Shepherd of the Ibex

Ornithological and Snow Leopard Expedi-

tion in Tien-Shan with Miksture - Eastern

Kyrgyzstan 2.th - 14.th April 2011

Kyrgyzstan is one of the Central Asian ex-Soviet states

achieving independence in 1991 and since then continues

to develop and flower. It’s wedged between Kazakhstan in

North, Uzbekistan in west, Tadzhikistan in South and the

huge China in east. Without any ocean (however the

worlds next-biggest mountain lake Issyk Kul) and palm-

coral beaches Kyrgyzstan is still visited by few tourists and

those coming here does it to marvel the magnificent na-

ture. Situated in the middle of Central Asia with over 80%

of the country straddling the fabled Tien Shan and Pamir

Mountains, Kyrgyzstan’s intact and undisturbed alpine na-

ture makes it among the world’s most unique mountainous

places. Kyrgyzstan is the ideal place to see the regions

specialities and isolated populations of otherwise mostly

Siberian species. In zoogeographic terms we will be visiting

the Northern Himalayas. The scenery in this part of Hima-

laya is fully on par with anywhere in Himalaya and far sur-

passes that of the other Central Asian countries – tourism

is less developed, hence less disturbed. However Kyr-

gyzstan supports one of the last strongholds for the mythi-

cal Snow Leopard. Few human have been fortunate enough

to watch this magnificent feline in the wild.

Drawing on unequalled birding and Mammal experience in

Kyrgyzstan (50+ comprehensive tours during 1995-2010 in

addition to three years' residence in Kyrgyzstan) the fol-

lowing itinerary incorporates several sites pioneered by

your Danish leader Michael Westerbjerg Andersen, living in

Kyrgyzstan while writing a book about the country’s birds

and planning one about the Snow Leopards.

The expedition has been carefully planned and updated to

take in as wide a range of habitats as possible. We have

sufficient time to ensure that all specialities can be properly

searched for, at a realistic pace. We shall be expecting to

see around 150+ species in Kyrgyzstan.

Tour start: In Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan 2.th April 2011

Friendly greetings and Welcome!

Miksture/Michael Westerbjerg Andersen, Bishkek

28.th.October 2010

Tour Fact Sheet

Max Group Size: 9 participants (+MWA & his team).

Top Mammals: Snow Leopard, Siberian Ibex, Argali, Lynx, Grey Wolf, Altai Deer, Wild Boar,

voles, pikas, Toloi Hare, Red Squirrel and marmots.

Top Birds: Himalayan Snowcock, Lammergeier, Himalayan Griffon Vulture, Eurasian Black Vul-

ture, Upland Buzzard, Long-legged Buzzard, Saker Falcon, Ibisbill, Solitary Snipe, Daurian Par-

tridge, Demoiselle Crane, Upland Buzzard, Hill Pigeon, Tengmalm’s Owl, Dipper (ssp leuco-

gaster), Brown Dipper, Black-throated Accentor, Brown Accentor, Altai Accentor, Eversmann’s

Redstart, Güldenstädt’s Redstart, Black-throated Thrush, White-browed Tit Warbler, Azure Tit,

Yellow-breasted Azure Tit, Rufous-naped Tit, Wallcreeper, Pine Bunting, Red-fronted Serin, Plain

Mountain Finch, Brandt’s Mountain Finch, Red-mantled Rosefinch, White-winged Grosbeak, etc.

There are many more species on the list, and a detailed bird list is available. Pls contact us)

Ease of Birding: Periodically challenging but in general fairly easy

Other Attractions: Remoteness. Beautiful landscapes in the Mountains, Lake Issyk-Kul and great

culture & food.

Photographic Opportunities: Birds - Excellent (especially the Demoiselle Cranes). Mammals - Ar-

gali and Ibex: World Class! We'll spend our time trying to see animals, but the keen photogra-

pher will find plenty of opportunity to make use of the often excellent light. Many mountainous

birds rarely encounter human beings can be remarkably approachable.

Habitats Covered: Mountains, lakes and semi-desert.

Demoiselle Cranes, Karakol-area April 2007. Photo MWA

Expected Climate: Continental - cold in winter, though less cold in early spring

Tour Pace & Walking: Moderate pace with good walks, some long drives. Trekking is restricted to

day hikes: emphasis will be on seeing the animals, not on covering as many kilometres as possi-

ble on foot - however, the terrain is steep in places, and this, in combination with altitude,

means that a degree of determination will on some occasions be required to reach the habitat we

aim for.

Accommodation: We will have nights at very basic accommodation in the mountains (maybe

occasional tents) and in Bishkek, Tamga and Karakol comfortable guesthouses

Transport: Uncomfortable 4WD vehicles in the mountains and comfortable vans on the other

parts.

Food: All meals and tea/coffee are provided, during the day generally from local ca-

fes/restaurants or in the mountains from our own kitchen team. We’ll make a point of eating well

whenever possible – most people come away feeling that „it’s not for nothing that Central Asian

cuisine is so famous‟ - but expect some meals to be on the simple side, however both tasty and

nourishing.

Weather: Cold but usually clear in the mountains. Nights cold but days, with blue skies alternat-

ing with overcast conditions. Some snow is likely. Expect temperatures in the -10 to zero Celsius

range in the mountains (night) and warmer during daytime. Very strong sun! A wind-chill factor

must be taken into account at high altitude.

Health: as much time will be spent above 2,000 m. Problems aggravated by altitude is as good

as non-existing. We take very good care of our clients and we walk careful to reduce risks and

uncomforting.

Day 1. Arrival Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan; transfer guesthouse. Birding or city

tour in afternoon. Night in Bishkek

Day 2. Transfer Bishkek – Tamga. Enroute birding. Night in guesthouse

in Tamga

Day 3. Transfer to mountains along Chinese border. Night in hut or

tents

Day 4. – 8. In the heart of the Tien-Shan mountains

Day 9. Transfer to Tamga. Night in guesthouse in Tamga

Day 10. Transfer to Karakol. Enroute Jeti-Oghuz and birding for Demoi-

selle Cranes

Day 11. Karakol-area. Ibisbill. Night in guesthouse in Karakol

Day 12. Transfer to Bishkek via Issyk-Kul northern shore. Night in

guesthouse in Bishkek

Day 13. Heading home – Welcome home!

This tour is divided in two themes: The first part

will be devoted to the Snow Leopard quest,

whereas the second part will take us around the

huge Issyk-Kul Lake in eastern part of Kyrgyzstan.

In the latter part we will look for the magnificent

birdlife.

The birdlife is prolific so is the landscapes. On the

birding front, our comprehensive tour, timed for

the prime spring period, encompasses a wide variety of mountainous habitats and we expect to

notch up most of the region’s important species. Amongst the birds we will search for here are:

Himalayan Snowcock, Lammergeier, Himalayan Griffon Vulture, Eurasian Black Vulture, Long-

legged Buzzard, Saker Falcon, Ibisbill, Solitary Snipe, Hill Pigeon, Tengmalm’s Owl, Dipper (ssp

leucogaster), Brown Dipper, Black-throated Accentor, Brown Accentor, Altai Accentor, Evers-

mann’s Redstart, Güldenstädt’s Redstart, Blue-capped Redstart, Black-throated Thrush, White-

browed Tit Warbler, Azure Tit, Yellow-breasted Azure Tit, Rufous-naped Tit, Wallcreeper, Pine

Bunting, Red-fronted Serin, Plain Mountain Finch, Brandt’s Mountain Finch, Red-mantled

Rosefinch, White-winged Grosbeak, etc. At the onset of spring we can expect several more spe-

cies to arrive e.g. Citrine Wagtails and warblers. By increasing temperatures the birdlife increase

day by day. One of the highlights is the congregations of thousands Demoiselle Cranes, and we

visit one of the roosting sites along the cranes migration route.

The springtime in Kyrgyzstan’s mountains is short and almost explosive. In the last days of

March the cold and warmer spring climate wrestles in a climatic match. The outcome is always

the warmer climate, but sometimes the winter only gives away step-by-step. It’s fantastic being

out in the mountains in these days and it’s a lifetime event to experience. It’s magical to see the

nature wake alive after the long strong winter and we have many times experienced going out

blizzards and return along green fields and flowering tulips few days later. Usually we don’t con-

sider it possible to combine specified birding and mammal tours in one and the same tour, but

for every law there are exceptions. This tour is one of them. It’s a highly specialised birding AND

mammal trip; we combine excellent birding with excellent mammal watching in the Eastern Kyr-

gyz Tien-Shan mountains along the Chinese border. This is the most remote mountainous re-

gions in Kyrgyzstan. Only inhabitants in these beautiful and unspoiled landscapes are birds, rare

mammals and handful border-soldiers. Nowhere it’s possible to get so close to and watch so

many Argali Sheep, and Ibex as here. It’s also one of the strongholds for the rare and mythic

Snow Leopard. We know its presence here, and we know where to look for them. It’s the area

where Miksture on a recognition tour in December 2009 watched the playground for five Snow

Leopards in a narrow valley. At those days we didn’t have possibility to continue our observa-

tions but wanted to return later in the winter. However it never become possible due snow condi-

tions blocked the roads until medio March. Meantime we have possessed access permits and

agreements for few expeditions in 2011.

Nothing can stop the springtime to arrive in the late March days. In the lowland we already sniff

the spring weather in February, and watch the first migrants heading north. In the mountains

however, it’s a different story. The winter have given up in March but it still keep the inhabitants

in a firm grip and human beings have to travel clever and with enough warm cloth. We know

thoroughly the conditions and are able to read and explain the signs – and we are always posi-

tive surprised about the strength and sudden appearance of the spring. On this expedition we

travel deep into the heart of the Snow Leopards kingdom, and with the expertise of Michael and

his team the chances for an encounter are reasonable. Though the main target in the mountains

is the Snow Leopard the early springtime in these Kyrgyz Mountains is world-class experience

with numerous mighty peaks, glaciers, high-altitude lakes and meadows all forming a stunning

back-drop. Other prized mammals include Siberian Ibex, Argali Sheep, Grey Wolf, Eurasian Lynx,

marmots, pikas and Altai Deer – all magnificent in their own right.

On several expeditions we have searched and narrowed the search to few locations. Every winter

and spring we have made expeditions to remote valleys and for weeks enjoyed the incredible

winter landscapes, and of course seen Snow Leopards. It would never be possible to issue a

guarantee for seeing these animals, but with a success rate of more than 75% Better possibility

can’t be made. In 2010 SL were observed AND heard on both expeditions!!! We are always in the

heels of the Snow Leopards and know thoroughly the Leopards habits and movements. On the

other hand we never disturb this shy and vulnerable species, and priority is always made to

benefit the best for the Snow Leopard. However it’s possible to watch Snow Leopards in the wild

without disturbing them. It should be stated too, that the Snow leopards nature and acceptance

of human beings is unique. It has never been documented that Snow Leopards have tracked and

killed human beings (opposite its African cousin…). It simply considers a completely different

nature of mind, and Kyrgyz hunters have had numerous encounters with Snow Leopards on their

tours. Luckily there is a respect among hunters and Snow Leopards. They share same prey so to

say – the Siberian Ibex. The hunters focus is in other words not on hunting Snow Leopards.

There is a century-old respect for the Snow Leopards in Kyrgyzstan, however increasing requests

from obscure Asian medicine markets in recent ten years have increased the illegal poaching of

Snow Leopards everywhere in their range – in Kyrgyzstan too. The preferred habitat comprises

undisturbed and intact nature. They live in rough high altitude terrain of canyons and alpine

meadows where they predate their favourite prey the Ibex – locals hunters refer the Snow leop-

ards as the Shepherd of the Ibex; a beautiful and very accurate description of this odd relation-

ship. On this expedition you will witness wherever we track the Snow Leopards footprints of Ibex

and Snow leopards never will be far away from each other! During the summer months the Ibex

along with their “shepherds” migrate up the slopes to 4.000 – 5000 meter above sea level where

they are almost impossible to find. In the winter months however the heartless cold mountains

force the animals to the valleys where tree and bushes gives shelter and food in the harsh winter

conditions. Here we will look for the Snow Leopard!

Never guaranteed, the Snow Leopard - this superbly camouflaged top carnivore of these bleak

uplands, is one to dream about. Mind you, dreams come true occasionally!

Day-to-day program

Miksture always try to make the journey

according to program and stick to the

itinerary this may not always be possible

due to circumstances beyond our con-

trol: a degree of flexibility is thus re-

quired, and participants must be adven-

turous and willing to put up with the

rigors and discomforts inherent in travel

in remote & culturally alien areas., but

sometimes it can be necessary to

change routes, and order of the loca-

tions. Miksture always try to optimize

the birding hence I can add extra loca-

tions or change locations according cli-

ents wishes. One month before departure Miksture mail an updated program. Please note follow-

ing 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.

Itinerary

Day 01: 2.th April Meeting in Bishkek: City tour or birding

Arrival in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan's capital. Miksture will be pleased to organize a night in a hotel in

Bishkek for anyone preferring to arrive a day early in order to rest up after the long international

flight. Please note that to minimize logistical difficulties anyone unable to arrive this day will be

required to arrive a day early. Morning arrival at Bishkek. Miksture and his team welcome you

and transfer you to a central situated guesthouse. Breakfast available, and after few hours rest

we will have time to make a birding excursion, or for those not interested in birding: City tour.

Birding in the vicinity of Bishkek: Shorebirds, Ferruginous Duck, Garganey, Common Pheasant,

Great Egret, Black-eared Kite ssp lineatus, White-tailed Eagle, Demoiselle Crane, Alpine Swift,

Eurasian Hoopoe, White-winged Woodpecker, Tawny Pipit, Red-throated – Pipit, Yellow Wagtail

ssp feldegg, Citrine Wagtail nominate and ssp calcarata, Grey Wagtail, Masked Wagtail, White

Wagtail ssp “dukhunensis, ” Black-throated Thrush, Cetti’s Warbler, Common Chiffchaff ssp

tristis, Azure Tit, Long-tailed Rosefinch. BLD

DAY 02: 3.th April Drive to Issyk Kul Lake – Expedition begin

Along the road we will look for birds: Waterfowl and raptors. Other species could be: Common

Pheasant (here it’s the “real Pheasant; in the motherland for this Central Asian species), Great

Egret, Black-eared Kite ssp lineatus, White-tailed Eagle, Pallid Harrier, Long-legged Buzzard,

Demoiselle Crane, Eurasian Hoopoe, White-winged Woodpecker, Turkestan Shrike, Masked Wag-

tail, Bluethroat, Siberian Stonechat, Black-throated Thrush, Cetti’s Warbler, Common Chiffchaff

ssp tristis, Azure Tit, Yellow-breasted Tit, White-crowned Penduline, Long-tailed Rosefinch, etc.

Probably we will witness a wonderful day in the pure Kyrgyzstan air with interesting sightings.

We drive through small villages where people live a quiet existence. This road is actually a part

of the Silk Road, this ancient way that branched across Central Asia from West to East. We will

during the next days in addition talk and learn about this famed roads historical influence in the

region. In the afternoon we arrive to our accommodation; a comfortable guesthouse on the

southern shore of Issyk Kul. Here is it possible to experience the Russian sauna, and warm and

comfortable beds wait for us. BLD

Day 03: 4.th April Transfer to Tien-Shan along

the Chinese border

Starting early we'll devote the transfer to the moun-

tains. Its tough terrain and the drive will be tough!

We count starting very early and reach the camp in

the evening – but the road might be difficult hence

we have to accommodate somewhere along the road.

As we are in really remote areas we can’t promise

indoor accommodation, so we bring along tents. The

area we drive through is incredible and very remote.

Few westerners ever have been here, and few people

come here! The road winds through mountain passes, we cross rivers and drive along dirt roads.

Indeed an adventure! If we arrive this day, we will accommodate in a primitive and the only

available accommodation – a group of old wooden houses. However we will try to make it as

comfortable as possible. This place is will be used as our base during the stay and is used as our

daily starting point for the search into the Snow Leopard’s kingdom. Its moderate altitudes and

there is no risk of any of us suffering altitude-induced discomfort. Magnificent views to the snow-

capped mountains where we the coming days will search the Snow Leopard. It’s possible to

watch Argali and Ibex from the huts – and Snow Leopard have been seen less than 500 meters

from the hut; e.g. in September 2009 where a single SL fisted on a carcass of an Argali. In addi-

tion there is a fine set of birds, mainly raptors and mountainous species: Himalayan Snowcock,

Chukar, Lammergeier, Black Vulture, Himalayan Griffon Vulture, Golden Eagle, Hill Pigeon, Water

Pipit, White-throated Dipper ssp leuco-

gaster, Brown Dipper, Brown Accentor,

Black Redstart ssp phoenicuroides,

Güldenstädt’s Redstart, Wallcreeper,

Alpine Chough, Red-billed Chough,

Common Raven, Plain Mountain Finch,

Brandt’s Mountain Finch, Red-mantled

Rosefinch, White-winged Grosbeak,

Rock Bunting ssp par, White-tailed

Rubythroat, etc

Up to five! Snow Leopards were here few hours ago... December 2009. Photo: MWA

DAY 04-08: 5.-9.th April Snow Leopard Expedition

We stay in the plateau, searching for signs and track of the Snow Leopard and make daily trek-

king tours. We stay out all day! Before departure we will make sure that everyone has received

information about the equipment to be brought (of course this tour does NOT involve any haz-

ardous climbing). We’ll walk approximately 5-6 hours in relaxed pace (as we careful scan the

mountain slopes for animals). Here we will admire beautiful mountainous landscapes… We are

now in the kingdom of the Snow Leopard, and few places in the world offers more spectacular

sceneries. While the spring sun disappears behind the peaks, the landscape become silent while

thousands of stars will make these nights unforgettable. Night in primitive huts. BLD

DAY 09: 10.th April After the last night in the mountains we'll turn downwards. The drive is long

and takes all day. By late evening we arrive at our comfortable guesthouse in Tamga. By the

time we start our return journey we will be in the privileged position of being familiar with most

of the birds and animals of this grand, truly remote region – an ultimate travelling into the Snow

Leopards kingdom. BLD

DAY 10: 11.th April Transfer to the provincial capital of eastern Kyrgyzstan – Karakol. On our

way well stop at the remarkable red sandstone formations in Jeti Oghuz. Here wind erosion has

created remarkable sculptures amongst the most renowned are the “Seven Bulls” and the “Bro-

ken Heart”. Upon arrival in Karakol we eat lunch and continue to the peninsula searching for

roosting flocks of the beautiful Demoiselle Crane. For those not interested in birding there is an

option: City tour, and a visit to Przevalski's Museum (the famous Russian explorer). Accommoda-

tion in a comfortable guesthouse in Karakol. BLD

DAY 11: 12.th April Ibisbill is on the program. We

visit a beautiful valley, where several pairs of this

endemic Himalayan shorebird spend its entire life....

A combination of beautiful nature, crystal-clear air

and time spent watching Ibisbill en route ensure

that we arrive at Karakol in high spirits... There

might turn other interesting species up: Unexpected

migrants, and forest species we still haven’t ticked.

Accommodation in a comfortable guesthouse in

Karakol. BLD

DAY 12: 13.th April after early breakfast we return

to Bishkek via the northern shore of Issyk Kul. On

the way we stop at interesting historically points

until we eventually arrive to Bishkek. A combination

of crisp-clear spring air and beautiful landscapes en

route ensure that we arrive Bishkek in high spirits...

We expect to get back to Bishkek in time to seek

out a particularly good restaurant and sample some

of the famous Kyrgyz food, and as we think back on

some outstanding nature watching in the course of

a very special trip knock back a shot or two of the

local firewater. BLD

DAY 13: 14.th April the tour concludes with post-

breakfast transfer from the hotel to the nearby Ma-

nas international airport for departure.

What to bring…?

Note that only the most basic medical facilities exist away from Bishkek and Karakol: all partici-

pants must accept the full implications of this, but we are of course capable handling most inci-

dences and our team is well educated and experts in moving in mountainous conditions. How-

ever, anyone in general good health and reasonably fit should find that acclimatization is

achieved within a few days of arrival, ensuring full enjoyment of this exciting journey.

Visa: A visa is needed entering Kyrgyzstan; this we will inform about prior departure – special

permits relating to our itinerary are secured for us locally prior to our arrival.

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 bag-

gage. Pack photographic equipment, binos and things of this sort in your rucksack for the jour-

ney.

CLOTHING

You will be outside most days

unless you request to stay at

base for any reason, so it is es-

sential to be properly kitted out.

At the same time, try to travel

as lightly as possible; leave su-

perfluous clothing etc at home.

It will be both cool and cold dur-

ing the trip, although some days

it will be pleasantly warm. How-

ever, clothing needs to cater for

these fluctuating needs. The

season is predominantly wet

apart from the southern Ka-

zakhstan; especially in the

mountains. In addition, in the

mountains it can be windy and

cold. Remember that it is easier

to keep warm if you wear sev-

eral layers. Essential equip-

ment: Warm expedition down

jacket! Rainproof jacket & ditto

over trousers; long-johns; hik-

ing boots; woollen hat; gloves;

sun glasses; sunscreen lotion &

ditto lip balm (protection factor

15-30 is necessary at high alti-

tude); warm socks (dry socks

are important when hiking, and there will be few opportunities to do any washing); plenty of

chocolate & other favourite snacks/ energy food; lozenges; torch; hiking sticks; towel; winter

sleeping bag. However prior departure we will provide informative and plentiful information about

this matters. Please note that outer layers must be in muted colours to decrease the risk of

spooking e g those shy animals.

Essential items: Waterproof and warm cloth, good walking/trekking boots (trainers are generally

not suitable but are useful for changing into, in towns, hotels etc.), torch and spare batteries,

binoculars.

Other good equipment: Thermos for tea (must not leak), your own sleeping bag & mattress,

small everyday ruck-sack, sunglasses, sun screen, pills for indigestion, diarrhoea etc, Kleenex

tissues, wet wipes, travel wash and mug. In addition bring personal supplies such as biscuits,

some fruit (fresh & bottled), chocolate, beer, etc

ACCOMMODATION in Guest houses/Hotel: Guesthouses are provided with twin beds. Extra blan-

kets are provided in guesthouses. Most guesthouses have adequate bathrooms with hot running

water for at least part of the day. Hot water may not be available. Mugs and glasses are also

provided but not necessarily toilet paper; so bring 1-2 rolls/person. Good sterilised mineral water

and beer (lager type) are available during the travel.

CAMPING: We might be under canvas or in

simple covered accommodation. You will need

to bring a good sleeping bag (can be rented,

please contact Michael prior departure). Karri-

mot, are provided; though if you prefer you

need to bring the more modern self inflated

Thermo rest' mattress. There are no air mat-

tresses.

ELECTRICITY: Guesthouses and hotels have

electricity. If you need to recharge batteries

you don´t need an adapter. On the rest of the

trip we will bring a generator, but in general: Charge whenever possibilities are available.

LAUNDRY: Bring your own washing powder; guesthouses have a no laundry service.

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 diarrhoea then Lomotil or Imodium and Diora-

lyte or Rehydrat may be useful.

TIPPING: is generally welcomed!

SPENDING MONEY: Kyrgyzstan’s currency som is no use out-

side the country. Exchange is possible only in the cities! Trav-

ellers cheques, Standard bank cards such as ACCES5,

MASTERCARD, VISA and AMERICAN EXPRESS can usually not

be used outside big cities. Bring EURO or USD in cash – best is

new, intact bills of 50/100 USD/EURO. If not intact or smaller

notes, a less exchange rate is given.

Tour Price pr. person (in shared double-room) 5 pax: 2.343

EURO pr. Person, 6 pax: 2.283 EURO pr. Person, 7 pax: 2.131

EURO pr. person, 8 pax: 2.065 EURO pr. Person or 9 pax:

1.975 EURO pr. person. A surcharge may apply if there are less

than five people in the group. To book a seat on this tour a

deposit on 200 EURO pr. Person should be paid. The remaining

amount should be paid in EURO or USD upon arrival in Bishkek

Price include: Guiding by Miksture/Michael Westerbjerg Andersen and his team ● Local (English-

speaking) interpreters ● Transportation according program ● All accommodation in Kyrgyzstan –

guesthouses, huts and tents ● All food in Kyrgyzstan ● Necessary permits for Restricted Area

sites and other paperwork ● Services of tour leader, porters and driver ● Administration from

Miksture ● Local entrees and fees according day-to-day program

Price does NOT include: International flights and other transportation not mentioned in the

program ● Alcoholic beverage at meals in restaurants and cafes ● Arrangements not mentioned

in the program ● Tips to drivers and interpreter ● Travel insurance – mandatory! ● Evt. other

insurances ● Money for own expenses – actually very little needed ● Visa to Kyrgyzstan ● Visa

support, e.g. Letter of Invitation ● Anything strictly personal (e.g. laundry, phone calls, any ex-

cess luggage charges, snacks).

Single room & tent: A single room surcharge will apply for anyone not sharing. However we usu-

ally make it without extra surcharge if there is enough space in the guesthouse. We don’t charge

for single-tent. Please note that, single room accommodation may not be available at some

places, but this will be explained and agreed prior departure.

It’s possible to rent sleeping bags and karimats. Pls contact Miksture for further info.

Miksture v. Michael Westerbjerg Andersen

Bbooking procedure:

1. Contact Miksture for available seats

2. Deposit of 200 Euro pr person should be paid to Mikstures account (pls mark it:”Deposit

Shepherd of Ibex April 2011”

3. Flight ticket: The earlier it’s booked – the cheaper. Miksture of course assist if wished. We

recommend Turkish Airlines and Aeroflot. Both have comfortable and swift service on this

destination.

4. 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 be the same as you will use during your journey to Kyrgyzs-

tan!

5. Visa – pls contact Miksture and we assist with this matter

6. The remaining amount per person is paid upon arrival to Kyrgyzstan.

If you require any further information please contact us – any question is welcome!

Miksture v. Michael Westerbjerg Andersen

Phone/SMS: 996555036635 (use country code for Kyrgyzstan)

E-mail: michael@miksture.com or michaelwandersen@hotmail.com