Kazakhstan is a wonderful land of vast open spaces and towering snow-capped peaks. Although an immense country, the size of Western Europe , it is also one of the least populated regions on Earth. Seemingly endless steppe grasslands and dry deserts occupy much of this part of Central Asia , dotted here and there with wetlands which draw in birds from miles around. With migrants also pouring through, our visit is timed to show you the very best birds this fascinating region has to offer.

Extending for almost a thousand miles into the northwestern Himalayas , the mighty Tien Shan - the fabled ' Celestial Mountains ' - form a formidable barrier with neighbouring China . Many birds typical of the high Himalayas have followed these mountains into the heart of Palearctic Asia. Here we can find Himalayan Snowcock, Blue Whistling Thrush, Himalayan Rubythroat, Red-fronted Serin, Red-mantled Rosefinch and White-winged Grosbeak. With any luck, the endearing Severtzov's Tit-warbler or highly-prized Ibisbill may appear, too (as they did on our spring 2004 tour)!

Offering a total contrast of habitat, scenery and birds are the sweeping grasslands of northern Kazakhstan . Those two magnificent endemics - White-winged and Black Larks - are present in surprising abundance. Nearby wetlands hold Sociable Lapwings and breeding colonies of Dalmatian Pelicans, White-headed Ducks, Black-winged Pratincoles and Great Black-headed Gulls, while often the numbers of migrating White-winged Black Terns and waders have to be seen to be believed. The species of birds found in Kazakhstan are the Demoiselle Crane Bee-eaters, Rollers, Hoopoes and Lesser Grey Shrikes, Grey-necked Buntings, Shore Larks, Isabelline Wheatears and Tawny Pipits, White-winged Woodpecker, Turkestan Tit, Saxaul Sparrow and rare Yellow-eyed Stock and the Dove Eurasian Griffon Vulture