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. 

Species lists are available on request.

A tour with Hiro Takenouchi.

Day 1     Arrive Bishkek & Chon-Kemin

After an early morning arrival we’ll transfer to Bishkek for breakfast. Then drive up to Chon-Kemin for the rest of the day. Overnight Chon-Kemin

Day 2     Chon-Kemin to Kochkor

We’ll have a morning foray and then descend to Bishkek and continue onto Kochkor. Overnight Kochkor homestay.

Day 3     Dolon Pass 

The wide expanses of Central Asia really come to the fore in this spectacular region, where we climb up to the vast Song Kul lake a spend time among montane steppe habitats. Overnight in yurts beside Son Kul lake.

Day 4     Moldo Ashu to Karagoo Ashu

Following a remote valley west and ultimately camping at Naryn River Valley. Exciting back country travel on unmade roads.

Day 5     Naryn River Valley

More time in the inner valleys of the Tien Shan before overnighting in Kazarman.

Day 6     Kaldama to Osh

A long transfer across the seldom travelled Kaldama Pass and onto bustling Osh on the border with Uzbekistan. What may look a short distance on any map will take us all day. Overnight Osh.

Day 7     Osh to Taldyk Pass

Crossing the Pamir Alai, via the Taldyk Pass. Overnight Daroot Korgon overlooking neighbouring Tajikistan.

Day 8     Alay Mountains

A full day in the southern Pamir Alai. Overnight Daroot Korgon

Day 9     Taldyk

We recross the Taldyk Pass and return to Osh. Overnight Osh.

Day 10    Gulcha River Valley

A day in interesting mountain areas closer to Osh. Overnight Osh

Day 11    Osh to Chychkan

Transfer across the steppe and around the large Toktugol lake to the lusher and cooler birch woods of Chychkan. Overnight Chychkan.

Day 12    Chychkan & Ala Bel pass

Diverse habitats from riverside woods to high alpine meadows. Overnight Chychkan.

Day 13    Ala Bel to Tor Ashu pass

The highlands between Ala Bel and Tor Ashu pass, which ultimately descends into a deep rocky valley to the lowlands. Overnight Bishkek.

Day 14    Departure flights

Morning flights from Bishkek airport.