We have a full day scheduled in this stunning high-altitude landscape to search for an incredible array of alpine specialists. Expect to see Black-throated, Altai, and Brown Accentors, Sulphur-bellied Warblers, Red-mantled Rosefinches, White-winged Grosbeaks, and the incomparable White-browed (Severtzov’s) Tit-Warbler!

We will descend a short distance by coach to Big Almaty Lake, where the extensive, braided, stony riverbeds are home to the unique Ibisbill. Look out for species such as Lammergeiers, Himalayan Griffons, Red-billed and Yellow-billed Choughs, Plain Mountain-Finches, and White-winged (Güldenstädt’s) Redstarts. Most of these species inhabit high mountain altitudes of around 10,500 feet. The star attraction today, which we have an excellent chance of spotting, is the regal Himalayan Snowcock.

In the early evening, we’ll enjoy a leisurely visit to the local park, where we can admire the historical Ascension Cathedral (also known as Zenkov’s Cathedral). This remarkable structure was built using ancient techniques, without a single nail! Its unique construction allowed the cathedral to survive the devastating earthquake that struck the city in 1910.

Night: Comfortable tourist hotel in Almaty

Today, we will fly west to Shymkent, arriving around noon. This is the third most populous city in Kazakhstan, located near the country’s first established nature reserve. A short drive will take us to the village of Dzhabagly, nestled in the foothills of the western Tien-Shan Mountains. After checking into the local guesthouse, we’ll acclimate to our new surroundings. The birding begins right here, as this charming village is ideally situated along a major migration route. On previous tours, we have spotted Yellow-breasted Azure Tits and Asian Paradise-Flycatchers in the guesthouse garden! We’ll quickly become familiar with common species such as Grey-crowned Goldfinches, White-crowned Penduline Tits, and Azure Tits. Along the main street, we may also discover gems like Eversmann’s Redstarts and Blue-capped Redstarts.

The first few days of the tour are designed to allow us flexibility in our exploration. The fertile agricultural fields surrounding the village are prime spots for spotting Siberian Stonechats, Pied Wheatears, Red-tailed Shrikes, and large flocks of Pine Buntings, which winter in the Tien Shan foothills. We may even see the first Black-throated Thrushes returning from Siberia. Weather permitting, we plan to visit Ulken Kaindy Gorge, where the dry, rocky slopes and juniper scrub may yield sightings of White-capped Buntings, Rufous-naped Tits, Red-mantled Rosefinches, and, hopefully, more stunning Yellow-breasted Azure Tits. In Berkara Gorge, we’ll aim to add Eastern Rock Nuthatches to our list, with Asian Paradise-Flycatchers as a delightful bycatch. Long-legged Buzzards will still be numerous this time of year, and we may spot the colourful Egyptian Vulture.

In the expansive reedbeds of Taskol, we will listen for the distinctive calls of Clamorous Reed Warblers, hoping to catch our first glimpses of the White-headed Duck. Birdwatching for raptors in the fall is heavily influenced by the wind conditions, so we will decide each morning which options to pursue. The nearby mountain bottleneck is ideally positioned for northeast winds, which are favourable for migrating raptors. This bottleneck funnels birds across the fields near the village, providing us excellent opportunities to view Montagu’s and Pallid Harriers, as well as the possibility of Shikras, Steppe Buzzards, Steppe Eagles, and Crested Honey Buzzards.

Night: Comfortable guesthouse Dzhabagly

Today, we continue our journey westward towards Turkestan, making birdwatching stops along the way to observe any interesting species. Upon our arrival in Turkestan, we will visit the Mausoleum of Khawaja Ahmed Yasawi. This stunning structure is adorned with glazed tiles and turquoise ornamentation, characteristic of the Timurid architectural style. It is one of the best-preserved monuments from that era and has become a symbol of Kazakh national identity. After exploring the mausoleum, we will head to the Shoskakol Lake system. During migration periods, this area attracts a variety of unusual species that use the lakes as a resting point on their southward journeys. It’s an excellent spot for wildfowl, where we may encounter Garganey, Ferruginous Ducks, Red-crested Pochards, and White-headed Ducks. We can also expect to see Glossy Ibises, Little Bitterns, and the beautiful Black-crowned Night Heron.

In the semi-desert regions surrounding Shoskakol, we will look for our first larks, including Calandra and Bimaculated Larks. We will also venture closer to the Uzbek border in search of the delightful Streaked Scrub Warbler. We will dedicate one full day to exploring the sandy deserts characterized by Saxaul vegetation in pursuit of one of Kazakhstan’s most sought-after species—the superb Turkestan Ground Jay! If we are fortunate, we might also spot an Asian Desert Warbler, although many of these migratory birds will have left the area by this time.

After our daily adventures, we will return to Turkestan each evening to enjoy the comforts of a delightful hotel.

Night: Comfortable tourist hotel in Turkestan

Today, we embark on an exciting adventure to Lake Kyzylkum, a picturesque oasis nestled in the heart of an expansive desert. This small lake attracts a multitude of migratory birds, making it a vital stopover for avifauna from various regions. The surrounding landscape is flat and sandy, dotted with small scrubs and wormwood, and is alive with birds at this time of year. As we explore the area, we can expect to encounter a variety of shrikes, warblers, larks, pipits, and buntings. The vibrant Blue-cheeked Beef-eater is often spotted here, and we’ll be on the lookout for migrating Booted Warblers and Sykes’s Warblers. Occasionally, we might also see the more elusive Upcher’s Warbler and Menetries’s Warbler.

The lake can host impressive numbers of White-headed Ducks, with the largest recorded group reaching 2,000 individuals—representing a staggering 20% of the global population of this beautiful species. Tens of thousands of Yellow Wagtails, particularly the ‘beema’ race, are commonly found around the lake, adding to the vibrant avian display. Waders are also abundant, with Red-necked Phalaropes and Ruffs often seen in large numbers. After a full day of birdwatching, we will retire to a basic hotel in a nearby village, reflecting on the day’s adventures and the incredible wildlife we’ve encountered.

Night: Basic hotel Cholak Korgan

Today, we retrace our steps back to Dzhabagly for our final day of exploration. We’ll revisit the areas we discovered during the first part of our trip, but with a twist: as we’re now later in the month, we can expect to see a significant increase in eagle migrations over the village. We’ll be on the lookout for majestic birds such as the Steppe Eagle, Eastern Imperial Eagle, and Greater Spotted Eagle, all of which are known to dominate the skies at this time. Additionally, we hope to catch sight of the exciting Oriental Honey-buzzard, known for its striking plumage and graceful flight.

The number of Black-throated Thrushes will also have increased by now, as these beautiful birds arrive in Kazakhstan for the winter. With a day filled with birdwatching and the opportunity to witness these magnificent eagles, it’s a perfect way to conclude our adventure in this stunning region.

Night: Comfortable guesthouse Dzhabagly

We begin our last day with some final birding around the lodge, immersing ourselves in the morning’s sights and sounds. After our birdwatching session, we will embark on a short drive back to Shymkent, where we’ll connect with our domestic flight to Almaty.

In the evening, we’ll come together for a delightful farewell dinner, savouring traditional shaslik while making toasts to celebrate the incredible experiences and memories we’ve shared throughout our journey. This is the perfect way to wrap up our adventure in Kazakhstan, reflecting on the breathtaking landscapes and the diverse birdlife we’ve encountered.

Night: Comfortable tourist hotel in Almaty