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Bird Watching in Eastern Mongolia Tour  (code:24)

Mongolia has a rich composition of bird species due to the migration routes from Pacific and Indian Oceans to the Mediterranean Sea and to the Arctic Ocean and northern tundra. The best seasons to visit are the migration times.

In Mongolia 427 different species of birds, out of which 108 species are transitory birds, 74 species are non-migrant and 231 species are migratory birds, which are come from countries with hot climate, 13 species are birds which come from southward from Siberia in winter.

This bird watching tour takes you to amazing Ulaanbaatar, Khustai National Park and Moltsog els, Kharkhorum and Erdenezuu mounastry, Orkhon river, hot springs of Tsenhkher, Ugii Lake, Khogno Khan mountain and Elsen tasarkhai.  These areas are the best spot to see forest, steppe and water birds.

TOUR OVERVIEW

Tour Length:   11 days

Group size:      2 to 10 people

Tour cost:        US$ 1390- (including taxes)

Transport type: Vehicle

Tour level:       Moderate

Schedule 2011:  June- September (You can choose when you come and the date.)

Highlights: Ulaanbaatar, Khustai National Park and Moltsog els, Kharkhorum and Erdenezuu mounastry, Orkhon river, hot springs of Tsenhkher, Ugii Lake, Khogno Khan mountain, Elsen tasarkhai

  ITINERARY

Day-1 Arrival in Ulaanbaatar.
After transferring to a hotel, there will be some sightseeing around town. We visit the Dinosaur Exhibition Hall of the Natural Historical Museum, and Gandan monastery. There will be an overnight stay in the hotel. (L+D)

Day-2 Khustai National Park and Moltsog els

After breakfast drive to Khustai National Park and Moltsog els. The central part of the site is mountainous with steep south-facing slopes and shallow north-facing slopes. The Tuul River runs to the south of the mountains, separated from them by areas of steppe and mountain steppe. There are also isolated forests of birch and aspen, mainly in the centre of the site. In 1993, the site was designated as a national park for the reintroduction of Przewalski's Wild Horse Equus przewalskii, which was once extinct in the wild. The site is a popular destination for domestic and foreign tourists due to the successful reintroduction project. The site was also designated as a biosphere reserve core area in 2003. Poaching for Siberian Marmot Marmota sibirica and Red Deer Cervus elaphus is the main threat to wildlife populations. Otherwise, the site is one of the best protected national parks in Mongolia. The area is important for a variety of bird species during the breeding season and on migration, due to the diversity of habitats in a relatively small area. To date, a total of 169 bird species have been recorded. Globally Threatened species occurring at the site include Steppe Eagle /Aguile nipalensis/ and Golden Eagle /Aguila chrysaetos/, Saker falcon (Falco cherrug), Kestrel (falco tinnunculus) and Lesser Kestrel or the Falco naumanni, as well as Upland Buzzard /Buteo hemilasius/ and Long legged buzzard /Buteo lagopus/, Mongolian lark, Calandra lark, Crested lark, Horned lark, Thrushes, Pipits, Magpies- Hoopoes, Owls- Tawny-Owls, : White Naped Crane /Grus Vipio/, Siberian Crane /Gurs leucogeranus/, Demoiselle Crane /Anthropoides virgo/ and Hooded Crane /Grus Monacha/ also occurs. The site also supports an assemblage of species restricted to the Eurasian steppe and desert biome. Overnight in the "Ger” tourist camp. (B+L+D)

Day-3 Kharkhorum and Erdenezuu mounastry

After breakfast drive to Kharkhorum and Erdenezuu mounastry, in the way to see Elsen tasarkhai. The city of Kharkhorin of today is located at the same place where Genghis Khan had planned his capital. At the time, however, the city was only erected after his death. The Kharkhorin of today is a small settlement with little focus on tourism. The Ger camps are rather situated near Erdene-Zuu and other attractions. The locals in the town stay mostly among each other. Erdene Zuu (translated: "hundert treasures") was founded in 1586, as the first buddhist monastery in Mongolia. At its most glorious days it housed more than 1000 monks. It was destroyed by the Manchu together with Kharkhorin. The area is surrounded by a big wall with 108 stupas. Overnight in the "Ger” tourist camp. (B+L+D)

Day 4- 5: Orkhon river, hot springs of Tsenhkher

The Orkhon River is a river in Mongolia. It rises in the Khangai Mountains of Arkhangai aimag and flows northwards for 1,124 km (698 miles) before joining the Selenge River, which flows north into Russia and Lake Baikal. The Orkhon is longer than the Selenge, making it the longest river in Mongolia. Major tributaries of the Orkhon river are the Tuul River and Tamir River. There are two sets of ancient ruins along the river valley: Khar Balgas, the ancient capital of the Kharkorum, the ancient capital of the Mongol Empire. UNISCO lists the Orkhon Valley as a World Heritage Site. Also many species of falcons such as Saker falcon (Falco cherrug), Kestrel (falco tinnunculus) and Lesser Kestrel or the Falco naumanni, as well as Upland Buzzard /Buteo hemilasius/ and Long legged buzzard /Buteo lagopus/. Mongolian lark, Calandra lark, Crested lark, Horned lark, Thrushes, Pipits, Magpies and Hoopoes, Owls and Tawny-Owls are seen here. Overnight in the "Ger” tourist camp. (B+L+D)

Day-6-7: Ugii lake and  Bird watching days

Ugii lake, locates on the centre of Mongolia, in the territory, of the Arkhangai province is one of the biggest lakes of Mongolia and has 27 km squire area. Average depth is 6.64m, in some sections 15.3m, coastal length is 23.5m. Delicate sand and whetstone coast, the soft wave and it is very convenient to have boat adventure. Also it is enthusiastic to swimming, having sunbath, horse and camel ridding and hiking. There are 14 kinds of fishes in Ugii lake and there are fishery effective fishes such as taimen, pike, lenok, perch, silurus and etc. The experts said 47.6 thousand tones of fishes could be in fishery per year from this lake. Also this lake is beautiful lake that has 144 kinds of birds. We can expect to see Loons, Grebes, Pelicans, Bitterns, herons and egrets, Ducks, geese and swans, Osprey, Hawks, kites and eagles, Caracaras and falcons, Grouse, Cranes, Plovers and lapwings, Sandpipers and allies, Gulls, Typical owls, Larks, Wagtails and pipits, Old World warblers, Old World flycatchers, Crow, jays, ravens and magpies, Siskins, crossbills and allies. Overnight in the "Ger” tourist camp.  (B+L+D)

Day -8- 9 Khogno Khan Natural Reserve

Khogno Khan Natural Reserve covers 46,990 hectares of land and is situated in the territory of Bulgan Province. The taiga and steppe plants grow in this area and represent two or three different natural zones. This area was taken under state protection in 1997. You can see this 1967 m peak to the north of the main road. The ruins of the earlier destroyed monastery are lovely 45 minutes of walk along a well-defined path up the valley to the right. The surroundings belong to the 46,900-hectare Khogno Khan Natural Reserve and you might spot ibex, wolves, birds and many varieties of hawk. Expected species are include Osprey, Hawks, kites and eagles, Caracaras and falcons, Grouse, Pheasants and partridges, Bustards, Plovers and lapwings, Sandpipers and allies, Pigeons and doves, Typical owls, Swifts, Thrushes and allies, Old World warblers and Old World flycatchers. Overnight in the "Ger” tourist camp. (B+L+D)

Day-10: Ulaanbaatar

We arrive in Ulaanbaatar from Ganga Lake  in midday .Before the farewell dinner, there will be a quick shopping tour including Mongolian national souvenir stores and cashmere garments shops. Overnight Ulaanbaatar. (B+L+D)

Day-11: Departure

After breakfast, will be transferred from hotel to train station or airport. (B)

B- Breakfast

L- Lunch

D- Dinner

Included:

• Twin bedded rooms in a hotel
• Shared accommodation in tourist ger camp
• Guiding and interpreting service
• All meals as listed in the itinerary
• Daily supply of bottled water
• Transfers by vehicle 4x4
• Local guides
• All entrance fees
• Horse, camel, yak ride trial

Not included:

• international airfare
• visa cost
• alcoholic drinks
• travel insurance