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We really had a brilliant holiday.
T. & D.L. Dunblane
Tour Itinerary and Reports
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The Tulip Meadows of Kazakhstan's Steppes & Tien Shan Mountains
Tour Code: KAZ04A 12-day botany tour of the steppes and Tien Shan Mountains of Kazakhstan, with particular emphasis on the wonderful spring display of wild tulips.
12 days
from
£4,995
£4,995
Land only price
from
£4,495
£4,495
Highlights
Tour Itinerary and Reports
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Summary
Against a stunning backdrop of the snow-capped 'Celestial Mountains' of the Tien Shan range, we will search flower-filled meadows of Kazakhstan to find up to 10 species of wild tulip in their homeland. Early collectors first brought these much loved plants to Europe from this region and our tour is timed to witness the flowers in bloom. Our itinerary includes the wonderful Aksu-Zhabagly Nature Reserve where over 1,400 plant species have been recorded, and the mountains above Almaty where high-altitude flowers add splashes of colour to the remnants of winter snow.
- Up to 10 species of wild tulips in their homeland
- Superb displays of tulips blooming in meadows & mountains
- Abundant flora – over 6,000 species, including rare plants & endemics
- Magnificent montane scenery & Central Asian steppe
- Outstanding birdlife
- At the heart of the Old Silk Road
- Legendary Kazakhstan hospitality
- Led by a local botanical guide
Grading
Grade B. Easy/moderate day walks only.
Outline Itinerary
Day 1
Fly Almaty
Day 2
Almaty area
Day 3/4
Merke and Merke Gorge
Day 5/8
Aksu-Zhabagly Nature Reserve, Tien Shan Mountains
Day 9
Kyzylkol Lake, Shymkent; fly Almaty
Day 10
Charyn Canyon and Bartogay Lake
Day 11
Kaskelen Gorge
Day 12
Fly London
What's Included?
- Flights
- Accommodation:
We stay in a comfortable hotel in Almaty and simple guesthouses when off the beaten track.
- Food:
All meals are included in the price.
Reviews
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An amazing experience! Visit to Green Market was a great cultural experience. I love my dombra!
M.C. USA -
I have nothing but praise for the whole trip. The botany was brilliant, even if much was above my head, and all the arrangements were good... I make no reservation in recommending Naturetrek to friends and acquaintances and look forward to travelling with you in the future. I will be retiring at the beginning of next year and hope to take full advantage of my freedom.
A.W. Oxfordshire
Dates & Prices
2026
Departures
Availability
Cost
Sat 11th Apr – Wed 22nd Apr
SPACES
£4,995
Flights:
Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.
Flights are included in the tour cost
Regional Departures:
On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.
Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£4,495
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£645
Prefer to Travel in a Private Group?
For any interested natural history club or society, we can arrange for a private departure of this tour.
Enquire
Why Naturetrek?
At Naturetrek we craft expertly-guided group and tailor-made wildlife holidays and cruises to all seven continents. On one of our holidays, you can be assured that our passionate team will enable you to experience and enjoy the best of the world's wildlife and natural spectacles in as comfortable and rewarding a manner as possible, caring as best we can for the environment in the process. We are proud to provide:
- The widest choice of wildlife holidays worldwide
- Tours managed and led by naturalists, for naturalists
- Outstanding value and exceptional customer service
Furthermore, as a Naturetrek client, our office team are always to on hand to help you – so if you have any queries about your holiday, whether before or after you have booked, we will be delighted to answer them on the phone. Please just give our team a call!
