Other important aspects to take into account during the tour

The start times of each day will generally take advantage of the early morning hours in order to make the most of the day.

This tour does not require a high level of physical fitness, but it does include walks to observe mountain bird species. All these walks take place above 2000 m altitude and can last up to 3 hours. There will always be alternative birding options close to the vehicles, although the chances of seeing some desired species will be lower.

We will always travel by minibus and occasionally also by 4x4 vehicle, with ample luggage capacity.

Temperatures can vary considerably. It will be very hot in the deserts and steppes, and very cold at the kosmostantsiya, located at 3300 m altitude. Visitors should bring protection against the sun and rain, as well as warm clothing, including gloves, hats, thermal socks, etc. We will provide what is necessary for the nights. Participants should be aware that, despite these altitudes, we will adapt if this proves difficult, as altitude sickness can affect even the fittest people.

Although the itinerary is established, we reserve the right to make changes, especially depending on weather conditions: we may bring forward, postpone or cancel our visits to high mountain areas according to the weather.

We have tried to make this trip as comfortable as possible. Nevertheless, some aspects are beyond our control: for example, there will be rough tracks that we will need to drive on. Distances that appear short on the map may take a long time in reality. In addition, we work with experienced and safe drivers, but driving standards in Kazakhstan may surprise Western travellers.

All hotels and accommodations have electricity, private bathrooms and hot water.

Although most of our accommodations offer a comfortable standard, the hotel at Aral-Tobe only has outdoor toilets.

In general, wifi connection will be available at all accommodations, although sometimes only in the public areas.

Meals will usually take place in restaurants, hotels or lodges, but also in the field or during excursions.

During some nights we will make short nocturnal outings to observe owls, birds of prey and nocturnal mammals.

Luggage and necessary equipment

It is recommended that each person brings a backpack to store optical equipment (binoculars, cameras, etc.) and a suitcase for clothing and other personal needs.

We also recommend never checking in the backpack containing optical equipment in order to avoid unnecessary loss or damage.

You should bring clothing suitable for both cold and hot weather, although it is advisable to always wear long-sleeved shirts and long trousers to avoid insects.

It is important to bring suitable footwear for walking on dirt tracks and uneven terrain.

Electrical sockets in Kazakhstan are type C (two round pins), the same as those used in most of Europe, and also type F (two round pins with side grounding clips).

If you have any questions, simply send us an email at info@birdingicaro.com.

Currency and exchange

The currency in Kazakhstan is the Kazakh tenge, with the code KZT and the symbol ₸, and the current exchange rate is approximately 1 euro = 500–550 KZT.

Currency exchange can be done upon arrival at Almaty airport, either at exchange offices or at ATMs using a credit card.

There is no need to declare any form for bringing foreign currency in amounts below the equivalent of 10,000 euros.

Documentation

No visa is required for tourist stays of up to 30 days.

It is very important to carry a valid passport with an expiry date at least 6 months after the date of entry into the country.

Bookings and cancellations

To reserve a place, you must first complete the pre-registration on the website by filling in the form and following the indicated steps.

Once you receive the confirmation email, it will be necessary to provide your full name, date of birth and passport number in order to arrange the personal travel insurance, and to make an initial payment of 500 euros by bank transfer to the account that we will provide by email.

The account holder must be indicated as Ícaro Birding Experience SL, and your full name should be added as the payment reference.

Once this first payment has been made (and not before), the place will be fully reserved.

The remaining amount, consisting of a second payment of xxx euros, or adding the supplement of 240 euros if a single room is requested, must be transferred to the same bank account before the departure of the tour, when indicated by the organisers.

Cancellations must always be communicated in writing, either by email or by any other means.

For more information, please consult the cancellation policy established in the website Regulations section.