Kyrgyzstan is not only highlands of the Tian-Shan, and mountain ranges with glaciers, but is also semi-desert landscapes. The temperature there reaches up to 45 degrees in Celsius. The area is a habitat for reptile fauna: snakes, turtles, monitor lizards and lizards.
The tour is dedicated to these reclusive reptiles. We will endeavor to observe and photograph these magnificent representatives of the fauna of Kyrgyzstan. The tour will go through the Ferghana Valley – a fertile oasis and the most torrid region of the Tian-Shan.
There are only four species of the herpetofauna that represent Kyrgyzstan, one of which is a lake frog, the “mix” species of Rana ridibunda, apparently came with humans from the north-west. The number of reptile species currently existing on the planet reaches, according to various estimates 7350–7800. Central Asia is inhabited by at least 90 known species, Kyrgyzstan – 37. Despite the relatively small number, it should not be considered final. The culmination of the tour will be observation of snakes in semi-desert landscapes in the south-west of Kyrgyzstan.
PROGRAM
Day 1. Arrival in Bishkek
Hotel accommodation. Briefing. Introduction to an expert guide.
Day 2. Bishkek - Suusamyr Valley - Kerben
The day will be devoted to exploring of the Chui valley fauna. On the way to the Suusamyr Valley, we will make a stopover into a swamp of the Chui Valley, where we will observe the Central Asian frog (Rana asiatica Bedriaga). Further, the path leads to the alpine valley of Suusamyr. There we will make a lunch-stop. Further, the road starts to decline towards the Ferghana Valley down to Tash-Komur town. The outskirts of the town are very hot, resembling the Kyzyl-Jar savannah. Accommodation in a hotel in Kerben town.
Day 3. Kerben - Kyzyl-Jar savannah
There we will set-up a field camp and will observe a local fauna. Ordinarily, the fauna becomes active at night. There could be observed: Central Asian tortoise (Agrionemys horsfieldi); Sheltopusik or Armor Glass-lizard (Pseudopus apodus); Renard’s Meadow Viper (Vipera ursinii). Overnight in tents.
Day 4. Kyzyl-Jar - Osh
During the day, we will move to the southern capital of Kyrgyzstan, Osh city. Hotel accommodation.
Day 5. Osh
Excursion to the local history museum. City Tour. Overnight at a hotel.
Day 6. Osh - Tuya-Muyun
Transfer to Tuya-Muyun highland area. This is a famous karst area. There are famous caves there; in some of them one can meet rare snakes and other reptiles: Diadem, or Clifford’s Rat, Snake (Spalerosophis diadema); Schneider’s Gold Skink (Novoeumeces schneideri) and others. Overnight in tents.
Day 7. Tuya-Muyun - Batken
Hotel accommodation in Batken town.
Day 8. Batken - Madygen Geopark
The area resembles a Martyan landscape. There is a Geopark. The area is a semi-desert terrain, aesthetically beautiful for geology devotees, that attracts biology lovers as well. Overnight in a field camp.
Day 9. Surroundings of the Madygen Geopark
Madygen is a unique place not only for geologists, but also for biological observations. The place is perfect to observe reptiles. There dwell species listed in the Red Book: Steppe, or Afghan, Tortoise (Agrionemys horsfieldi); Said-Aliev’s Toad Agama (Said-Aliev’s Sunwatcher) (Phrynocephalus saidalievi); Transcaspian Desert Monitor (Varanus griseus); Sheltopusik, or Armor Glass-lizard (Pseudopus apodus); Schneider’s Gold Skink (Novoeumeces schneideri); Tatary Sand Boa (Eryx tataricus); Diadem, or lifford’s Rat, Snake (Spalerosophis diadema); Renard’s Meadow Viper (Vipera ursinii); Turkestan agama (Laudakia lehmanni) and others. Overnight in tents.
Day 10. Surroundings of the Madygen Geopark
We will make an attempt to observe nightlife of desert animals. Overnight in tents.
Day 11. Madygen - Batken - Osh
After breakfast, the path lies back to Osh city. Overnight at a hotel.
Day 12. Osh - Airport
The way back to Bishkek is optional by car as well.
- Meeting and seeing off at the airport
- Accommodation in 3 * hotels according to the program (double occupancy)
- Tents for living
- Large tent for kitchen and dining room
- Three meals a day throughout the program,
- Transport according to the program,
- Expert guide,
- Chef,
- Air ticket Osh-Bishkek
- Entrance fees to reserves and museums
- - International air fare to Bishkek / Osh and back
- 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, we can negotiate the optimal price for your budget.
Price depends on the number of participants
Our email: info@geoexplorersclub.com