Uzbekistan - Birding along the Silk Road

There is no better destination in Central Asia for a mix of a Birding & Culture tour than in Uzbekistan. If you visit any of the ancient cities of Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara or Khiva it will be obvious how rich these cities were during the Middle Ages and how much they still retained of the original splendor of architecture and traditions. As we follow the steps of the Silk Road we will be amazed how variable the scenery can be from slopes of high mountains like Thien Shan through river valleys and lakes down to semi-deserts and the Kyzyl Kum desert itself.

Obviously all these different habitats offer a wide variety of birds & other wildlife. In the hilly region we will look for raptors which include Himalayan Griffon Vulture, Griffon Vulture, Bearded Vulture, Long-legged Buzzard, Shikra, Saker Falcon and many more, while the most special bird to look for will be Pander’s Ground Jay in the desert where we also have a chance for Asian Desert Warbler, Desert Lesser White-throat, Desert Finch &  Streaked Scrub Warbler.

In between the hills and the deserts we visit diverse habitats where we should add such various species as Turkestan Tit, Grey-necked - & White-capped Bunting, Eastern Rock Nuthatch, Turkestan Shrike, White-winged Woodpecker, Asian Paradise Flycatcher, Finsch’s Wheatear, White-throated Robin, Sykes Warbler, Menetries’s warbler, Rosy Starling and many more.

What is more, beside the excellent species of birds there is a good chance to see some other interesting wildlife, like Goitered Gazelle, Wild Asian Ass, Przewalski’s Horse and various reptiles, unique wildflowers and rare butterflies.

All this with staying at comfortable, good hotels and enjoying excellent local food.

You can find downloadable itineraries at the bottom of the page.