


Location Highlights
- Mongolian Steppes & Associated Lakes - expansive rolling grasslands and freshwater lakes attract all manner of intriguing birds, with chances too of the rare Przewalski's Horse in this dramatic landscape
- Gobi Gurvan Saikhan National Park - desert steppe, towering orange dunes and a backdrop of scenic mountains create a vastly contrasting combination of habitats, with highlights including Oriental Plover, Henderson's Ground Jay and the near-endemic Kozlov's (Mongolian) Accentor
- Terelj National Park - a significant tract of northern boreal forest and home to the impressive Black-billed Capercaillie


Tailormade Mongolia
Tailormade | Tour Code: TMONCreate your own Tailormade holiday to Mongolia with dates and an itinerary to suit you.
When to Visit
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SAMPLE HOLIDAY: Mongolia - Birding in the Steppes of Ghengis Khan
17 days from £5,995 (Flight Inclusive)
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.
Location Highlights
- Mongolian Steppes & Associated Lakes - expansive rolling grasslands and freshwater lakes attract all manner of intriguing birds, with chances too of the rare Przewalski's Horse in this dramatic landscape
- Gobi Gurvan Saikhan National Park - desert steppe, towering orange dunes and a backdrop of scenic mountains create a vastly contrasting combination of habitats, with highlights including Oriental Plover, Henderson's Ground Jay and the near-endemic Kozlov's (Mongolian) Accentor
- Terelj National Park - a significant tract of northern boreal forest and home to the impressive Black-billed Capercaillie


Quick Enquiry
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, though extremely difficult to observe, only add to the excitement of a visit to this mysterious country!

Our Destinations

The Mongolian steppe is characterised by rolling grassland punctuated by marshlands, and both saline and freshwater lakes. The freshwater lakes, and their fringes in particular, act like magnets for all manner of avian delights and, during the spring and summer months, one can expect to see large numbers of Bar-headed Geese and the odd-looking Swan Geese, as they graze the fringing grasslands. The smart Asian Dowitcher is another sought-after bird and can be seen probing the rich mudflats, whilst other prized species include Pallas’s Reed Bunting, Pallas’s Fish Eagle, White-naped Crane, Baillon’s Crake and the rare Relict Gull. Over the surrounding grassy steppe, large raptors such as Steppe Eagle and Cinereous (Black) Vulture patrol the skies, whilst acrobatic Saker Falcons can be seen dashing in pursuit of their quarry. Smaller birds typical of this habitat include various larks, wheatears and pipits, whilst in a few upland steppe regions, populations of the rare Przewalski’s Horse can be encountered, as well as a wealth of other wildlife such as Red Deer, Mongolian Marmot, Mongolian Gazelle and even the elusive Pallas’s Cat! Although the capital city of Ulaanbataar is not a high priority for most visitors, a night or two is often required here, and there is some pleasant birding to be enjoyed along the Tuul River which runs through the city. Here, adjoining willow woodlands may yield such exotic species as White-crowned Penduline Tit, Azure Tit, Yellow-breasted Bunting and Long-tailed Rosefinch.

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.
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.

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.
J F M A M J J A S O N D Y Y Y Y YY YY YY YY Y - - - - 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!'

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