TRIP SUMMARY

TRIP SUMMARY

Mongolia’s ecosystem is remarkably diverse, including high mountains, forests, steppes and deserts. This rich biodiversity supports unique flora and fauna, adapted to varying climates that range from cold and humid to warm and dry. The interplay of these climatic conditions fosters a vibrant ecological environment, making Mongolia a remarkable destination for experiencing nature’s extremes. Explore the stunning contrasts that define this unique ecosystem on your journey through Mongolia.

Mongolia is a crucial territory for migratory birds, hosting three significant flyways: the West Asian-East African Flyway, the Central Asian Flyway, and the East Asian-Australasian Flyway. These routes facilitate the seasonal movement of various bird species, allowing them to travel between breeding and wintering grounds. The three flyway of Mongolia provide essential stopover sites for these birds, supporting their feeding and resting needs during migration.

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT...

  • Experience Mongolia’s diverse ecosystems: mountains, forests, steppes, and deserts
  • Witness unique flora and fauna adapted to extreme climates
  • Explore vibrant habitats shaped by cold, humid, warm, and dry conditions
  • Discover key migratory bird stopover sites along three major flyways
  • Observe seasonal bird migrations on the West Asian-East African, Central Asian, and East Asian-Australasian flyways
  • Enjoy stunning natural landscapes and rich biodiversity

THIS TRIP IS PERFECT FOR...

  • Bird enthusiasts eager to observe diverse water birds and cranes.
  • Nature lovers seeking an immersive experience in Mongolia’s unique habitats.
  • Wildlife photographers looking to capture stunning avian and landscape photography.
  • Adventurers interested in exploring the vast and varied landscapes of Mongolia.
  • Ecotourists keen on experiencing both the lush steppe and the arid beauty of the Gobi Desert.

TRIP MAP & ITINERARY

Day 1 – May 1: Arrival in Ulaanbaatar

Arrive in Mongolia’s capital city, nestled at the base of Bogd Khan Mountain. Enjoy a short city tour and welcome dinner. (Overnight in Hotel; D)

Day 2 – May 2: Drive to Delgerkhaan Nature Reserve

Travel to a unique ecotone where the boreal forest meets the steppe. Spot Black Grouse, Pine Buntings, and Asian Wapiti. (Tent camp; B, L, D)

Day 3 – May 3: Birding on Horseback (Optional)

Visit a nomadic family and explore granite mountain habitats for raptors and mountain ungulates. (Tent camp; B, L, D)

Day 4 – May 4: Shaazan Lake

Observe large flocks of Demoiselle Cranes and songbirds along the Kherlen River. (Tent camp; B, L, D)

Day 5 – May 5: Sangyn Dalai Lake

Travel to a steppe lake ecosystem. Look for Jankowski’s Bunting in the dry steppe. (Tent camp; B, L, D)

Day 6 – May 6: Galyn Gol River

Birdwatch in the Vangiin Tsagaan Hills. Key species: Mongolian Lark, Steppe Eagle, and the endangered Jankowski’s Bunting. (Tent camp; B, L, D)

Day 7 – May 7: Galyn Gol River

Full day birding and hiking in wetlands, meadow steppe, and elm groves. Possible sightings of Deer-Moose and Common Pheasant. (Tent camp; B, L, D)

Day 8 – May 8: Tashgai Lakes

Experience Mongolia’s true wilderness at dawn with flocks of Swan Geese. Explore reedbeds for rare wetland birds. (Tent camp; B, L, D)

Day 9 – May 9: Khalkh Gol River

Birdwatch along the river floodplain. Spot Baikal Teal, Falcated Ducks, and songbirds among rocky terrain. (Tent camp; B, L, D)

Days 10–11 – May 10–11: Buir Lake

Explore Eastern Mongolia’s largest lake. Observe shorebirds, waterfowl, and endangered species like the Relict Gull and Pallas’s Fish Eagle. (Tent camp; B, L, D)

Day 12 – May 12: Return to Choibalsan

Drive to Choibalsan, Dornod’s provincial capital. Relax at a local hotel and dine in town. (Local hotel; B, L, D)

Day 13 – May 13: Drive to Ulaanbaatar

Scenic cross-country drive westward with picnic lunch. (Hotel; B, L, D)

Day 14 – May 14: Ulaanbaatar City Tour

Visit Gandan Monastery, Chinggis Khan Museum, and Zaisan Hill. Enjoy a traditional performance and farewell dinner. (Hotel; B, L, D)

Day 15 – May 15: Departure

Transfer to the airport for international flights. (B)

PRICING

2-3 travelers; standard twin occupancy;
$5,890 per person
Optional single supplement $560 per person
4-5 travelers; standard twin occupancy;
$4,740 per person
Optional single supplement $560 per person
6-9 travelers; standard twin occupancy;
$4,410 per person
Optional single supplement $560 per person
10-15 travelers; standard twin occupancy;
$4,115 per person
Optional single supplement $560 per person
INCLUSIONS

• Land transportation as indicated in the itinerary based on using Toyota Land Cruiser
• jeeps seating 3-4 passengers each.
• Accommodations are based on twin occupancy at hotels, ger camp at Buir Lake, and tent
camps throughout.
• Sleeping bags; expedition-style tents and mats.
• All meals indicated as B, L, or D;
• All entrance fees are as indicated in the itinerary.
• English-speaking birding national guide throughout your stay.
• Unlimited supply of bottled water per person per day.

EXCLUSIONS
  • International and domestic airfare;
  • personal laundry
  • drinks are not mentioned in the itinerary.
  • travel insurance;
  • medical evacuation costs;
  • excess baggage charges;
  • visa fees;
  • gratuities.
  • photography and video fees and any other item not mentioned as included

RELATED TOURS

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The Quest for Snow Leopards of Mongolia

Price starts from: $7,070

Portrait of a Manul (Pallas’s cat) captured by biologist Khuderchuluun Gantumur, highlighting the elusive species in its natural habitat in Eastern Mongolia.
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October

snow leopard
October 3-20, 2025

The Quest for Snow Leopards of Mongolia

Price starts from: $7,070

Portrait of a Manul (Pallas’s cat) captured by biologist Khuderchuluun Gantumur, highlighting the elusive species in its natural habitat in Eastern Mongolia.
October 1-10,2025

The Manul Photography Quest

Price starts from: $4,050

Kazakh Eagle Hunters
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From Gobi to The Golden Eagle Festival

Price starts from: $5,110

October

snow leopard
October 3-20, 2025

The Quest for Snow Leopards of Mongolia

Price starts from: $7,070

Portrait of a Manul (Pallas’s cat) captured by biologist Khuderchuluun Gantumur, highlighting the elusive species in its natural habitat in Eastern Mongolia.
October 1-10,2025

The Manul Photography Quest

Price starts from: $4,050

Kazakh Eagle Hunters
September 26-October 8, 2025

From Gobi to The Golden Eagle Festival

Price starts from: $5,110