This itinerary comprises of few key destinations in far northeastern Mongolia such as Mongol Daguur, steppe lakes along Ulz river valley and adjacent wetlands.

Mongol Daguur

Daurian steppe ecoregion, a transnational protected area lies in the northern part of Inner Asia. Most of the Daurian steppe is situated in Eastern Mongolia and North-East China; the Russian part is confined to Zabaikalsky Province and the Buryat Republic. The area possesses a very high level of biodiversity for the steppe zone, and it is included in the Global 200 Ecoregions of the World.

Mongolian part of Daurian steppe is called “Mongol Daguur” and it is designated in the list of Wetlands of International Importance, Important Birds Area (MNO66), East Asian Crane Site, UNESCO-MAB, UNESCO World Heritage site, Daurian International Protected Area, WWF ECO 200, Mongolian Strictly Protected Area and East Asian-Australasian Flyway [024] network site.

Mongol Daguur wetlands are specific with the vast steppe and wetland valleys of tectonic and volcanic origins supporting numerous different (big and small) sized rivers and lakes. The wetlands and their immediate vicinities are rich in endemic flora species and provide important nesting, breeding, distribution, and stopover sites to the globally and regionally threatened bird species on their seasonal migration flyways. Amongst, there are six species of crane (Siberian, White-naped, Hooded, Demoiselle, Common and Red-crowned) occurring and stopover at the wetlands during their migration and breeding seasons.

In this remote grassland, rarely visited by tourists, we can find a remarkable assemblage of birds and mammals.

Ulz River valley and its wetland:

The Ulz River in northeastern Mongolia and shallow steppe lakes in the river valley are part of the Daurian steppe ecoregion which were inscribed in the list of World Heritage Sites, category natural properties to protect their unique ecosystem and wildlife. Many species of migratory birds breed and make stopovers at these wetlands during their migration.

Unfortunately, in the last 2 decades, the river level and size of the wetlands decreased due to successive droughts. Also, the number of breeding White-naped cranes and other endangered wetland bird species has declined due to habitat loss by overgrazing. For this reason, the importance of preservation is really high in the region.

Chukh Lake and CBRS:

The Chukh Bird Research Station (CBRS) was established in 2019 and coordinated by the MBCC. It is located at Chukh Lake along the Ulz River valley. The main aim of the CBRS is to carry out long-term and sustainable monitoring of breeding and migratory shorebird populations of Chukh Lake, and to conduct ecological and biological studies of the lake and its biodiversity. CBRS is aiming to become an international ornithological station in East Asia. Our further objectives include providing hands-on field training opportunities for students and local specialists, supporting master and doctoral research theses for young researchers, and promoting science-based environmental knowledge for local people.

Accommodation: Eastern Mongolia is a highly underdeveloped region. So our only lodgings option is a tent. Mongolia is generally a great place for camping as we are allowed to wander and set up our own camp wherever we want. Tents are also the most suitable accommodation for a birdwatching tour because we are able to spend the night nearby, or exactly at the bird watching hot spots. Therefore, we can start birding early the following morning, without wasting time on travel. It is a genuine natural experience that allows people to connect with the environment.

We provide our clients high quality, spacious 3 person North Face Summit series tents, warm sleeping bags and self-inflatable sleeping mattresses.

A spacious traditional Mongolian marquee style tent is set up for dining. It provides good insulation against the summer heat and protection from the cold spring wind. Tables and chairs are set up in the tent.