Bird watching tours
11-Day Birdwatching & Mammal Watching Adventure in Gun-Galuut, Bogd Khan, Elsen Tasarkhai, Ugii Lake and Khustai
Birding, mammal watching and classic Central Mongolian landscapes in one nature-focused itinerary.
Overview
Discover Mongolia's remarkable wildlife on this 11-day birdwatching and mammal-watching journey through some of the country's most important protected areas and natural habitats. From wetlands and river valleys to desert steppes and mountain ecosystems, this tour offers excellent opportunities to observe migratory birds, raptors, waterfowl, wild sheep, gazelles, Takhi horses, and other wildlife. Designed for birdwatchers, wildlife photographers, and nature enthusiasts, this itinerary combines the best wildlife destinations in Central and Eastern Mongolia, including Gun-Galuut Nature Reserve, Bogdkhan Mountain, Elsen Tasarkhai, Ugii Lake, and Khustai National Park.
Photo gallery
Field images
8 photos
Itinerary
Day by day
Exact roads can change with weather and local conditions. Drive times shown here come from the itinerary notes.
01
Arrival in Ulaanbaatar
Drive: 52 km (1.5–2 hrs)
Ulaanbaatar is the capital and largest city of Mongolia, serving as the country's cultural, political, and economic center. Surrounded by mountains and vast steppe landscapes, the city blends modern development with traditional nomadic heritage. Visitors can explore museums, monasteries, local markets, and vibrant cultural attractions while experiencing the unique character of Mongolia's capital. Highlights Arrival and hotel check-in Optional evening birding at Tuul River or artificial Swan Lake
02
Ulaanbaatar → Gun-Galuut Nature Reserve
Drive east: ~135 km (3–4 hrs) Gun-Galuut Nature Reserve is one of Mongolia's best birdwatching destinations, featuring wetlands, rivers, and steppe habitats that attract a wide variety of bird species. Visitors may observe cranes, swans, geese, ducks, raptors, and other migratory birds while enjoying the reserve's beautiful natural scenery. The reserve is also home to the Argali Sheep, the world's largest wild sheep, which can often be seen grazing on the surrounding rocky hillsides....
03
Full Day Birdwatching & Mammal Watching in Gun-Galuut
Drive: Local wildlife drives
Highlights Early morning birdwatching Search for Argali Sheep Observe Mongolian Gazelles and marmots Explore wetlands and steppe habitats Photography opportunities throughout the day
04
Gun Galuut → Bogdkhan Mountain
Drive: 135 km (3–4 hrs)
Bogd Khan Mountain is one of the world's oldest protected areas and a renowned natural sanctuary just south of Ulaanbaatar. Covered with forests, alpine meadows, and rocky peaks, it supports diverse wildlife and bird species. The mountain offers excellent opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and enjoying panoramic views of Mongolia's capital and surrounding landscapes. Highlights Morning wildlife observation Birding in Bogdkhan mountain
05
Bogdkhan Mountain → Elsen Tasarkhai
Drive: 280 km (4.5–5 hrs)
Elsen Tasarkhai is a picturesque stretch of sand dunes often called the “Mini Gobi.” Surrounded by grasslands, mountains, and traditional nomadic settlements, it offers visitors the chance to experience camel riding, scenic desert landscapes, and the unique contrast of Mongolia's diverse natural environments in one location. Highlights Birdwatching around dunes and wetlands Search for larks and wheatears Sunset photography
06
Full Day Birdwatching in Elsen Tasarkhai
Drive: Local exploration
Highlights Early morning birdwatching Explore dune and steppe habitats Optional birdwatching hiking
07
Elsen Tasarkhai → Ugii Lake
Drive: 125 km (2–4 hrs)
Ugii Lake is a beautiful freshwater lake renowned for its rich birdlife and peaceful natural surroundings. A popular destination for birdwatching and nature lovers, the lake attracts numerous migratory waterbirds and offers excellent opportunities for wildlife observation, photography, and enjoying the scenic landscapes of central Mongolia. Highlights Afternoon birdwatching at the lake Wetland exploration Explore steppe habitats
08
Full Day Birdwatching at Ugii Lake
Drive: Local birding excursions
Highlights Sunrise birdwatching Explore wetland habitats Waterfowl observation Bird photography session
09
Ugii Lake → Khustai National Park
Drive: 280 km (4–6 hrs)
Khustai National Park is one of Mongolia's most important conservation areas, famous for the successful reintroduction of the Przewalski's Horse (Takhi), the world's last truly wild horse. The park's rolling steppes and forested hills provide habitat for deer, marmots, raptors, and other wildlife, making it an excellent destination for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. Highlights Search for Takhi horses Birdwatching and wildlife observation Evening wildlife drive
10
Khustai National Park → Ulaanbaatar
Drive: 100 km (1.5–2 hrs)
Highlights Early morning wildlife observation Final birdwatching opportunities Return to Ulaanbaatar
11
Departure
Drive: Hotel – Airport (52 km, 60–90 min)
Transfer to Chinggis Khaan International Airport for your departure flight. Highlights Airport transfer End of services
What’s included
Hotel/airport pickup and airport transfer in Ulaanbaatar
All ground transportation during the tour (4WD vehicle with driver)
English-speaking tour guide
Hotel in Ulaanbaatar
Ger camps in the countryside
All meals during the countryside tour (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Entrance fees to national parks and sightseeing areas
Bottled drinking water during the trip
Fuel and road fees
Not included
International and domestic airfare
Travel insurance
Mongolian visa fee (if required)
Personal expenses (laundry, phone calls, minibar, etc.)
Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks
Tips for the guide and driver (optional but appreciated)
Optional activities not listed in the itinerary
Additional hotel nights in Ulaanbaatar outside the program
Packing notes
Warm layered clothing (temperature swings are big)
Windproof jacket (very important)
Waterproof boots
Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen
Personal medications
Power bank / spare batteries
Field notes
Roads are rough → expect long, bumpy drives
No paved roads in many areas
Remote regions → limited shops & facilities
Nights can be cold even in summer
Can change quickly: sun, wind, cold in one day
Recommended tours
Similar journeys to consider
Bird watching tours7-Day Ugii Lake, Elsen Tasarkhai & Bushland Birdwatching Tour
Central Mongolia wetlands, lakes, bushland and semi-desert habitats for birders and photographers.
From $1,600per person
Bird watching tours12-Day Northeastern Mongolia Birdwatching Expedition
Forest-edge, steppe, rivers and wetlands for cranes, raptors and eastern Mongolia specialties.
From $2,300per person
Bird watching tours21-Day Hovd, Khustai, Terelj & Gun-Galuut Birdwatching Tour
A long-form birdwatching route from western wetlands to central steppe and river habitats.
From $4,000per person