A tour into the Tien Shan and Pamir Alai of this wonderfully scenic Central Asia land, with highlands rich in species including scarce Parnassius and Colias.
Species lists are available on request.
A tour with Hiro Takenouchi.
Why not watch Hiro's videos of some of the species and the spectacular Kyrgyz landscapes:
https://youtu.be/dUz5i4Sfxz8?si=TijqEqrTy0rMRmKz
https://youtu.be/iPe2YFglUXQAfter an early morning arrival into Bishkek and a breakfast, we will drive for a few hours to Chon Kemin where we can enjoy many low-elevation butterflies including Maculinea sp. and numerous Nymphalids. A huge subspecies of Parnassius apollo sibirica might even be seen puddling. Overnight in Chon Kemin.
After a half day in the Chon Kemin area again, we will drive along the northern shore of Issyk-Kul, the third largest saline lake in the world, to reach the town of Karakol in the far east of the country. Overnight in Karakol.
Chon Ashuu is one of the highest drivable mountain passes in Kyrgyzstan at 3,822m above sea level, and amazingly there are several Parnassius sp. living there right near the top. As with any high mountain habitats, the weather here can be extremely changeable but as soon as the sun comes out the butterflies will crawl out from their scree hideouts. On the way to Chon Ashuu, we will pass through a large riverbed which is a known stronghold of a mythical bird; the Ibisbill. Returning to Karakol for an overnight stay.
Today is mainly a transfer day from Karakol to the town of Kochkor, driving along the south shore of Issyk-Kul. Along the way we will make a stop or two to observe the butterflies in the valleys. Overnight in Kochkor.
Leaving Kochkor early, we will drive towards another large lake, Son-Kul sitting at impressive 3,016m above sea level. On the way, we will pass Dolon Pass (3,030m) where we will stop for more high elevation butterflies. After another interesting butterfly location "33 Parrots” Pass, a magnificent view of Song-Kul opens with craggy mountains surrounding the lake where the south shore is scattered with yurts. Overnight and dinner in a yurt camp.
Leaving the high Song-Kul plateau from the south, we will pass Moldo-Ashuu Pass in the morning where we will hopefully see the morning butterfly activity. After the pass, we will descend into the magnificent valley formed by Naryn River, the largest river in Kyrgyzstan. In the early afternoon, we will reach the typical "badlands” habitat of the elusive Parnassius davydovi, a species described only in 2006. This dry scrubland in the Moldo-Too Range is also surprisingly rich in Lycaenids and Satyrinae. Overnight camping at the camping location.
We’ll continue our searches for Parnassius davydovi in the morning when they are most often seen. After the full day there, we will transfer to the quiet village of Kazarman for an overnight stay in a cosy local homestay accommodation.
Another transfer day and we will today drive to the southern city of Osh near the border with Uzbekistan. Although the distance to Osh doesn’t seem great, this route has mostly basic dirt roads only, so it will take time! A few hours after leaving Kazarman, we will drive over Kaldama Pass (3,072m) where we will stop for a few hours for some more butterflies. We will then take a long dive towards Osh through the dry lowlands of Fergana Valley where the mountains disappear, and the grassy hills and flatlands take over. Overnight in Osh.
We’ll leave Osh very early to make the most of the AM hours around Taldyk Pass (3,615m). The Alai Mountain Range is a transitional area between the Pamir Range in the south and the Tianshan Range in the north, and the butterfly fauna noticeably changes from the previous areas we have visited. At the end of the day, we will drive through the vast Alai Valley to the village of Daroot-Korgon for an overnight stay.
In these remote, high-altitude, dry slopes live some butterflies that are more associated with neighbouring Tajikistan therefore unlikely to be seen anywhere else on this tour. Return to Daroot-Korgon for an overnight stay.
Leaving Sary-Tash early, we will head east towards the border with China In this area we will look for the elusive Parnassius charltonius aenigma amongst others. Camping overnight on site.
A full day in the border region. Having camped overnight in the mountains, we can enjoy the morning butterfly activities straight after breakfast. At the end of the day, we return to the same guest house in Sary Tash.
On our final day in the field, we will revisit Taldyk Pass on the way back. After half a day there, we will make our final long drive back to Osh, arriving late afternoon. Farewell dinner and an overnight stay in Osh.
13-26 July 2025
Per person: 3350 USD (twin share)
Single supplement: 225 USD
Included:
Not included:
Minimum number of participants 5; maximum 12.
For more information on our tours
Turkey: +90 535 4125286 | UK: +44 (0)795 854 6807
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