Gobi Sky Expedition.

Bird watching tours

7-Day Ugii Lake, Elsen Tasarkhai & Bushland Birdwatching Tour

Central Mongolia wetlands, lakes, bushland and semi-desert habitats for birders and photographers.

ModerateMay to June · August to September
Duration7 days · 6 nights
RegionUgii Lake · Elsen Tasarkhai · Khogno Khan
GroupPrivate group
Best timeMay to June · August to September

Overview

Discover the rich birdlife of Central Mongolia on this 7-day birdwatching adventure through wetlands, lakes, river valleys, bushlands, grasslands, and semi-desert habitats. This tour focuses on three of the region's most productive birding areas: Ugii Lake, Elsen Tasarkhai Semi-Desert, and the bushland habitats surrounding Khogno Khan Nature Reserve. The tour offers excellent opportunities to observe migratory waterbirds, raptors, larks, wheatears, shrikes, warblers, and many other species while enjoying Mongolia's spectacular landscapes and nomadic culture.

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

Meals L, D · HotelTarget species: Azure Tit · Bearded Tit · Black Stork · Whooper swan · Swan Goose · Grey Heron · Ruddy Shelduck · Black Kite · White Wagtail · Red-billed Chough

02

Ulaanbaatar → Ugii Lake

Drive: 320 km (5–6 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

Meals B, L, D · Lakeside Ger CampTarget species: Whooper Swan · Swan Goose · Bar-headed Goose · Great Cormorant · Common Shelduck · Ruddy Shelduck · Mallard · Tufted Duck · Common Goldeneye · Common Pochard · Northern Shoveler · Common Crane

03

Full Day Birdwatching at Ugii Lake

Drive: Local birding excursions

Highlights Sunrise birdwatching Explore wetland habitats Waterfowl observation Bird photography session

Meals B, L, D · Lakeside Ger CampTarget species: Whooper Swan · Swan Goose · Bar-headed Goose · Great Cormorant · Common Shelduck · Ruddy Shelduck · Mallard · Tufted Duck · Common Goldeneye · Common Pochard · Northern Shoveler · Common Crane

04

Ugii Lake → Elsen Tasarkhai Semi-Desert

Drive: 120 km (3–4 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

Meals B, L, D · Ger CampTarget species: Mongolian Lark · Horned Lark · Isabelline Wheatear · Steppe Eagle · Upland Buzzard · Whooper Swan · Common Shelduck · Ruddy Shelduck · Mallard · Tufted Duck · Common Goldeneye · Common Pochard

05

Full Day Bushland Birdwatching at Khogno Khan Nature Reserve

Drive: Local exploration

Highlights Early morning birdwatching Explore dune and steppe habitats Optional birdwatching hiking

Meals B, L, D · Ger CampTarget species: Daurian Partridge · Mongolian Lark · Horned Lark · Isabelline Wheatear · Pied Wheatear · Steppe Eagle · Upland Buzzard · Common Kestrel · Grey Heron · Whooper Swan · Bar-headed Goose · Common Shelduck

06

Elsen Tasarkhai → via Khustai National Park → Ulaanbaatar

Drive: 320 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

Meals B, L, D · HotelTarget species: Takhi (Przewalski's Horse) · Red Deer · Marmot · Red Fox · Golden Eagle · Steppe Eagle · Upland Buzzard · Common Kestrel · Mongolian Lark · Horned Lark · Isabelline Wheatear · Pied Wheatear

07

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

Meals B

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