22-Day Eastern Mongolia Birdwatching Tour

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

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

Khangal Lake

Drive: ~155 km (4–5 hrs)

Khangal Lake is a beautiful freshwater lake surrounded by forested mountains in eastern Mongolia. Known for its peaceful atmosphere, scenic landscapes, and rich birdlife, the lake offers excellent opportunities for nature photography, camping, and wildlife observation. Its remote setting makes it a perfect destination for travelers seeking Mongolia's untouched natural beauty. Highlights Transfer to Khangal Lake Birding along shoreline and reedbeds

04

Uglogchiin Kherem

Drive: ~87 km (2-6 hrs)

Uglogchiin Kherem is a remarkable ancient stone fortress perched atop a granite mountain in Khentii Province. Dating back several centuries, the site is surrounded by dramatic rock formations, forests, and panoramic views. A popular destination for hiking and photography, Uglogchiin Kherem offers visitors a fascinating blend of history, legend, and natural beauty. Highlights Visit Uglogchiin Kherem Birding in rocky steppe habitat

05

Khurkh Valley

Drive: ~30 km (1–4 hrs)

Khurkh Valley is a scenic river valley known for its rich biodiversity, rolling grasslands, and excellent birdwatching opportunities. The area forms part of an important wetland ecosystem that supports a variety of migratory birds, including cranes and waterfowl. Surrounded by Mongolia's unspoiled steppe landscapes, Khurkh Valley offers visitors a peaceful setting to experience nature and wildlife. Highlights Travel to Khurkh Valley Afternoon birding in river valley

06

Khurkh Valley (Full Day)

Drive: Local birding excursions

Highlights Full exploration of steppe and river habitats

07

Binder Sum – Onon River

Drive: 70–80 km (2–4 hrs)

Binder Sum lies along the beautiful Onon River, one of Mongolia's most important rivers and part of the birthplace region of Chinggis Khan. The area is known for its pristine forests, rolling grasslands, and abundant wildlife, offering excellent opportunities for birdwatching, fishing, hiking, and experiencing the natural beauty of eastern Mongolia. Highlights Birding along Onon River

08

Binder Sum – Onon River (Full Day)

Drive: Local birding excursions

Highlights Deeper exploration of forest and riparian habitats

09

Onon–Balj National Park

Drive: ~127 km (3-5 hrs)

Onon-Balj National Park protects one of Mongolia's most pristine ecosystems, where vast forests, rivers, wetlands, and grasslands support a rich diversity of wildlife. The park is an excellent destination for birdwatching, nature photography, and exploring the unspoiled landscapes of eastern Mongolia. It is also part of the historic homeland associated with Chinggis Khan. Highlights Travel to Dadal Birding along Balj River

10

Onon–Balj National Park (Full Day)

Drive: Local birding excursions

Highlights Explore Onon-Balj National Park

11

Ulz River Region

Drive: ~134 km (3-5 hrs)

Ulz River flows through the vast grasslands and wetlands of eastern Mongolia, creating an important habitat for migratory birds and wildlife. The region is renowned for its rich biodiversity, scenic steppe landscapes, and excellent birdwatching opportunities, making it a highlight for nature enthusiasts exploring eastern Mongolia. Highlights Move deeper into eastern steppe

12

Ulz River (Full Day)

Drive: Local birding excursions

Highlights Riverine & wet meadow birding Vast open grassland

13

Choibalsan Area

Drive: ~200 km (4-7 hrs)

Choibalsan is the largest city in eastern Mongolia and a convenient base for exploring the region's vast steppes, wetlands, and wildlife habitats. The surrounding area is known for its rich birdlife, open grassland ecosystems, and unique landscapes, offering excellent opportunities for birdwatching and experiencing the natural beauty of Mongolia's eastern steppe. Highlights Transfer to Choibalsan Vast open grassland

14

Buir Lake

Drive: ~270 km (5-8 hrs)

Buir Lake is Mongolia's largest freshwater lake by surface area and an important wetland for migratory birds. Surrounded by vast steppe landscapes, the lake is renowned for its rich biodiversity, scenic beauty, and excellent opportunities for birdwatching, fishing, and wildlife observation. It is one of the highlights of eastern Mongolia's natural heritage. Highlights Travel to eastern border Vast open grassland

15

Buir Lake (Full Day)

Drive: ~10-100 km

Highlights Lake & shoreline exploration and Khalkh river

16

Menengiin Tal Steppe

Drive: ~70-80 km (2-4 hrs)

Menengiin Tal Steppe is one of the largest intact grassland ecosystems in Asia, renowned for its vast open landscapes and abundant wildlife. The steppe supports large populations of gazelles, raptors, and migratory birds, offering exceptional opportunities for wildlife viewing, birdwatching, and experiencing the endless horizons of eastern Mongolia. Highlights Vast open grassland Steppe small lakes

17

Menengiin Tal Steppe (Full Day)

Drive: Local birding excursions

Highlights Vast open grassland Steppe small lakes

18

Matad

Drive: ~240-260 km (6-8 hrs)

Matad Sum is a remote district in eastern Mongolia surrounded by the vast grasslands of the Mongolian steppe. The area is known for its rich wildlife, including Mongolian gazelles and numerous bird species, making it an excellent destination for nature enthusiasts, birdwatchers, and those seeking the untouched landscapes of the eastern steppe Highlights Vast open grassland Steppe small lakes

19

Baruun Urt Area

Drive: ~170 km (4-6 hrs)

Baruun-Urt is the capital of Sükhbaatar Province and a gateway to the vast steppe landscapes of eastern Mongolia. The surrounding area is characterized by rolling grasslands, seasonal wetlands, and diverse wildlife, making it an excellent destination for birdwatching, nature photography, and experiencing the open beauty of Mongolia's eastern plains. Highlights Vast open grassland Steppe small lakes

20

Undurkhaan Area

Drive: ~230 km (4-5 hrs)

Öndörkhaan is the capital of Khentii Province and an important stop on routes through eastern Mongolia. Surrounded by rolling steppes and river valleys, the area offers beautiful landscapes, diverse birdlife, and a glimpse into the region's rich history and nomadic culture, making it a convenient and scenic stop for travelers. Highlights Vast open grassland Steppe small lakes Riverine & wet meadow birding

21

Return to Ulaanbaatar

Drive: ~326 km (5–8 hrs)

Highlights Scenic return with birding stops

22

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