WILDLIFE SAFARIS
Natural History of Mongolia
Date: May 24 - June 8, 2025
TRIP SUMMARY
This expedition is arranged in the central and western remote part of the Gobi desert where some of the most significant dinosaur fossils have been discovered. Your trip begins in Ulaanbaatar, where you will visit several of the best-known museums and sites such as the Laboratory of the Mongolian Institute of Paleontology. We will then travel to the heart of the Gobi desert from where we will continue traveling overland to the central and western part of the Gobi Desert where some of the most scenic and obscure landscapes await us.
This part of the Gobi belongs from the middle to the late Cretaceous period, about 90-60 million years ago, which was a key period for dinosaur evolution. Alongside the exploration of world famous paleontology sites, there will be an opportunity to explore some of Gobi’s best known birding sites, making this trip a rich combination of natural history and bird watching program in one of world’s most fascinating desert ecosystems.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT...
- Dinosaur Fossils: Visit key paleontology sites.
- Cultural Stops: Explore museums in Ulaanbaatar.
- Scenic Views: Discover the central and western Gobi Desert.
- Bird Watching: Visit top birding locations.
- Comfortable Travel: Ride in Toyota Land Cruisers.
- Expert Guides: Learn from knowledgeable experts.
THIS TRIP IS PERFECT FOR...
- Paleontology Buffs: Dinosaur enthusiasts.
- Nature Lovers: Enjoy diverse ecosystems.
- Birdwatchers: Spot unique species.
- Adventurers: Seek unique experiences.
- Cultural Enthusiasts: Explore Mongolia’s heritage.
- Photographers: Capture stunning landscapes and wildlife
MAP & ITINERARY
Upon arrival in Ulaanbaatar, you’ll be transferred to your hotel and visit a temporary Paleontology museum at Hunnu Mall, followed by a tour of the Mongolian Paleontological Laboratory. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner at a local restaurant. (Hotel Kempinski or similar; D)
After breakfast, drive south to the Gobi Desert, stopping for lunch in Mandalgobi. Along the way, observe the transition from Mongolia’s north-central ecosystem to the dry, semi-desert of the Alsha Gobi. Arrive at your ger camp near Gobi Gurvan Saikhan National Park for an overnight stay. (Ger Camp; B, L, D)
After breakfast, drive to the towering Hongoryn Els sand dunes, the largest in the Gobi Desert, showcasing another of the Gobi’s diverse ecosystems. The stunning landscape features Rocky Mountains to the south, sand dunes in the center, and a river oasis with a saxaul forest to the north. Target bird species include the Saxaul Sparrow, Southern Grey Shrike, Long-legged Buzzard, and Mongolian Ground Jay, with a chance to spot Lesser Kestrels. Overnight at a ger camp.(Ger Camp; B;L;D)
In the morning, drive to Tugregiin Shiree, a site co-explored by Mongolian and Polish scientists in the late 1960s and 1970s, known for the famous “Fighting Dinosaurs” fossil. Explore the white sandstone escarpment and nearby sand dunes. Overnight at a tent camp. (Approx.5 hours driving; Tent Camp; B, L, D)
Over the next four days, explore Gobi Gurvan Saikhan National Park, starting with a visit to the ancient Havtsgait petroglyphs. Camp in the heart of Snow Leopard habitat, with the chance to spot the elusive cat with local guides. Other notable wildlife includes Saker Falcons, Chukars, and various migrating bird species. Overnight in tents.
(Tent camp; B, L, D)
(Tent camp; B, L, D)
(Tent camp; B, L, D)
(Tent camp; B, L, D)
(Tent camp; B, L, D)
Explore Yolyn-Am Valley for birds like Bearded Vulture, Altai Snowcock, and eagles, along with mammals such as Siberian Ibex and Argali. Next, visit the Flaming Cliffs, famous for dinosaur fossils, and spot species like Pallas’s Sandgrouse and Oriental Plover before returning to the ger camp. (Ger camp; B, L, D)
After breakfast, transfer to Dalanzadgad and fly back to Ulaanbaatar. Upon arrival, drive to the Hustai Nuruu National Park. Overnight in gers. (Ger camp; B, L)
We will spend this morning photographing various mammals of the park, led by the park’s senior rangers. We will also look for the elusive Manuul Pallas Cat. Overnight in gers. (Ger camp; B, L, D)
After breakfast, drive to Bulgan province and visit Bayan Lake, a wetland that attracts rich amount of species such as Whate Naped Crane, Asian dowitcher, Relict Gull, Eurasian Spoonbills, Pied Avocet and Black-winged Stilt. Overnight in tents. (Approx.5 hours driving; Tent Camp; B, L, D)
After breakfast, drive back to UB and spend the afternoon for last minute sightseeing or shopping. In the evening, enjoy a cultural performance featuring the khoomii or “throat” singing followed by a farewell dinner at a fine local restaurant. (Hotel Kempinski or similar; B, L, D)
After breakfast, we will transfer to the airport for departure. (B)
PRICING
- Land transportation as indicated in the itinerary based on using Toyota Land Cruiser jeeps seating 3-4 passengers each;
- Accommodations based on a twin occupancy at a 5-star hotel in Ulaanbaatar, standard ger camps and tented camps throughout the itinerary;
- Airport arrival and departure transfers;
- Sleeping bags; expedition style tents and mats;
- All meals indicated as B, L or D;
- All entrance fees as indicated in the itinerary;
- English-speaking birding national guide throughout your stay;
- A field paleontologist to accompany the group at fossil sites;
- Bottled water per person per day and unlimited supply of boiled waters.
- International and domestic airfare;
- Personal laundry;
- Drinks not mentioned in the itinerary;
- Travel insurance;
- Medical evacuation costs;
- Excess baggage charges;
- Visa fees;
- Gratuities;
- Photography and video fees
- Any other item not mentioned as included.
PHOTOS & REVIEWS
I had planned a trip to Mongolia for April without really having done much planning. About 10 days before my trip I realised I needed to organise something but found that most of the things I wanted to do were closed and the tourist season had not yet started. A friend put me in touch with Badral at Mongolia Quest who was extremely helpful and put together an amazing tour for me in the Gobi with hiking, camel ride, home stay in a ger, and much more. He was very quick to respond to all of my messages and offered advice and help when it was needed. My guide, Temujin was wonderful. Very experienced, interesting and fun. My driver, Ganba was also fantastic. A very good driver and cook. My whole trip was excellent, I felt completely taken care of and in good hands at all times – which is pretty important especially when you are travelling alone. Mongolia is a very special place made even more special for me by the thought and care that were shown by Mongolia Quest. I highly recommend them!
