Birding in Mongolian Gobi Desert and Mongol Daguur Grassland

Ulaanbaatar is the capital of Mongolia, located on the basins of Tuul River valley. It is nestled on the foothills Bogd Khan Uul National Park on its outhern part. Originally a nomadic Buddhist center, it became a permanent city in the 18th century. A Soviet-era influenced architecture co-exists with old monasteries and 21st-century highrises. Enjoy a short city tour followed by a welcome dinner at a fine local restaurant. (Hotel Kempinski or similar; B, L, D)

The eastern Choibalsan (Mongolian: Чойбалсан) is the fourth-largest city in Mongolia after Darkhan, Erdenet and located at 700 km from Ulaanbaatar. In the morning, we will transfer to the airport for our flight to Choibalsan (1.5 hours). Upon arrival, we will transfer to a local hotel for the day. (Local hotel; B, L, D)

After breakfast, we will head north to Turgen Tsagaan Lake and Ugtam Nature Reserve, a landscape of rolling hills, shallow lakes, and the Ulz River valley. Along the way, we may spot birds like Demoiselle Cranes, steppe eagles, upland buzzards, Mongolian larks, and Mongolian gazelles. At Turgen Tsagaan Lake, we may observe Siberian cranes, though sightings depend on water levels, which are influenced by winter snow and spring precipitation. The Siberian Crane prefers wetlands with shallow, clear water for nesting, feeding, and roosting. Additionally, the lake is home to pairs of White-naped and Common Cranes.

(Tent camp; B, L, D)

Explore Ugtam Mountain in search of the Endangered Asian Great Bustard, one of the world’s heaviest flying birds. Northeastern Mongolia is a key breeding site for these birds, known for their dramatic “lek” displays each spring.End the day with an overnight stay in a tent camp by the picturesque Ulz River.

(Tent camp, B;L;D)

The Mongolian-Manchurian grassland, one of the largest unspoiled prairies globally, spans nearly 480,000 hectares in Eastern Mongolia. This nature reserve is home to vast herds of Mongolian Gazelle and a vital area for crane breeding, particularly in the Ulz River basin. Surrounded by forests and mountains, the landscape remains largely untouched. Along the journey, you may see Mongol horsemen tending to livestock and visit a Buriad ethnic museum in Dashbalbar town. (Tent camp; B, L, D)

Wake up to the melodies of Mongolian Larks and other steppe-dwelling birds, including pipits and short-toed larks. En route, look for Mongolian gazelles, Pallas’s Cat, and other steppe specialists. Return to the city by evening and stay at a local hotel.( Local Hotel;B, L, D)

In the morning, transfer to the airport for our flight back to Ulaanbaatar. Upon arrival, we will drive directly to the Songino Khairkhan Mountain and a UB pond located outside the city. At this obscure-looking pond, we always see Azure Tit, Azure-winged Magpie colony, breeding Yellowbreasted Bunting, Longtailed Rosefinch, Chinese White Crowned Penduline Tit, Great Reed Warbler, Lancellota Warbler among other species. Dinner and overnight at hotel. (Hotel Kempinski or similar; B, L, D)

IIn the morning, we will begin driving south to the mighty Gobi Desert (7-8 hours). Arrive at the ger camp and overnight in gers. (Ger camp; B, L, D)

Over two days, we’ll explore the Gobi Gurvansaikhan National Park, focusing on birding in the Yolyn-Am Valley. Highlights include the Bearded Vulture, Altai Snowcock, and Saker Falcon, as well as Golden Eagles and various finches. We’ll also search for raptors like the Oriental Honey Buzzard and mammals like the Siberian Ibex. On the second day, we’ll revisit areas we missed and explore rocky slopes and canyons. (Ger camp; B, L, D)

After breakfast, we will continue driving to Khongoryn Els, where the largest accumulation of dunes in the Gobi can be found. This dune reaches 300m high, 12km wide, and 100km long. Our drive will take us through fantastic scenery of barren landscapes and gravel plains, with the Gobi Altai Mountains as a constant backdrop. The scenery of Khongoryn Els is brilliant with Rocky Mountains on the south, sand dunes in the center and a river oasis with extensive saxaul forest on the north. Our main target birds here is the scarce and localized Saxaul Sparrow, rather common Southern grey shrike, enigmatic Longlegged buzzard and Mongolian Ground Jay! This smart looking bird favors gravel plains with scattered vegetation and spends much of its time running across the open ground in search of invertebrates. There’s a colony of Lesser Kestrels near our camp. Here we will have an opportunity to study these fascinating small raptors. (Ger camp; B, L, D)

On this day, we’ll go on a journey from the Khongor dunes to the Flaming Cliffs, spotting birds like Henderson’s Ground Jay, Goitered Gazelles, and various plovers along the way. The Flaming Cliffs, known for their dinosaur fossil discoveries, offer a dramatic landscape. At a small oasis, we can observe and photograph species like Pallas’s Sandgrouse and the elegant Oriental Plover. The scenic drive across the Gobi’s plains is breathtaking, and we’ll enjoy a sundown before returning to the ger camp for dinner. (Ger camp; B, L, D)

After breakfast, we will drive to the local airport for our return flight to Ulaanbaatar (1.5 hours). The afternoon is free for individual sightseeing and shopping. In the evening, we will enjoy a traditional Mongolian performance followed by a festive dinner to celebrate our adventures in Mongolia. Overnight at hotel. (Hotel Kempinski or similar; B, L, D)

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for departure. (B)