Welcome to Kazakhstan!

​This seven-day photography expedition is designed specifically for bird photographers. There are few bird photography experiences more thrilling than watching a flock of sandgrouse appear out of the desert dawn. One moment the landscape is silent; the next, dozens of birds sweep down to a waterhole, their wings humming through the still morning air as they gather to drink. From the comfort of your own hide, you can photograph these remarkable birds at eye level in some of the finest desert light imaginable. Designed around the best light and peak bird activity, this expedition offers exceptional opportunities to create striking images of Central Asia's desert and forest birds while travelling with like-minded photographers in one of the region's most spectacular and least-visited landscapes. This seven-day photography expedition takes you into the heart of southeastern Kazakhstan, a vast and little-visited region where deserts, wetlands and ancient forests create a remarkable diversity of habitats. Kazakhstan, the world's largest landlocked country, lies at the crossroads of major migration routes linking Siberia, Central Asia and the Indian subcontinent, making it one of the most rewarding destinations for bird photographers and naturalists. 

 

Our main destination is the Taukum Desert, where we spend four days photographing around artesian wells. These artesian wells tap naturally pressurised underground aquifers and provide a permanent source of fresh water in an otherwise arid environment. During hot weather they become magnets for wildlife, attracting large numbers of sandgrouse, larks, wheatears, shrikes and migrant shorebirds. On some days, hundreds of birds may visit a single waterhole, creating outstanding opportunities for action photography and intimate portraits. Participants bring their own preferred hides, allowing complete flexibility. Some photographers favour low-profile hides for natural eye-level perspectives, while others prefer larger hides that offer greater comfort during extended sessions.

 

Our principal photographic targets include Pallas's Sandgrouse, (Pin-tailed Sandgrouse; rare), Black-bellied Sandgrouse, (Asian Houbara; rare but presenty in the area – doesnt come to artesian wells), Eurasian Nightjar, Demoiselle Crane (uncommon but usually present 1-2 birds), Stone-curlew, Black-winged Stilt, Little Ringed Plover, (Caspian Plover; 1-2 pairs breed in the area, but unlikely to watch it at the artesian wells), Greater Sand Plover, Long-legged Buzzard, Common Hoopoe, Turkestan Shrike, Crested Lark, Greater Short-toed Lark, Bimaculated Lark, Calandra Lark, Asian/Turkestan Short-toed Lark, Rose-coloured Starling, Common Myna, Siberian Stonechat, Isabelline Wheatear, House Sparrow (ssp indicus), White Wagtail (‘Masked’), Mongolian Finch, Desert Finch, Red-headed Bunting, etc

 

The tour also includes a full day in the extraordinary Zhelturanga Forest along the Ili River. Dominated by ancient Turanga poplars, this rare floodplain woodland supports sought-after species such as Yellow-eyed Pigeon, Shikra, Eurasian Scops Owl, Pallid Scops Owl, Little Owl, Common Hoopoe, European Roller, White-winged Woodpecker, Eurasian Hobby, Azure Tit, Sykes's Warbler, Turkestan Tit and the localised Saxaul Sparrowit. Led by two experienced leaders and assistents supported by a fully serviced camping operation, this expedition combines exceptional photographic opportunities, expert guidance and access to some of Central Asia's most fascinating and least-visited bird habitats.

The Taukum Desert

For four days we photograph from strategically positioned waterholes in the semi-desert landscapes, on the northern edge of the Taukum Desert. Participants bring their own hides, allowing each photographer to work in the style they prefer. Many choose low-profile hides for intimate ground-level images with natural perspectives and beautifully blurred backgrounds, while others favour larger hides that provide greater comfort during long photographic sessions. The principal photographic targets are the remarkable species of sandgrouse: Black-bellied Sandgrouse, Pallas's Sandgrouse, and, with some luck, Pin-tailed Sandgrouse. During periods of hot weather, the waterholes become vital drinking sites and may attract hundreds of birds. Large flocks of larks often gather to drink, while shorebirds such as Black-winged Stilt, Greater Sand Plover and Little Ringed Plover regularly provide additional photographic opportunities. As desert wildlife responds to changing temperatures, weather conditions and light, every session offers a different combination of species and behaviours. Beyond its birdlife, the Taukum Desert offers a wealth of photographic subjects. intricate sand patterns and sparse desert vegetation create striking landscape compositions. The flora consists of drought-adapted annuals, ephemeral plants and hardy perennial species that survive in one of Central Asia's most challenging environments. The desert also supports a specialised fauna. Careful observation may reveal jerboas, remarkable rodents adapted to life in sandy habitats, while agamas and geckos are often active during the warmer hours of the day. Numerous insects, including beetles, butterflies, dragonflies and solitary bees, provide excellent opportunities for macro photography. Birdwatchers exploring the surrounding habitats may encounter a variety of species associated with desert shrublands and saxaul woodlands, including Desert Wheatear, Isabelline Wheatear, Greater Short-toed Lark, Asian Desert Warbler and several raptor species hunting over the open plains.

 

Zhelturanga Forest

A full day is devoted to the remarkable Zhelturanga Forest along the Ili River. This unique ecosystem is dominated by ancient Turanga poplars (Populus pruinosa and Populus diversifolia), relic tree species specially adapted to both seasonal flooding and the arid climate of the Ili Valley. These forests represent one of Central Asia's most distinctive and threatened woodland habitats. The Zhelturanga Forest supports a rich and highly specialised bird community. Among the most sought-after species are Saxaul Sparrow, White-winged Woodpecker, Yellow-eyed Pigeon, Eurasian Roller and the localised Turkestan Tit. The combination of ancient woodland, riverine habitats and surrounding semi-desert landscapes creates exceptional opportunities for both bird photography and natural history observation.

TRAVEL DESCRIPTION

Duration                                            9-days

Type                                                   Roundtrip with bus and English / German                                                                        / Scandinavian and German speaking Miksture                                                                Tour Leader  

Price                                                   From 1.725 USD pr. person in shared DBL room 

Sngl room                                          170 USD           

Deposit                                              500 USD pr. person

Visa                                                     Depending on country of origin. Information                                                                   when booking the tour

​​​​

Keybirds: ​Birds desert: Pallas's Sandgrouse, (Pin-tailed Sandgrouse; rare), Black-bellied Sandgrouse, (Asian Houbara; rare but present in the area – doesn't come to artesian wells), Eurasian Nightjar, Demoiselle Crane (uncommon but usually present 1-2 birds), Stone-curlew, Black-winged Stilt, Little Ringed Plover, (Caspian Plover; 1-2 pairs breed in the area, but unlikely to watch it at the artesian wells), Greater Sand Plover, Long-legged Buzzard, Common Hoopoe, Turkestan Shrike, Crested Lark, Greater Short-toed Lark, Bimaculated Lark, Calandra Lark, Asian/Turkestan Short-toed Lark, Rose-coloured Starling, Common Myna, Siberian Stonechat, Isabelline Wheatear, House Sparrow (ssp indicus), White Wagtail (‘Masked’), Mongolian Finch, Desert Finch, Red-headed Bunting, etc

Turenga forest: Ruddy Shelduck, Common Pheasant, Yellow-eyed Pigeon, Common Cuckoo, Shikra, Black Kite, Long-legged Buzzard, Eurasian Scops Owl, Pallid Scops Owl, Little Owl, Common Hoopoe, European Roller, White-winged Woodpecker, Eurasian Hobby, Indian Golden Oriole, Turkestan Shrike, Eurasian Jackdaw, Azure Tit, Sykes's Warbler, Saxaul Sparrow, Turkestan Tit, etc

​

​Habitats Covered: Semi-desert, Zhelturenga-poplar forest, lakes and steppe-type landscapes 

​

Expected Climate: HOT! But this is important concept on this tour! The hotter weather n- the more birds at the artesian water holes. Expect hot weather, between 28 - 28 Celcius degrees. 

​

Group Size: 6 - 8 with Miksture-team

 

Tour Pace & Walking: Concentrated and focused! Relaxed to moderate at times with generally easy walking - in photographing pace

​

Accommodation: In the field - expedition style in tents (no other options) and in prior/after tour accommodation in comfortable hotel in Almaty 

​

Ease of Birding/photographing: Focused and devoted 

​

Other Attractions: Insects, desert flowers, butterflies, spectacular landscapes and Silk Road history and culture 

! 

Photographic Opportunities: EXCELLENT!