Botanical tour of the Western Tian-Shan (All Kyrgyzstan), June 13-26 2024

Briefing in the conference hall of the hotel. Presentation of the program. Meet the guide expert. Overnight at hotel.

The Bishkek Botanical Garden was founded in 1938. It is a research institute of the National Academy of Sciences of Kyrgyzstan. And also is a state reserve. The Arboretum Reserve 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.

In the Botanical Garden collection there are about 6500 taxa 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, 639 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 4278. 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 - Botanic Gardens Conservation International, Kew, UK. In the afternoon, we drive to the Ala Archa National Park. 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: Juno Orchid (Juno orchioides), Kolpakovsky iridodictium (Iris kolpakowskiana). Return to Bishkek. Overnight at hotel.

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 Red Book of Kyrgyzstan and 2 are species in the IUCN Red List – ibisbill, Oxyura leucocephala.  On the way, we will stop in the valley of the Tup River – 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 – early June, you can still see such plants as the: Tulip Greigi (Tulipa greigii), Zinaida tulip (Tulipa zenaidae). As well as such species as the: Tien Shan Sibiraea (Sibiraea tianschanica). Karkara is a magnificent landscape filled with numerous herbs and forests. Overnight in tents.

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 Karkara River is filled with grass scent. Coniferous and deciduous forests are perfectly combined here. We will try to find a very rare species here – Obtusilobous Windflower (Anemone obtusiloba).Return to the camp. Overnight in tents.

Our path lies in a highland zone. For this, we will use a former military vehicle remade for research groups and tourists. During the day we will be in the highland zone of Sary-Jaz at an altitude of more than 3000 m. Sary-Jaz 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 – Obtusilobous Windflower (Anemone obtusiloba). In July and August, a medicinal plant blooms here – Haplotaxis involucrata (Saussurea involucrata). And also we will see the Berberis kaschgarica. Here we can come across the Wrapped Alpine Saw-wort (Saussurea involucrata), Edelweiss-like Pyrethrum (Pyrethrum leontopodium), Corydalis krasnovii Mikhailova. Of course, we will see Edelweiss and many other plant species. Overnight in tents.

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 Turgen-Aksu gorge. 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: Edelweiss-like Pyrethrum (Pyrethrum leontopodium), Tianschaniella (Tianschaniella umbellifera) and others. These places are also attractive for mammals of high-mountain fauna, including those listed in the Red Book of Kyrgyzstan: snow leopard, argali, manul, Tien-Shan light-clad bear, etc. Descent through Ak-Su gorge. Overnight in tents.

Today we will descend to the Karakol City – 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.

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 Issyk-Kul Lake 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 Ramsar Convention, 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 Karatal-Dzhapryk reserve. 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 Son-Kul River. Overnight in tents.

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 International Union for Conservation of Nature, 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 – Susamyr Catchfly  (Silene sussamyrica), Ammopiptanthus nanus (Piptanthus nanus). Overnight in tents.

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 Western Siberia, Altai, and northeastern Kazakhstan 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 – Korshinsky's Meadow Saxifrage (Seseli korshinskyi). The species is of great scientific importance. Overnight in yurts.

A fascinating route awaits for us today. Our route goes along the Kökemeren River. Here, in the picturesque gorge, a certain microclimate is preserved for various plant species and endemics. Here you can find: Dwarf Ammopiptanth (Ammopiptanthus nanus), Sievers's Apple-tree (Malus sieversii) – listed in the International Red Book (IUCN RLTS).

Here you can see therare species Dwarf Ammopiptanth (Ammopiptanthus nanus), as well as endemics – Turkestan Kosopoljanskia (Kosopoljanskia turkestanica), Asteraceae (Pyrethrum sovetkinae). Further, we will get to the Susamyr valley (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.

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 Fergana Valley. Compared with the Northern Tien-Shan, endemic and rare flora prevails here. In the Chychkan gorge – 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 Susamyr Catchfly (Silene sussamyrica). Near the Toktogul reservoir we will see rare endemics of the Fergana Range: Astragalus duanensis, Scutellaria andrachnoides, Scutellaria botbaevae, Phlomoides knorringiana, Salvia vvedenskyi, Tymus insertus, Cousinia knorringiae 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.

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, Intermediate Hyalolaena (Hyalolaena intermedia). 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: Serratula aphyllopoda Iljin, Litvinov’s Rosewort (Rhodiola litwinowii), Korolkov's Pagoda-tree (Styphnolobium korolkowii), Short-winged Bladder-senna (Colutea brachyptera), Kashgarian Bean Caper (Zygophyllum kaschgaricum), and Intermediate Hyalolaena (Hyalolaena intermedia). On the border of the desert and limestone rocks, we will explore the rare endemic Seaholly-like Meadow Saxifrage (Seseli eryngioides). We will try to find very rare plants that are endangered, such as the Microcarpous Dorema (Dorema microcarpum), Andrachne-like Scullcup (Scutellaria andrachnoides), Lamyropappus (Lamyropappus schakaptaricus), and other rare plants. In the evening we will arrive to Arslanbob. Overnight at Uzbek guest house.

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 “hotbed of survival” 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: Alai Centaury (Centaurea alaica), Eugenia’s Bell-flower (Campanula eugeniae), Microcarpous Dorema (Dorema microcarpum), Chaeto-fruited Sweet (Hedysarum chaitocarpum), Alliaceae (Allium gultschense), Amaryllidaceae (Ungernia ferganica), Iridaceae (Juno zenaidae), Caryophyllaceae (Elisanthe fedtschenkoana), Sievers's Apple-tree  (Malus sieversii ) and other rare endemics. We will visit the Arslanbob waterfalls – popular places for pilgrims throughout the Fergana Valley. Everyone who is interested can ride a horse. In the evening, we will have dinner with national dishes. Overnight at Uzbek guest house.

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 Great Silk Road 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 – 400 m above sea level. In the Osh City , we will make an excursion to the Suleiman-Too Mountain – a UNESCO heritage. In the evening we will have a seminar on endemics of Alai and Fergana.  Overnight at hotel.

The Kyrgyz-Ata 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 Zeravshan and Turkestan juniper species grow here; more than 200 animal species live here. Here you can see the – snow leopard, lynx, wolf, hare and fox. And also there are various types of birds. Here we will study rare plant species: Knorring's Larkspur (Delphinium knorringianum), Wolly-fruited Kosopoljanskia (Kosopoljanskia hebecarpa), Microcarpous Dorema (Dorema microcarpum), Euphorbiaceae (Andrachne pygmaea), and other rare endemics. Overnight at the hotel of the national park Kyrgyz-Ata.

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: Pink Tulip  (Tulipa rosea), Knorring's Larkspur (Delphinium knorringianum), Microfumitory (Fumariola turkestanic), Short-winged Bladder-senna (Colutea brachyptera), Microcarpous Dorema (Dorema microcarpum), Catmint-like Scullcup (Scutellaria nepetoides), Alai Physochlaina (Physochlaina alaica), Nathaliella (Nathaliella alaica), Olga’s Chinese Trumpet-creeper (Incarvillea olgae), Golden Trichanthemis Centaury (Trichanthemis aurea).  We will try to find very rare species: Olga's Sorbaria (Sorbaria olgae), Dense Prickly-thrift (Acantholimon compactum). We will explore the semi-desert surroundings of Batken. Overnight at hotel.

In the morning we will continue to explore the rare fauna of the northern foothills of the Alai Range. We will visit the Kyzyl-Kuak Mountain – the only place in the world where the endangered species of Fritillāria eduárdii grows. We will also try to find other endemics: Polygonum atraphaxiforme, Incarvillea olgae, 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.

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 – 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: Lamyropappus (Lamyropappus schakaptaricus), Asphodelaceae (Eremurus zenaidae), Korolkov's Pagoda-tree (Styphnolobium korolkowii), Short-winged Bladder-senna (Colutea brachyptera), Intermediate Hyalolaena (Hyalolaena intermedia), and others. Along the way, we will try to find endangered plant species: Seaholly-like Meadow Saxifrage (Seseli eryngioides), icrocarpous Dorema (Dorema microcarpum), Andrachne-like Scullcup (Scutellaria andrachnoides). Next on our route is Sary-Chelek. Overnight at guest house.

Sary-Chelek is a unique biosphere reserve. 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. Sary-Chelek also has a great variety of flora. We will explore the Relic endemic species, Chaeto-fruited Sweet (Hedysarum chaitocarpum).We will also try to find the rare and endemic plant species: Cousinia knorringiae, Campanula eugeniae, Bunium sary-cheleki, Hedysarum chaitocarpum, and other plants. Overnight in guest house.

Today we are going to Chatkal – a wilderness area and a UNESCO heritage. Along the way, in the southern foothills of the Chatkal ridge, we will explore very rare species: Middle Asian Pear (Pуrus asiae-mediae), Korzhinski's Pear (Pуrus korshinskyi), Twelve-dentate Onion (Allium dodecadontum). And also a very rare endangered species – Niedzvetzki's Apple-tree (Malus niedzwetzkyana). Here in Chatkal, we will also try to explore the only flora of Kyrgyzstan that is included in the International Red Book (IUCN RLTS) Sievers's Apple-tree (Malus sieversii). We will try to explore rare species: Persian Rowan (Sorbus persica) as well as a relict narrow-endemic species - Petunnikov's Almond (Amygdalus petunnikowii). Overnight at guest house in the Kanysh Kiya Village.

Our further route leads us to the Northern Tien-Shan. Overcoming the pass with an altitude of 4000 m, we will get into the low mountain zone – the Talas Valley. On the way, we will see the Chatkal Yellow Tulip (Tulipa anadroma), Pskem Onion (Allium pskemense), Kaufmann’s Tulip (Tulipa kaufmanniana), and other plants. Overnight at hotel in Talas.

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’s, or Tien Shan, Fir-tree (Abies semenovi), Greig's Tulip (Tulipa greigii), Kolpakovski's Blueflag (Iridodictyum kolpakowskianum), Gypsophila-like Allochrusa (Allochrusa gypsophiloides), Sievers's Apple-tree (Malus sieversii), Persian Rowan (Sorbus persica), Petunnikov's Almond (Amygdalus petunnikowii),and other plant species. We will conduct an excursion to the historical and cultural complex "Manas". 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.

Our expedition is coming to its end. Overnight at hotel.

• - Meeting and seeing off at the airport
• - Accommodation in hotels 3 * according to the program (double/twin rooms)
• - Tents for accommodation
• - Large tent for the kitchen and dining room
• - Three meals a day for the whole program
• - Separate meals for vegetarians
• - Transport according to the program
• - Guide-expert
• - Cook
• - Entrance fees to reserves
• - Equipment rent

• - International flights
• - Rental of individual equipment
• - Single room accommodation
• - Cost of visa and consular services
• - Personal expenses in a hotel, bar, international calls, etc.
• - Insurance
• - Any changes to the program