WILDLIFE SAFARIS
In the search of Mongolia's rare wildlife
Date: Sep 2 – 17, 2025
TRIP SUMMARY
Mongolia evokes images of immense grasslands, desert and mountain wilderness, limitless blue skies, and nomads roaming the ancient steppes on their sturdy horses. And many will have heard of the Silk Road and Genghis Khan, the world conqueror. But few realize that Mongolia is home to some of the rarest and most elusive wildlife species on Earth. These include Snow Leopard, big horn Argali sheep, Goitered and Mongolian Gazelles, the Asian Wild Horse (Takhi or Przewalski’s Horse), the Mongolian Wild Ass (Hulan), the last wild Bactrian camels (Havtgai), and, rarest of all the endangered Gobi Bear (Mazalai).
On this exclusive journey we shall meet with members of a local start-up initiatives to protect endangered snow leopards as well a successful NGO running a National Park to re-introduce wild Takhi horses and we shall have a meeting with a monk, who has started a local NGO helping less fortunate ones in the city of Harhorin. Join this exclusive expedition through the mountains of the Gobi Desert and steppes of Central Mongolia to search together for these rare mammals as well as seldom-seen bird specialties of Inner Asia, such as the Mongolian Ground Jay, Altai Snowcock, and Pallas’s Sandgrouse.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT…
- Travel through Mongolia’s vast grassland and the steppe, learning about their ecosystem and searching for the wildlife
- Enjoy hiking in some of the most scenic trails in Mongolia while learning about birds, flowers and geology
- Visit the Gobi desert and ride two-humped Mongolain camels on the sand dunes
- Visit the habitat area of the elusive snowleopards in the Altai Mountains
- Visit the Orhon Valley, considered as the cradle of Mongolian civilization and visit the largest Buddhist Monastery Erdenezuu
- Enjoy a private tour at the Wild Horse park with a leading local biologist
- Enjoy meeting with nomads and exploring the nomadic culture of Mongol.
THIS TRIP IS PERFECT FOR…
- Nature and Wildlife Enthusiasts
- Hiking and Outdoor Lovers
- Desert Explorers
- Adventure Seekers
- History and Culture Buffs
- Wildlife Conservation Enthusiasts
- Cultural Immersion Travelers.
MAP & ITINERARY
Upon arrival at Chinggis Khaan International Airport in Ulaanbaatar, meet your guide and transfer to your hotel. After some rest, enjoy a brief city tour including a visit to the Zaisan Hill where you can get bird’s eye view of the city. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner at one of the city’s fine local restaurants. Overnight at hotel. (Hotel Shangri La or similar; D)
Start the day with a visit to the Chinggis Khaan Equestrian Statue before heading to Gun Galuut Reserve in the Kherlen River valley. Explore diverse habitats, with chances to spot Argali sheep and rare waterbirds. After dinner, return to Ulaanbaatar for an overnight stay. (Approx. 4 hours of driving; Blue Sky hotel; B, L, D)
Drive to Ikh Nart Nature Reserve, a 66,000-hectare grassland and steppe ecosystem established in 1996 and managed by an independent NGO. Home to a notable population of Argali sheep, the reserve has been a research site since 2003, with Earthwatch volunteers assisting Dr. Richard Reading and Ganchimeg Wingard in studying its wildlife and developing conservation plans. Dinner and overnight at a local ger camp. (Local ger camp; B, L, D)
Today, we journey to South Gobi, Mongolia’s southernmost province, famed as the coldest desert in the world. Nestled between the Siberian wilderness and the Tibetan Plateau, the Gobi exudes an air of mystery. In the days ahead, we will explore the vast Gobi Gurvansaikhan National Park, spanning over 2.7 million hectares. The towering peaks of its high desert mountains will guide us as we drive to our ger camp, keeping an eye out for Pallas’s Sandgrouse, Goitered Gazelles, and other wildlife along the way. In the evening, we check into a comfortable ger camp for dinner and overnight. (Approx. 7-hour drive; Ger Camp; B, L, D).
In the morning, we visit Yol Valley in Gobi Gurvansaikhan National Park, where we may see wild Argali sheep, Siberian Ibex, and unique birds like the Wallcreeper. After lunch, we head to the Flaming Cliffs, famous for dinosaur egg discoveries. We’ll enjoy a sunset dinner before returning to the ger camp, spotting jerboas on the way.
(Approx. 4 hours of driving total; Ger Camp; B, L, D)
After breakfast, we drive to Khongoryn Els, the Gobi’s largest dunes. Along the way, we stop for a picnic and search for Goitered Gazelles and Mongolian Wild Ass at Tukhim. Later, we head to a ger camp by the dunes, where we can enjoy sundowners as the colors of the dunes change at sunset. Overnight in gers. (Approx. 5 hours of driving; Ger Camp; B, L, D)
In the morning, we’ll drive along the base of the tallest dunes and enter the Sevrei mountains, stopping at Adag water hole to observe migratory birds. As we pass through areas of Saxaul trees, we’ll look out for unique species like the Saxaul Sparrow, Mongolian Ground Jay, and the Great Gerbil, the largest of its kind. Overnight in tents, with a ger set up for meals and gatherings.
(Approx. 3 hours driving; Tents; B, L, D)
We will visit a water hole in the Sevrei Range, known for sightings of Snow Leopards. Though spotting one is rare, we’ll be in prime habitat. Local herders and conservation groups work to protect these elusive cats. Overnight at base camp.(Tents; B, L, D)
Today we get out of the mountains and camp to the west of Khongoryn Els dunes in a place called Chono Harhaikh. Spend the afternoon in the area looking for gazelle and other big mammals. Overnight in tents. (Tents; B, L, D)
Today we turn north, heading towards Bayan Mountains, we will inspect an unmatched concentration of exceptionally well-defined ancient rock carvings. The vast basin between the Nemegt and Bayan ranges are well known for an abundance of Mongolian Gazelle, as well as Goitered Gazelle. We will spend the night in the Bayan mountains, with excellent views of two of the highest mountain ranges in the Gobi – Ikh Bogd and Baga Bogd. (Approx. 5 hours of driving; Tents; B, L, D)
Today we cross dramatic mountain valleys of Ikh Bogd to Orog Lake, one of few perennial water bodies in the Gobi. Depending on water level, thousands of migratory birds stop to rest and feed here on their southward journeys in fall. We camp on the shores of lake Orog or Holbooljin, depending on where most number of birds are. Dinner and overnight in a local hotel. (Approx. 6 hours; Tents; B, L, D)
After an early morning breakfast, we will begin our overland journey towards Kharakhorum (6-7 hours driving), stopping for a picnic lunch on the way. The construction of Kharakhorum city was completed during the reign of Ogedei Khan, Genghis Khan’s third son who, in 1228, inherited the empire his father created. It is located within the beautiful valley of the Orkhon River, which bears hundreds of historically and archeologically significant sites going back 2000 years. These burial sites, deer stones, and ruins of cities all pre-date the time of Genghis Khan. Unfortunately, Kharakhorum did not survive the perils of medieval struggles between different Mongolian clans or invasions from abroad. It was completely destroyed by the Ming Dynasty’s army in the 14th century after the collapse of Mongolia’s Yuan Dynasty in China. Its remains were used in the construction of Mongolia’s first and largest Buddhist Monastery, Erdenezuu, which stands today. Dinner and overnight at a local ger camp. (Approx. 6-7 hours driving; Ger Camp, B, L, D)
In the morning, we’ll visit Hustai National Park, where Przewalski’s Horse, or Takhi, has been successfully reintroduced after disappearing from the wild in the 1960s. These wild horses, once a dominant species on the Eurasian steppes, now roam freely in their natural habitat.
Overnight at local ger camp. (Approx. 6 hours of driving; Ger camp; B, L, D)
In the morning engage in optional city touring, including stops at the Gandan Monastery, the country’s National History Museum and downtown stores. In the evening we’ll enjoy a farewell dinner at one of the fine restaurants in downtown. (Hotel Shangri La or similar; B, L, D)
Transfer to the airport for your return flight home. (B)
PRICING
- Land transportation using Toyota Land Cruiser jeeps seating 3 passengers each;
- Accommodations in a standard room at hotels and gers in the countryside based on double occupancy;
- Sleeping bags, expedition style tents and mats;
- Airport arrival & departure transfers;
- All meals indicated as B, L or D;
- All entrance fees as indicated in the itinerary;
- English speaking guide throughout your stay;
- Private tutoring for field bird watching techniques;
- Bottled waters per person per day.
- International 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
We just returned from the 2017 Golden Eagle Festival near Olgii in the Altaic Mountains of West Mongolia two days ago. Historic sources indicate that Central Asian nomads tamed and used eagles to hunt as early as 2500 years ago. It was such an honor to be present for the Opening and Closing ceremonies of this festival, view the groomed and decorated horses as well as skills of the Kazakh Eagle Hunters dressed in their fur finery. We stayed in a nearby traditional nomadic ger camp provided by Mongolia Quest who organized our 2.5 week tour including an intimate and impromptu visit to a retired Eagle Hunters home. Don’t forget to see the gorgeous Gobi Desert. Camel and horseback riding too. We highly recommend Gereltov Dashdoorov (Gerel), the COO of Mongolia Quest. For this incredible and memorable trip, dress warm, prepare to be wowed, bring your cameras and a big smile. We wouldn’t change a thing about this terrific adventure. It was perfect!
