Central Asia: Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan

The Silk Road, Samarkand, and Bukhara—the names conjure up images of fierce Mongol hordes storming out of the east and of dusty camel trains and crowded bazaars where rare jewels and exotic spices were traded by travelers from far-off lands. Stretching from the Caspian Sea to the Tien Shan Mountains, the Central Asian countries of Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan are indeed richly endowed with history and culture. The varied traditions and customs of this fascinating region are matched by a wide variety of habitats. From Tashkent we’ll take ‘the Golden Road to Samarkand’ and follow the Silk Road to Bukhara, and beyond into the drifting sand dunes of the Kyzyl Kum Desert, where we’ll look for Pander’s Ground Jay, one of the region’s special birds.

Following this ancient trading route to Kazakhstan, we’ll seek out ancient woodlands where Yellow-eyed Stock Doves and Saxaul Sparrows still breed before we reach the dramatic splendor of the snowcapped Tien Shan Mountains, awash with wildflowers and home to Himalayan Snowcock and Güldenstadt’s Redstart. Heading north, we’ll find ourselves surrounded by the enormous skies and wormwood-scented breezes of the Kazak steppes, alive with White-winged and Black Larks and swarms of waders, gulls, and terns. Now oil-rich countries in their own right, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan are developing fast but still retain an air of mystery and intrigue, which Steve Rooke, on this 32nd tour there, looks forward to sharing with you.