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WILD CATS TOURS

The Soaring Expeditions offers a new and exciting adventure, Mongolia’s Wild Cats, promising a high chance of viewing (80%) truly enigmatic Snow Leopards and Pallas’s Cats in the most potential sites in majestic Mongolian Altai and vast valley of the Great Lakes’ Depression. Not only the cats, this offbeat track finds many other magnificent mammals in their natural habitats including Mongolian Saiga, Przewalski’s Wild Horse, Argali Wild Sheep, Siberian Ibex, Mongolian Gazelle, Black-tailed Gazelle, and various species of Pikas and Jerboas and more.

Depending on the chance of observation, our Wild Cats Tour has two different itineraries in western Mongolia, 1) Winter Trip travels to Uvs province where the snow leopards come down to accessible foothills allowing us more chance to track footprints in the snow. This is the best time for photographers, 2) Summer Trip ventures into Hovd province where we visit an island-like mountain with more than 10 SLs localized at only 500 km2 area.

Both itineraries offer a great chance to see a variety of mammals and bird specialties from Central and East Asia. As you know, the summer trip finds more birds including Bar-headed Goose, Red-crested Pochard, Stejneger’s Scoter, White-headed Duck, Chukar, Altai Snowcock, Pallas’s Sandgrouse, Oriental Plover, Asian Dowitcher, Relict Gull, Pallas’s Gull, Bearded Vulture, Cinereous Vulture, Steppe Gray Shrike, Mongolian Ground-Jay, Asian Desert Warbler, Altai Accentor, Mongolian Accentor, White-winged Snowfinch, White-headed Yellow Wagtail, Red-mantled Rosefinch, Himalayan Beautiful Rosefinch, Great Rosefinch, Long-tailed Rosefinch, Pallas’s Rosefinch, Mongolian Finch, Asian Rosy-Finch, Godlewski’s Bunting and Grey-necked Bunting.

TRIP REPORTS OF OUR PARTNERS

WHY TRAVEL WITH US?

THE HIGHEST CHANCE EVER!

More than 80% chance to witness the world’s rarest cats – Snow Leopards and Pallas’s Cats

EXPERIENCED NATURALISTS

Experienced naturalists guiding for more than 5 years,

MORE SPECIES

More species of mammals and birds than any other companies offer,

SECRET SPOTS

Secret spots that only we know, at the incredibly scenic wildlife sites in Mongolia,

FRIENDLY LOCAL NOMADS

Private contacts and intimate cooperation with local nomads permanently living in the sites,

PROFESSIONAL TEAM

Professional team of guides, drivers, cooks, and trackers who know how to work for tourism,

COMFORTABLE STAY

Comfortable community-based ger camps run by Mongolian nomads,

CONSERVATION

Support for local conservation organizations.

SNOW LEOPARD ONLY Tour

Starting from the capital Ulaanbaatar, this expedition will venture into Mongolia’s remote west in pursuit of the enigmatic Snow Leopards in the pristine wilderness of the Mongolian Altai Mountains which is home to roughly 20% of the world’s estimated population of the species. With very few local nomadic herders living in the area, the place is famed for its abundant wildlife and the rich history of the Zahchin ethnic group. Plus, the ‘ghost’ Snow Leopard, the trip is also dedicated to the most sought-after Pallas’s Cat.

The area is home to some of the interesting Central Asian bird specialties. Plus, birding above 3,000 m asl. will be one of the best experiences this tour has to offer. This is the late migration timing so we might see many unexpected Siberian migrants at the famous Great Lakes.

Tour Highlights

  • The incredibly scenic Mongolian Altai Mountains
  • The enigmatic Snow Leopards along with the charismatic Argali, Siberian Ibex, Grey Wolf, and cryptic Pallas′s Cat
  • The astonishing birds include Altai Snowcock, White-winged Redstart, Rufous-streaked Accentor, Black-headed Mountain-finch, Asian Rosy-finch and more
  • Stay in the community-based ger camp run by Mongolian nomads

 

ITINERARY DETAILS

Our team greets you at the airport. Transfer to the Mongolica resort hotel located on the outskirts of Ulaanbaatar. (3-star hotel)

Key birds: Pacific Swift, Booted Eagle, Amur Falcon, Eurasian Hobby, Azure-winged Magpie, Red-billed Chough, Daurian Jackdaw, Azure Tit, White-crowned Penduline-Tit, White-cheeked Starling, Red-throated Thrush.

Key mammals: Daurian Pika, Tolai Hare, Long-tailed Ground Squirrel, Brandt’s Vole, Corsac Fox.

The early morning transfer to the airport and fly to Khovd for about 2 hours. Bird the Khovd River for the highlight species including Rufous-tailed Shrike and Steppe Grey Shrike etc.

Spend these days exploring and photographing the wildlife and splendid landscapes of the imposing Altai Mountains. The mountain provides all the main prey species of Snow Leopards including the Mongolian Marmot, Siberian Ibex, and Altai Snowcock this time of the year. With the help of our local trackers, look for our target the elusive Snow Leopards. Also, set off to the semi-desert areas in order to find the critically endangered Mongolian Saiga (S. t. Mongolia) and visit the Great Lakes Depression. (Community-based Ger Camp)

Key birds: Stejneger’s Scoter, White-headed Duck, Chukar, Altai Snowcock, Pallas’s Sandgrouse, Asian Dowitcher, Relict Gull, Bearded Vulture, Cinereous Vulture, Himalayan Griffon, Golden Eagle, Pallas’s Fish-Eagle, Eurasian Eagle-Owl, Saker Falcon, Isabelline Shrike, Steppe Gray Shrike, Mongolian Ground-Jay, Blyth’s Reed Warbler, Great Reed Warbler, Savi’s Warbler, Common Grasshopper-Warbler, Asian Desert Warbler, Barred Warbler, Rosy Starling, Altai Accentor, Siberian Accentor, Brown Accentor, Black-throated Accentor, Mongolian Accentor, White-winged Snowfinch, Western Yellow Wagtail, Water Pipit, Red-mantled Rosefinch, Himalayan Beautiful Rosefinch, Chinese Beautiful Rosefinch, Great Rosefinch, Mongolian Finch, Plain Mountain-Finch, Black-headed Mountain-Finch, Asian Rosy-Finch, Twite, Godlewski’s Bunting, and Gray-necked Bunting.

Key mammals: Long-eared Hedgehog, Alpine Pika, Pallas’s Pika, Tolai Hare, Tarbagan Marmot, Pallid Ground Squirrel, Mongolian Five-toed Jerboa, Gobi Jerboa, Thick-tailed Pygmy Jerboa, Red Fox, Wolf, Least Weasel, Marbled Polecat, Lynx, Snow Leopard, Siberian Ibex, Argali, and Goitered Gazelle.

Fly back to Ulaanbaatar and unwind in a comfortable hotel. Give it a shot for missing species. (3-star hotel)

Transfer to the airport according to your flight schedule.

    WINTER WILD CATS PHOTOGRAPHY Tour

    Imposing Mongolian Altai we venture into boasts about 15 Snow Leopards in about 2000 km2 area. The promising advantage is that the SLs come down to the easily accessible foothills following their prey and they can not walk on the deep snow fallen at higher altitudes. This will allow us more chances from October to April. With the help of 2-3 experienced local trackers, local nomads, and insider’s knowledge and experience of our naturalist guides, the chance of sighting stands at 80%. Trackers find SLs for you following the footprints in the snow.

    The average sighting distance is about 500 m – 1,500 m, which allows us good views through fine spotting scopes. Often, the SLs spend a lot of time lying down in the sun, giving us a fair opportunity to scrutinize them in day time. They tend to hunt on big animals such as ibex.

    The advantage of the trip is no strenuous walks are required at high altitudes. Our SL camp is located average altitude of 2,000 MAMSL at the foot of high mountains where we wander at 2,400 – 3,100 MAMSL.

    The most favorable habitat for Pallas’s Cat occurs in Santmargats soum where we spend four days to find the Pallas’s Cat with the help of local nomad trackers. We also promise 80% for this species as this is a truly elusive one.

    Tour Highlights

    • Witness one of the rarest and the most enigmatic wild cats in the world - Snow Leopards and Pallas’s Cats,
    • Spot charismatic mega-herd of Siberian Ibex, Przewalski’s Wild Horse and more,
    • Astonishing wild birds - Altai Snowcock, Pallas’s Sandgrouse, Henderson’s Groundjay and more,
    • Incredibly scenic Mongolian Altai Mountains covered with SNOW,
    • Winter birding experience in the high mountains and valley bottoms,
    • Visit awe-inspiring wilderness of Kharkhiraa Mountains, a less-visited place with chance of unusual encounters from Central Asian bird specialties,
    • Enjoy seamless steppes, crystal blue Bayan Lake fringed by massive sand dunes, rocky outcrops, home of Pallas’s Cats in Santmargats,
    • Travel with experienced local naturalists,
    • Savor jeep safari in Mongolia’s rugged landscapes,
    • Stay in the community-based ger camps run by Mongolian nomads.

     

    ITINERARY DETAILS

    Our team greets you at the airport. Transfer to the reserved hotel located in the Valley of Tuul River near airport. We have chance to go birding in the riparian forest outside the hotel. (Mongolica Resort Hotel, B-L-D)

    Key birds: Ruddy Shelduck, Cinereous Vulture, Azure-winged Magpie, Red-billed Chough, Azure Tit, Black-throated Thrush, Bohemian Waxwing, Alpine Accentor, Siberian Accentor, Brown Accentor, Long-tailed Rosefinch, Pallas’s Rosefinch, Common Redpoll, Hoary Redpoll, and Meadow Bunting.

    Fly Ulaangom town for about 3 hours and visit Uvs Lake if time allows. Depending on available time, we decide whether to go our camp in the Mongolian Altai. (Hotel or Community-based Ger Camp, B-L-D)

    Based at our comfortable community-based ger camp run by friendly and hospitable Mongolian nomads, we spend these days exploring the mountain to accomplish our ultimate goal to enjoy the ‘Mountain Ghost’ and other exotic animals in this pristine wilderness – breathtaking vistas of snow-capped peaks, jaw-droppingly gorgeous deep narrow valleys, pure and untouched lakes, and ancient desert plains.

    The camp owners, local guides, and cooks are all friendly local people who grew up in the same mountain we stationed, which will be a great benefit to our guests as they know a lot about the area. During dinner time, you can share a lot of time chatting with the team.

    (Community-based Ger Camp, B-L-D)

    Key birds: Chukar, Altai Snowcock, Ring-necked Pheasant, Daurian Partridge, Rock Ptarmigan, Rock Pigeon, Hill Pigeon, Pallas’s Sandgrouse, Bearded Vulture, Cinereous Vulture, Golden Eagle, Rough-legged Hawk, Upland Buzzard, Eurasian Eagle-Owl, Little Owl, Eurasian Kestrel, Saker Falcon, Northern Shrike, Azure-winged Magpie, Eurasian Magpie, Mongolian Ground-Jay, Red-billed Chough, Azure Tit, Mongolian Lark, Asian Short-toed Lark, Black-throated Thrush, Bohemian Waxwing, Alpine Accentor, Altai Accentor, Siberian Accentor, Brown Accentor, Mongolian Accentor, Rock Sparrow, White-winged Snowfinch, Pere David’s Snowfinch, Red-mantled Rosefinch, Himalayan Beautiful Rosefinch, Chinese Beautiful Rosefinch, Great Rosefinch, Long-tailed Rosefinch, Pallas’s Rosefinch, Pine Grosbeak, Eurasian Bullfinch, Mongolian Finch, Plain Mountain-Finch, Black-headed Mountain-Finch, Asian Rosy-Finch, Twite, Common Redpoll, Hoary Redpoll, Lapland Longspur, Snow Bunting, and Meadow Bunting.

    Key mammals: Alpine Pika, Pallas’s Pika, Tolai Hare, Red Fox, Wolf, Stoat, Snow Leopard, Siberian Ibex, Argali, Goitered Gazelle, and Asian Wapiti.

    Embark on a panoramic drive to Ulaangom and enjoy a comfortable stay at a local hotel in the town. (Hotel, B-L-D)

    Travel on to the next site savoring stunning views of desert plains, rock tors, sand dunes covered by snow. (Community-based Ger Camp, B-L-D)

    Savor elusive Pallas’s cat along with other steppe mammals and birds while exloring variety of landscapes including awe-inspiring granite rock tors and mountains, tranquil and verdant steppes, and massive sand dunes. (Community-based Ger Camp, B-L-D)

    Key birds: Daurian Partridge, Hill Pigeon, Pallas’s Sandgrouse, Bearded Vulture, Cinereous Vulture, Golden Eagle, Rough-legged Hawk, Upland Buzzard, Eurasian Eagle-Owl, Little Owl, Eurasian Kestrel, Saker Falcon, Northern Shrike, Red-billed Chough, Mongolian Lark, Asian Short-toed Lark, Bohemian Waxwing, Alpine Accentor, Altai Accentor, Siberian Accentor, Brown Accentor, Mongolian Accentor, Rock Sparrow, White-winged Snowfinch, Pere David’s Snowfinch, Pallas’s Rosefinch, Mongolian Finch, Twite, Common Redpoll, Hoary Redpoll, Lapland Longspur, Snow Bunting, and Meadow Bunting.

    Key mammals: Red Fox, Corsac Fox, Least Weasel, Steppe Polecat, Pallas’s Cat, Lynx, Siberian Ibex, and Argali.

    Embark on a panoramic drive to the Uliastai city and unwind at the comfortable hotel. (Hotel, B-L-D)

    Return flight to Ulaanbaatar and transfer to the Hustai National Park. (Tourist Ger Camp, B-L-D)

    Travel to Hustai (officially Khustain Nuruu National Park) which is a successful reintroduction site for the last wild horse living in the native environment. As a result of well management planning, there are now over 220 wild horses roaming in the area, where lies the panoramic rolling steppes of Mongolia. (Tourist Ger Camp; B-L-D)

    Key birds: Daurian Partridge, Hill Pigeon, Pallas’s Sandgrouse, Bearded Vulture, Cinereous Vulture, Golden Eagle, Rough-legged Hawk, Upland Buzzard, Eurasian Eagle-Owl, Little Owl, Eurasian Kestrel, Saker Falcon, Northern Shrike, Red-billed Chough, Mongolian Lark, Asian Short-toed Lark, Bohemian Waxwing, Alpine Accentor, Siberian Accentor, Rock Sparrow, White-winged Snowfinch, Pere David’s Snowfinch, Lapland Longspur, Snow Bunting, Meadow Bunting.

    Key mammals: Tolai Hare, Red Fox, Corsac Fox, Wolf, Pallas’s Cat, Przewalskii’s Horse, Mongolian Gazelle, and Asian Wapiti.

    Transfer to the airport according to your flight schedule.

       

      SUMMER WILD CATS Tour

      Imposing Mongolian Altai we venture into boasts about 10 Snow Leopards at about 500 km2 area and it is an ‘island’ mountain, which means it is isolated from neighboring mountains by wide valleys. After snow melts in the spring, it is easy to drive up onto the mountain, allowing more chance from April to October. With the help of 2-3 experienced local trackers based on the mountain and insider’s knowledge and experience of our naturalist guides, the chance of sighting stands at 80%.

      The average sighting distance is about 500 m – 1,500 m, which allows us good views through fine spotting scopes. Often, the SLs spend a lot of time lying down in the rock shadow, giving us a fair opportunity to scrutinize them in day time. During each sighting, we spent at least 2 hours watching the elusive SLs.

      The advantage of the trip is no strenuous walks are required at high altitudes. Our SL camp is located average altitude of 1,400 MAMSL at the foot of high mountains where we wander at 2,800 – 3,200 MAMSL.

      The most favorable habitat for Pallas’s Cat occurs in Santmargats soum where we spend four days to find the Pallas’s Cat with the help of local nomad trackers. We also promise 80% for this species as this is a truly elusive one.

      Tour Highlights

      • Witness one of the rarest and the most enigmatic wild cats in the world - Snow Leopards and Pallas’s Cats,
      • Spot charismatic Mongolian Saiga, Przewalski’s Wild Horse and more,
      • Astonishing wild birds - Altai Snowcock, Pallas’s Sandgrouse, Henderson’s Groundjay and more,
      • Incredibly scenic Mongolian Altai Mountains with snow-packed peaks,
      • Birding at birdlife-rich steppe lakes (Khar-Us Lake, Khar Lake and Durgun Lake) in the Great Lakes Depression,
      • Visit awe-inspiring wilderness of Khomyn Tal, an ideal habitat for reintroduced wild horses,
      • Enjoy seamless steppes, crystal blue Bayan Lake fringed by massive sand dunes, rocky outcrops, home of Pallas’s Cats in Santmargats,
      • Conclude your journey in breathtaking landscapes of Terelj National Park,
      • Travel with experienced local naturalists,
      • Savor jeep safari in Mongolia’s rugged landscapes,
      • Stay in the community-based ger camps run by Mongolian nomads.

       

      ITINERARY DETAILS

      Our team greets you at the airport. Transfer to the reserved hotel located in the Valley of Tuul River near airport. We have chance to go birding in the riparian forest outside the hotel. (Mongolica Resort Hotel, B-L-D)

      Key birds: Pacific Swift, Booted Eagle, Amur Falcon, Eurasian Hobby, Azure-winged Magpie, Red-billed Chough, Daurian Jackdaw, Azure Tit, White-crowned Penduline-Tit, White-cheeked Starling, Red-throated Thrush.

      Key mammals: Daurian Pika, Tolai Hare, Long-tailed Ground Squirrel, Brandt’s Vole, Corsac Fox.

      Fly Hovd town for about 3 hours and visit Hovd river forest if time allows. Depending on available time, we decide whether to go our camp in the Mongolian Altai. (Hotel or Community-based Ger Camp, B-L-D)

      Based at our comfortable community-based ger camp run by friendly and hospitable Mongolian nomads, we spend these days exploring the mountain to accomplish our ultimate goal to enjoy the ‘Mountain Ghost’ and other exotic animals in this pristine wilderness – breathtaking vistas of snow-capped peaks, jaw-droppingly gorgeous deep narrow valleys, pure and untouched lakes, and ancient desert plains.

      After completing the mission to enjoy and view SLs, we go birding above 3,000 MAMSL, shake marshlands, Zereg Lake and Khar-Us Lake, and different parts of the mountain. We also look for other interesting mammals around the mountains and accomplish night drive for nocturnal mammals on the desert plain.

      The camp owners, local guides and cooks are all friendly local people who grew up in the same mountain we stationed, which will be a great benefit to our guests as they know a lot about the area. During the dinner time, you can share a lot of time chatting with the team.

      (Community-based Ger Camp, B-L-D)

      Key birds: Stejneger’s Scoter, White-headed Duck, Chukar, Altai Snowcock, Pallas’s Sandgrouse, Asian Dowitcher, Relict Gull, Bearded Vulture, Cinereous Vulture, Himalayan Griffon, Golden Eagle, Pallas’s Fish-Eagle, Eurasian Eagle-Owl, Saker Falcon, Isabelline Shrike, Steppe Gray Shrike, Mongolian Ground-Jay, Blyth’s Reed Warbler, Great Reed Warbler, Savi’s Warbler, Common Grasshopper-Warbler, Asian Desert Warbler, Barred Warbler, Rosy Starling, Altai Accentor, Siberian Accentor, Brown Accentor, Black-throated Accentor, Mongolian Accentor, White-winged Snowfinch, Western Yellow Wagtail, Water Pipit, Red-mantled Rosefinch, Himalayan Beautiful Rosefinch, Chinese Beautiful Rosefinch, Great Rosefinch, Mongolian Finch, Plain Mountain-Finch, Black-headed Mountain-Finch, Asian Rosy-Finch, Twite, Godlewski’s Bunting, and Gray-necked Bunting.

      Key mammals: Long-eared Hedgehog, Alpine Pika, Pallas’s Pika, Tolai Hare, Tarbagan Marmot, Pallid Ground Squirrel, Mongolian Five-toed Jerboa, Gobi Jerboa, Thick-tailed Pygmy Jerboa, Red Fox, Wolf, Least Weasel, Marbled Polecat, Lynx, Snow Leopard, Siberian Ibex, Argali, and Goitered Gazelle.

      Embark on a panoramic drive to marvelous Khomyn Tal and discover elegant wild horses. En route, we pinpoint ancient Mongolian Saiga on the vast steppes of Chandmani near large lakes, Khar and Durgun, where we savor interesting bird species. (Community-based Ger Camp, B-L-D)

      Key birds: Bar-headed Goose, Red-crested Pochard, Stejneger’s Scoter, Pallas’s Sandgrouse, Greater Sand-Plover, Oriental Plover, Relict Gull, Pallas’s Gull, White-winged Tern, Arctic Loon, Cinereous Vulture, Steppe Eagle, Pallas’s Fish-Eagle, Long-legged Buzzard, Upland Buzzard, Lesser Kestrel, Saker Falcon, Isabelline Shrike, Steppe Gray Shrike, Mongolian Ground-Jay, Mongolian Lark, Crested Lark, Bearded Reedling, Blyth’s Reed Warbler, Great Reed Warbler, Savi’s Warbler, Pale Sand Martin, Asian Desert Warbler, Isabelline Wheatear, Desert Wheatear, Pied Wheatear, Mongolian Accentor, Pere David’s Snowfinch, Meadow Bunting, Gray-necked Bunting, Pallas’s Bunting, and Reed Bunting.

      Key mammals: Long-eared Hedgehog, Pallas’s Pika, Daurian Pika, Tolai Hare, Tarbagan Marmot, Pallid Ground Squirrel, Brandt’s Vole, Mongolian Jird, Midday Jird, Great Gerbil, Mongolian Five-toed Jerboa, Gobi Jerboa, Thick-tailed Pygmy Jerboa, Red Fox, Corsac Fox, Wolf, Przewalskii’s Horse, Argali, Mongolian Gazelle, Goitered Gazelle, Mongolian Saiga.

      Travel on to the next site savoring stunning views of desert plains, rock tors, sand dunes, and oasis. (Community-based Ger Camp, B-L-D)

      Savor elusive Pallas’s cat along with other steppe mammals and birds while exloring variety of landscapes including awe-inspiring granite rock tors and mountains, tranquil and verdant steppes, massive sand dunes, impressive oasis, and birdlife-rich lakes. (Community-based Ger Camp, B-L-D)

      Key birds: Bar-headed Goose, Swan Goose, Red-crested Pochard, Stejneger’s Scoter, Hill Pigeon, Pallas’s Sandgrouse, Demoiselle Crane, Asian Dowitcher,  Pallas’s Gull, Bearded Vulture, Cinereous Vulture, Steppe Eagle, Golden Eagle, Long-legged Buzzard, Upland Buzzard, Lesser Kestrel, Saker Falcon, Mongolian Ground-Jay, Mongolian Lark, Pale Sand Martin, Asian Desert Warbler, Mongolian Accentor, Rock Sparrow, Pere David’s Snowfinch, Mongolian Finch, Godlewski’s Bunting, Meadow Bunting, Pallas’s Bunting, Reed Bunting.

      Key mammals: Long-eared Hedgehog, Pallas’s Pika, Daurian Pika, Tolai Hare, Tarbagan Marmot, Long-tailed Ground Squirrel, Daurian Ground Squirrel, Brandt’s Vole, Mongolian Jird, Midday Jird, Mongolian Five-toed Jerboa, Gobi Jerboa, Red Fox, Corsac Fox, Least Weasel, Steppe Polecat, Pallas’s Cat, Lynx, Siberian Ibex, Argali.

      Embark on a panoramic drive to the Uliastai city and unwind at the comfortable hotel. (Hotel, B-L-D)

      Return flight to Ulaanbaatar and transfer to the Terelj National Park. (Tourist Ger Camp, B-L-D)

      Delve into the picturesque Terelj National Park which is officially named as Gorkhi-Terelj National Park. The national park is characterized by the breathtaking scenery of Siberian boreal forest or taiga as it occupies the most southern end of it. If time allows, drive to the birding hotspot Gun Galuut Nature Reserve for some interesting birds. (Tourist Ger Camp; B-L-D)

      Key birds: Daurian Partridge, Black-billed Capercaillie, Hazel Grouse, Oriental Cuckoo, Booted Eagle, Eastern Marsh-Harrier, Eastern Buzzard, Ural Owl, Eurasian Three-toed Woodpecker, Amur Falcon, Daurian Jackdaw, Paddyfield Warbler, Oriental Reed Warbler, Pallas’s Grasshopper-Warbler, Lanceolated Warbler, Chinese Bush Warbler, Yellow-browed Warbler, Hume’s Warbler, Pallas’s Leaf Warbler, Two-barred Warbler, White-cheeked Starling, Black-throated Thrush, Red-throated Thrush, Dark-sided Flycatcher, Asian Brown Flycatcher, Spotted Flycatcher, Siberian Rubythroat, Red-flanked Bluetail, Taiga Flycatcher, Common Redstart, Daurian Redstart, Olive-backed Pipit, Common Rosefinch, Pine Bunting, Pallas’s Bunting, Black-faced Bunting.

      Key mammals: Daurian Hedgehog, Daurian Pika, Eurasian Red Squirrel, Siberian Chipmunk, Long-tailed Ground Squirrel, Siberian Roe, Asian Wapiti.

      Transfer to the airport according to your flight schedule.

         

        TRIP DETAILS

        Important notes

        This is not a normal tour. We spend several days searching for truly elusive animals including Snow Leopards and Pallas’s Cats with help of local trackers. The chance of observation is 80%. We will not get closer to the cat than 500 m if the cat has cubs. Please do not wander around the mountain without asking your guides as there stands a danger from wildlife. We do not promise decent shots because this is not photography tour.

        No sound and/or wandering. We spend a lot of time scanning for SLs and PCs while staying and sitting at one spot. Any sound or movement have to be kept at minimum such as talking loudly, any noise such as vehicle door closing and walking around. The cats have sharp eyesight and good hearing sense. They easily hid when seeing or hearing men from long distance.

         

        Dates

        The recommended dates – April to October. Please check with us when you book the flight, tour dates may change due to schedule of domestic flights.

         

        Trip Cost

        Per person price by US Dollars

        The cost includes all transport and accommodation in Mongolia and two-way flight between Ulaanbaatar and Ulaangom, meals, local expert guides and cook, trackers, and road tolls and entry fees to national parks and protected areas, and drinking water.

         

        International Flights

        Soaring Expeditions does not book international flights and is happy to give you a choice to book your favorite airlines or cheapest or shortest flights.

         

        Physical Rating

        Moderate to hard

        We designed this trip involving the least possible strenuous walks and treks throughout the trip. Depending on the sighting, we might ask you to walk maximum 2 km on comparatively flat terrain.

         

        Accommodation

        We will stay in the 3-4 star hotels in Ulaanbaatar. These hotels might be just below the international standard, but clean and comfortable. We will stay in a community-based ger camp when we spend 7 days at Altai in pursuit of the Snow Leopards and other wild animals. The campsite is a real heaven located on the mountain slope, facing the sublime scenery to all directions. Average altitude of the camp and surroundings is 2,000 m above sea level. The camp provides clean and comfortable traditional Mongolian gers with two beds in it. The gers will be heated by stove. The toilet with European style will be secured in the secluded area of the campsite. There will be a place to wash hands and face and shower room.

         

        Food and meals

        11 breakfasts, 11 lunches, and 11 dinners is included in the price, which covers all the main meals during your stay in Mongolia.

        Our cook in the community-based camp will cater for your special food requirements. Please let us know your dietary requirements in advance so that we can prepare the supplies accordingly. We will provide our guests with fresh fruits every day. However, the meals in the camp might lack a variety comparing to the European standards. There will always be hot drinks and snacks.

         

        Weather

        Mongolia is the ‘Land of Blue Sky’, the nickname comes from the number of sunny days throughout the year in the country – two third of the year. Temperatures should be relatively moderate and skies are usually brilliantly clear. The days will usually be sunny and cool, and pleasant. Nights will be considerably cooler after the sunset. The temperature should be lower in the mountains and snow is possible.

        As there is no weather station in the mountain we visit for the tour, following is the climate data collected at Hovd town during 2005 – 2015. Source: timeanddate.com.

         

        Electricity and Power Sources

        We have a limited electric power in the community-based ger camp, which provides electricity power (220 KV) between 18:00 – 21:00 with the help of generator.

        The common socket type is type E. The recently built buildings have the combination of Type G and Type E. Please see the details of socket types at https://www.power-plugs-sockets.com/.

         

        How to book the tour

        The payment should be done in wire transfer according to our invoice. The deposit payment of 1,500 US$ should be transferred by the time of booking in order to secure your place in the tour. Before you make the final due payment, you should check if the number of participants have reached the minimum limit. All our trip payments should be made in US Dollars.

         

        Cancellations and Refunds

        If you find it necessary to cancel your trip, please notify us as soon as possible. The cancellation fee after you’ve made your deposit can range up to the entire trip cost, based upon the number of days prior to your trip that we receive your cancellation notice. We regret we cannot make exceptions for personal emergencies. For this reason, we strongly urge you to consider purchasing travel insurance by the time of booking.

        DATE OF CANCELLATION

         

        90 or more days prior to your trip

        89 to 60 days prior

        59 to 30 days prior

        29 to 0 days prior to your trip

        CANCELLATION FEE

         

        Only deposit payment/person

        40% of the trip price/person

        70% of the trip price/person

        100% of the trip price/person

         

        Contact Us

        If you have any queries related to tour, please contact us at soaring@expeditions.mn. For more awe-inspiring tours, visit our website www.expeditions.mn.

         

        Taxonomical Check List of the Birds

        The list provides the potential birds that could be seen during the whole trip. As our trip date is organized in winter, we might miss some early migrants. Hope you understand that the birds do not stay in a place for long time because of the season. However, we have tried to include the most potential birds to the list. The taxonomical order and nomenclature follows the Howard and Moore 4th edition (incl. corrigenda vol.1-2). See the list in xls. file.

        Dates & Prices

        In order to CUSTOMIZE or BOOK the tour please contact us via email.

        2024 

        DeparturesDurationAvailabilityGroup SizePrice ($)
        Fri 02nd, Feb - Thu 15th, Feb14 DaysFEW SPACES2 - 6 PAX5500$ - 7900$
        Fri 01st, Mar - Thu 15th, Mar14 DaysFULL2 - 6 PAX5500$ - 7900$
        Sun 30st, Jun - Thu 11th, Jul12 DaysFEW SPACES2 - 11 PAX2950$ - 4450$
        Fri 02nd, Aug - Wed 13th, Aug12 DaysFEW SPACES2 - 11 PAX2950$ - 4450$
        Sat 20th, Jul - Wed 31st, Jul12 DaysOPEN2 - 11 PAX2950$ - 4450$

        2025

        DeparturesDurationAvailabilityGroup SizePrice ($)
        Thu 4th, Mar - Mon 17th, Mar14 DaysSPACES2 - 6 PAX5500$ - 7900$
        Fri 1st, Dec - Tue 13th, Dec14FEW SEATS LEFT8 PAX5500$ - 7900$

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          WATCH THE ELUSIVE CATS!

          Silently Hunting Snow Leopard, 2022:

          Home-range of Snow Leopards:

          Three Cubs of a Snow Leopard:

          Preys of Snow Leopard:

          Tail of a Snow Leopard:

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