ABOUT THE BIRDING

Khongoryn Els is the largest extent of sand dunes in the Gobi Desert. It reaches 300m in height, 12km wide, and 100km long. It is located at the foot of the Gobi Altai Mountains and is a remote area where 4-wheel drive and full stocks of water, fuel, and food are required. The drive from Ikh Bogd Mountain to Khongoryn Els is long but incredibly scenic. The vistas across green oases, the dunes, and the backdrop of the Altai Mountains are fabulous. Khongoryn Els is the best place to find the locally distributed Saxaul Sparrow. Another special possible there is Mongolian Ground-Jay, though Orog Lake is the most reliable place for that species. Other birds of interest include Pallas's Sandgrouse, Long-legged Buzzard, Lesser Kestrel, Steppe Gray Shrike (a subspecies of Great Gray Shrike), Asian Desert Warbler, and Desert Wheatear. A variety of small mammals are present along with Goitered Gazelle.

LOCATION OF SITE

Khongoryn Els is located in the eastern part of Gobi Gurvansaikhan National Park of southern Mongolia.

OTHER LOCALES

• Arvaikheer Vicinity
• Bat-Ulzii
• Bayan Lake
• Buuntsagaan Lake
• Gun Galuut
• Hustai National Park
• Ikh Bogd mountain in the Altai Range
• Mongol Altai Mountains
• Orog Lake
• Terelj National Park
• Ugii Nuur/Lake
• Yolyn Am