Gobi Lakes Traverse

- and its birdlife -

Printable pdf file.
Click to download

During the early spring migration and just later, the Gobi comes to life with many migrating birds grabbing on to any available tree in the region. The migration period is spectacular for birds on routes between southern Asia and Siberia for songbirds, ducks and waders. In addition, there are many spectacular resident birds in exceptional environments.

This birding journey will bring us to both desert steppe and mountain areas of the Gobi. We will be able to view birds at the famous Yol Valley, which actually is a ravine, which this time certainly is covered by permanent snow and ice. The Gurvansaikhan Mountains is an extension into the Gobi of the Altais. Here we may be able to spot Argali Sheep and likely sighting of Siberian Ibex. The Snow Leopard is certainly present, but this elusive animal is near to impossible to get to see, although the South Gobi has some of the highest densities of Snow Leopards' in the world. Mongolia 's large populations of steppe rodents support many raptors.

Striking contrast of bird habitats is available in this roadless country of extremely varied habitats such as rocky and sandy desert plains, precipitous cliffs and ravines, salt pans, lakes and oases. However, what you remember most are the hardy and friendly nomads that inhabit the Gobi areas, and your encounters with them. It is considered bad luck to hunt and shoot birds, why they are not hunted at all. However, there is illegal and legal trade with the numerous Saker Falcons. They are in high demand for falconry in the Middle East Gulf states You would see around 20-30 of Sakers on this journey. Greater Sand Plover (Charadrius eschenaultii) is found every where in the Gobi. Swan Goose is seen in most lakes. And relatively large numbers of Demoiselle Cranes and Upland Buzzard.

Brief Outline Itinerary

We will fly to Dalanzadgad in the South Gobi , from where vehicles and a cook will be hired. Camping equipment, all provisions, a cook, a trailfinder and vehicles will support the journey. We will make our way across the Gobi birding. From Gurvansaikhan Mountains we will pass Bayanzag (Flaming Cliffs), and the Gobi lakes of Orog Nuur and Böön Tsaagan Nuur. We will head north towards the Hangai Mountains and pass giant sand dunes in southernmost Zavhan province until we reach the sacred Otgontenger Mountain (4092m), which has eternal snow. We will fly back to Ulaanbaatar from Uliastai. This trip is done twice, so there is also a reversed trip that starts in Uliastai and ends in Dalanzadgad.

Commonly seen birds on a trip in Mongolia are Whooper Swan, Swan Goose, Demoiselle Crane, Upland Buzzard, Red-billed Chough, Marsh Sandpiper, Steppe Eagle, Dusky Warbler, Citrine Wagtail, Mongolian Finch, Palla's Leaf-Warbler, Yellow-browed Warbler, Rufous-tailed Rock Trush, Pied & Isabelline Wheatear, Asian Short-toed & Mongolian Lark, Ruddy Shelduck, Pacific Swift, Mongolian Finch, Dusky Warbler.

Pls note that the trip may extend by a day or two additional cost USD 60 per person per day. Since the, exact flight day from Uliastai may still change.

Day 1 Mon: Ulaanbaatar

Arrive Ulaanbaatar by air. Transfer to the hotel. Tour briefing and dinner.

Day 2 Tue: To South Gobi

Early morning pick up at your hotel in Ulaanbaatar , and transfer to the airport to fly to Dalanzadgad (1h35). Although small, it is the main town in South Gobi . South Gobi (Ömnögobi) is the least populated province in all Mongolia . Start drive to the nearby Yol Valley (Yoliin Am). Entering the open expanses of the Gurvansaikhan Mountains (Three Beauties) where we already may be able to see Oriental Plover as well as Great Bustard. We will pitch camp somewhere in the Gurvansaikhan Mountains for two nights. Gobi Gurvansaikhan National Park precipitation is less than 50 mm in the surrounding semi-desert lowlands to more than 200 mm in the higher mountain areas, which creates varying habitats.

Day3 Wed: Yol Valley

In the evenings and early mornings we will try to see some wildlife on the ridges of our camp as well as some rare birds. The Lammergeyer is a prominent feature of this vertical ravine where this great bird also nest. Other vultures such as Bearded and possibly Eurasian Griffon while Black Vulture are commonly seen here. Many big birds of prey are here. Wallcreepers are guaranteed to be seen on the vertical rock walls, and around are Sulphur-bellied Warbler, Water and Blyth 's Pipit. The rare Kozlov's (Mongolian) Accentor may usually be found in the junipers as well as Alpine & Brown Accentor. A number of different rosefinches (Red-mantled; Beautiful; Common and Great) may all be seen. White-winged Snow finch, Sulphur-bellied Warbler, Godlewski's & Chestnut-eared Bunting, Evermann's Redstart. We have also seen Eagle Owl on nest at Yol Valley . We are likely to see Siberian Ibex and with luck also the giant Argali Sheep . We will certainly climb one of the ridges in pursuit of the almost endemic Altai Snowcock.

Day 4 Thu: Bayanzag

We will now depart this lovely mountain area and make it for the desert steppe on the upland to the mountains. We will drive to and explore Bayanzag (Rich Saxaul), which were labeled “The Flaming Cliffs” by Roy Chapman Andrews, the famous American explorer whose team for the first time unearthed fossilized dinosaur eggs, in this sandstone gorge in the early 1920s. Eagle Owl is hiding in the crevices during the daytime. The Saxaul Sparrow, Henderson 's Ground Jay and Isabelline and Saxaul (Steppe Grey) Shrike should be possible in the so-called Saxaul forest. Saxaul (Haloxylon ammodendron) is a woody shrub that plays an important ecological role that helps protect fragile Gobi soils from damage and erosion. It regulates the water supply and serves as a barrier to sand movement. In the morning there might be spectacular flocks of Pallas's Sandgrouse, flying to their drinking places. We should perhaps also find Brown Shrike, Lesser Kestrel and Rock Sparrow, Greater Sandplover, and Desert Warbler in the small bushes. We will continue our journey northwesterly and pitch camp somewhere in Övörhangai province, within visibility of Baga Bogd Mountain (3590m).

Day 5 Fri: To Orog Lake

Today we will drive westerly across the dry desert steppes. On these steppes we might see Henderson's Ground Jay, MacQueen's Bustard, Steppe Grey Shrike, Desert Wheatear, Chukar, Mongolian Finch, and on migration Siberian Flycatcher. We will eventually pass the Taatsiin White Lake (Taatsiin Tsaagan Nuur) where there will be an opportunity to see some of the waterfowl that migrate through the Gobi lakes. Eventually we will reach Orog Lake (Orog Nuur), one of the famous Gobi lakes. Pitch camp next to the lake.

Day 6 Sat: Orog Lake

A.m. Today we explore the 140 sq.km. Orog Lake and its immediate surroundings. The lake sits next to Ikh Bogd (Big Holy) Mountain (3957m) at 1200m above sea level. There are also some nearby sand dunes. It is a fresh water lake, which is rich in fish. Tuin River empties into the lake from its journey from Hangai Mountains . The abundance of food attracts plenty of birds. There is a small island with some 60 pairs of Grey Herons nesting on the ground! The world's longest fault line is visible through the terrain. It came about in 1957 and extends for some 270km westwards from Orog Lake.

We are likely to see the famous Relict Gull here as well as migrants and residents such as wetland birds Great Black-headed Gulls, Pallas' Fish Eagle, Bar-headed Goose, Falcated Duck, Great White Egret, Whooper and Mute Swans. Eastern Marsh Harrier, Eurasian Spoonbills, terns (Gull-billed, Caspian and Common). Pallas Reed Bunting and Pallas's Grasshopper Warbler. Anything can come here. Dalmatian Pelican is sometimes seen. In 2003 a stray Long-tailed Duck, the first for Mongolia ever, was seen here!

Day 7 Sun: To Böön Tsaagan Nuur

Half day drive westerly to the larger semi fresh lake of the biggest of the lakes, the 240 sq.km. Böön Tsaagan Nuur and pitch camp there for two nights. The elevation of the lake surface is 1336m above sea level. The Baidrag River empties into the lake. Obvious birds here include Whooper Swan, Mute Swan, Bar-headed Goose, Swan Goose. Pallas' Eagle and Great Black-headed Gull.

Day 8 Mon: Böön Tsaagan Nuur

Full day exploration of the lake area. We will continue birding this striking and remote area, similar to Orog Nuur. We will probably see Black Stork, Relict Gull, Falcated Duck, Asiatic Dowitcher, Pallas's Reed Bunting and on migration Paddyfield Warbler, Blyth's Reed Warbler.

Day 9 Tue: To Mongol Sands

Today is a long drive north, through Bayanhongor towards the Hangai Mountains . We will move from desert steppes to the southern edge of the Hangai Mountains . On the steppes we may – if lucky see Henderson 's Ground Jay, and likely sightings of Pallas's Sandgrouse. We will reach the remote Gobi-Altai and Zavhan aimag and camp next to some sand dunes. Zavhan province, in contrast to the Gobi areas, is one of the most populated provinces of Mongolia, meaning there are many nomads on horseback. The nomads live from livestock herding. However, by international standards, it is not densely populated. Near the sands they keep Bactrian Camels and in the mountains we will certainly also see yaks.

Day 10 Wed: Mongol Sands

The Mongol Sands (Mongol Els) are the most extensive and large sand dunes in all of Mongolia . They are quite vegetated. Shurag River runs along the sands, and eventually becomes the Zavhan River. Here are sands despite its northerly location. It is next to the Hangai Mountains and the eternally snowcapped mountain of Otgontenger. The Hangai Mountains are almost inter-connected to the taiga life zone of Siberia. These locations are in fact the southernmost large forest zones of Mongolia, the southernmost permafrost area of the northern hemisphere, facing directly to the Gobi steppes and sands. Rivers such as Tain and Baidrag drain south from the Hangai Mountains, and some ends up in the Gobi as saltwater lakes. This is an area that has not been seriously birded yet. If we can cross the rivers and we have the time, we might find our way to the beautiful Ereen Lake , next to Zavhan River and the Mongol Sands, which will provide exciting birding.

Day 11 Thu: To Otgontenger

Drive to the western side of the Hangai Mountains . Otgontenger is eternally snow capped at 4021m and considered sacred by the Mongols. Otgontenger is a mere 100km east of Uliastai town on the plains. The mountain is approached across a rather stony area, which eventually leads to the glacial lake of Bandar Khundaga . Pitch camp for to nights here.

Day 12 Fri: Otgontenger Mountain

Today we will reach the highest altitudes on the entire trip. Many of Mongolia’s mountain areas shows signs of previous Ice Ages, with U-shaped valleys and boulders left behind by retreating glaciers. Above the tree line, tundra, alpine-sedge meadows, highland swamps, and lichen-covered boulder fields characterize the high mountain zone. Snow-capped Otgontenger is one of four sacred peaks of Mongolia. In 2005 we could get Altai Snowcock, Hodgson’s Bushchat and Kozlov’s Accentor in one of the valleys at different altitudes. High mountain species such as Willow and Rock Ptarmigan, Pallas’s Reed and Grey-necked Bunting, Plain Mountain Finch, Eurasian Dotterel, Hill Pigeon, Himalayan Accentor, Brandt’s Finch, Güldenstädt’s Redstart, and Red-billed Chough are possible.

Day 13 Sat: To Uliastai

We will use as much as possible for the day birding in the forested zones. Taiga is a boreal coniferous forest, comprised primarily of Siberian Larch (Larix sibirica) and Siberian Pine (Pinus sibirica). If we find pine forest patches there might be a chance to see Black-billed Capercaillie and/or Western Capercaillie. We might however, see Hazel Grouse, Three-toed Woodpecker, Oriental Cuckoo, Eurasian Jay, Tengmalm’s Owl, Eurasian Pygmy Owl, Siberian Jay, Pine Grosbeak and Great Grey Owl. Drive to Uliastai area. Camp somewhere away from the town.

Day 14 Sun: Buffer day

This is a buffer day, spent somewhere productive on the way birding.

Day 15 Mon: To Ulaanbaatar

Morning drive into Uliastai town. The flight to Ulaanbaatar usually departs at 11.00 a.m. We will overfly the entire range of the Hangai Mountains.

After the arrival we will bird the meadow of the Tuul River on the outskirts of Ulaanbaatar. Transfer and check-in to the hotel in Ulaanbaatar.

Day 16 Tue: Fly out

A.m. Visit Gandan Monastery, the most lively monastery of Mongolia, and the Natural History Museum.

Day 17: Wed: Fly out

Transfer out to your next destination. Nomadic Journeys offer shorter birding itineraries to nearby locations such as Terelj-Khan Khentii as well as to the west or east of Mongolia by air.

Practicalities

Nomadic Journeys have introduced a concept of practical and desirable ways of travel in Mongolia , which is the synergy of Western and Mongolian ideas brought about after many years experience of travel all across Mongolia . We emphasize the quality of human contacts and encounters with local people.

Transport: This journey is supported by a jeep or minibus on the Gobi road tracks.

Staff: A Mongolian English speaking local guide will accompany the group at all times. A cook will follow. Plus one driver.

Meals: Our cook will prepare the meals. We pride ourselves in having cooks adapt with both western and Mongolian cooking on our trips. There are always vegetables available, and we have no problem accommodating vegetarians.

Overnights: This is a vehicle supported camping trip. Tents and mattresses will be provided for the camping nights. You need to bring your own sleeping bag. These birding trips take place prior to the main tourism season, and ger camps have as yet not been organized, why camping is the only option in most places. A portable camping shower will be provided.

PRICE ex Ulaanbaatar

USD 2210 per person (4/10 members)
Supplement USD 890 pp if 2-3 members.

Includes: Leadership, breakfast every day, and all meals outside Ulaanbaatar . All overnights in tents, camping equipment and all local transport in the Gobi and transfers in Ulaanbaatar .

Excludes: Specialist Mongolian or foreign bird guide. Imported drinks, airport tax on departure from Ulaanbaatar (approx. USD 13 p.p.), laundry. Visa fee. Private tent supplement USD 100.  Additional hotel night in Ulaanbaatar is USD 90 per double room per night, or USD 65 in single. This rate includes taxes and breakfast

DATES 2007 ex. Ulaanbaatar

GLT01:21May-06Jun

Specialist Mongolian bird buide: Our Mongolian guide will speak English and know the routes and habitats, but will not be able to identify all birds. Nomadic Journeys work with some Mongolian scientist's, and subject to availability, we may by special order add this to the cost of the trip.

Domestic flights: The flight schedules may change the days or the airports we may use.

Extensions: You may consider to extend your stay in Mongolia and all the below suggestions takes 8d/7n and choose among the following extensions:

From Ulaanbaatar overland to:

• East to Khan Khentii & Terelj
• West to central Mongolia.

From Ulaanbaatar by air to:

• To Choibalsan and then overland north to Mongol Daguur.
• To Choibalsan and then overland east to Nömrög Reserve and Halh River.
• To Ulaangom and around Uvs Lake World Heritage basin.
• To Hovd around Khar Us Nuur National Park and Höh Serkhiin Nuruu (Altai Mountains).

Copyright ^© Nomadic Journeys