Mongolia: Snow Leopards & Birds

Leaving Ulaanbaatar, we travel east toward Gun Galuut Nature Reserve, a beautiful landscape of rolling grasslands, rocky hills, river valleys and productive wetlands.

Gun Galuut is particularly rewarding for cranes, with White-naped Crane and Demoiselle Crane among our principal targets. The lakes and marshes also support Swan Goose, Whooper Swan, Stejneger's Scoter, numerous ducks, shorebirds and terns.

The surrounding grasslands offer opportunities for Mongolian Lark, David's Snowfinch, Blyth's Pipit, Eastern Marsh Harrier, Steppe Eagle and Saker Falcon. Groves of trees and riverside vegetation attract migrating songbirds, including Siberian Rubythroat, Pallas's Leaf Warbler, Dusky Warbler, Taiga Flycatcher and several species of buntings.

One of the major wildlife attractions of Gun Galuut is the opportunity to observe Argali Sheep, the world's largest wild sheep. We will explore the rocky hillsides where these impressive animals graze, searching for groups that may include mature males with magnificent curling horns.

Other mammals we may encounter include Corsac Fox, Daurian Pika and Siberian Jerboa. The elusive Pallas's Cat also inhabits the area, and we may spend time searching suitable rocky slopes and grasslands, although sightings are uncommon. An evening excursion may provide opportunities to observe nocturnal mammals, including jerboas moving across the steppe.

Our accommodation is in a permanent ger camp set within a scenic river valley, surrounded by Mongolia's expansive grasslands and hills.

Two nights in a permanent ger camp, with en suite chalets available at additional cost.

We travel west toward Terelj National Park, where dramatic granite formations, forested valleys and mountain meadows create a striking contrast to the open steppe. This region marks the southern edge of the Siberian taiga and introduces us to an entirely different collection of birds and wildlife.

The coniferous forests and rocky valleys offer opportunities for Siberian Rubythroat, Red-flanked Bluetail, Daurian Redstart, Pine Bunting, Spotted Nutcracker, Black Woodpecker and a variety of warblers and flycatchers. Raptors such as Bearded Vulture, Cinereous Vulture and Eastern Buzzard may be seen soaring above the mountains, while the rocky slopes support Rufous-tailed Rock Thrush and other mountain birds.

A particular highlight is our early morning search for Black-billed Capercaillie, one of Mongolia's most spectacular forest birds. During the spring breeding season, males gather at traditional display sites, where their distinctive calls and elaborate courtship behaviour make for a memorable experience. Locating these secretive birds requires an early start and careful approach, but the opportunity to observe their spring displays is well worth the effort.

Terelj also offers opportunities to encounter Tarbagan Marmot, Siberian Chipmunk and other mammals of the forest and mountain habitats. We will explore scenic valleys and woodland trails, enjoying the region's beautiful landscapes and spring wildflowers.

On Day 5, after our morning birding activities, we return to Ulaanbaatar in preparation for our flight to western Mongolia.

One night in Terelj and one night in Ulaanbaatar.

Today we fly west to Khovd, gateway to the spectacular Altai Mountains and some of Mongolia's most remote wildlife habitats. The scenery changes dramatically as we travel through vast semi-desert plains, past shimmering lakes and toward rugged mountain ranges rising above the surrounding landscape.

Along the way, we plan to explore the wetlands of Khar-Us Lake, an important breeding and migration area for waterbirds. Here we may encounter White-headed Duck, Dalmatian Pelican, Pallas's Gull, Red-crested Pochard, Greater Sand Plover and numerous other waterbirds. The surrounding desert and rocky hillsides offer opportunities for Mongolian Finch, Desert Wheatear and other regional specialties.

We continue to our remote ger camp at the foot of Jargalant Mountain, which will serve as our base for the coming days. Operated by a local wildlife conservation community, the camp offers a remarkable setting between the towering Altai Mountains and the vast desert plains and lakes below.

Night at our Altai ger camp, where we spend the next six nights. Facilities are basic but clean and comfortable, with shared washrooms.

We spend five days exploring the spectacular Western Altai Mountains and surrounding desert steppes, a remote wilderness of rugged peaks, deep valleys, rocky slopes and expansive lakes. This remarkable region is home to some of Mongolia's most sought-after mammals and birds.

One of our special objectives is to search for the elusive Snow Leopard. Working with experienced local scouts, we will scan mountain slopes and valleys where these magnificent cats are known to occur. Sightings are never guaranteed, and Snow Leopards may be several kilometres away and visible only through a spotting scope. Regardless of our success, the search takes us through spectacular mountain scenery with opportunities to encounter a variety of other wildlife.

The mountains are home to Siberian Ibex, Siberian and Tarbagan marmots, Pallas's Pika and Long-tailed Ground Squirrel, with Grey Wolf another exciting possibility. Birding highlights may include Altai Snowcock, White-winged Redstart, White-winged Snowfinch and Mongolian Finch, while Bearded Vulture, Himalayan Griffon, Golden Eagle and Saker Falcon soar above the rugged peaks.

We will also explore the vast semi-desert landscapes surrounding Durgun Lake in search of the unusual Saiga Antelope, with its distinctive oversized nose. These shy animals share the open plains with Goitered Gazelle, Pallid Ground Squirrel and other desert wildlife. Evening excursions may offer opportunities to observe jerboas, fascinating little mammals that leap across the desert on elongated hind legs.

The region's lakes, wetlands and desert valleys provide excellent birding opportunities. We will look for Pallas's Sandgrouse, Mongolian Ground-Jay, Chukar, Grey-necked Bunting and Desert Wheatear, along with waterbirds such as White-headed Duck, Dalmatian Pelican, Pallas's Gull and Arctic Loon.

Our daily activities will remain flexible, allowing us to respond to wildlife sightings, weather conditions and information from our local scouts. From searching for rare mammals to exploring remote valleys and bird-rich wetlands, these days promise some of the most memorable experiences of our Mongolian adventure.

Five additional nights at our Altai ger camp.

We leave the Altai Mountains and fly back to Ulaanbaatar before continuing to Hustai National Park, also known as Khustain Nuruu National Park. Depending on flight schedules, we may overnight in Ulaanbaatar before travelling to the park.

Hustai is famous for the successful reintroduction of Przewalski's Horse, the world's last truly wild horse. Once extinct in the wild, these remarkable animals now roam freely across the park's rolling grasslands and valleys. We will search for herds grazing on the open hillsides, sometimes accompanied by young foals.

The park is also home to an impressive variety of mammals, including Argali Sheep, Mongolian Gazelle, Tarbagan Marmot and Corsac Fox. With luck, we may encounter the elusive Pallas's Cat or Grey Wolf. Birding opportunities include Daurian Partridge, Amur Falcon, Saker Falcon, Upland Buzzard, Golden Eagle and Pied Wheatear.

Accommodation in the Ulaanbaatar area or at a permanent ger camp near Hustai National Park, depending on flight schedules.

We spend the morning exploring Hustai National Park, searching for Przewalski's Horse, Argali Sheep, Mongolian Gazelle and Tarbagan Marmot. The park also offers opportunities to encounter Corsac Fox and, with luck, the elusive Pallas's Cat or Grey Wolf.

We will also continue birding, searching for Daurian Partridge, Saker Falcon, Amur Falcon and other species of the grasslands and rocky valleys.

After our morning activities, we return to Ulaanbaatar. Depending on time and group interests, there may be an opportunity for some sightseeing or a visit to a local cashmere shop before our farewell dinner.

Night in Ulaanbaatar.