&#8211; Karakol &#8211; 1 night,<\/li>\n<li>&#8211; Suusamyr Valley &#8211; 1 night<\/li>\n<li>&#8211; Toktogul reservoir &#8211; 1 night,<\/li>\n<li>&#8211; Arslanbob &#8211; 2 nights<\/li>\n<li>&#8211; Osh &#8211; 2 nights,<\/li>\n<li>&#8211; Reserve Kyrgyz-Ata &#8211; 1 night,<\/li>\n<li>&#8211; Batken &#8211; 1 night,<\/li>\n<li>&#8211; Sary-Chelek Reserve &#8211; 2 nights,<\/li>\n<li>&#8211; Kanysh-Kiya (Chatkal) &#8211; 1 night,<\/li>\n<li>&#8211; Talas &#8211; 1 night<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Total: 16 nights<\/p>\n<p><strong>Accommodation in tents:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>&#8211; Karkara Valley &#8211; 2 nights<\/li>\n<li>&#8211; Valley Sary-Jaz &#8211; 1 night,<\/li>\n<li>&#8211; Ak-Suu gorge &#8211; 1 night<\/li>\n<li>&#8211; Karatal Dzhapryk Reserve &#8211; 2 nights,<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Total: 6 nights<\/p>\n<p><strong>Accommodation in yurts:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>&#8211; Son-Kul &#8211; 1 night<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Total: 1 night<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Our email:\u00a0<a href=\"mailto:info@geoexplorersclub.com\"><strong>info@geoexplorersclub.com<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<p><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Immerse yourself in the unique world of flora of the Western and Central Tien Shan \u2013 a region of unparalleled biodiversity and global scientific<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":1815,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[132,137,119,120,139],"tags":[211,214,210,213,212],"class_list":["post-1498","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-botanicure","category-botanictours-in-kyrgyzstan","category-tours","category-geoexpeditions","category-expeditions-in-kyrgyzstan","tag-botanical-expedition","tag-karkara","tag-korshinskys-meadow-saxifrage","tag-sary-jaz","tag-western-tien-shan"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/geoexplorersclub.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1498","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/geoexplorersclub.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/geoexplorersclub.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/geoexplorersclub.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/geoexplorersclub.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1498"}],"version-history":[{"count":107,"href":"https:\/\/geoexplorersclub.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1498\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6623,"href":"https:\/\/geoexplorersclub.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1498\/revisions\/6623"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/geoexplorersclub.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1815"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/geoexplorersclub.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1498"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/geoexplorersclub.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1498"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/geoexplorersclub.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1498"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}