Flora and Wildlife: Tailormade Tours to Asia

The vast continent of Asia is diverse in its habitats and is home to a staggering array of flora and wildlife. Tailormade tours to Asian countries are a truly unforgettable experience. With so many countries to choose from, it is difficult to know where to go, but four very different places to consider visiting are Kazakhstan, Taiwan, Russia (Kamchatka and Chukotka) and Sri Lanka. Their varied habitats and stunning array of species will be sure to delight any nature enthusiast.

Kazakhstan

The Central Asian nation of Kazakhstan is incredibly rich in flora and wildlife. Tailormade tours are the best way to discover what this vast land has to offer the enthusiast, from the tulip meadows of the Central Asian steppe to the stunning heights of the Tien Shan Mountains. Bird watchers can revel in sightings of the Himalayan Snowcock and Himalayan Rubythroat, among many stunning Palearctic and Oriental specialities, while lovers of wild flowers will be able to walk among wild tulips and the Tien Shan’s alpine pastures.

Taiwan

Taiwan is of particular interest for bird watchers, with 24 endemic bird species on the island. A further 50 endemic subspecies and East Asian specialities complete its spectacular avian wildlife. Tailormade tours to Taiwan aim to see as many of these species as possible, seeking Mikado’s and Swinhoe’s Pheasants in the lowlands, Himalayan Wood Owl, Savannah Nightjar and scops-owl species in higher elevations, Formose Magpie and Silver-backed Needletail in forested hills, Golden-headed Cisticola in scrubby embankments, and numerous wetland birds along the island’s west coast.

Russia (Kamchatka and Chukotka)

The volcanic landscapes of Kamchatka and Chukotka in the far north-east of Russia are true wildernesses. To get a glimpse of this region’s wildlife, tailormade tours take to the sea: it can be a comfortable and insightful way to see the landscape and its animal inhabitants. Tour groups can expect a good chance of seeing Pacific Walrus, Sea Otter, Brown Bear, Orca, Western Pacific Grey Whale and a wide array of bird life, as millions of breeding sea birds nest along the shore. Birds to look out for include Steller’s Sea Eagle, a dozen species of Pacific auks, and the elusive, endangered Spoon-billed Sandpiper.

Sri Lanka

The island of Sri Lanka is a paradise for nature enthusiasts. From its tropical forests to its freshwater pools, it is home to a diverse array of flora, bird life, mammals and insects, including many endemics. An expert guide will take groups through the tea-growing Hill Country, Yala National Park and Sinharaja Forest in search of Leopard, Indian Elephant, Grey Langur Monkeys, Purple-faced Leaf Monkey, Sri Lanka Woodpigeon, Blue Magpie, Red-faced Malkoha and many more. In addition to the wildlife, tailormade tours can introduce visitors to the rich history of Sri Lanka at the ancient cities of Anuradhapura and Sigiriya.

Marissa Ellis-Snow is a freelance nature writer. If you’re passionate about wildlife, tailormade tours with Naturetrek include expert-led natural history and wildlife tours worldwide. Naturetrek brings over 25 years of experience to polar expeditions and tours to other spectacular regions on Earth.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.