Birding in the gobi, steppe and high mountains of Mongolia

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 Blue Sky or similar; D)

In the morning, we will begin driving south to the mighty Gobi Desert (7-8 hours). En route, we will stop to have a lunch at a road cafe. In the afternoon, arrive at the ger camp and overnight in gers. (Ger camp; B, L, D)

In the next to days, we will explore the magnificent Gobi Gurvan Saikhan National Park lies on the northern edge of the Gobi desert. We will spend following two days birding in the Mountain. Hike up into the narrow canyon surrounded by steep, giant mountain formation (2600m). Noteworthy species that we may encounter here today include nesting Saker falcon, Chukar, Chinese Beautiful and Common Rosefinches and migrating Thickbilled warbler, Barred warbler, Common whitethroat, Isabelline Wheatear, Brown Shrike, Brown and Alpine Accentors, Blackfaced and Pallas’s Reed Buntings. Our first stop starts with a journey to Yol Valley in Zuun Saikhan Mountain Range. While exploring the valleys, slopes and ridges, we will be on the lookout for a wide range of mountain species, including the impressive Bearded Vulture(Lammergeier), a couple of pairs of which nest in the canyons here. Another major target is the localised Altai Snowcock, which often give their characteristic whistling calls in the early morning just after dawn. Other exciting birds to look for here include Chukar Partridge, Himalayan Griffon, the impressive Cinereous Vulture, Booted and magnificent Golden Eagles, Water Pipit, Black Redstart, Alpine, Brown and the breeding nearly endemic Kozlov’s Accentors, Chinese Beautiful Rosefinch,Twite, Godlewski’s Bunting, Pallas’s Reed Bunting, Common Rock Thrush, and with a bit of luck, Grey-necked bunting and rare Red-mantled Rosefinch and SpottedGreat Rosefinch.

Flocks of White-winged Snowfinches are regularly seen and can be very confident while feeding along the trail. At this time of year, we may see migrating raptors such as Oriental Honey Buzzard, Amur Falcon and Steppe Eagle, while mammals could include the regal Siberian Ibex, the strange and extremely impressive Argali (a type of wild sheep), three species of rodents including Pallas’s and Alpine Pikas, and Midday Gerbils that scurry in and out of the stunted alpine vegetation. On the second day we will search for the species we missed previous day and explore the rocky slope, small canyons near the camp.

In the afternoon, we will travel to the legendary to the Flaming Cliffs. On the way, we will see Henderson’s ground jay, oriental and greater sand plovers and Goitered gazelles. These red sandstone cliffs was named “The Flaming Cliffs” by Roy Chapman Andrews of the American Museum of Natural History, who first discovered the fossil beds of dinosaur bones and the first fossil dinosaur eggs the world had ever seen before. In this dry and open region birds strive to find drinking water therefore, we will stop at a small oasis. Here we can approach many exciting species, providing a great opportunity to take photos. Some species such as Pallas’s Sandgrouse congregate in big numbers. The scenery en route, driving across the plains of Gobi is simply spectacular! En route, in addition to numerous Horned larks, subspecies brandti, and occasional Great sand plover we should find endangered and much desired Oriental Plover (surely one of the most elegant species of its family). Enjoy a sun-down and return back to the ger camp for dinner. (Ger camp; B, L, D)

After breakfast, we will continue driving to Khongoryn Els, where the largest accumulation of sand dune in the Gobi can be found. This sand 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 Long-legged 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 spend two days and will have an opportunity to study these fascinating small raptors. (Ger camp; B, L, D)

From now on the wilderness adventure starts in earnest as we head north into even more sparsely inhabited area. Driving all day crossing rugged terrain of vast Nemegt valley for about 200 km! Stop for Saxaul Sparrow, Southern Grey shrike, Asian desert warbler and Mongolian Ground Jay (if not already seen) and White Cave (including a Lesser Kestrel colony). During the next few days we will visit the Valley of Lakes in the Central Asian internal drainage basin. The site is designated as a Ramsar site with a chain of four saline and middle sized semi desert lakes (Boon Tsagaan and Orog) at the foot of the Gobi Altai, ranging from 1100m to 1235m in altitude. Arriving Orog lake early evening and setting up the camp at the northern foothill optional birding at the eastern shore is available. (Tent camp; B, L, D)

We will spend a full day birding at Ikh Bogd Mountain which is the highest mountain in the range of the Gobi Altai Mountains and is worshiped by local people. The highest peak is 3,957m. It is the giant mountain formations coming up almost vertically out of the middle of the Gobi steppe. The landscape is steep slopes, rounded mountain tops, flooded valleys, barren and rocky terrain with only little vegetation. The scenery is set for a beautiful walk up to the ridge as the car could not take us higher. If we missed Altai Snowcock in Zuun Saikhan mountain here’s the another good chance to search for it and some other high mountain specialties. In the morning climb up higher elevation to search for high mountain specialists such as Lammergeier, Himalayan Griffon, Altai Snowcock, White-winged Snowfinch,Grey-necked Bunting, Altai accentor, Alpine accentor, Guldenstadt’s Redstart, Brandt’s mountain finch, Plain mountain finch, Chukar and Mongolian finch. For one of the rarest and globally threatened bird species White-throated bushchat, alpine meadows, rocky ridges, and boulders in the high mountains of central and western Mongolia remained as a only breeding ground. Very few birdwatchers have ever observed it on its breeding grounds. We might have a chance to spot impressive Siberian Ibex and Argali (wild sheep) in this remote area. From the ridge of these mountains we see the great dry open spaces of the Gobi to the south.Camping at the foothill of Ikh Bogd Mountain. In the evening we will head norththrough a spectacular gorge and descend towards Orog lake again. (Tent camp; B, L, D)

For the next two days, we will drive to Boon Tsagaan Lake. Full day excursions along the shore. Boon Tsagaan lake covers an area of 252 km2 at 1,312 m above sea level. It has a length of 24km and a width of 11 km, with an average depth of 9.6 m. It is the largest of the Lake of Valley and also the primary site for watching Relict Gull, Pallas’s Fish Eagle, Dalmatian pelican, Mute swan and various waterfowl and waders. The lake supports a number of globally threatened species and is an important area for their breeding and congregation before migration. The surrounding, sparsely vegetated, semi desert landscape. The biggest resource of the water comes from Baidrag River but there is no outflow. There are many other species that can be observed here. Lake Boon Tsagaan is one of a few key breeding habitats for the Relict Gull in the world. Some species, like the Great Cormorant Common tern, Mongolian Gull, Black-headed gull, Grey Heron, Caspian Tern utilize this area in huge colonies. We will camp Tour ger camp near the Baidrag river estuary. (Tent camp; B, L, D)

After breakfast, we will head to Arvaikheer city in Uvurkhangai province, driving through the grassland region. We will have lunch at the restaurant in Bayankhongor city in Bayankhongor province. After lunch, we will do a short birding stop at Tuin river, located close to the city. Then visit to Arvaikheer city for overnight and overnight at hotel. (Local Hotel; B, L, D)

After breakfast, we will continue our journey. Another important site we are likely to visit today includes Sangyn Dalai lake, a small but bird-rich steppe lake. Here, there are large numbers of Whooper Swans and Demoiselle Cranes, but the most interesting denizens are Stejneger’s Scoters (split from Velvet), Horned Grebes and endangered Falcated duck in full breeding plumage. Around the lake margins, numerous Mongolian Larks, Pere David’s snowfinch, Blyth’s and Richard’s pipit can be found breeding. We will aslo have a look at a couple of lakes where we could well find some other water birds of interest. Arrive at the ger camp and overnight in gers. (Ger camp; B, L, D)

Hustai National Park is about 100 km, 2 hours drive by paved road from Ulaanbaatar to the west. The park is the one of the three site where Mongolia’s wild horses known Przewalski’s horse (Equusferus przewalskii) was reintroduced to its native habitat. The last sighting of native wild horses in Mongolia took place in 1969, in Dzungariin Gobi Desert. Since 1992, wild horses have been successfully re-introduced to Hustai from zoos of Western Europe. Aside the wild horses, the park contains the largest Mongolian population of red deer and Siberian marmot. The site is one of the best protected areas in Mongolia. Here and on the way to Hustai you will see the birds that are common to the steppe zone: Upland Buzzard,Demoiselle Crane, Isabelline Wheatear, Mongolian Lark, Black Vulture, Steppe eagle, Amur falcon. We will stay in the gers overnight and dinner at the restaurant. (Ger camp; B, L, D)

After birding around the park, we will leave the site and return to Ulaanbaatar, checking in to a hotel for our last night in the country.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 Blue Sky or similar; B, L, D)

After breakfast transfer to the airport for your return flight home. (B)