Wings Across the Endless Steppe: 18-Day Birdwatching Expedition
Trip Overview
Designed for dedicated birdwatchers, wildlife photographers, and nature enthusiasts, this 18-day expedition offers an immersive exploration of Western Mongolia's rich biodiversity. Beginning in Ulaanbaatar, the journey continues through the majestic Altai Mountains, internationally protected lakes, and the unique culture of Mongolia's nomadic communities. Along the way, you will not only observe rare and endangered bird species but also venture deep into the untouched wilderness of Central Asia, where wildlife such as Argali sheep, Siberian ibex, and the iconic Przewalski's horse (Takhi) can be seen in their natural habitats.
Covering a remarkable variety of ecosystems—from alpine mountains and vast grasslands to semi-desert landscapes—the expedition offers authentic camping experiences that bring you closer to nature. The journey concludes with a visit to Hustai National Park, where you will observe the world's only remaining wild horse, the Takhi, before returning to Ulaanbaatar.
Tour Highlights
A Paradise for Rare Birds: Explore the internationally important wetlands of Khar-Us Lake and the Uvs Lake Basin, home to hundreds of bird species, including the White-headed Duck, Swan Goose, and Pallas's Fish Eagle.
Kazakh Eagle Hunting Tradition: Visit a Kazakh eagle hunter's family and experience one of the oldest living hunting traditions in the world while learning about their nomadic lifestyle.
Tracking Mongolia's Wildlife: Observe and photograph Argali sheep and Siberian ibex in their natural habitat at Khar Yamaat Mountain.
UNESCO World Heritage Landscapes: Discover the unique ecosystems of Uvs Lake and Achit Lake, internationally recognized under the UNESCO World Heritage and Ramsar Convention.
The Wild Takhi Horse: Visit Hustai National Park to witness the successful reintroduction of the world's only remaining wild horse, the Przewalski's horse (Takhi).
Camping in the Wild: Spend unforgettable nights camping beneath the star-filled skies at the foot of the Altai Mountains while experiencing the tranquility of Mongolia's untouched wilderness.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Arrive in Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia. Meet your guide and driver at Chinggis Khaan International Airport and transfer to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, you may enjoy a brief city tour.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel
Fly to Khovd, the administrative and commercial center of Western Mongolia. Enjoy a short city tour and visit the local museum, where you will discover geological collections, wildlife exhibits featuring ibex and snow leopard specimens, and displays of traditional ethnic costumes. Later, visit the remains of a Manchu fortress before preparing supplies for the expedition.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel
Travel approximately 28 km from Khovd to Khar-Us Lake, Mongolia's second-largest freshwater lake. The lake supports more than 260 bird species, including Pallas's Fish Eagle, Great White Pelican, and Swan Goose, as well as four native fish species. Spend two full days observing birds and photographing wildlife.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Travel approximately 28 km from Khovd to Khar-Us Lake, Mongolia's second-largest freshwater lake. The lake supports more than 260 bird species, including Pallas's Fish Eagle, Great White Pelican, and Swan Goose, as well as four native fish species. Spend two full days observing birds and photographing wildlife.
Continue to Jargalant Khairkhan Mountain, one of Western Mongolia's premier birdwatching destinations. Here you may observe Saker Falcons, Cinereous Vultures, Bearded Vultures (Lammergeiers), Altai Snowcocks, and Mongolian Accentors among the rugged mountain landscapes.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Continue to Jargalant Khairkhan Mountain, one of Western Mongolia's premier birdwatching destinations. Here you may observe Saker Falcons, Cinereous Vultures, Bearded Vultures (Lammergeiers), Altai Snowcocks, and Mongolian Accentors among the rugged mountain landscapes.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Visit a traditional Kazakh eagle hunter's family and learn about the centuries-old practice of hunting with trained golden eagles. At the foot of the magnificent Tsambagarav Mountain, enjoy excellent opportunities to photograph eagle hunters on horseback together with their majestic birds.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Traditional Kazakh Ger
Travel through the beautiful landscapes surrounding Tolbo Lake before arriving in Olgii, the cultural center of Mongolia's Kazakh community.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Local Hotel or Ger Camp
Explore Achit Lake and Devel Island along the Khovd River, an internationally protected wetland recognized under the Ramsar Convention. Spend two days observing rare bird species such as the Swan Goose, Great Bustard, Pallas's Fish Eagle, and Saker Falcon.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Explore Achit Lake and Devel Island along the Khovd River, an internationally protected wetland recognized under the Ramsar Convention. Spend two days observing rare bird species such as the Swan Goose, Great Bustard, Pallas's Fish Eagle, and Saker Falcon.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Travel to Khar Yamaat Mountain in Bödmörön Soum, renowned as one of Mongolia's best habitats for Siberian ibex. Search for Argali sheep and ibex while enjoying outstanding wildlife photography opportunities.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Explore the surroundings of Uureg Lake, an important habitat for Swan Geese, Pallas's Fish Eagle, Saker Falcons, and numerous bird species characteristic of the Eurasian steppe and Gobi ecosystems.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Visit the magnificent Uvs Lake, part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Uvs Nuur Basin. This internationally important wetland provides breeding and feeding grounds for numerous migratory birds, including the White-headed Duck, Swan Goose, Pallas's Fish Eagle, and Steppe Eagle.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Local Hotel or Ger Camp
Transfer to the airport for your domestic flight back to Ulaanbaatar. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and enjoy a relaxing evening.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel
Visit Hustai National Park, internationally famous for the successful reintroduction of the Przewalski's horse (Takhi). The park is also home to 169 recorded bird species, making it one of Mongolia's finest birdwatching destinations.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Ger Camp
Visit Hustai National Park, internationally famous for the successful reintroduction of the Przewalski's horse (Takhi). The park is also home to 169 recorded bird species, making it one of Mongolia's finest birdwatching destinations.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Ger Camp
Travel approximately 100 km along a paved road back to Ulaanbaatar. Along the way, keep an eye out for raptors such as Saker Falcons and Black Kites. Upon arrival, enjoy free time and the opportunity to observe urban birdlife around the city.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel
Transfer to Chinggis Khaan International Airport for your departing flight, bringing your unforgettable Western Mongolia birdwatching expedition to a close.
Meals: Breakfast
What's Included
Included
- check Тээвэр
- check Орон нутгийн жуулчны аяллын хөтөч тайлбарлагч
- check Аяллын даатгал
- check Байрлах газар
Not Included
- close Олон улсын болон дотоод нислэг
- close Хувийн хэрэглээ
- close Бусад зардал
