people sitting on grass field during daytime

CRANE FESTIVAL 2026

BIRDWATCHING TOUR

DURATION: 3N 4D

DISTANCE: 850 KILOMETERS

This tour is particularly well- suited for travelers who are interested in Special-Interest and birdwatching tour. The traditional “Crane Festival 2026” will be held for the twelfth time in June 2026, on the shores of Tsagaan Lake in Binder Soum, Khentii province.

Celebrated for the twelfth time, the festival is dedicated to protecting the White-naped Crane and wetlands, which are rare both in Mongolia and worldwide. By working together with local communities, the event also aims to raise public awareness and support the growth of tourism that benefits the region.

Crane festival is a special day that brings together many different people who care about protecting cranes – including local residents, herders, crane researchers, conservationists and students from eco-clubs.

The festival program includes:

Birdwatching tour
Mini Naadam
Traditional Art performance
Poetry competition
Dance performance
Art exhibition
During this period, participants are invited to engage with ongoing research and conservation initiatives on cranes in Mongolia, and to actively contribute to activities aimed at their protection.

DATE: 12-15 JUNE

TOUR ITINERARY

Pick up from hotel
Drive to Khentii province, Binder soum /395 km/
On the way, visit in Tsonjinboldog "Chinggis Khaan Equestrian Statue"
Arrive in Binder and stay at the hotel
Dinner

Meal: --/--/Dinner

DAY 1 UB CITY – KHENTII, BINDER /12 June/ - 395 km

06:00 – 10:00 Join a birdwatching tour – observe cranes, bustards, and waterbirds with Dr. Tseveenmyadag N or Visit the Khurkh bird banding station with researcher Tuvshinjargal E to learn about small birds and take part in waterbird watching tours.
Breakfast
12:00 – 16:00 Training for Protected Area specialists and conservationists – Methodology for identifying, counting, and monitoring water birds.
Lunch break
19:00 – 20:00 Guest Speakers
Dinner
Stay at the hotel
Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

DAY 2 BIRDWATCHING TOUR /13 June/ - 20 km

09:00 Breakfast
10:00 Opening Ceremony
10:30 Traditional Art performance – Folk songs and music, performance by the Khan Khentii Ensemble, and a traditional Korean crane dance.
11:00-16:00 “Beautiful Crane” Children’s Dance competition
Children’s Drawing Exhibition
“Water birds” Poetry competition
Lunch break
MINI NAADAM
12:00-13:00 Horse racing
11:00-15:00 Archery, National Ankle bone shooting
16:30 – 17:00 Announcing the titles of horses
12:00-17:30 National Wrestling competition
17:30-18:00 Closing ceremony
18:00-18:30 Award ceremony
Dinner
Stay at the hotel

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

DAY 3 FESTIVAL DAY /14 June/ - 20 km

DAY 4 BINDER, KHENTII - UB CITY /15 June/ - 400 km

Breakfast
Visiting a Nomad family
Horseback riding experience
Drive back to UB city
On the way, travel to the "Uglugchiin Kherem"
Arrive in UB city and drop-Off at the hotel

Meal: Breakfast/--/--

TOUR DETAILS

Certified

GUIDE & DRIVER

DISTANCE

TRANSPORTATION

850 km

3N 4D

DURATION

TOURIST CAMP

HOTEL

0 Night

3 Nights

Group size

3-4

5-6

7-8

Price

590 USD

450 USD

390 USD

LAND PRICE

Alphard MPV

HIACE

Transportation

Alphard MPV/HIACE

Transportation
Experienced tour driver
Professional English/Chinese-speaking tour guide
Festival entrance ticket
Birdwatching tour
Visiting a Nomad family
Horseback riding
Accommodation
- Hotel in Binder town/3 nights/
Meals
- Breakfast /3 times/
- Lunch /2 times/
- Dinner /3 times/
Pick-Up and Drop-Off services
Bottled water
Travel Insurance

INCLUSIVE

EXCLUSIVE

Accommodation in UB city
Other meals that not mentioned in the program
Other services that not mentioned in the program
Taking photos with an eagle
Personal belongings

TRAVEL'S CHECKLIST AND REMINDERS

Passport
Backpack (Comfortable & lightweight)
Power bank (If needed)
Comfortable clothes (Depending travel season)
Vacuum flask for drinks (If needed)
Personal & Emergency contact details
Extra cash for other services & emergencies
Respect nature & local communities
Luggage advice: Avoid bringing oversized suitcases
Medication Reminder: If you have regular medications or suffer from high blood pressure, ensure you have them with you at all times.
Dietary Requirements: Please inform us in advance if you are a vegetarian.
Kindly let us know in advance if you have any food allergies.