Tailormade Holidays in Mongolia

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!

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. 

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.

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.