8 Days Inner Mongolia Owls Trip - Itinerary

Explore China's Haven for Owls for Northern Owls and Specials

8 Days / Limited to 5-8 Travelers / $2,250

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.

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	around 50
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 possible. Snow likely. Temperatures may drop to minus 20 to minus 30 degrees Celsius
Physical Requirements	mostly easy, demanding but optional in certain parts
Accommodation	comfortable
Transportation	off-road vehicle

Gallery

Dates & Prices

Dates	Booking Stutas	Price	Single Supplement	Group Size	Guide
Dec 13-20, 2026	Open for Booking	2,250USD/pax	130USD/pax	5-8	Local Guide
Dec 23-30, 2026	Open for Booking	2,250USD/pax	130USD/pax	5-8	Local Guide
Dec 12-19, 2027	Open for Booking	2,250USD/pax	130USD/pax	5-8	Local Guide
Dec 22-29, 2027	Open for Booking	2,250USD/pax	130USD/pax	5-8	Local Guide

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The cost includes the following:

1. Private transportation throughout the trip, including airport pickups and drop off at Hailaer Airport .

2. Meals at popular local restaurants from dinner on Day 1 through lunch on Day 8, with picnic lunches provided when needed.

3. All the entrance tickets for places listed in the itinerary, including cable cars and shuttle buses.

4. Hotel stays from the first day to the last day, two clients occupy one twin-bed room on a shared basis at nice 3-star hotels in Hailaer and local best guesthouses in Wuerqihan.

5. Bottled water and snacks throughout the trip.

6. Western breakfast whenever possible.

7. Service charges of a professional 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:

1. Drinks during meals.

2. 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.

3. Discretionary tips to local guides and drivers.

4. All personal expense such as laundry service.

5. Airfare to the place where our trip starts and from the place where our trip ends.

6. 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

We depart early for the grasslands to search for Snowy Owl in the soft light of dawn, with another opportunity at sunset. This area also offers excellent habitat for other grassland species, including Snow Bunting, Saker Falcon, Upland Buzzard, and Rough legged Buzzard. We will spend the entire day here to maximize our chances of success.

Day 3: Hadatu to Wuerqihan

If needed, we will return to the grasslands in the morning for another attempt at Snowy Owl. Afterward, we continue our 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 to Hailaer, then 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.

Wang

Wang, born in 1998, is a passionate wildlife guide with strong field experience across Sichuan and Qinghai. As a professional English-speaking mammal guide and a junior-level birding guide, he has assisted and led trips focused on some of China’s most iconic and elusive species. Wang has developed a deep understanding of the region’s habitats, wildlife behavior, and seasonal patterns through years of hands-on work in the field. He is particularly enthusiastic about sharing his knowledge with international travelers and helping them spot rare species in the wild. Among all the animals he has encountered, the Blue Eared Pheasant remains his personal favorite for its striking appearance and captivating presence. Wang is dedicated, friendly, and always eager to help guests enjoy a rich and memorable nature experience in western China.

Trip Details, Dates, Prices, etc.