Classic Mongolia Birding: Gobi, Steppe Lakes and Taiga

A 16-day Mongolia birding journey linking taiga forest, the Gobi Desert, mountain valleys and productive steppe lakes.

  • Mongolia Show on map
  • 16 days
  • Group 5-9 people
  • Price on request
  • Next: May 22, 2026
  • Public tour
  • Pace: Easy to moderate
  • Language: English
  • City: Ulaanbaatar
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Classic Mongolia Birding: Gobi, Steppe Lakes and Taiga
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About this tour

Travel across Mongolia's strongest birding contrasts, from the Tuul River and Khentii taiga to the Gobi, Gobi Altai and open steppe lakes. The route is designed for sought-after regional birds while also revealing immense landscapes and a wide range of dry-country, wetland, forest and mountain habitats.

Key objectives include Black-billed Capercaillie, Mongolian Ground Jay, Altai Snowcock, Relict Gull, White-naped Crane and Saker Falcon. Wildlife observations depend on weather and current bird activity.

Planning a wider trip? Read our birdwatching guide to Mongolia.

Guides

Bolormunkh Erdenekhuu
Lead birding guide
Itinerary ▼
Day 1
Arrival and Tuul River birding
Meet in Ulaanbaatar and begin with riverine and steppe birding as timing allows.
Accommodation: Hotels, tourist camps and expedition tents
Mixed accommodation The route uses hotels, tourist resorts and camping according to location.
Day 2
Khentii taiga
Explore larch and pine forest for taiga birds, including dedicated work for Black-billed Capercaillie.
Accommodation: Hotels, tourist camps and expedition tents
Mixed accommodation The route uses hotels, tourist resorts and camping according to location.
Day 3
Across the Gobi
Travel south through open steppe and desert habitats with birding stops.
Accommodation: Hotels, tourist camps and expedition tents
Mixed accommodation The route uses hotels, tourist resorts and camping according to location.
Day 4
Gobi mountains and dunes
Search mountain valleys, rocky slopes and desert for Altai Snowcock, Mongolian Ground Jay and other specialties.
Accommodation: Hotels, tourist camps and expedition tents
Mixed accommodation The route uses hotels, tourist resorts and camping according to location.
Day 5
Gobi lakes and Gobi Altai
Work productive lakes, semi-desert and mountain habitats.
Accommodation: Hotels, tourist camps and expedition tents
Mixed accommodation The route uses hotels, tourist resorts and camping according to location.
Day 6
Central steppe lakes
Finish among steppe wetlands used by cranes, gulls, raptors and migrant waterbirds.
Accommodation: Hotels, tourist camps and expedition tents
Mixed accommodation The route uses hotels, tourist resorts and camping according to location.

Locations & map

  • Ulaanbaatar and Tuul River - Ulaanbaatar Mongolia
  • Khentii taiga - Khentii Mongolia
  • Yolyn Am and Gobi Altai - South Gobi Mongolia
  • Steppe lakes - Central Mongolia Mongolia

Availability & pricing

Price: Price on request

DateStatusSeatsFrom
May 22, 2026 - Jun 6, 2026 open 4/9 -
May 21, 2027 - Jun 5, 2027 open /9 -

Transport & stays

  • 4WD Toyota Land Cruiser or Russian UAZ 2206 miniva Vehicle choice depends on group requirements and route conditions. | Meet: Ulaanbaatar | Pickup: Arrival transfer by arrangement.

Accommodations

  • Hotels, tourist camps and expedition tents (days 1-16) Mixed accommodation Confirmed for each departure

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