Tour Highlights
Starting from the capital Ulaanbaatar, this expedition will venture into the Mongolia’s remote west in pursuit of the enigmatic Snow Leopards in the pristine wilderness of the Mongolian Altai Mountains which is a home to roughly 20% of the world’s estimated population of the species. With a very few local nomadic herders living in the area, the place is famed for its abundant wildlife and 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 a 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.
Itinerary Details
Day 1: Welcome to Ulaanbaatar
Our team greets you at the airport. Transfer to the reserved hotel located in the Valley of Tuul River near airport. The interesting birds include Azure Tit, Eastern Penduline Tit, White-cheeked Starling, Azure-winged Magpie, Long-tailed Rosefinch, and Red-throated Thrush.
Day 2: Fly to Khovd
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.
Day 3: Mongolian Altai Mountains
Our adventure drive through uneven road will bring us to the Mongolian Altai. Settle in the community-based ger camp which is located on the mountain slope near the illusive cat’s habitat. We will spend these 7 days exploring the mountain for the ‘ghost’ and other exotic animals in this pristine natural environment. Our camp assistants, 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.
In order to prevent from the further disturbance and disruptions to the wildlife, we are not mentioning the exact name of our Snow Leopard spotting site.
Day 4: Mongolian Altai Mountains
Stay and quest for the Snow Leopards.
Day 5: Mongolian Altai Mountains
Stay and quest for the Snow Leopards.
Day 6: Mongolian Altai Mountains
Stay and quest for the Snow Leopards.
Day 7: Mongolian Altai Mountains
Stay and quest for the Snow Leopards.
Day 8: Mongolian Altai Mountains
Stay and quest for the Snow Leopards.
Day 9: Mongolian Altai Mountains
Stay and quest for the Snow Leopards.
Day 10: Saiga Excursion and Great Lakes
We will set off to the semi-desert areas in order to find the critically endangered at the world level Mongolian Saiga (S. t. mongolica), which has been pushed to a small patch of land in western Mongolia. In the Great Lakes we will search for Relict Gull, White-winged Scoter, Oriental Plover, Savi’s Warbler, Grasshopper Warbler, Arctic Loon etc. Then drive to Khovd exploring the desert steppe. The attractive Pallas’s Sandgrouse and smart Henderson’s Ground Jay will be our target species. Stay in a local hotel while unwinding.
Day 11: Manul Otog - Pallas's Cat Camp
Spend these days searching for the Pallas’s Cat and other iconic mammals including Argali, Mongolian Gazelle, Red Deer, Red and Corsac Fox etc. Bird highlights will be Mongolian Lark, Small Snowfinch, Saker Falcon, Upland Buzzard, Golden and Steppe Eagles, and Cinereous Vulture. Stay in a community-based ger camp.
Day 12: Manul Otog - Pallas's Cat Camp
Stay and quest for the Pallas’s Cats.
Day 13: Manul Otog - Pallas's Cat Camp
Stay and quest for the Pallas’s Cats.
Day 14: Ulaanbaatar
The afternoon transfer to Ulaanbaatar. The hotel is located close to the airport on the bank of Tuul River. The guests are free to do birding in the riparian forest for some interesting species including Azure Tit, Eastern Penduline Tit, White-cheeked Starling, Azure-winged Magpie, Long-tailed Rosefinch, Red-throated Thrush etc.
Day 15: Fly Home
Transfer to the airport according to your flight schedule.
Dates & Prices
In order to CUSTOMIZE or BOOK the tour please contact us via email.
2020
2021
Want to customize this tour?
We are most welcome to consider your request.
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