Kyrgyzstan is a small mountain country that almost no photographer visits, with more than 500 species across a landscape that runs from the steppe and semi-desert of the Chuy and Jalal-Abad valleys to the high pastures and snow peaks of Naryn and Issyk-Kul. Our twelve-day tour crosses four provinces in early May for the Central Asian birds that are otherwise scattered across five countries: Chinese Rubythroat, Ibisbill, Red-mantled Rosefinch, Red-fronted Serin, Eversmann's and Güldenstädt's Redstart, Altai and Brown Accentor, White-browed Tit-Warbler, Azure Tit and six buntings including the critically endangered Yellow-breasted Bunting.
One to four photographers, led by Roland.
Because the birds are Central Asian specialities and the backgrounds are extraordinary. Early May is spring in the valleys and late winter on the passes: the buntings, rollers and bee-eaters are singing on territory in the lowlands while the rosefinches, accentors and redstarts are still low in the mountains, and both can be photographed in the same week. Snow peaks, poplar-lined rivers and open steppe make backgrounds that no forest hide can offer. And with almost no bird tourism, the sites are quiet.
For a photographer who has worked the mountains of the Himalaya or the Tibetan Plateau, Kyrgyzstan adds the western species of the same families in easier terrain: no altitude to speak of, good roads, and lodges rather than tents. It is graded easy.
Late April to early June, when the lowland breeders have arrived and the mountain birds are still accessible. Our departure is in the first half of May. July and August are good for the high passes but the valleys are hot and quiet; the mountains are closed by snow from October to April.
Bishkek and the Chuy valley for White-crowned Penduline Tit, European Roller, European Bee-eater, Red-headed Bunting and Azure Tit; Jalal-Abad for Lesser Kestrel, White-capped and Yellow-breasted Bunting; Naryn for Golden Eagle, both redstarts, both rosefinches, both dippers, Red-fronted Serin, Demoiselle Crane, Chinese Rubythroat and the accentors; Issyk-Kul for Grey-necked Bunting, Horned Lark and Citrine Wagtail; then two mountain sites back in Chuy for Chinese Rubythroat, White-browed Tit-Warbler, Ibisbill, Pine Bunting, Upland Buzzard and the rosefinches. Fourteen photography sessions.
US$10,700 per person (2027), single supplement US$900, deposit US$3,000. Includes guiding, ground transport, domestic flights, accommodation, meals, entrance and hide fees. Also scheduled 1-12 May 2028 (US$11,200) and 2029 (US$11,800).
Kyrgyzstan sits between our Mongolia tour (ends 11 May) and the Central Asian neighbours Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan; ask us about private combinations.
Late April to early June. Our scheduled tour runs 1-12 May.
Chinese Rubythroat, Ibisbill, Red-mantled Rosefinch, Red-fronted Serin, Eversmann's Redstart, Azure Tit, European Roller and four or five of the six buntings are regulars. White-browed Tit-Warbler and Güldenstädt's Redstart are the ones the mountain days are for.
Four at most. Private trips are possible from late April to June; solo travellers on a private trip pay a single-participant surcharge.
Some feeding stations in the mountains; mostly open-country work. 500-600 mm with a teleconverter for the buntings and rubythroat; a 100-400 for the rollers, cranes and landscapes.
Easy. Light walking, early starts, moderate drives, and comfortable lodgings throughout.
Guiding, ground transport, domestic flights, accommodation, meals, entrance and hide fees. Not included: international flights, visa, travel insurance, tips for local guides, personal items.
