BIRDING EASTERN MONGOLIA – 19.th May - 03.th June 2025 (16-days), ultimate birding with Miksture
TRAVEL DESCRIPTION
Duration 16-days
Type Roundtrip with Tour Leader (Michael Westerbjerg Andersen/Miksture, Russian Forgone Van, domestic flights and local guides
Price From 3.800 USD pr. person in shared DBL room
Sngl room 600 USD
Deposit 1000 USD pr. person
Visa Yes. Information when booking the tour
Vaccination No
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Keybirds: The wide range of habitats is reflected in an exciting avifauna which encompasses both Siberian and Central Asian species, including species unique to Mongolia and its immediate surroundings. Prime specialties include (all these species were seen during our 2023-expedition: Black-billed (Spotted), Daurian Partridge, Japanese Quail, Bean Goose, Bar-headed Goose, Swan Goose, Whooper Swan, Black-throated Diver, Ruddy Shelduck, Eastern Spot-billed Duck, Garganey, Falcated Duck, Red-crested Pochard, Eurasian Spoonbill, Black Stork, Saker Falcon, Peregrine Falcon, Amur Falcon, Osprey, Oriental Honey-buzzard, Black-eared Kite, Eastern Marsh Harrier, Japanese Sparrowhawk, Upland Buzzard, Long-legged Buzzard, Eastern Buzzard, Booted Eagle, Steppe Eagle, Golden Eagle, Cinereous Vulture, Brown-cheeked (Eastern) Rail, Common Crane, White-naped Crane, Hooded Crane, Demoiselle Crane, Great Bustard, Pacific Golden Plover, Greater Sand Plover, Mongolian Plover (Lesser Sand Plover), Oriental Plover, Grey-headed Lapwing, Terek Sandpiper, Marsh Sandpiper, Grey-tailed Tatler, Red-necked Stint, Long-toed Stint, Broad-billed Sandpiper, Pallas’s Sandgrouse, Relict Gull, White-winged Tern, Whiskered Tern, Gull-billed Tern, Caspian Tern, Oriental Turtle Dove, Oriental Cuckoo, Grey Nightjar, Pacific Swift, White-backed Woodpecker, Brown Shrike, Isabelline Shrike, Chinese Grey Shrike, White-cheeked Starling, Azure-winged Magpie, Daurian Jackdaw, Azure Tit, Mongolian (Eastern) Short-toed Lark, Asian Short-toed Lark, Mongolian Lark, Marsh Grassbird, Pallas's Grasshopper Warbler, Paddyfield Warbler, Black-browed Reed Warbler, Thick-billed Warbler, Oriental Reed Warbler, Dusky Warbler, Radde's Warbler, Arctic Warbler, Two-barred Warbler, Pale-legged Leaf Warbler, Yellow-browed Warbler, Pallas’ Leaf Warbler, Reed Parrotbill, Chestnut-flanked White-eye, White-crowned Penduline Tit, Eyebrowed Thrush, Siberian Thrush, Red (Rufous)-throated Thrush, Dusky Thrush, Naumanns Thrush, Whites Thrush, Daurian Redstart, Siberian Rubythroat, Siberian Blue Robin, Red (Orange)-flanked Bluetail, Isabelline Wheatear, Yellow-rumped Flycatcher, Mugimaki Flycatcher, Taiga Flycatcher, Dark-sided Flycatcher, Asian Brown Flycatcher, Ashy Minivet, Pere Davids Snowfinch, Eastern Yellow Wagtail, Citrine Wagtail, Richards Pipit, Blyth's Pipit, Buff-bellied Pipit, Red-throated Pipit, Olive-backed Pipit, Grey-capped (Oriental) Greenfinch, Long-tailed Rosefinch, Pine Bunting, Meadow Bunting, Jankowski’s Bunting, Little Bunting, Pallas’ Reed Bunting, Japanese (Ochre-rumped) Reed Bunting, Black-faced Bunting, Tristrams Bunting, Yellow-breasted Bunting, Chestnut Bunting, etc.
Among the mammals the great herds of Mongolian Gazelle in its natural habitat are an amazing sight. Springtime is a delightful season when birds are in breeding plumage, and migrants are passing through on their way north. Marvellous birding - a real adventure in fact. This journey provides excellent birding in this great country. Miksture and our Mongolian team knows thoroughly the locations and the birds of course - in short: the best and most rewarding birding. Our team provides good meals, and we always make the journey as comfortable and smooth as possible. We don’t make any compromises; however, we always make priority not to flush and frighten the birds.
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​Habitats Covered
Remote steppe grasslands, low mountains, valleys, pristine riparian forest, meadows, wetlands, marshes, reed beds and lakes
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Expected Climate
Mongolia is the ‘Land of Blue Sky’, the nickname comes from the number of sunny days throughout the year in the country – two third of the year. Temperatures should be relatively moderate, and skies are usually brilliantly clear, but bring along warm cloth! The days will usually be sunny and cool, and pleasant. Nights will be considerably cooler after the sunset. The temperature should be lower in the mountains and snow is possible. hot and sunny but much cooler in the mountains
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Max Group Size
10 with 1 Miksture leader & local guides and drivers
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Tour Pace & Walking
Moderate - generally easy walking and some longer drives on dusty roads
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Accommodation
Hotels in Ulaanbaatar and Choibalsan are of normal standard but just below the international standard, however clean and comfortable. This tour involves a lot of camping on the seamless steppe. There will not be any shower for extended periods. For the camping nights, each participant will have to share with one of the other participants, but we might try to get as many tents as possible. Couples may of course be accommodated together. The only camp assistance group members will be asked to give is erecting and dismantling one’s personal tent (an easy and rapid task) on those occasions when the camp crew has limited time. In addition to the individual sleeping tents, there is a dining tent and a toilet tent. You will need to bring a 2-season sleeping bag. Karrimat, are provided; though if you prefer pls bring the more modern self-inflated Thermorest' mattress. There are no air mattresses.
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Ease of Birding
Generally pleasant - lots to watch!
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Other Attractions
Spectacular scenery, pristine wildernesses, incredible history and culture and interesting mammals
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Photographic Opportunities
Excellent
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SCHEDULED 2025 DEPARTURE
19.05 - 03.06.2025
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Tour Leader: Michael Westerbjerg Andersen
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Tour price (Per person): USD 3,800
Single supplement: USD 600
THE TOUR AT A GLANCE...
Day 1. Welcome to Ulaanbaatar. Transfer by 4x4 to Gorkhi Terelj NP
Day 2. Gorkhi Terrell NP - Murun Plantation
Day 3. Murun Plantation - Choibalsan
Day 4. Choibalsan - Buir Lake
Day 5 - 6. Buir Lake
Day 7. Buir Lake - Khalkh River
Day 8. Khalkh
Day 9 - 10. Khalkh - Tashgain Tavan Lakes
Day 11. Tashgain Tavan Lakes - Matad Mountains
Day 12. Matad - Baruun
Day 13. Baruun - Lake Zuun Ereen
Day 14. Lake Zuun Ereen - Gun Galuut
Day 15. Gun Galuut - Ulaanbaatar
Day 16. Final departures - fly home​
FINANCIAL ARRANGEMENTS:
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Costs: $3,800, excluding international flights to/from Mongolia
Single supplement: $600
Deposit: : $1000
Group size: minimum 6 and maximum 10
Availability: Spaces available for 2025
Leader: Michael Westerbjerg Andersen
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Tour dates, prices, single supplement rates, approximate flight costs and spaces available for this tour are displayed on our website. Please see under IMPORTANT NOTES below.
The tour fee includes:
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All meals from breakfast on day 1 in Ulaanbaatar to breakfast on day 15
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All lodgings;
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Airport transfers;
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Ground transportation;
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Reserve entrance fees;
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All guiding services;
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Mineral water
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The tour fee does not include:
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Visa fees;
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International flights;
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Tips to guides/drivers;
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Telephone calls; and
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Laundry and other items of a personal nature.
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Single Supplement: The single supplement cost for this tour will be charged if you wish to have single accommodation. If we cannot provide you with a rooming partner for these nights although you choose to share, the single supplement will become applicable. We will make all reasonable efforts to ensure that a rooming partner is found if you do wish to share.
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IMPORTANT NOTES: a) Due to constantly fluctuating exchange rates, we quote our tours in USD. The tour price is however fixed only in the currency printed in bold, and the actual cost in the other currencies listed will be adjusted according to prevailing exchange rates at the time of final invoicing (usually 4 months before the tour.) The same applies to approximate flight and single supplement rates, which are also quoted in the respective fixed currency. b) Rates are based upon group tariffs; if the tour does not have sufficient registration a small party supplement will have to be charged. c) Furthermore, these costs are subject to unforeseen increases in tour related costs and may have to be adjusted as a result. d) Lastly, we may be forced to change or alter the itinerary and / or the designated Miksture leader/s at short or no notice due to unforeseen circumstances; please be aware that we will attempt to adhere as close to the original program as possible.
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Tipping: As noted above, gratuities (drivers, hotel staff, restaurants etc.) are included on this tour. However, this does NOT include your Miksture leader/s. If, therefore, you feel that he/they have given you excellent service, it is entirely appropriate to tip them.
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Special Notes: It is important for the comfort of your fellow travellers that you do not over-pack. Kindly stick to 20kg (44lb) for luggage and 8kg (+-18lb) for hand luggage.
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Much of the tour will be in remote areas with limited medical facilities or hospitals. Please ensure that you have all the necessary medication that you require for the duration of the tour.
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Although it will be late spring/early summer, the temperatures can vary greatly, from warm day temperatures of 25 to 30 degrees Celsius in the steppe (but cool in the mornings), to cold with rain and even snow possible at any time in the mountains.
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The emergence of insects on the Mongolian steppes is unpredictable, but can be so heavy as to make birding very uncomfortable without adequate protection.
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Warm clothes, hat, raingear, hiking boots and thermals will come in handy for the cooler nights and mornings.
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Fitness: In general this tour does not require a high level of fitness, but participants should be in good general health as most of the birding will be done on foot, and may require walking for several hours at a time. Some of the walks in the mountains will, however, be more strenuous. Should you have any physical limitations, please notify us in advance of departure.
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Mongolian cuisine is relatively limited in variety, but usually, salad, soup and meat form the primary basis of all meals. As much fresh fruit as well. We will have opportunities to try regional specialities at various locations on the tour.
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ARRIVAL & DEPARTURE DETAILS:
This tour does not include any International airfares. The main tour will commence in Ulaanbaatar, (Mongolia) on day 1. As we depart Ulaanbaatar same day, i.e. day 1, you are required to be present in Ulaanbaatar latest early morning day 1. The tour will conclude with a transfer to Ulaanbaatar International Airport after breakfast on day 15, or accordingly your flight.The above information in respect of arrivals and departures is a guide only. Precise arrival and departure information will be sent to you in your Tour Confirmation package once the tour has been officially confirmed. If you wish to arrive early and/or depart late and would like assistance in this regard, kindly contact the Miksture office.
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FLIGHTS: Please DO NOT book any flights until you have consulted the Miksture office for confirmation on the status of the tour.
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