Ultimate birding in Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan with Miksture 4.th – 23.th May 2013

KAKI 2013 - with extra extension for Pander’s Ground-Jay and Yellow- breatsed Azure Tit

Birding Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan in Central Asia provides some of the most prolific and rewarding birding – and, some of the most wanted species known as “dream-species.” Central Asia is known as an essential destination for anyone with a serious interest in Palearctic birds, and these two countries in combination providing the opportunity to see a high concentration of Central Asian specialties amidst unsurpassed beautiful scenery. In addition there is a great selection of species present in Southern Europe and South Siberia – and of course, the endemic species and subspecies. This is a journey that provides excellent birding in these two great countries, and Miksture 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 – in short: The best and most rewarding birding. 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.

Tour start: In Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan 5.th May 2013

Tour leader: Miksture/Michael Westerbjerg Andersen

Friendly greetings

Miksture/Michael Westerbjerg Andersen, Bishkek 18.th August 2012

Tour Fact Sheet

Black Stork, Ruddy Shelduck, Ferruginous Duck, Dalmatian Pelican, Booted Eagle, Black-eared Kite, Key Species Steppe Eagle, Bearded Vulture, Himalayan Vulture, Eurasian Black Vulture, Shikra, Eastern Imperial Eagle, Upland Buzzard, Long-legged Buzzard, Saker Falcon, White-headed Duck, Macqueen’s Bustard, Demoiselle Crane, Himalayan Snowcock, Ibisbill, Greater Sandplover, Caspian Plover, Black-winged Pratincole, Pallas’s Gull, White-winged Tern, Pallid (Striated) Scops-owl, Eurasian Scops-owl, Yellow-eyed Stock Dove, Hill Pigeon, Oriental Turtle Dove, Ring-necked Pheasant (the real stuff), Pallas’s Sandgrouse, Black-bellied Sandgrouse, Pin-tailed Sandgrouse, Blue-cheeked Bee-eater, European Bee-eater, European Roller, White-winged Woodpecker, Richards Pipit, Bimaculated Lark, Masked Wagtail, Citrine Wagtail, Common Rock-thrush, Blue Rock-thrush, Common Nightingale ssp hafizi, Black Redstart ssp phoenicuroides, Siberian Stonechat, Pied Wheatear, Isabelline Wheatear, Desert Wheatear, Blyth’s Reed-warbler, Clamorous Reed-warbler, Sykes’s Warbler, Common Chiffchaff ssp tristis, Lesser Whitethroat aap halimodendri, Hume’s Whitethroat (Sylvia althaea), Brown Dipper, White-throated Dipper, Indian Golden Oriole Oriolus kundoo, Isabelline Shrike, Turkestan Shrike, Long-tailed Shrike, Southern Grey Shrike, Pander’s Ground-jay, Brown-necked Raven, Rose-coloured Starling, Saxaul Sparrow, House Sparrow ssp bactrianus, Red-fronted Serin, (Grey-headed) European Goldfinch ssp paropanisi , Desert Finch, Songar Tit, Azure Tit, Yellow-breasted Azure Tit, Rufous-naped Tit, Turkestan Tit, White-winged Grosbeak, White-tailed Rubythroat, Eversmanns Redstart, Blue-capped Redstart, Güldenstädt’s Redstart, Blue Whistling Thrush, White-browed Tit Warbler, Plain Mountain Finch, Brandt’s Mountain Finch, Mongolian Finch, Red-mantled Rosefinch, Alpine Accentor, Black-throated Accentor, Altai Accentor, Brown Accentor, Asian Desert Warbler, Black-headed Penduline Tit, White- crowned Penduline Tit, Water Pipit ssp.coutelli(ssp. blakistoni, Red-headed Bunting, Pine Bunting, Grey- necked Bunting, Pallas’s Grashopper Warbler, Black Lark, White-winged Lark, etc.

Activity level Active birding! Early up, luncbreak, and short siesta if its hot. No climbing, but participants should be ready for shorter or longer hiking in different types of terrain in order to find the birds.

Habitats Desert, wetlands, Turanga forest, mountains and semi-desert.

Climate Comfortable to hot and dry in the desert, Can be cold in the mountains.

Accomodation Comfortable guesthouses and hotels. Also less comfortable, but wellorganised nights in tents, at places where no other accommodation alternative is to be found.

Photo opportunities EXCELLENT!

Highlights Central Asian dream species, beautiful desert- and mountainous landscapes. Interesting mammals, reptiles, flora and creeps. Central Asian culture and hospitality – Silk Road history and few tourists.

Day 1. Departure London

Day 2. Arrival Bishkek. Fishkponds afternoon Day 11. Kokkamerin River – Bishkek

Day 3. Bishkek – Tamga Day 12. Bishkek – Taukom; Konchengel

Day 4. Barskaun Gorge – Mountain birds Day 13. Konchengel – Zhelturenga Forest

Day 5. Tamga – May Saz Day 14. Zhelturenga Forest – Karaoi

Day 6. May Saz Day 15 and 16. Karaoi; Panders Ground-Jay-country

Day 7. May Saz – Jeti Oghuz – Tamga Day 17. Karaoi – Almaty

Day 8. Tamga – Bishkek Day 18. Almaty – Astana, Korgalzhyn Nature Reserve

Day 9. Bishkek: Ala Archa Day 19. Korgalzhyn Nature Reserve

Day 10. Bishkek – Kokkamerin River Day 20. Heading home – Welcome home!

Central Asian birding when it’s best!

Prior departure Miksture mail a detailed list of birds. Meanwhile the numbers and species of birds seen during this tour is equivalent to previous Miksture tours – these reports can be found at www.travellingbirder.com or at our Miksture website: www.miksture.com

Kyrgyzstan: Here one finds the best mountainous birding in Central Asia. Target birds is Yellow-breasted (Azure) Tit, Ibisbill, Himalayan Snowcock, Pine Bunting, Upland Buzzard, Oriental Turtle Dove, Black- throated Accentor, White-winged Grosbeak, Dipper (White-throated Dipper), Brown Dipper, Hume's Yellow-browed Warbler, Fire-fronted Serin, Lammergeier, Himalayan Griffon Vulture, Songar Tot, Brown Accentor, Altai Accentor [Himalayan Accentor], Güldenstädt’s Redstart, Eversmann's Redstart, Blue-capped Redstart, Brandt's Mountain Finch (Brandt's Rosy Finch), Plain Mountain Finch (Hodgson's Rosy-Finch, Hodgson's Mountain Finch), White-tailed Rubythroat, Severtzov´s Tit Warbler, Red-mantled Rosefinch, Azure Tit, Rufous-naped Tit, etc.

Kazakhstan: May is of course primetime of year for birding Kazakhstan. Thickets and bushes hide migrants and provide challenging and exciting birds – everything can occur, so to speak The spring makes the vegetation fresh and green, the light clear and sunny excellent for photographing not blurred by heat – the temperature is moderate and comfortable for birding. The Turenga forest – providing good views of woodpeckers, Turkestan Tits, Yellow-eyed Pigeon. In Konchengel the bustards are displaying and Caspian Plovers in their smart breeding plumages provide excellent views. Southern Kazakhstan is famous for the best semi-desert birding with rare species occurring locally in the highest numbers found in Central Asia. One of the target species is Kazakhstan’s rarest bird! Pander’s Ground-Jay ssp ilensis; the only endemic bird taxon of Kazakhstan. It’s a rare and very localized bird in Kazakhstan, we search for it at the best area where there were confirmed breeding in 2012!

In this KAKI, we include the steppe around Astana. Not only exploring the outskirts of the famous Kurgalgino Reserve, but actually we are being accommodated in the reserve itself! From our huts we are less than 50 meters from the lakeshore, where one can start birding and enjoy being right at the best places.

The seemingly endless semi-desert plain of Taukum provides good and impressing birding e.g. two species of Penduline Tits and numbers of raptors along the roads: Booted Eagle, Black-eared Kite, Steppe Eagle and Long-legged Buzzard. In Konchengel we make camp near waterhole and at our campsite there is an interesting selection of semi-desert birds: Caspian Plover (breeding here), Greater Sandplover, Demoiselle Crane, Black-bellied Sandgrouse, Pin-tailed Sandgrouse (rare), Pallas Sandgrouse, good numbers of larks i.e. both species of short-toed larks and even White-winged Lark, Indian Sparrow, more species of wheatears, Desert Warbler, etc. In the village migrants hide in the gardens, and almost everything can turn up. Konchengel-area is one of the strongholds of Macqueen’s Bustards and of course this is a target bird in May where they display and perform great entertainment. Day-to-day program

Miksture always try to make the journey according to program, but sometimes it can be necessary to change routes, and order of the locations. Miksture always try to optimize the birding hence we can add extra locations or change locations. One month before departure Miksture mail an updated program. Please note following meals provided during the days is agreed with the place where you stay. B (Breakfast), L (Lunch) and D (Dinner). Miksture is of course always ready to answer questions and for more information. Please feel free to contact us.

Day 1. 4.th May Departure London

Day 2. Arrival Bishkek; afternoon fishponds

5.th May: WELCOME TO KYRGYZSTAN! Arrival Manas Airport and transfer to accommodation. Afternoon at the fishponds near Bishkek, where good numbers of waterfowl present. Night in Bishkek. BLD

Day 3. Bishkek – Tamga

6.th May: After breakfast we leave Bishkek and drive East towards Tamga at southern shore of Lake Issyk-Kul . Enroute we make small stops at good places, and first stop probably is Tokmok where we will spend some hours in a wetland-area. There are other good areas enroute and we stop depending on your wishes and which species which could be interesting for you. In the late afternoon we arrive to our guesthouse. Tamga is a quiet village on the south coast of Issyk-Kul. The guesthouse is situated with excellent view to the surroundings, in south, the towering Jetim-Bel range at the end of Barskaun valley. Across the road there is an apricot orchard which feathered inhabitants make frequently visits to the gardens, e.g. Hoopoe, Common Mynah, etc. Five minutes from the guesthouse is the lakeshore. There are always plenty of water birds to observe. The fields east of the village are excellent for birding. In spring and autumn the area teems with roosting migrants: Black-eared Kite, Common Quail, Common Pheasant, Oriental Turtle Dove, Hoopoe, Citrine Wagtail ssp. M.c.calcarata, (Grey-headed) Goldfinch, more species of buntings, etc. In our guesthouse it’s possible to try real Russian sauna and there is Azure Tit in the garden. BLD

Day 4. Barskaun Gorge – Mountain birds

7.th May: We spend most of the day in the mountainous areas south of Tamga. There are more roads leading to good bird locations. The most accessible but less charming is the Kumtor Mine road. Species to be seen include: Himalayan Snowcock, Black Vulture, Upland Buzzard, Lammergeier, Himalayan Griffon Vulture, Golden Eagle, Long-legged Buzzard, Songar Tot, Altai Accentor [Himalayan Accentor], Güldenstädt’s Redstart, Black Redstart, Eversmann's Redstart, White-tailed Rubythroat (if arrived), Carrion Crow, Fire-fronted Serin, Red Crossbill, Brandt's Mountain Finch (Brandt's Rosy Finch), Plain Mountain Finch (Hodgson's Rosy-Finch, Hodgson's Mountain Finch) and Rock Bunting. Accommodation and night in guesthouse Tamga. BLD

Day 5 and 6. Tamga - May Saz; Himalayan Snowcock

8.th – 9.th May: We make a two-days excursion to the mountains and accommodate in tents in a remote valley. This is one of few places where Himalayan Snowcock can be seen and heard this time of year! Target species is Ibisbill, Himalaya Snowcock, Pine Bunting and several montane species Bearded Vulture, Golden Eagle, Upland Buzzard, Oriental Turtle Dove, Ruddy Shelduck, Citrine Wagtail, Black-throated Accentor, White-winged Grosbeak, Grey Wagtail, Dipper (White- throated Dipper), Wallcreeper, Brown Dipper, Sulphur-bellied Warbler, Greenish Warbler, Hume's Yellow-browed Warbler, Red-billed Chough, Alpine Chough, Fire-fronted Serin, Common Rosefinch, Red-mantled Rosefinch, Rock Bunting etc. Night same place as last night. BLD

Day 7. May Saz - Tamga via Jeti Oghuz

10.th May: We use the entire day in the area. Target birds is the montane species. Needless to say there would be excellent photo opportunities this day. After leaving May Saz we drive back towards Tamga. Night in Tamga. BLD

Day 8. Tamga - Bishkek

11.th May: We return to Bishkek, but include again some good hot spots until we late afternoon reach Bishkek. Night in Bishkek. BLD

Day 9. Bishkek – Ala Archa – Bishkek

12.th May: Excursion to National park Ala-Archa. This well-known and beautiful mountain area is located app. 40 km south of Bishkek. The road to the National Park is excellent birding area and the national park itself is outstanding: Lammergeier, Himalayan Griffon, Golden Eagle, Hobby, White-tailed Rubythroat, Black-throated Accentor, Sulphur-bellied Warbler, Greenish Warbler, Severtzov´s Tit Warbler, Blue-capped Redstart, Eversmann´s Redstart, Red-fronted Serin, Common Rosefinch, Red-mantled Rosefinch, White-winged Grosbeak, Plain Mountain Finch, Brown Dipper, Dipper (White-throated Dipper ssp. C.c.leucogaster, Azure Tit, Oriental Turtle Dove, Common Myna, Rufous-naped Tit, Black-eared Kite M.m.lineatus, White Wagtail ssp. personata, Grey Wagtail, Mistle Thrush, Black Redstart, Hume's Yellow-browed Warbler, etc.

Day 10 and 11 Bishkek – River Kokkamerin - Bishkek; Yellow-breasted Azure Tit

13.th and 14.th May: In order to have the best possible chance to find the Yellow-breasted Azure Tit we have to drive SW until we reach River Kokkamerin. Here is a good population of the otherwise rare Yellow-breasted Azure Tit breeding along the river. There will be several other interesting species (Ibisbill, Blue Whistling Thrush,Grey-necked Bunting etc) and especially late migrants fouraging along the river. Night in tent. BLD

Day 12: Bishkek - Konchengel WELCOME TO KAZAKHSTAN!

15.th May: After breakfast we drive towards Taukum Desert. Our goal is the endless semi-desert plain of Taukum. Kazakhstan is a giant country – ornithologically too. There is lots of habitats and to maximize our birding we visit as many habitats as possible. More than 500 species has been seen in Kazakhstan. In the SE corner of Kazakhstan there is mountains, however birding her compared to Kyrgyz mountains are less profitable. Impressing numbers of raptors along the road: Booted Eagle, Black-eared Kite, Steppe Eagle and Long-legged Buzzard. At our campsite near a waterhole there is an interesting selection of semi-desert birds: Demoiselle Crane, Little Ringed Plover, Black-bellied Sandgrouse, Pin-tailed Sandgrouse (rare), Common Pratincole (Collared Pratincole), Greater Sandplover, European Nightjar, Hoopoe, plenty of larks a.o. both species of short-toed larks and even White-winged Lark, Indian Sparrow, more species of wheatears, Asian Desert Warbler, Spanish Sparrow, Red-headed Bunting, etc. This is one of the strongholds of Houbara Bustards. Less common but quite possible are species like: Caspian Plover, Blue-cheeked Bee-eater, Saker, Pallas Sandgrouse etc. Night in tents – arranged by our team of course. BLD

Day 13. Konchengel - Zhelturanga

16.th May: Early morning observations and breakfast. Then we drive (150km) to the regions special forest-type, the endemic Turenga Forest with its rare birds. The species list for this area includes some of the most sought after birds in Central Asia: White-winged Woodpecker, Eversmann´s Dove (Yellow-eyed Pigeon [F: Eastern Stock Pigeon]), Saxaul Sparrow and Turkestan Tit. There are several other interesting species in the Turenga Forest: Sykes warbler, Shikra, Short- toed Eagle, European Scops Owls, Pallid Scops Owl, European Bee-eater, European Roller, Little Ringed Plover, Shikra, Steppe Grey Shrike, Booted eagle, White-tailed Eagle, etc. Night in tents (BLD)

Day 14. Zhelturenga – Karaoi; Panders Ground-Jay country

17.th May: We leave the forest and continue. Crossing Ili River and turning west until we early afternoon arrive in Karaoi. This is semi-desert-area, and famous for its occurrence of Panders Ground Jay. We will try to get a sighting of it! Meanwhile the village itself is an excellent birding spot! Just outside the door is Sykes Warbler, Azure Tit, Saxual Sparrow and Turkestan Tit. Other goodies could include: White-winged Woodpecker, Blue-cheeked Bee- eater, European Bee-eater, European Roller, Booted Eagle, Shikra, Steppe Grey Shrike, Lesser Grey Shrike, Eurasian Golden Oriole, Bearded Reedling, Asian Desert Warbler, Great Reed Warbler, Paddyfield Warbler, Cettis Warbler, Desert Wheatear, Dalmatian Pelican, Black-eared Kite, Pied Wheatear (usually we see, white- throated ’vittata’ morph too), Siberian Stonechat, Isabelline Wheatear, Bluethroat, Common Nightingale ssp hafizi, Rufous Scrub Robin, Masked Wagtail, Hoopoe, Little Bittern, Little Owl, Long-eared Owl, Turkestan Shrike,Yellow Wagtail ssp feldegg, Red-rumped Swallow, Tawny Pipit, Crested Lark, etc. Night in tents or in a primitive house – we never know in advance, but usually we manage to find indoor accomodation. BLD

Day 15 and 16. Karaoi: PGJ

18.th and 19.th May: We spend two days trying to find PGJ at its breeding grounds – and we make an serious attempt going to its breeding grounds from spring 2012. 4 pairs in an area of around seven square kilometers is not impossible! Other good birds have been seen in the area: Asian Desert Warbler, Desert Wheatear, Desert Finch, Blue-cheeked Bee- eater, Saxaul Sparrow, Steppe Grey Shrike, Long-legged Buzzard, etc. BLD

Day 17. Karaoi – Almaty

20.th May: We say goodbye to the desert and travel East. Stops at good birding places! Accommodation in hotel downtown Almaty. BLD

Day 18. Almaty - Astana, Kazakhstan; transfer to Korgalzhyn Nature Reserve

21.th May: In Kazakhstan one of the famous birding events occurs in the northern part of the co untry at the steppe. This is of course included in our departure, and we use the best local guide available, and Miksture know the area very well from more than 25 visits. Morning arrival in Astana, capital of Kazakhstan. Please note that to minimize logistical difficulties arising from any delays one flight this day will be designated „The Official Flight‟. Anyone unable to use The Official Flight will be required to arrive a day earlier. Astana is the new capital of Kazakhstan (former Almaty lost that status ten years ago). The city were founded in 1824 and named Akmolinsk. This name was replaced by Tselinograd by minister president Nikita Khrushchev. I 1991 the name was changed again to Aqmola, but this name is almost similar to Russian word for ”white burial” hence it was finally changed in 1998 to present name Astana – a simple word meaning just… capitol! After arrival we drive to Korgalzhyn Nature Reserve, c.140 km from Astana. It takes some hours but we stop here and there were interesting birds appear – Red-footed Falcon colonies, ponds etc. Korgalzhyn Nature Reserve is Kazakhstan’s biggest nature reserve and established1968. The little remote village Karachar is our base from where we explore the area during the coming days. The village is situated at the shore of a lake, and within hundred meters from our accommodation it’s possible to watch good numbers of interesting birds; reed beds with warblers and overflying birds. This accommodation is by far the best situated; birds are just outside the houses! The program for the coming days depends on the weather and road conditions. The dominating type of habitat is agriculture land and grass steppe with lots of small ponds and lakes. A combination that attracts huge numbers of birds. The steppe is considered as a threatened type of landscape – huge parts already are converted to agriculture and the pristine habitat we find in the reserve is increasingly rare. The following days we explore the area using our own bus and my local friend. Usually we drive out in the morning, make excursions – stop here & there were birds present – sometimes we hike but always short distances. The area is app. 2.500 km2, of which most is steppe lakes. Following lines are cited from Mauri Leivo and Pauli Dernjatins excellent article "Kazakhstan - The land of the Pallas Sandgrouse", Aula 2/2000 and describe in excellent choice of words, the areas unique atmosphere: "Several "Baraba Gulls" Larus cachinans/heuglini/barabensis, flew around us maybe hoping for bread, fish remains or some other handout (actually the fishermen throw fish remains every evening while they clean fish, attracting several species of gulls, MWA). A few Greater Black- headed Gulls, tens of marsh Harriers and large flocks of Pochard, Greylag Goose and Flamingo were flying on the lake". During the following says, we’ll explore the area by private bus and easy hiking. Accommodation in small wood chalets or guesthouse in the village of Karazhar at Lake Tengis. Evening and early morning is rewarding birdwatching in Karachar. BLD

Day 19. Korgalzhyn Nature Reserve

22.th May: We spend all day exploring the area. Of course species like Demoiselle Cranes, Black and White- winged Larks, Sociable Plover, Pallid Harrier, White-headed Duck, pelicans, shorebirds etc. are target species. We drive out in the morning, returns to Karachar at lunch and make yet another excursion in the afternoon. The day will be busy, but with pleasant time for watching the species well. BLD

Day 20. 23.th May: Heading home – Welcome home!

MAMMALS

Though its birds we go for, there is an excellent range of mammals to be seen in the region, and good bird sites usually is good places for other animals… During the years we have made KAKI we have seen a long list of mammals (and insects, butterflies, flowers, etc): Wolf, Deer, Wild Pigs, Ibex, Marco Polo Sheep, Persian Gazelles, Tolai Hare, Goitered Gazelle, Great Gerbil, Red Pika, Corsac Fox, Marbled Polecat, Murmeldyr (Long- tailed Marmot), Red Squirrel, Ground Squirrel,etc.

ABOUT THE TOUR!

This is an active journey. Participants should tolerate and be ready for active birding. The activity level will be adjusted so it fit all clients, and everyone can enjoy this journey. There is certain flexibility, so individual wishes and pace can be respected. We don’t climb mountains or endure tough levels of activity, but this is birding and participants should be ready getting up early – and should be ready to endure changing climatic conditions. We visit deserts, semi-deserts, mountains, etc. when this is said, it should be stressed that Miksture and my team are very experienced in handling these tours. We know the areas and the conditions. We are well prepared, and make sure the participants achieve the best possible comfort – tasty, healthy and enough food! Comfortable accommodation whenever it’s possible, and luckily we try to provide good accommodation at least with few days in between, so the participants never are several days away from comfortable accommodation. There will be nights in tents because no other possibilities are present, but its solely an advantage as we are close or right in the center of the best birding sites. Our vehicles are comfortable and increasingly better year for year. Now we use Mercedes Sprinter, comfortable 4x4 vehicles, and our drivers always are sober and experienced drivers. Many companies here in central Asia offers rotten service for the participants and made silly excuses that other possibilities are not present…We don’t – we value and respect uttermost the clients, and Miksture have many clients that already have been on 3 or 4 journeys with us here in Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan. When it’s said please remember that tourism and service are not the same high level here as in many other parts of the world. Tourism is new here and it took years before guesthouses and hotels were available. So please bear this in mind and be patient if the breakfast on the guesthouse are served ten minutes later than agreed, or the breakfast served is different than at home… etc.

Meals: The food is very delicious here in Central Asia. When we are in the field we bring our own kitchen team who serve three meals a day: Good, healthy and delicious food! We provide mineral water during all tour, and serve tea and coffee to all meals. When possible and wished we make tea and coffee-breaks.

Weather and climate: The climate is influenced by altitude. In May it’s usually pleasant in southern Kazakhstan and lowlands in Kyrgyzstan. Rain occurs but usually not in heavy amounts.

What to bring…?

Prior departure, and usually at booking confirmation, 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...

CUSTOMS: On entering Central Asian countries you need to declare all equipment such as cameras (especially camcorders) and money, Usually it goes smooth and without any problems and frankly… the customs and authorities in the three countries are very friendly and service minded.

LUGGAGE: Please bring soft luggage if at all possible (i.e. lockable bag, strong nylon or canvas bags rather than hard suitcases, which are for more difficult to pack into the vehicles and take up more room). In addition take a small to medium sized rucksack which should be carried as cabin baggage. Pack photographic equipment, bins and things of this sort in your rucksack for the journey.

CLOTHING: You will be outside most days unless you request to stay at base for any reason, so it is essential to be properly kitted out. At the same time, try to travel as lightly as possible; leave superfluous clothing etc. at home. It will be both cool and cold during the trip, although some days it will be pleasantly warm and even hot. However, clothing needs to cater for these fluctuating needs. The season is predominantly dry apart from the steppe and mountains. In addition, in the mountains it can be windy and cold. Rain occur! Remember that it is easier to keep warm if you wear several layers.

Essential Clothing & items: One thick sweater/fleece, Waterproof cloth. A pair of walking/trekking shoes (trainers are generally not suitable but are useful for changing into, in towns, hotels etc.). Torch and spare batteries. Other good equipment: A water bottle or thermos for tea (must not leak), a small everyday ruck- sack, sunglasses, sun screen, pills for indigestion, diarrhea etc, kleenex tissues, wet wipes, travel wash etc.

SUPPLIES: Supplies such as biscuits, some fruit (fresh & bottled), chocolate, beer, etc. can be bought readily in all the towns we are visiting.

ACCOMMODATION in Guest houses/Hotel

Rooms are provided with twin beds. One key only usually (but not always) is allocated per room and this is looked after by a floor attendant when you leave your room. Extra blankets are provided in most hotel rooms. Most hotels have adequate (but not always private) bathrooms with hot running water for at least part of the day. The guesthouses in the region are generally of fair and reasonable standard. Hot water may not be available when camping. Mugs and glasses are also provided but not necessarily toilet paper; so bring 1-2 rulls/person. Good sterilized mineral water is available during the travel. On meals in cafes it’s usually possible to buy drinks like beer/wine/cola, etc.

CAMPING: For some days you will be under canvas accommodation. You will need to bring a 2-season sleeping bag (can be rented, please contact Michael). Karrimot, are provided; though if you prefer pls bring the more modern self-inflated Thermorest' mattress. There are no air mattresses.

ELECTRICITY: Guesthouses and hotels will have electricity. If you need to recharge batteries you don´t need an adapter: Charge whenever possibilities are available.

LAUNDRY: Bring your own washing powder; hotels normally, but not invariably, have a laundry service.

MEALS: All meals have been paid. Lunches could be packed and be basic. Some evening meals will be in the hotel or in a restaurant close by. Dinners are with plenty of food and a variety of communal dishes. Soups are often included as well as both meat and vegetable dishes. Meal times are generally very flexible and the group will eat together.

MEDICAL: Vaccinations. None are compulsory. It is recommended that you protect yourself against tetanus. A check up with your doctor and dentist are wise precautions before departure. Please ensure that if You use any medicament, you have an adequate supply to last for the trip; they will be difficult, if not impossible, to purchase in Kyrgyzstan. Bring: Simple pain killer (e.g. Paracetomol), Lip salve, and travel sickness pills if required, 1-2 toilet rolls, Sun screen with a high protection factor (e.g. 25 sun block is recommended), Sunglasses, suitable for screening out high UV at altitude. Sun hat. If you are prone to diarrhea then Lomotil or Imodium and Dioralyte or Rehydrat may be useful.

TIPPING: Tipping is generally welcomed!

SPENDING MONEY: Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan have two currencies; these are no use outside the two countries. Exchange is possible only in the cities! Creditcards, especially Visa and MasterCard can be used in increasingly number of shops, mainly Bishkek, Astana and Almaty; and can be used to draw cash money!

Price include: Price pr. person (in shared double-room) 2695 EURO (calculated for a group of ten, but we try to keep it with slightly adjustements if only eight participate). To book a seat on this tour a non-refundable deposit on 270 EURO pr person should be paid – You are not reserved a seat before the deposit is paid. This deposit will be paid back if the tour is cancelled by Miksture. The remaining amount 2425 EURO per person should be paid LATEST 1.th February 2013 ● Guiding by Miksture/Michael Westerbjerg Andersen ● Local (English- speaking) interpreters ● Transportation according program ● Domestic flight: Astana - Almaty ● All accommodation in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan according program – hotels, guesthouses and tents ● All food in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan ● Bottled water and some drinks ● All permits ● Services of tour leader & administration from Miksture ● Local entrees and fees according day-to-day program

Price does NOT include: International flights - the earlier it’s booked – the cheaper. If bought few months prior departure the price can be double as much as booking in autumn 2012! It’s important to notice; don’t wait until few months departure! Miksture of course assist and we book gladly for you; pls let us know if we should book your tickets. We book from all countries and cities! We recommend Turkish Airlines which have the best, most comfortable and swift service on this destination, e.g. London – Astana via Istanbul – Bishkek - London ● Alcoholic drinks at meals in restaurants and cafes ● Eventual extra arrangements not mentioned in the program ● Tips to drivers and interpreter ● Travel insurance – mandatory! ● Extra arrangements not mentioned in the program ● Visas to Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan ● Invitation letter (LOI) to Kazakhstan if needed ● anything strictly personal (e.g. laundry, phone calls, any excess luggage charges, snacks). Visa fees and applications will be explained prior departure.

Single room: Is possible for surcharge in most accommodation; guesthouse and hotels - a single room surcharge will apply for anyone not sharing. Please note that, single room accommodation may not be available at some places, but this will be explained and agreed prior departure.

Booking procedure:

In order to book a seat on this KAKI 2013, pls insert deposit 270 Euro per person to Mikstures account – your seat is booked when deposit is paid. As soon Miksture registries deposit, we mail a receipt and you seat is booked. If Miksture cancel the tour the deposit will be refunded 100%

1. Deposit of 270 Euro per person should be paid to Mikstures account (pls mark it: “Deposit KAKI 2013” 2. When deposit is received, Miksture mail a receipt of the received amount, together with list of birds of KAKI 2013 and Practical Traveltips KAKI which essential is a little booklet of all practical matters and a packlist 3. Mail a JPG file of the “picture-page” in your Passport, or a scanned copy of the page to Miksture. This will be used for obtaining permits, and book accommodation. Pls note – the copy of the Passport SHOULD is the same as you will use during KAKI 2013! 4. Flight ticket: The earlier it’s booked – the cheaper. Miksture of course assist if wished. We recommend Turkish Airlines which have the best, most comfortable and swift service on this destination. 5. Visa – we assist of course with this matter. When your seat is booked Miksture inform you about the visas – usually we arrange it in advance or you can purchase it upon arrival at the destination 6. The remaining amount of tour price is paid latest 1.th February 2013. 7. One month before departure Miksture mail an updated program

Account: Miksture Bank: NORDEA Banks adress: NORDEA Helsinge Afd., Østergade 7, 3200 Helsinge, Danmark. Tel: +45 48 79 47 50 Reg nr: 2418 Accountnr: 8976114257 IBAN: DK5220008976114257 SWIFT: NDEADKKK

All birders are welcome and on our travels there usually is a mix-ture of nationalities. Language is no problem – Birders talk the same language! English, Russian, French, German and Danish are spoken. Miksture was established with the purpose of encourage and combine Eco-tourism and biological scientific research in Central Asia; mainly Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan. The approach of combining Eco-tourism and Nature Conservation is in many ways opposite activities, but in Kyrgyzstan we have done it without severe compromises for the visitors and the environment. Our tours are the result of friendship and strange ideas and our carefully planned itineraries and intensive approach have since 1994 given those who travel with us an unusually experience. Miksture is an independent company, established and owned by Michael Westerbjerg Andersen. You will always be in contact with Michael when you contact us. All itineraries are accompanied by the staff of Kyrgyz-Travel who posses the knowledge and experience to make the tour wholly successful. They know the areas thoroughly and take pride in showing those who travel the local hotspots, confidently coping with any problems that may arise and so greatly increasing the chance that everything will run smoothly. Leading a tour in Europe or North America is one thing, leading one in Central Asia where logistical problems are a fact of life is quite another! Where practicable and necessary we obtain the assistance of local leaders who have both an intimate knowledge of their home areas and the ability to look after the group to the required standard.

Welcome to KAKI 2013

Friendly greetings!

Michael Westerbjerg Andersen, Owner of Miksture