Butterflies of Kyrgyzstan

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/SDOCvUqfgWI 

Day 1.    Arrival in Kyrgyzstan

Arriving at Bishkek Airport at 7AM. We will leave Bishkek straight away and drive towards Töö-Ashuu Pass (3,586m), our first destination. After the pass, we enter the Suusamyr Valley which is a beautiful large plateau of green meadows surrounded by the mountains. We drive over another mountain pass, Ala Bel Pass (3,184m) towards the end of the day. After Ala Bel Pass, we descend into the lush green Chychkan Gorge for an overnight stay.

Day 2.    Alabel Pass

We will spend a whole day at Ala Bel Pass (3,184m).

Day 3.    To Kochkor via Alabel Pass & Suusamyr Valley

Today is a long transfer day towards a town of Kochkor. We will drive through the beautiful and untamed Suusamyr Valley first and eventually go through the Suusamyr River gorge. We will make a few stops on the way before arriving in Kochkor for an overnight stay.

Day 4.    Son-kul via Dolon Pass

Leaving Kochkor early, we will drive towards the beautiful Son-Kul, a lake situated at 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 Son-Kul opens with craggy mountains surrounding the lake where the south shore is scattered with yurts. Overnight and dinner in a yurt camp.

Day 5.    Moldo-Ashuu Pass

Leaving the high Son-Kul plateau from the south, we will pass Moldo-Ashuu Pass in the morning where we will hopefully see the morning butterfly activities. After the pass, we will descend into the magnificent valley formed by Naryn River, the largest river in Kyrgyzstan. By the end of the day, 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. Camping at the location.

Day 6.    Moldo-Too

We’ll spend all morning looking for Parnassius davydovi in the Moldo-Too Range. If successful, we’ll move to another location and look for other butterflies of the area.

Day 7.     To Kazarman

We’ll continue our searches for Parnassius davydovi in the Moldo-Too Range in the morning when they are most often seen. After a full day there, we will transfer to the quiet village of Kazarman for an overnight stay in a cosy local homestay accommodation.

Day 8.    Kazarman to Osh

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, about half of 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 drive towards Osh through the dry lowlands of Fergana Valley where the mountains disappear, and the grassy hills and plains take over. Overnight in Osh.

Day 9.    Taldyk Pass & Daroot-Korgon

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.

Day 10.    Tengizbay

In these remote, high-altitude, dry steep slopes live some butterflies that are more associated with the neighbouring Tajikistan, therefore unlikely to be seen anywhere else on this tour.  Return to Daroot-Korgon for an overnight stay.

Day 11.    Trans-Alai Range

Leaving Daroot-Korgon early, we will drive towards the Tajikistan border. In this area we will look for the elusive Parnassius charltonius romanovi amongst others. Camping overnight at site or return to Daroot-Korgon for overnight.

Day 12.    Trans-Alai Range

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 will drive back towards Taldyk Pass and stay in the village of Sary-Tash just before the pass.

Day 13.    Taldyk Pass and to Osh

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.

Day 14.    Flights

Early departure from Osh International Airport.