{"id":4073,"date":"2019-09-02T16:06:31","date_gmt":"2019-09-02T13:06:31","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/geoexplorersclub.com\/?p=4073"},"modified":"2026-02-09T08:59:10","modified_gmt":"2026-02-09T05:59:10","slug":"babochkovyj-tur-v-kyrgyzstan-babochki-tyan-shanya-12-dnej","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/geoexplorersclub.com\/en\/babochkovyj-tur-v-kyrgyzstan-babochki-tyan-shanya-12-dnej\/","title":{"rendered":"Butterfly Expedition in Kyrgyzstan \u2013 Issyk-Kul and the High Tien Shan"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><strong data-start=\"316\" data-end=\"339\">Best time to visit:<\/strong> June\u2013July<br data-start=\"349\" data-end=\"352\" \/><strong data-start=\"352\" data-end=\"365\">Duration:<\/strong> 14 days (with an alternative 7-day itinerary)<br data-start=\"411\" data-end=\"414\" \/><strong data-start=\"414\" data-end=\"437\">Optimal group size:<\/strong> 2\u201315 participants<br data-start=\"455\" data-end=\"458\" \/><strong data-start=\"458\" data-end=\"475\">Route length:<\/strong> approximately 2,500 km<br data-start=\"498\" data-end=\"501\" \/><strong data-start=\"501\" data-end=\"522\">Difficulty level:<\/strong> moderate, with altitudes up to 4,000 m<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"570\" data-end=\"584\"><strong>Overview<\/strong><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"585\" data-end=\"1126\">Embark on a unique journey into the pristine landscapes of the Kyrgyz Tien Shan, a biodiversity hotspot in Central Asia. This <strong data-start=\"711\" data-end=\"743\">butterfly-focused expedition<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1128\" data-end=\"1583\">The Kyrgyz Tien Shan is home to extraordinary species such as the <strong data-start=\"1194\" data-end=\"1226\">Royal Sulphur (Colias regia)<\/strong>, found at elevations up to 4,000 m, and the <strong data-start=\"1271\" data-end=\"1314\">Christoph\u2019s Sulphur (Colias christophi)<\/strong>, named after the renowned entomologist Hugo Christoph and listed in Kyrgyzstan\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"1585\" data-end=\"1588\" \/>\n<p data-start=\"1590\" data-end=\"1632\"><strong>Scientific and Ecological Highlights<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-start=\"1635\" data-end=\"1791\"><strong data-start=\"1635\" data-end=\"1656\">Diverse Habitats:<\/strong> From semi-arid foothills to alpine meadows and glacial valleys, each altitude zone hosts distinct Lepidoptera and plant communities.<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1794\" data-end=\"1919\"><strong data-start=\"1794\" data-end=\"1824\">Endemism and Conservation:<\/strong> Encounter species unique to the Tien Shan, some of which are of global conservation concern.<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1922\" data-end=\"2087\"><strong data-start=\"1922\" data-end=\"1948\">Altitudinal Gradients:<\/strong> Observe how butterfly species composition changes with elevation, providing a living laboratory for ecological and evolutionary studies.<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2090\" data-end=\"2224\"><strong data-start=\"2090\" data-end=\"2115\">Pollination Networks:<\/strong> Study interactions between butterflies, flowering plants, and other pollinators in undisturbed ecosystems.<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2227\" data-end=\"2386\"><strong data-start=\"2227\" data-end=\"2249\">Cultural Insights:<\/strong> Visit traditional Kyrgyz villages and yurt settlements, observing the harmonious coexistence of people and high-altitude environments.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/geoexplorersclub.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/marshrut-babochkovogo-tura-po-issyk-kulyu-i-vnutrennemu-tyan-shanyu-scaled.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-4355\" src=\"https:\/\/geoexplorersclub.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/marshrut-babochkovogo-tura-po-issyk-kulyu-i-vnutrennemu-tyan-shanyu-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1454\" srcset=\"https:\/\/geoexplorersclub.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/marshrut-babochkovogo-tura-po-issyk-kulyu-i-vnutrennemu-tyan-shanyu-scaled.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/geoexplorersclub.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/marshrut-babochkovogo-tura-po-issyk-kulyu-i-vnutrennemu-tyan-shanyu-300x170.jpg 300w, https:\/\/geoexplorersclub.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/marshrut-babochkovogo-tura-po-issyk-kulyu-i-vnutrennemu-tyan-shanyu-1024x581.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/geoexplorersclub.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/marshrut-babochkovogo-tura-po-issyk-kulyu-i-vnutrennemu-tyan-shanyu-768x436.jpg 768w, https:\/\/geoexplorersclub.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/marshrut-babochkovogo-tura-po-issyk-kulyu-i-vnutrennemu-tyan-shanyu-1536x872.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/geoexplorersclub.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/marshrut-babochkovogo-tura-po-issyk-kulyu-i-vnutrennemu-tyan-shanyu-2048x1163.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p data-start=\"2393\" data-end=\"2425\"><strong>Tour program (14 Days)<\/strong><\/p>\n<pre data-start=\"2427\" data-end=\"2581\"><strong data-start=\"2427\" data-end=\"2457\">Day 1 \u2013 Arrival in Bishkek<\/strong><\/pre>\n<p data-start=\"2427\" data-end=\"2581\">Meet at the airport, introduction to the expedition, briefing by the entomologist, and overnight stay in a local hotel.<\/p>\n<pre data-start=\"2583\" data-end=\"2933\"><strong data-start=\"2583\" data-end=\"2627\">Day 2 \u2013 Bishkek to Issyk-Kul and Karakol<\/strong><\/pre>\n<p data-start=\"2583\" data-end=\"2933\">Ascend from 700 m to 1,600 m, traveling to the Issyk-Kul region. Explore mountain valleys and reserves, observing species such as <strong data-start=\"2760\" data-end=\"2825\">Apollo butterflies (Parnassius apollo, Merzbacher subspecies)<\/strong>. Guided walks in the Grigoriev Gorge showcase native pine forests and alpine lakes. Overnight in Karakol.<\/p>\n<pre data-start=\"2935\" data-end=\"3152\"><strong>Day 3 \u2013 Karakol to Karkara<\/strong><\/pre>\n<p data-start=\"2935\" data-end=\"3152\">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.<\/p>\n<pre data-start=\"3154\" data-end=\"3450\"><strong data-start=\"3154\" data-end=\"3185\">Day 4 \u2013 Karkara to Sary-Jaz<\/strong><\/pre>\n<p data-start=\"3154\" data-end=\"3450\">Ascend to over 3,500 m using specialized vehicles (6WD or 4WD depending on group size). Search for the rare <strong data-start=\"3296\" data-end=\"3323\">Loxias Apollo butterfly<\/strong>, a species of high scientific importance for biogeography and evolutionary studies. Overnight in a high-mountain field camp.<\/p>\n<pre data-start=\"3452\" data-end=\"3701\"><strong data-start=\"3452\" data-end=\"3507\">Day 5 \u2013 Sary-Jaz to Chon Ak-Suu and back to Karakol<\/strong><\/pre>\n<p data-start=\"3452\" data-end=\"3701\">Explore the high-altitude valleys of Sary-Jaz (3,500\u20134,000 m) before descending to Chon Ak-Suu gorge. Observations include alpine flora, endemic insects, and birdlife. Overnight in Karakol.<\/p>\n<pre data-start=\"3703\" data-end=\"3875\"><strong data-start=\"3703\" data-end=\"3733\">Day 6 \u2013 Karakol to Kochkor<\/strong><\/pre>\n<p data-start=\"3703\" data-end=\"3875\">Pass through the scenic Barskoon and Jeti-Oguz gorges. Visit local craftsmen producing traditional felt items. Overnight in a guesthouse.<\/p>\n<pre data-start=\"3877\" data-end=\"4085\"><strong data-start=\"3877\" data-end=\"3922\">Day 7 \u2013 Kochkor to Naryn and Lake K\u00f6l-Suu<\/strong><\/pre>\n<p data-start=\"3877\" data-end=\"4085\">Travel through the Inner Tien Shan, observing species such as <strong data-start=\"3987\" data-end=\"4015\">Thermophila filipendulae<\/strong>, <strong data-start=\"4017\" data-end=\"4037\">Pontia daplidice<\/strong>, and <strong data-start=\"4043\" data-end=\"4058\">Arctia caja<\/strong>. Camp near Lake K\u00f6l-Suu.<\/p>\n<pre data-start=\"4087\" data-end=\"4303\"><strong data-start=\"4087\" data-end=\"4135\">Day 8 \u2013 K\u00f6l-Suu to Chatyr-Kul and Tash-Rabat<\/strong><\/pre>\n<p data-start=\"4087\" data-end=\"4303\">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.<\/p>\n<pre data-start=\"4305\" data-end=\"4472\"><strong data-start=\"4305\" data-end=\"4349\">Day 9 \u2013 Tash-Rabat to At-Bashi and Naryn<\/strong><\/pre>\n<p data-start=\"4305\" data-end=\"4472\">Walks in floodplain forests of the At-Bashi valley, observing diverse flora and butterfly species. Overnight in Naryn.<\/p>\n<pre data-start=\"4474\" data-end=\"4668\"><strong data-start=\"4474\" data-end=\"4508\">Day 10 \u2013 Naryn to Lake Son-Kul<\/strong><\/pre>\n<p data-start=\"4474\" data-end=\"4668\">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.<\/p>\n<pre data-start=\"4670\" data-end=\"4833\"><strong data-start=\"4670\" data-end=\"4702\">Day 11 \u2013 Son-Kul to Kyzyl-Oy<\/strong><\/pre>\n<p data-start=\"4670\" data-end=\"4833\">Explore the Kokomeran river valley, observing high-altitude butterfly species and diverse wildlife. Overnight in a guesthouse.<\/p>\n<pre data-start=\"4835\" data-end=\"5119\"><strong data-start=\"4835\" data-end=\"4875\">Day 12 \u2013 Kyzyl-Oy to Suusamyr Valley<\/strong><\/pre>\n<p data-start=\"4835\" data-end=\"5119\">High-mountain Suusamyr Valley (2,500 m) offers rich flora and opportunities to see <strong data-start=\"4961\" data-end=\"4980\">Papilio machaon<\/strong>, <strong data-start=\"4982\" data-end=\"5006\">Parnassius mnemosyne<\/strong>, <strong data-start=\"5008\" data-end=\"5027\">Speyeria aglaja<\/strong>, and <strong data-start=\"5033\" data-end=\"5061\">Macroglossum stellatarum<\/strong>. Overnight in a local guesthouse with kumis treatments.<\/p>\n<pre data-start=\"5121\" data-end=\"5322\"><strong data-start=\"5121\" data-end=\"5181\">Day 13 \u2013 Suusamyr to Lake Saz-Kul and Toktogul Reservoir<\/strong><\/pre>\n<p data-start=\"5121\" data-end=\"5322\">Scenic Lake Saz-Kul and Chychkan Gorge. Visit Toktogul, the largest artificial reservoir in Central Asia. Overnight in a lakeside hotel.<\/p>\n<pre data-start=\"5324\" data-end=\"5445\"><strong data-start=\"5324\" data-end=\"5356\">Day 14 \u2013 Toktogul to Bishkek<\/strong><\/pre>\n<p data-start=\"5324\" data-end=\"5445\">Return via Tuy-Ashu Pass with stops for butterfly observation. Overnight in Bishkek.<\/p>\n<pre data-start=\"5447\" data-end=\"5525\"><strong data-start=\"5447\" data-end=\"5469\">Day 15 \u2013 Departure<\/strong><\/pre>\n<p data-start=\"5447\" data-end=\"5525\">Transfer to the airport, concluding the expedition.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p><strong>Inclusions<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Airport transfers<\/li>\n<li>All transportation according to the itinerary<\/li>\n<li>Accommodation in hotels (3*), guesthouses, and twin tents<\/li>\n<li>Full board meals (vegetarian options available)<\/li>\n<li>Professional chef<\/li>\n<li>Entry fees to reserves and protected areas<\/li>\n<li>Expert entomologist guide<\/li>\n<li>Bottled water<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Exclusions<\/strong>: personal expenses<br \/>\n<strong>Price<\/strong>: upon request, depending on group size (optimal 2\u201315 participants)<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\" data-start=\"2814\" data-end=\"2956\">Our address: <a href=\"mailto:info@geoexplorersclub.com\">info@geoexplorersclub.com<\/a><\/p>\n<p><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Best time to visit: June\u2013JulyDuration: 14 days (with an alternative 7-day itinerary)Optimal group size: 2\u201315 participantsRoute length: approximately 2,500 kmDifficulty level: moderate, with altitudes<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":4076,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[297,298,119],"tags":[400,401,399],"class_list":["post-4073","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-butterfly-tours","category-babochkovyj-tur-v-kyrgyzstane","category-tours","tag-butterfly-tour-to-kyrgyzstan","tag-tien-shan-butterflies","tag-butterfly-tours"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/geoexplorersclub.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4073","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=4073"}],"version-history":[{"count":67,"href":"https:\/\/geoexplorersclub.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4073\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6784,"href":"https:\/\/geoexplorersclub.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4073\/revisions\/6784"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/geoexplorersclub.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4076"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/geoexplorersclub.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4073"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/geoexplorersclub.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4073"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/geoexplorersclub.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4073"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}