TURKMENISTAN

- ULTIMATE CENTRAL ASIA BIRDING

WITH MIKSTURE
20.th April – 5.th May 2014
Welcome to the ultimate desert and mountain birding in Turkmenistan - Central
Asian birding when it’s best!
Turkmenistan provides the best desert birding in central Asia! That’s one of the reasons Turkmenistan has
become a popular Miksture destination in Central Asia. The Desert and Kopet Dag Mountains provides the
most prolific and rewarding birding amidst unsurpassed beautiful scenery. Some of the most wanted spe-
cies known as “dream-species” makes it an essential destination for anyone with a serious interest in Pale-
arctic birds. In addition there is a great selection of species present in Southern Europe, interesting subspe-
cies as many European birds are on the edge of their eastern range here and migrants makes the birding
impressive and challenging. Miksture is a pioneer in Turkmenistan birding and knows thoroughly the loca-
tions and where the birds occur. We have done these areas for 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 re-
warding birding. Our team provides good meals, and we always make the journey as comfortable and
smooth as possible. We don’t make any compromises when it’s about finding the birds, however we always
make priority not to flush and frighten the birds.

Time of year is perfect!

Tour start: In Copenhagen, Denmark 20.th April 2013, or Ashgabat 21.th April 2014. Departure from other
countries is of course possible, and to meet in Istanbul or Ashgabat. Pls contact Miksture for further details
– we would be happy to organize and book your flight!

Tour leader: Miksture/Michael Westerbjerg Andersen

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 our Miksture web-
site: www.miksture.com or www.centralasianbirding.com

Friendly greetings

Miksture/Michael Westerbjerg Andersen, Bishkek 21.th August 2013 2012

Second half of April is my favorite time of year for birding Turkmenistan. The breeding- migrants already
turned up, thickets and bushes hide migrants and provide challenging and exciting birds – everything can
occur, so to speak The spring makes the vegetation fresh, the light clear and sunny excellent for photo-
graphing not blurred by heat – the temperature is moderate and comfortable for birding. Turkmenistan
provides the best desert birding in Central Asia, in addition several northwards migrating species plus a se-
lection of species uncommon or rare in other parts of Central Asia. Apart from the desert species the
mountainous Kopet Dag border zone to Iran is among the least explored areas of Central Asia, and might
bring goodies like Main target birds are: Pander’s Ground-jay, Pygmy Cormorant, Black Stork, Glossy Ibis,
Purple Heron, Ruddy Shelduck, Ferruginous Duck, Booted Eagle, Black-eared Kite, Steppe Eagle, Griffon Vul-
ture, Eurasian Black Vulture, Shikra, Steppe Eagle, Eastern Imperial Eagle, Long-legged Buzzard, Saker Fal-
con, Barbary Falcon, Macqueen’s Bustard, Little Bustard, Caspian Snowcock, Greater Sandplover, Cream-
colored Courser, Black-winged Pratincole, Red-wattled Lapwing, White-tailed Lapwing, Whiskered Tern,
White-winged Tern, Pallid (Striated) Scops-owl, Eurasian Scops-owl, Yellow-eyed Stock Dove, Oriental Turtle
Dove, Egyptian Nightjar, See-see Partridge, Chukar, Black-bellied Sandgrouse, Pin-tailed Sandgrouse, Blue-
cheeked Bee-eater (many), European Bee-eater (many), European Roller (many), White-winged Wood-
pecker, Oriental Skylark, Citrine Wagtail, Common Rock-thrush, Blue Rock-thrush, White-throated Robin,
Rufous Scrub-robin, Black Redstart ssp rufiventris, Siberian Stonechat, Pied Bushchat, Finsch’s Wheatear,
Variable (Eastern Pied) Wheatear, Pied Wheatear, Rusty-tailed Wheatear, Isabelline Wheatear, Desert
Wheatear, Streaked Scrub-warbler, Blyth’s Reed-warbler, Clamorous Reed-warbler, Plain Leaf Warbler,
Sykes’s Warbler (many), Olivaceous Warbler, Hume’s Whitethroat, Upcher’s Warbler, Common Chiffchaff
ssp tristis, Lesser Whitethroat ssp halimodendri, Eastern Olivaceous Warbler, Hume’s Short-toed Lark, East-
ern Orphean Warbler, Menetries’s Warbler, Yellow-breasted (Azure) Tit, Eastern Rock Nuthatch, Isabelline
Shrike, Turkestan Shrike, Bay-backed Shrike, Long-tailed Shrike, Southern Grey Shrike, Brown-necked Ra-
ven, Rose-coloured Starling, Saxaul Sparrow, Spanish Sparrow, House Sparrow ssp bactrianus, Sulphur-
bellied Warbler, Desert Sparrow, Pale Rock-sparrow, Red-fronted Serin, (Grey-headed) European Goldfinch
ssp paropanisi , Crimson-winged Finch, Desert Finch, Rufous-naped Tit, Turkestan Tit, White-winged Gros-
beak, Desert Lark, Oriental Skylark, Desert Warbler, Water Pipit ssp.coutelli, Red-headed Bunting, White-
capped Bunting, Grey-necked Bunting, etc. Possible rarities as Radde’s Accentor, Marbled Duck, Plain Leaf
Warbler, Scaly-bellied Woodpecker, Wire-tailed Swallow, etc.

Another advantage of birding Turkmenistan this time of year is the occurrence of species like most warblers
and buntings which are present here, while not yet appeared in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan.

Turkmenistan is really a pleasant country to visit. Very much have changed in the past years, and nowadays
it’s a country way into the modern society. Still keeping the Silk Roads traditions for hospitality, and the
locals welcoming foreigners and tourists. Until 1991, it was a constituent republic of the Soviet Union, but
since independence in 1991 it has come a long way. It is bordered by Afghanistan to the southeast, Iran to
the south and southwest, Uzbekistan to the east and northeast, Kazakhstan to the north and northwest and
the Caspian Sea to the west. It possesses the world's second largest reserves of natural gas resources, and
is a very strong economic country developing infrastructure and the society in a rate unsurpassed by the
other Central Asian countries. Although it is wealthy in natural resources in certain areas, most of the coun-
try is covered by the Karakum (Black Sand) Desert, and in south along the border to Afghanistan and Iran –
the Kopet Dag mountains. At 488,100 km2 (188,500 sq. mi), Turkmenistan is slightly smaller than Spain and
it lies between latitudes 35° and 43° N, and longitudes 52° and 67° E. Over 80% of the country is covered by
the Karakum Desert (Black Sand). The center of the country is dominated by the Turan Depression and the
Karakum Desert. The dry Kopet Dag Range, along the southwestern border, reaches 2,912 meters at Kuh-e
Rizeh (Mount Rizeh). The Great Balkhan Range in the west of the country and the Köýtendag Range on the
southeastern border with Uzbekistan are the only other significant elevations. The Great Balkhan Range
rises to 1,880 meters at Mount Arlan and the highest summit in Turkmenistan is Ayrybaba in the Kugi-
tangtau Range – 3,137 meters. Rivers include the Amu Darya, the Murghab, and the Tejen. The climate is
mostly arid subtropical desert, with little rainfall. Winters are mild and dry, with most precipitation falling
between January and May. The area of the country with the heaviest precipitation is the Kopet Dag Range.
The major cities include Ashgabat, Türkmenbaşy (formerly Krasnovodsk) and Daşoguz.
Tour Fact Sheet

Key Species
Pygmy Cormorant, Black Stork, Glossy Ibis, Purple Heron, Ruddy Shelduck, Ferruginous Duck, Dalmatian Pelican,
Booted Eagle, Black-eared Kite, Steppe Eagle, Bearded Vulture, Griffon Vulture, Eurasian Black Vulture, Shikra,
Steppe Eagle, Eastern Imperial Eagle, Long-legged Buzzard, Saker Falcon, Barbary Falcon, Macqueen’s Bustard,
Caspian Snowcock, Greater Sandplover, Cream-colored Courser, Black-winged Pratincole, Red-wattled Lapwing,
White-tailed Lapwing, Whiskered Tern, White-winged Tern, Pallid (Striated) Scops-owl, Eurasian Scops-owl, Yel-
low-eyed Stock Dove, Oriental Turtle Dove, Egyptian Nightjar, See-see Partridge, Chukar, Black-bellied Sand-
grouse, Pin-tailed Sandgrouse, Blue-cheeked Bee-eater (many), European Bee-eater (many), European Roller
(many), White-winged Woodpecker, Oriental Skylark, Citrine Wagtail, Common Rock-thrush, Blue Rock-thrush,
White-throated Robin, Rufous Scrub-robin, Black Redstart ssp rufiventris, Siberian Stonechat, Pied Bushchat, Fin-
sch’s Wheatear, Variable (Eastern Pied) Wheatear, Pied Wheatear, Rusty-tailed Wheatear, Isabelline Wheatear,
Desert Wheatear, Streaked Scrub-warbler, Blyth’s Reed-warbler, Clamorous Reed-warbler, Plain Leaf Warbler,
Sykes’s Warbler (many), Olivaceous Warbler, Hume’s Whitethroat, Upcher’s Warbler, Common Chiffchaff ssp
tristis, Lesser Whitethroat ssp halimodendri, Eastern Olivaceous Warbler, Hume’s Short-toed Lark, Eastern Orphe-
an Warbler, Menetries’s Warbler, Yellow-breasted (Azure) Tit, Eastern Rock Nuthatch, Isabelline Shrike, Turkestan
Shrike, Bay-backed Shrike, Long-tailed Shrike, Southern Grey Shrike, Pander’s Ground-jay, Brown-necked Raven,
Rose-coloured Starling, Saxaul Sparrow, Spanish Sparrow, House Sparrow ssp bactrianus, Sulphur-bellied Warbler,
Desert Sparrow, Pale Rock-sparrow, Red-fronted Serin, (Grey-headed) European Goldfinch ssp paropanisi , Crim-
son-winged Finch, Desert Finch, Rufous-naped Tit, Turkestan Tit, White-winged Grosbeak, Desert Lark, Oriental
Skylark, Desert Warbler, Water Pipit ssp.coutelli, Red-headed Bunting, White-capped Bunting, Grey-necked Bunt-
ing, etc. Possible rarities as Radde’s Accentor, Marbled Duck, Plain Leaf Warbler, Scaly-bellied Woodpecker, Wire-
tailed Swallow, etc.

Activity level Active birding! Early up, luncbreak, and short siesta if it’s 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, mountains and semi-desert.

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

Accommodation Comfortable guesthouses and hotels. More nights in tents.

Photoopportunities 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. Another advantage of bird-
ing Turkmenistan this time of year is the occurrence of species like most warblers and buntings which are present
here, while not yet appeared in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan.
Day 1. 20.th April: Departure Copenhagen. Meeting in
Istanbul or Ashgabat.
Day 2. 21.th April: Welcome to Turkmenistan. Arrival
Ashgabat. Pivot fields east of Ashgabat. Night in hotel,
Ashgabat
Day 8. 9 and 10. 27-29.th April: Desert birding in Repe-
tek – Pander’s Ground Jay and Egyptian Nightjar. Night
in tents
Day 11. 30.th April: Repetek – Ashgabat. Night in hotel,
Ashgabat

Day3. 22.th April: All day excursion to fishponds. Night Day 12. 01.th May: Desert birding north of Ashgabat–
in hotel, Ashgabat one-day excursion. Night in hotel, Ashgabat

Day 4. 23.th April: Ashgabat Turkmenabad – Koyten,
Kugitang Mountains. Night in base lodge
Day 5 and 6. 24-25.th April: Kugitang Mnts. Night in
base lodge
Day 7. 26.th April: Koyten-Turkmenabad. Transfer to
Turkmenabad. Night in hotel
Day 13. 02.th May: Ashgabat – Kopetdag. Night in tents
Day 14. 03.th May: Kopet Dag Mnts. Night in tents
Day 15. 04.th May: Kopet Dag – Ashgabat, Night in ho-
tel, Ashgabat
Day 16. 05.th May: Heading home – Welcome home!

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 loca-
tions or change locations. One month before departure Miksture mail an updated program. Miksture is of
course always ready to answer questions and for more information. Please feel free to contact us. Please note
following meals provided during the days is agreed with the place where you stay. B (Breakfast), L (Lunch) and
D (Dinner)

Day 1: Departure Copenhagen

20.th April. This day we travel by flight to the capital of Turkmenistan, Ashgabat. It’s of course possible to de-
part from another airport and meet in Istanbul airport, or in Ashgabat. Pls discuss this possibility with Miksture.

Day 2: Arrival Ashgabat. Pivot fields east of Ashgabat

21.th April. Welcome to Turkmenistan. Arrival at Ashgabat Airport; visa formalities; transfer to hotel. Morning at leisure. Af-
ternoon excursion to nearby pivot fields. Ashgabat is one of the most remarkable cities I ever have visited. The
architecture and infrastructure of the city is second to none… There is a relaxed atmosphere. Ashg abat is the
capital and largest city of Turkmenistan. It has a population of estimated around 1 million people. The city is
situated between the Kara Kum desert and the Kopet Dag mountain range, and is only 250 km from the second
largest city in Iran, Mashhad. Museums include the Turkmen Fine Arts Museum and Turkmen Carpet Museum,
noted for their impressive collection of woven carpets as well as a Turkmen history museum and the Ashgabat
National Museum of History, which displays artifacts dating back to the Parthian and Persian civilizations. Large
mosques include the Azadi Mosque (which resembles the Blue Mosque in Istanbul), the Khezrety Omar
Mosque, and the futuristic Iranian Mosque. Ashgabat was also home to the Arch of Neutrality, a 250-foot-tall
tripod crowned by a golden statue of late president Saparmurat Niyazov (also known as Turkmenbashi, or
leader of all Turkmen). The 50-foot-high statue, which rotated in order to always face the sun during daylight
hours, was removed on August 26, 2010 after Niyazov’s successor, current President Gurbanguly Berdimu-
hamedov. Many things have changed in recent years, and day by day Ashgabat reach into the modern world
with new and interesting steps, but still keeps its own pace and especially the calm and peaceful atmosphere.
Ashgabat itself is a great attraction! However we are on birding tour, and while our documents are stamped
and registrated we spend the afternoon in nearby pivot fields, which gives an splendid introduction of the re-
gions birds: Rosy Starling, Black-eared Kite, White-tailed Lapwing, Blue-cheeked Bee-eater, European Bee-
eater, European Roller, Eurasian Hoopoe, Pied Bushchat, Oriental Skylark (many), Yellow Wagtail, Menetrie’s
Warbler, Glamourus Reed Warbler, and many migrants in the surroundings. Night in comfortable hotel in Ash-
gabat. BLD

Day 3: Day trip to fishponds

22.th April. All day excursion to the regional fish ponds which really is remarkable good birding site: Pygmy
Cormorant, Purple Heron, Great White Egret, Glossy Ibis, Red-crested Pochard, Ferruginous Duck, many species
of shorebirds approximately 20 seen in the past years e.g. Black-winged Pratincole, Red-wattled Lapwing,
White-tailed Lapwing (common), Marsh Sandpiper and Red-necked Phalarope, Slender-billed Gull, Whiskered
Tern, White-winged Tern, Blue-cheeked Bee-eater, European Bee-eater, European Roller, Oriental Skylark, Yel-
low Wagtail ssp feldegg, bema and melanogrisea, Pied Bushchat, Blyth’s Reed-warbler, Clamorous Reed-
warbler, Menetries’s Warbler, Isabelline Shrike, Turkestan Shrike, Lesser Grey Shrike, Rose-coloured Starling,
Red-headed Bunting, etc. Night at our hotel in Ashgabat. BLD

Day 4: Ashgabat Turkmenabad – Koyten, Kugitang Mountains

23.th April. Transfer to airport for morning flight to Turkmenabad. Transfer to Koyten village in Kugitang Moun-
tains. We spend the next days in the eastern corner of Turkmenistan. The avifauna of the southwest Koytendag
slope consists of three ornithological complexes: Turanian deserts, Kopetdag-Khorosanian and Pamiro-Alay
mountain system. The avifauna includes 144 species and 13 species of raptors are impressive, e.g. Saker, Cin-
erous Vulture, . Species of the Sino-Himalayan temperate forest are e.g. Rufous-naped Tit, Yellow-breasted
(Azure) Tit, Bar-tailed Treecreeper, See-see Partridge, White-throated Robin, Finch’s Wheatear, Variable
Wheatear ssp capistrata, Sulphur-bellied Warbler, Eastern Rock Nuthatch, White-capped Bunting, Red-headed
Bunting, Desert Finch, Hume’s Lark, Wallcreeper, etc. On migration: Imperial Eagle, Steppe Eagle and many
Passeriformes. The flora is represented by 982 species. The main plants are angiosperms (99.0%), which
include a few ancient representatives: gymnosperms, ferns and Equisetaceae. Ten main families make up
64.8% of the composition of the flora – a typical feature of ancient-Mediterranean flora. The list of verte-
brate animals includes also 28 reptiles and 51 mammals. In the Red List of IUCN and the Red Data Book of
Turkmenistan are listed 18 rare species. The population of Leopard (Panthera pardus) in Koytendag has
possibly disappeared. Night in base lodge. BLD

Day 5 and 6:

24.-25.th April. Bird watching in Kugitang-area. Night in nature reserve pending approval from Ministry of Na-
ture Protection (unlikely), but the birds are everywhere! Night in base lodge. BLD

Day 7: Koyten-Turkmenabad. Transfer to Turkmenabad.

26.th April. Morning birding, and during the day transfer to Turkmenabad, where a comfortable hotel awaits.
BLD

Day 8, 9 and 10: REPETEK – Pander’s Ground Jay and Egyptian Nightjar

27, 28. and 29.th April. Transfer to Repetek. Bird watching inside the Repetek nature reserve pending approval
from Ministry of Nature Protection (as usual unlikely). Repetek Biosphere State Reserve often referred to as
Repetek Nature or Desert Reserve. The Repetek (zapovednik) is situated in the central part of the East Kara-
kum. Typical features of the relief are large-ridge sands with barchan massifs and valley depressions. Large
ridges have a meridional and submeridional direction. The slopes of the ridges are asymmetric; from the east -
gentle slopes (5-8˚), from the west – more abrupt (23-24˚), passing into valley depressions. The relative height
of the ridges is 15-20m, the distance between them is 6-7 km and the length is 8-10 km. Valley depressions ad-
joining the western slopes are characterized by the lowest hypsometric altitude and extend for 3-7 km with a
width of up to several hundred meters. In the west of the site the valley depressions are gradually replaced
with eolian small-hilly dunes. It is located approximately 70 km south from Türkmenabat. Established in 1927
for the study and preservation of a sand-desert ecosystem, it covers an area of 346 km2. The landscape of the
reserve is arid, with extensive ridged sand dunes some 15–20 m in height and 8–10 m in length in many areas,
large areas of sand dune and valley-like depressions. Black Saxaul (Haloxylon aphyllum), rare to most part of
Central Asia covers more than 1,470 km2, approximately 4.5% of the territory of the reserve. The soils have
sandy subsoils, but some 21 trees, 104 grasses, 8 mushrooms, 1 moss, 68 soil algae and 197 fungi grow within
the reserve. The Repetek Biosphere State Reserve is part of an Important Bird Area (IBA) and since 1979 has
been a under the monitoring of UNESCO but the site is under the administration of the Ministry of Nature Pro-
tection of Turkmenistan, which in recent years means that access to the reserve is restricted, and in last three
years it has been closed for foreigners! This we know from our visits in the past years. We of course try once
more to get access, but honestly speaking its not necessary being in the reserve for getting the best birding.
Hence we camp and bird in the neighboring areas. Of course the birds are the same, and we succeed very well.
We try to accommodate in the reserve, but this we first know for sure upon arrival. Anyway, we go there and
plan to include the same target species, which included e.g. Egyptian Vulture, Long-legged Buzzard, Egyptian
Nightjar, Blue-cheeked Bee-eater, European Roller, Saxaul Sparrow, Desert Finch, White-winged Woodpecker,
Sykes’s Warbler (sometimes in very high densities), Turkestan Tit, Turkestan Shrike, Bay-backed Shrike, Long-
tailed Shrike, Southern Grey Shrike ssp pallidirostris and of course…Pander’s Ground-jay. The reserve supports
the most complete assemblage of bird species typical of the sand desert of the Karakum and has an important
population of Goitered Gazelle and a small population of (Asian) Desert Sparrow. Invertebrates - more than
1,100 species. Reptile – 22 species, including turtles, lizards, snakes, the Desert Monitor (Varanus griseus) and
a cobra are listed in the Red Data Book of Turkmenistan. Porcupine, caracal, lynx and gazelle are listed in the
Red Data Book of Turkmenistan. The vegetation communities of the barchan sand dunes have the greatest im-
portance: Calligonum arborescens, Calligonum caput-medusae and Stipagrostis karelinii. On fixed hilly sands:
white Saxaul and Carex sp occur; in the valley depressions: black Saxaul, Carex sp and Salsolas. Night in tent
camp in the Repetek area. BLD.

Day 11: Repetek – Ashgabat

30.th April. After morning birding we return to Ashgabat. Night in comfortable hotel in Ashgabat. BLD

Day 12: Desert birding – one-day excursion

01.th May. The site covers fallow lands, pastures, sands and open water. The relief is basically hilly fixed sands.
In the site takyr-desert soils prevail. Typical vegetative cover is: Salsola-grass, Calligonum-Salsola with grasses,
grasses with ephemerals, and Karelinia-Alhagi-Phragmites and the main source of irrigation water for the ara-
ble lands is water from the Garagumdarya. About 180 species have been recorded, e.g. Little Bustard, Pygmy
CormoranEurasian Spoonbill, Purple Swamphen, Eurasian Stone-Curlew, etc. For most European birders the
desert avifauna is probably the most inspiring: Several species of larks, sandgrouses, sparrows, pipits and the
always welcomed Cream-colored Curser. Large mammals include wild boar, jackal, fox and nutria (introduced
in 1986). The following vegetation types are characteristic: Salsola-grass, Calligonum-Salsola with grasses,
grasses with ephemerals, and Karelinia-Alhagi-Phragmites. On the shore of flooded areas there are patches of
oleaster, poplar and tamarix. Night at hotel in Ashgabat. BLD

Day 13 and 14: Ashgabat - Kopetdag

02-03.th May. Transfer to Goktepe and Sekiz Yap area. We plan to make camp at two different places the next
days in order to track so many birds and species as possible. The Kopet Dag, Kopet Dagh, or Koppeh Dagh, also
known as the Turkmen-Khorasan Mountain Range is a mountain range on the frontier between Turkmenistan
and Iran, extending about 650 km along the border, east of the Caspian Sea. The highest peak of the range in
Turkmenistan is southwest of the capital Ashgabat and stands at 2,940 m which compared to the Kyrgyz Moun-
tains are less impressive. However the Kopet Dag Mountains holds some very interesting birds and among the
target species is following: Caspian Snowcock, Black Stork, Bearded Vulture, Eurasian Black Vulture, Long-
legged Buzzard (dark morph), Golden Eagle, See-see Partridge, Pallid Scops-owl, Eurasian Scops-owl, Desert
Lark, Calandra Lark, Bimaculated Lark, Common Rock-thrush, Blue Rock-thrush, White-throated Robin, Rufous
Scrub-robin, Black Redstart, Finsch’s Wheatear, Variable Wheatear, Pied Wheatear, Rusty-tailed Wheatear, Is-
abelline Wheatear, Streaked Scrub-warbler, Hume’s Whitethroat, Eastern Orphean Warbler, Menetries’s War-
bler, Eastern Rock Nuthatch, Indian Golden Oriole, Pale Rock-sparrow, Common Rock-sparrow, Red-fronted
Serin, Crimson-winged Finch, Desert Finch, Rock Bunting, Red-headed Bunting, etc. Night in tents. BLD

Day 15: Kopet Dag Mountains

04.th May. After final day of birding in the mountains we drive to Ashgabat, get settled on our comfortable ho-
tel and spend the evening on a good restaurant in Ashgabat Centre. BLD

Day 16: Heading home – Welcome home!

05.th May: After early pre-breakfast transfer to airport for departure. Departure international flight from Ash-
gabat between 0125h and 0740h.Arrival your home according schedule.

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 are good places for other animals. During the years we have made these tours we have seen a long list
of mammals, insects, butterflies, flowers, etc. Turkmenistan has four distinct habitats for animals. The land is
comprised of vast deserts, mountains, plains and the shore of the Caspian Sea. The desert areas have an amaz-
ing amount of animal life. Several insect species reside there including ants, termites, ticks, beetles, tarantulas,
scorpions and spiders, one of which are called karakurt and are more poisonous than a cobra. Desert reptiles
include the giant grey lizard, tortoise, big-eared toad, gecko and several species of snakes including the cobra.
The desert mammals are widely varied beginning with rodents like gopher and jerboas who leave interesting
patterns in the sand. The tolai hare, gazelles, antelope, foxes, can also be found here. The mountainous areas
of Turkmenistan support many animal species such as Argali, Porcupine, Lynx, Leopard (rare), and sightings
have been mentioned of cheetah but it’s probably extinct in the region. The plains habitat supports the hedge-
hog , corsac fox, jackals, wild boar, goitered gazelle, rare pink deer. The wild donkeys (Onager) are sadly re-
stricted to unreachable area in the border zone in Iran.
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! Comforta-
ble accommodation whenever it’s possible, and luckily we are able 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 comfortable 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 pos-
sibilities are not present…We don’t – we value and respect uttermost the clients, and Miksture have many cli-
ents that already have been on three, four journeys with us here in Central Asia. When it’s said please remem-
ber 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 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; in addition when possible and wished we make tea and coffee-breaks.

Weather and climate: In April it’s still cool, but usually very pleasant. Rain occurs but usually not in heavy
amounts. In Turkmenistan medio April to medio May is prime time for birding. The Karakum Desert is one of
the driest deserts in the world, some places have an average annual precipitation of only 12 mm. The highest
temperature recorded in Ashgabat is 48.0 °C and Kerki, an extreme inland city located on the banks of the Amu
Darya river, recorded 51.7 °C in July 1983, although this value is unofficial. 50.1°C is the highest temperature
recorded at Repetek Reserve, recognized as the highest temperature ever recorded in the whole former Soviet
Union. In April and May it’s far more comfortable and we can expect temperatures between 25-30 °C – occa-
sionally higher in the Repetek area.

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: The customs and authorities in Turkmenistan 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 changing temperatures 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 mountains. In addition, in the mountains it can be windy and cold. Remember that it is easier to keep warm
if you wear several layers.

Essential Clothing & items: One thick sweater/fleece, Waterproof cloth. Cloth for hot weather. A pair of walk-
ing/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 and color televisions (but not in
guesthouses) are provided in most hotel rooms. Most hotels have adequate bathrooms with hot running water
for at least part of the day. The hotels in the region are generally of a good standard in Turkmenistan. Hot wa-
ter 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 restaurants 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 pur-
chase. 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 Rehy-
drat may be useful.

TIPPING: Tipping is generally welcomed!

SPENDING MONEY: Exchange is possible only in the cities! Bring cash: USD or EURO bills; 30 – 100 notes are
useful.

Price include: Price pr. person (in shared double-room) 3053 EURO (calculated for a group of ten
pax), 2950 EURO (11 pax), 2876 EURO (12 pax), 2749 EURO (13 pax), 2695 EURO (14 pax) and
2622 EURO (15 pax). To book a seat on this tour a
non-refundable deposit on 270 EURO per 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 per person should be paid LATEST 1.th
March 2014

 Visa support (invitation letter, registration, travel pass)

 Road transport as per program per regular road or
jeeps, depending on terrain requirements
 Domestic airline tickets Ashgabat-Turkmenabad
 Accommodation in shared double hotel room, includ-
ing breakfast
 Accommodation in gender shared homestay room,
including breakfast
 Accommodation in shared 2-person tent (including
sleeping mat, sleeping bag, pillow), including breakfast
 Full board meals (14 lunches, 14 dinners; excluding
soft drinks and alcoholic drinks), setting for meal as per
table
 Bottled drinking water en route
 Porter services en route
 Guiding by Miksture/Michael Westerbjerg Andersen
 Local drivers and kitchen tea
 All permits
 Services of tour leader & administration from Miksture
 Local entrees and fees according day-to-day program
Price does NOT include:

 Turkmenistan visa 105+2 USD per person, when obtained at the Ashgabat Airport (subject to change)
 Turkmenistan migration tax 10+2 USD per person, to be paid at the Ashgabat Airport (subject to change)
 Photo/video fees at museums or historical parks
 Tips for local drivers
 Souvenirs and other personal items(e.g. laundry, phone calls, any excess luggage charges, snacks)
 Excess luggage charges
 Other expenses not mentioned in the section “Included”
 Travel insurance – mandatory!
 Alcoholic drinks at meals in restaurants and cafes
 International flights - the earlier it’s booked – the cheaper. 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. Copenhagen – Bishkek, Almaty - Ashgabat,
Ashgabat – Copenhagen: The price for one passenger for today is 1166$ but should be bought during the
next weeks. If bought later then classes and price will be different.

Single room: Is possible for surcharge in most accommodation; guesthouse and hotels - a single
room surcharge 300 EURO will apply for anyone not sharing. Please note that, single room ac-
commodation may not be available at some places, but this will be explained and agreed prior de-
parture.

Booking procedure:

In order to book a seat on BIRDING TURKMENISTAN 2014, pls insert deposit 270 Euro per person
to Mikstures account – your seat is booked when deposit is paid. As soon Miksture registries de-
posit, we mail a receipt and you seat is booked. If Miksture cancel the tour the deposit will be re-
funded 100%

1. Deposit of 270 Euro per person should be paid to Mikstures account (pls mark it: “Deposit
TURKMENISTAN 2014”
2. When deposit is received, Miksture mail a receipt of the received amount, together with list
of birds of TURKMENISTAN 2014 and Practical Travel tips TURKMENISTAN 2014 which es-
sential is a little booklet of all practical matters and a pack list
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 TURKMENISTAN 2014!
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. Copenhagen – Ashgabat – Copenhagen: The price for one passenger for
today is 1166$ but they should buy the tickets during the next weeks. If bought later then
classes and price will be different.
5. Visa – we assist with this matter. When your seat is booked Miksture inform you about the
visas – usually it’s arranged upon arrival in Ashgabat airport
6. The remaining amount of tour price is paid latest 1.th March 2014.
 7. One month before departure Miksture mail an updated program

NB! Miksture customers get 20 % discount in Fjeld & Fritid i København. Pls contact Miksture for in-
formation

Account: Miksture
Bank: NORDEA
Bankadress: NORDEA Lyngby Afd., Lyngby Hovedgade 96, 2800 Kgs Lyngby, Denmark
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 prob-
lem – 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. The approach of combining Eco-tourism and Nature Conservation is in many ways opposite ac-
tivities, 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 independ-
ent 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 our local experienced staff who possesses
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 TURKMENISTAN BIRDING 2014

Friendly greetings!

Michael Westerbjerg Andersen, Owner of Miksture