Yellow-eyed Pigeon (Columba eversmann i) is a rare bird in southern Kazakhstan. Locally present. Miksture knows where...

Photo by Michael Westerbjerg Andersen ©

Birding Kazakhstan – 4-days with Miksture

KAZAKHSTAN: Endemics & Specials in Taukum Desert & Turanga Forest

This is a 4-days Kazakhstan” journey that provides excellent birding. Miksture/Michael knows thoroughly the locations and the birds of course. We have done this tour for many years, and we continue to improve and keep the route updated, so our clients get the best logistic and itinerary. Our team provides good meals, and we always make the journey as comfortable and smooth as possible. We don’t make any compromises, however we always make priority not to flush and frighten the birds. This is birding where you can expect to get some of the most sought-after Kazakhstan birds at a fair price, cool and safety pace. Southern Kazakhstan is known as an essential destination for anyone with a serious interest in Palearctic birds, and this journey providing the opportunity to see a surprisingly high concentration of Central Asian specialties. In addition there is a great selection of species present in Southern Europe and South Siberia – and of course, the endemic species and subspecies. No doubt - on this tour, we will watch some of the remarkable Central Asian bird species and the bird list will be impressive. 

We have designed the tour to maximize the experience of staying outside as much possible. Its active tours where we will make relaxed hikes in the pristine nature, and there is time enough to dwell in each traveler’s special interest. We always respect and try to help and support each traveler’s special wishes and projects – e.g. photographing, studying certain species. You can use the day according your wishes, and we will do our best to help in that way.

We can offer a tailor-made bird watching tour according to the season, the time you have and the area of interest. If you have more time, it is highly recommended to expand your route, e.g. with northern Kazakhstan’s famous steppe-birds, or with 2 days extra to cover the mountain species too (please have a look at our program suggestions).

We operate the tours from our base in Bishkek, but we easily can pick you up in Almaty or finish the tour in Almaty. 

We specialize in guidance for individuals as well for groups – always with a personal touch.

Costs depend of number of participants, route and service. Pls contact Miksture for a non-obligatory quote!

Guiding by Michael Westerbjerg Andersen: Miksture's owner Michael Westerbjerg Andersen is by profession Biologist, specialized in Birds and Nature Conservation and his lifelong passion for birds led him to work in the travel business to all seven continents during his studies. Michael’s home is in Bishkek - the capital of Kyrgyzstan where at the moment he is making a full-time career in the expedition travel industry in Central Asia. Currently writing two books about the birds of Kyrgyzstan – and in prep. a book about the Snow Leopard. Since 1993 he has guided wildlife expeditions in Central Asia. Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan is his prime destinations. He is widely acclaimed as one of the world’s leading experts in Central Asian birds and his specialty: The mythic Snow Leopard. Michael has seen Snow Leopard more times than average Human Beings, and being asked "how many?" the reply is: "I don’t count anymore." He has an infectious curiosity and passion for these aspects of natural history - is an REAL expedition leader, and this serves him in good stead as he leads travelers on expeditions in the Central Asian landscapes, where he constantly scouts new destinations for Miksture in the region. Michael speaks Danish (his native language), English, German, French, Russian, Swedish and Norwegian. Knows and understand Spanish (speak poor…).

Tour start: In Bishkek or Almaty and finish Bishkek or Almaty

Recommended time of year: April - August 

Prior departure Miksture mail a detailed list of birds. 

We look forward to show you some of the most beautiful parts of this magnificent country. Please don’t hesitate to contact us!

We welcome any remarks and dialogue.

Miksture Expeditions


Key species – some of the species expected to be seen during Miksture Kazakhstan tour…

Dalmatian Pelican, White Pelican, Back Kite ssp lineatus, Pallid Harrier, Shikra, Long-legged Buzzard, Steppe Eagle, Eastern Imperial Eagle, Saker Falcon, Macqueen’s Bustard, Demoiselle Crane, Greater Sand Plover, Caspian Plover, Sociable Lapwing (rare), Terek Sandpiper, Heuglin’s Gull, White-winged Black Tern, Black-bellied Sandgrouse, Pin-tailed Sandgrouse, Pallas’s Sandgrouse, Yellow-eyed Stock Dove, Oriental Turtle Dove, Striated Scops Owl, European Bee-eater, European Roller, White-winged Woodpecker, Bimaculated Lark, Pale Sand Martin, Citrine Wagtail, Rufous Bush Robin, Common Nightingale ssp hafizi,, Siberian Stonechat, Isabelline Wheatear, Pied Wheatear, Desert Wheatear, Paddyfield Warbler, Blyth’s Reed Warbler, Clamorous Reed Warbler, Sykes’s Warbler, Asian Desert Warbler, Azure Tit, Turkestan Tit, White-crowned Penduline Tit, Black-headed Penduline Tit, Turkestan Shrike, Long-tailed Shrike, Lesser Grey Shrike, Steppe Grey Shrike, Rose-coloured Starling, Saxaul Sparrow, House Sparrow ssp bactrianus, Desert Finch, Grey-necked Bunting,Eastern Rock Nuthatch, Rock Petronia, Red-headed Bunting, etc.

Prior departure Miksture mail a detailed list of birds. Meanwhile the numbers and species of birds seen
during this tour can be studied for same places in reports found at www.travellingbirder.com or at our Miksture website: www.miksture.com

ITINERARY:

Day 1. Departure Bishkek or Almaty; transfer to Konchengel, Taukom Desert. Night in tents

Day 2. Konchengel Turenga Forest. Night in tents

Day 3.Turenga Forest – Desert-area – Turenga Forest. Night in tents

Day 4. Turanga Forest – Alamty/Bishkek via Quapchagai. Tour concludes.

Bird Photography: Opportunities are excellent!

Prior departure Miksture mail a detailed list of birds possible to be seen on the tour. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Guiding by Michael Westerbjerg Andersen
Miksture's owner Michael Westerbjerg Andersen is by profession Biologist, specialized in Birds and Nature Conservation and his lifelong passion for birds led him to work in the travel business to all seven continents during his studies. Michael’s home is in Bishkek - the capital of Kyrgyzstan where at the moment he is making a full-time career in the expedition travel industry in Central Asia. Since 1993 he has guided wildlife expeditions in Central Asia. Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Kazakhstan is his prime destinations. He is widely acclaimed as one of the world’s leading experts in Central Asian birds and his specialty: The mythic Snow Leopard. Michael has seen Snow Leopard more times than average Human Beings, and being asked "how many?" the reply is: "I don’t count anymore." He has an infectious curiosity and passion for these aspects of natural history - is an REAL expedition leader, and this serves him in good stead as he leads travelers on expeditions in the Central Asian landscapes, where he constantly scouts new destinations for Miksture in the region. Michael speaks Danish (his native language), English, German, French, Russian, Swedish and Norwegian.

 

Price include: Guiding by Miksture/Michael Westerbjerg Andersen ● Local (English, German, French or Russian-speaking) driver and interpreter ● Transportation according program ● All accommodation mentioned in the program ● All food during the tour ● All permits ● Services of tour leader & administration from Miksture ● Local entrees and fees according day-to-day program 

 
Price does NOT include Alcoholic drinks at meals in restaurants and cafes ● Personal expenses for eventual extra arrangements not mentioned in the program ● Tips to drivers and interpreter ● Extra arrangements not mentioned in the program ● Money for own expenses ● Visa and visa support to Kazakhstan; i.e. LOI (Letter of invitation)● anything strictly personal (e g laundry, phone calls, snacks, etc).

Single room surcharge might apply. 'Single tent' is available for anyone not sharing, and we make it without extra surcharge. Sleeping bags and karimats: It’s possible to rent these items, please contact Miksture for further info. 

 

What to bring…? Prior departure we send a detailed packing list and information about what to bring. Miksture are of course always prepared to assist and explain, so please feel free to ask us about every matter... 

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Prior departure Miksture mail a detailed list of birds. We look forward to show you some of the most beautiful parts of this magnificent country and you are welcome to contact us for further information and further details of the birds you are likely to see during one of our day tours. Please don’t hesitate to contact us!

 

We welcome any remarks and dialogue.

 

Miksture Expeditions

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