Tailormade Holidays in Mongolia

Tour Code: TMON

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Sample Itineraries

Create your own Tailormade holiday to Mongolia with dates and an itinerary to suit you. Click one to scroll down and view more info.

Mongolia - A Birding Adventure

17 Days

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Mongolia – Realm of the Snow Leopard

14 Days

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When to Go

Good Time to Go

January to September

Best Time to Go

May to August

Speak to a Mongolia expert

Tom Mabbett

Operations Manager

Email Call 1-844-433-9473

Where to Go

Hustai National Park
Ugii Lake
Khugnu-Tarna National Park
Altai Mountains
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Summary

Mongolia – wild, rugged and exotic, this vast land of forests, desert and steppe is occupied by the proud nomadic inheritors of a region once ruled by the medieval warrior chieftains Genghis and Kublai Khan! At its height, the Mongol Empire covered 22% of the world’s land surface, and formed the largest contiguous empire in history. Today, the warriors and Silk Road traders are long gone, and in their place are peaceful nomadic families dotted over a grand and timeless landscape of distant horizons, blue skies and exotic wildlife! Mongolia is a country of extremes, with incredibly harsh winters yet pleasantly warm spring and summer periods, when the days are sunny and warm and the wildlife is at its best. Visitors during this time are amply rewarded with breathtaking scenery, and varied and contrasting habitats which support a diverse range of flora and fauna and a particularly sought-after suite of birds. Visitors will have the opportunity to meet nomadic families and, for the brave, the chance to try fermented mare’s milk – a local delicacy! The most conspicuous wildlife in Mongolia is avian, and special species such as Henderson’s Ground Jay, Pallas’s Sandgrouse, Oriental Plover, Saxaul Sparrow, Asian Dowitcher, Altai Snowcock, Black-billed Capercaillie and White-naped Crane are just a few of the many tantalising possibilities. Various rare and intriguing mammals are possible too, including Przewalski’s Horse, Mongolian Marmot, Mongolian Gazelle and Siberian Ibex. Species such as Snow Leopard, Pallas’s Cat and Grey Wolf also inhabit this land and add to the excitement of a visit to this mysterious country!

Our Locations

The Gobi Gurvan Saikhan National Park comprises several distinct regions and habitats, each with its own characteristic wildlife. The scenic mountainous region known as Yolyn Am or ‘Valley of the Lammergeier’ presents opportunities for a differing suite of birds. Here the ‘curlew-like’ calls of Altai Snowcocks ring out as they forage for tubers high up on the grassy slopes. This is also the abode of the near-endemic Kozlov’s (Mongolian) Accentor, whilst other exciting birds here include Beautiful Rosefinch, Wallcreeper and, of course, Lammergeier. There are also a number of specialised mammals such as Siberian Ibex and Argali Sheep that skillfully negotiate the high slopes. The flat desert steppe habitat that surrounds these mountains presents starkly contrasting conditions, and the prevailing wildlife is markedly different. Oriental Plovers choose the rocky desert floor to breed and can be seen, in the spring months, performing their captivating display flights. In one particular region, known as Khongoryn Els, impressive sand dunes create a marvellous backdrop for gentle exploration of the area. The star-filled desert skies are breathtaking at night, whilst during the day possible star species include Saxaul Sparrow, Asian Desert Warbler, Steppe Grey Shrike and the striking Henderson’s Ground Jay, the latter often announcing its presence with its distinctive piping calls. It is here, too, that flocks of elegant Pallas’s Sandgrouse can be seen flying in front of the huge dunes – a sight that often rates amongst the highlights of a Mongolian wildlife tour!

Black-billed Capercaillie shutterstock_648270898.jpg

The Terelj National Park protects a significant tract of the northern boreal forest, whose southern extremities of larch, pine and birch woodland are accessible from Ulaanbaatar. The dense forests provide an extreme contrast to the wide open Mongolian steppe and the wildlife is also markedly different. Here tantalising species such as Siberian Rubythroat, Red-throated Thrush, Pine Bunting and Red-flanked Bluetail are all in evidence. Another possibility that often requires a little more effort to see is the impressive Black-billed Capercaillie, which tends to favour inaccessible valleys in the upper regions of the forest.

Demoiselle Cranes, Mongolia shutterstock_497343253.jpg

Ugii is one of a wealth of freshwater lakes that punctuate the Mongolian steppe. The eastern margin of the lake is characterised by fringing reedbeds and marshes, which host such sought-after species as White-naped and Demoiselle Cranes, Falcated and Spot-billed Ducks, Oriental Reed and Pallas’s Grasshopper Warblers, Eastern Marsh Harrier and Pallas’s Reed Bunting. The western side of the lake has far less vegetation and, in summer, offers up hundreds of Bar-headed and Swan Geese, the latter sharing characteristics of both swans and geese, resulting in a rather unique-looking bird. White-winged Black Terns perform their dancing flight above the lake margins, while the rare Siberian Crane is always a possibility. Mammals to look out for include Mongolian Gerbil and Corsac Fox.

In the far west of Mongolia lies the spectacular Altai Mountain Range, a dramatic and varied landscape that ranks among the most remote destinations on the planet. The range is vast, stretching from the Gobi Desert to the West Siberian Plain. Here, rocky valleys and steep scree slopes hold significant populations of the elusive Snow Leopard, perhaps the most beautiful and sought-after of all the felines. The mountain slopes and alpine meadows also host such species as Alpine and Pallas's Pikas, Long-tailed and Pallid Ground Squirrels, Mongolian Marmot, Gobi Altai Mountain Vole, Eastern Midday Jird, Mongolian Gerbil, Red Fox and Siberian Ibex. No doubt birds are present here too, including such species as Altai Snowcock, Chukar Partridge, Himalayan and Cinereous Vultures, Lammergeier, Steppe and Golden Eagles, Eurasian Eagle-Owl, Saker Falcon, Red-billed Chough, Güldenstädt's Redstart, Common Rock Thrush, White-winged Snowfinch, Altai and Brown Accentors, Blyth's and Water Pipits, and Mongolian and Plain Mountain Finches. Although many observation points can be accessed with a 4-wheel-drive vehicle, it is worth noting that a visit here will demand a basic level of fitness and the ability to walk on rocky, uneven or steep terrain. In the stunning valleys below, a delightful new array of birds and mammals can be found. Specialities here include Booted Eagle, Barred Warbler, and Godlewski's and Grey-necked Buntings, while mammals include such targets as Long-eared Hedgehog, Goitered Gazelle, Steppe Polecat and the bizarre Pallas’s Cat. Steppe environments here are also home to the critically endangered Saiga Antelope, while wetlands and grasslands boast such avian delights as Pallas’s Sandgrouse, Henderson’s Ground-Jay and Desert Wheatear.

Hustai National Park, located in central Mongolia, constitutes the country’s most iconic habitat – the vast open grassy steppe. Established in 1993, the park is renowned for its successful conservation efforts focused on the reintroduction and protection of the highly endangered Przewalski's Horse. Once extinct in the wild, a small population of these horses is now well established here, making this one of wildlife conservation’s great success stories. The vast plains and rolling hills host a wealth of other wildlife too. Saker Falcon, Steppe Eagle, and Upland Buzzard may appear hunting diurnal rodents on the steppe, such as Mongolian Gerbil and Brandt’s Vole, while one of Mongolia’s most sought-after species, the Amur Falcon, is also present in small colonies. Passerines typical of this habitat include various larks, wheatears and pipits, while other interesting mammals include Grey Wolf, Pallas’s Cat, Mongolian Gazelle, Mongolian Marmot, Long-tailed Ground Squirrel and Corsac Fox. Accommodation is typically provided in traditional, comfortable ger camps.

The contrasting scenery of boulder-strewn rocky mountains, sand dunes, and verdant steppe attracts a myriad of birds to Khugnu-Tarna National Park. Among the rocky slopes can be found Cinereous and Himalayan Vultures, Lammergeier, Steppe and Golden Eagles, Upland Buzzard, Hoopoe, Grey-headed Woodpecker, Saker Falcon, Lesser Kestrel, Eurasian Jay, Daurian Jackdaw, Blyth’s Pipit, Hawfinch, Long-tailed Rosefinch, Ortolan, Pied, Isabelline and Northern Wheatears, and Red-throated Thrush. Nearby marshland also hosts a variety of swans, geese, ducks, grebes and waders. The immense desert steppe to the south offers chances for the highly sought-after Oriental Plover.

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Sample Itineraries

This itinerary offers the chance to enjoy the spectacular wildlife, scenery and culture of Mongolia. Birding highlights may include Pallas’s Sandgrouse, Asian Dowitcher and Henderson’s Ground Jay, whilst possible mammals include Siberian Ibex and Przewalski’s Horse. You’ll stay in comfortable tourist ger camps.

Day

Depart UK

Day

Ulaanbaatar;introductory birding

Days

3 - 6

Mongolian Steppe and associated lakes

Day

Ulaanbaatar

Days

8 - 9

Yolyn Am

Days

10 - 12

Khongoryn Els

Day

Dalanzadgrad

Days

14 - 15

Terelj National Park

Day

Depart Ulaanbaatar

Day

Arrive UK

17 Days (Flight Inclusive)

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A thrilling wildlife adventure through the Mongolian steppe and the stunningly varied habitat of the mighty Altai Range; home to the majestic Snow Leopard.

Day

Depart UK

Days

2 - 4

Hustai National Park

Days

5 - 12

Altai Mountains

Day

Depart Ulaanbaatar

Day

Arrive UK

14 Days (Flight Inclusive)

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The Essentials

Wildlife Guides

Good quality local naturalists (usually specialising in birds) will escort you throughout your Mongolia wildlife adventure.

When to Visit

Mongolia is a land of extreme weather. The winter months, from October to April, can see high winds and temperatures plummeting well below zero. In general this is a poor time to see wildlife, although it’s the best time to search for the highly elusive Snow Leopard. The months of May and June are excellent, with birds in their smart breeding plumages and otherwise inconspicuous species, such as Oriental Plover, often seen displaying at this time. During this period the days are generally bright and sunny too, although inclement weather can strike at any time in Mongolia! July is worth considering, especially if you want to combine your stay with Mongolia’s most famous annual festival (the Naadam Festival) which combines the three ‘manly’ games of wrestling, horse racing and archery.

Getting Around

Most travel in Mongolia is overland and done in vehicles that are suitable for negotiating the open steppe. Some long journeys are invariably required, although these are often broken by interesting wildlife stops, and it’s also possible to visit local nomadic families.

Why Naturetrek Tailormade?

A Naturetrek Tailormade holiday allows you, with the benefit of our wildlife travel expertise and destination experience, to enjoy the perfect private wildlife holiday – one that truly matches your requirements, expectations and ambitions. We will ensure the most competitive prices, superb naturalist guides and seamless ground services.

Some of the benefits of Naturetrek Tailormade travel include:
• A bespoke itinerary which is crafted by experts and designed specifically for you
• Private guiding by the very best local naturalists
• Travel with people you know, at your own pace
• Incorporate as much culture, history or relaxation time as you wish
• Choose dates to suit you
• Select your preferred style of accommodation
• Travel with families and children of any age

Furthermore, our Tailormade team are always on hand to help and guide you along the way, with friendly advice, first-hand knowledge and inside information specific to your destination of choice. So if you have any queries about your holiday, we will be delighted to answer them. Please just give us a call!