Explore China's Haven for Owls for Northern Owls and Specials
Inner Mongolia lies in the far north of China, stretching from Xinjiang Province in the west to Heilongjiang Province in the east. As one of China’s largest provinces, it offers remarkable diversity in both climate and habitats. This trip focuses on the northeastern part, where vast grasslands meet the majestic Greater Khingan Range, allowing us to enjoy unique species from both the open steppe and the coniferous–mixed forests.
We will begin on the grasslands, searching for and photographing winter visitors such as Snowy Owl, Snow Bunting, and more. Then we will head east to the lush coniferous forests of Wuerqihan, home to a wealth of sought-after owls and forest specialists, including Great Grey Owl, Ural Owl, Northern Hawk-Owl, Eurasian Eagle-Owl, Boreal Owl, Little Owl, Eurasian Pygmy Owl, Arctic Redpoll, Black-billed Capercaillie, Hazel Grouse, Black Grouse, Siberian Jay, and Pallas’s Rosefinch.
Winter here is harsh, especially during blizzards. In extreme cases, daytime temperatures can plummet to –35 degrees Celsius, with an average ranging between –15 and –20 degrees Celsius. But braving the cold rewards us with unforgettable encounters with northern species, set against the striking backdrop of bare forests and snow-covered grasslands—a true winter kingdom.
What makes this trip irreplaceable?
Tour Info Sheet
| Highlight Birds | Snowy Owl, Ural Owl, Northern Hawk Owl, Great Grey Owl, Eurasian Eagle Owl, Boreal Owl, Little Owl, Eurasian Pygmy Owlet, Saker Falcon, Upland Buzzard, Rough-legged Buzzard, Pere David's Snowfinch, Asian Rosy Finch, Black-billed Capercaillie, Hazel Grouse, Black Grouse, Siberian Jay, Pallas's Rosefinch, Asian Rosy Finch, Arctic Redpoll, Common Redpoll, Hawfinch, Pine Grosbeak, Two-barred Crossbill, Eurasian Siskin, Long-tailed Tit, etc. |
|---|---|
| Numbers of Species to Expect | 70-100 |
| Ease of Birding | mostly easy birding with a few tricky species |
| Highlight Mammals | Corsac Fox, Red Fox, Siberian Roe Deer, Gerbil, etc. |
| Photography Opportunities | birding focused but with good photography chances |
| Habitats Covered | grasslands, boreal forests |
| Expected Climate | severe cold, snow is possible, the temperature can drop to -20°C to -30°C |
| Physical Requirements | mostly easy, demanding but optional in certain parts |
| Accommodation | comfortable |
| Transportation | off-road vehicle |
What makes this trip irreplaceable?
1. This trip covers two of the most important places for owls in China. We can expect 8 species of owls on a 9 days trip. Some species like the elusive Boreal Owl are not easy to see due to its sparse distribution, but they are definitely worth trying.
2. Our experienced guides have guided birding tours in these areas many years, they have great knowledge about local birds and birding sites with good access to the latest bird info. At the same time, they have rich experiences of guiding birders from different countries and understand their needs well.
3. Besides owls, this trip covers some popular and classic birding sites which are home to a great variety of birds of other families you are also equally interested in northern China.
4. A small group size of no more than 8 birders.
5. Years of working as a local partner for some prestigious western companies specialized in birds and wildlife.
6. A strong logistic team in the office to ensure our trip goes smoothly and every participant has a comfortable and memorable journey.
Dates & Prices
| Dates | Booking State | Price | Single Supplement | Group Size | Guide |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec, 2025-Jan, 2026 | Open to Booking | TBAUSD/pax | TBAUSD/pax | 8 | Local Guide |
Slide the sheet to left to see the full sheet if you are viewing on your phone or tablet.
The cost includes the following:
1. Private transportation throughout the trip, including airport pickups and drop off at Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport or Tianfu International Airport .
2. Meals at local popular restaurants labeled as BLD in the itinerary.
3. All the entrance tickets for places listed in the itinerary including cable cars and shuttle buses.
4. Hotel stays from first day to the last day, two clients occupy one twin-bed room on sharing basis at nice 4-star hotels in big cities and local best guesthouses in remote area.
5. Bottled water and snacks throughout the trip.
6. Western breakfast whenever is possible.
7. Service charges of a professional western bird guide and an experienced local bird guide throughout the whole trip.
8. China domestic travel insurance.
9. Service of all logistic supports.
The cost does not include the following:
a. Drinks during meals.
b. Extra charges due to change of itinerary from the client’s side or factors beyond the control of AlpineBirding such as natural disaster and governmental policy change.
c. Discretionary tips to local guides and drivers.
d. All personal expense such as laundry service.
e. Airfare to the place where our trip starts and from the place where our trip ends.
f. Any program not listed in the itineraries.
Itinerary
Tour Map
Day 1: Arrival in Hailar, then drive to Wuerqihan.
Meet your private bird guide or driver at Hailaer Airport (HLD) and transfer to your hotel. If time permits, enjoy birding around the hotel.
Day 2: Hailaer to Hadatu.
Depart early for the grasslands to photograph the Snowy Owl in the soft light of dawn and again at sunset. This area also provides excellent habitat for other grassland species such as Snow Bunting, Saker Falcon, Upland Buzzard, and Rough-legged Buzzard. We will spend the entire day here to maximize our chances.
Day 3: Hadatu to Wuerqihan.
If needed, return to the grasslands in the morning for another attempt at photographing the Snowy Owl. Afterwards, continue the journey to Wuerqihan.
Day 4-7: Wuerqihan Surroundings.
Situated in the western part of the Da Hinggan (Greater Khingan) Range, Wuerqihan is the nearest lush coniferous forest to Yakeshi City and home to many northern specialties, including various owls, pheasants, and tits. Over the next five days, we will explore the area in search of Ural Owl, Northern Hawk-Owl, Great Grey Owl, Eurasian Eagle-Owl, and Boreal Owl.
Other notable species we may encounter include Arctic Redpoll, Common Redpoll, Black-billed Capercaillie, Hazel Grouse, Black Grouse, Siberian Jay, Pallas’s Rosefinch, Asian Rosy Finch, Hawfinch, Pine Grosbeak, Two-barred Crossbill, Eurasian Siskin, Long-tailed Tit, and Willow Tit. We may also see mammals such as Corsac Fox, Red Fox, and Siberian Roe Deer.
Day 9: Wuerqihan – Hailaer – Departure.
Spend the morning in Wuerqihan for any remaining target species. In the late afternoon, drive about three hours to Hailaer Airport (HLD) for your departing flight. AlpineBirding services conclude.
Guide(s)
Bella Zhang
Bella, the director of AlpineBirding, graduated from Sichuan Agricultural University with a Bachelor's Degree. She joined AlpineBirding in early 2016 and became the director of AlpineBirding in 2018. She was born and grew up in a Bai ethnic family in Yunnan Province which boasts of the largest number of bird species in China. Her interests toward birds started with her observation of a Long-tailed Minivet in her mom's garden at a very young age. As she grows up, the interests and love toward birds become stronger and stronger. Because of that, she found AlpineBirding before graduation and joined the company for further learning of birds. Bella has guided a number of birding trips in cooperation with AlpineBirding guide in the past years, her passion, readiness to help and detail-oriented attitude have won her lots of praise from our clients.
