Eastern Mongolian Highlight and Pallas's cat (14 days)

Overview

Embark on a captivating journey with Planet Mongolia as we explore the southern reaches of the Siberian taiga. Traverse the enchanting wetlands and desert landscapes of Mongolia, seizing a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in nature’s wonders. Our adventure begins in the coniferous forests and Tuul River valley of Terelj National Park. Along this scenic route, you’ll encounter an array of fascinating wildlife, including the elusive Black-billed capercaillie, the charming Hazel grouse, vibrant Pine bunting, as well as the rhythmic sounds of the Black and Three-toed Woodpeckers. Keep your eyes peeled for the melodious Olive-backed Pipits that grace the landscape. Join us on this extraordinary tour, where each moment promises discovery and awe. Next on our itinerary is the nature reserve of Khurkh Khuiten, a truly unique destination showcasing the rich avifauna of the wetlands.

Here, you’ll have the extraordinary opportunity to witness a spectacular gathering of six different species of cranes in one breathtaking location Our journey will pass through Gun Galuut Galuut National Park and we will continue to observe wetland birds. As we enter Kherlen Toono Nature Reserve in the heart of the arid steppes, surrounded by the Rocky mountains, see rare desert birds such as Golden Eagle, Saker Falcon, Cinereous Vulture, Amur Falcon, Eurasian Hobby, Upland Buzzard, possibly Long-legged Buzzard, Daurian Partridge, Mongolian Lark, Rufous-tailed Rock Thrush, and Chukar, adding a unique touch to our birdwatching experience. Ikh Nart abounds with exotic mammal species, including Pallas’s cat, -endangered Argali sheep, Siberian ibex, Black-tailed and white-tailed gazelle, corsac fox, marbled polecat, and long-eared hedgehog. Planet Mongolia invites you to experience the beauty of the natural world like never before.

HIGHLIGHTS

Mountain ghost Snow Leopard
Mongol Altai mountain range
Stay in the community based ger camp with Mongolian nomadic herders
Visiting nomadic herders Eagle hunters and interesting their heritage Golden Eagle hunting.

Tour Itinerary

Day 1. Arrive in Ulaanbaatar

We will pick you up at the International airport after your arrival in Ulaanbaatar which is the capital of Mongolia and check in a hotel. Have a WELCOME DINNER in the Ulaanbaata or we directly go to the forest (depends on arrivel time).

Day 2. Terelj NP

Embark on our adventure starting at Terelj National Park, nestled in the Khenti Mountains, delineating the southern edge of the Siberian taiga. The Khenti mountain range showcases breathtaking natural landscapes, including dense coniferous and mixed forests, reticulate and willow swamps, with an average elevation of 1200 meters above sea level. Venturing along the coniferous forest’s edge, our main targets include the captivating Blackbilled Capercaillie, Hazel Grouse, Pine Bunting, Siberian Rubythroat, Olive-backed Pipit, and Chinese Bush Warbler. We’ll dedicate two days to birding in the Siberian forest. On the southern edge of the Khentii mountain range, we’ll encounter the elusive Japanese Quail, known for leading an extremely secretive life.

Day 3-4. Khurkh Khuiten Nature Reserve

Early morning we will drive to Eastern Mongolia, the Khurkh bird ringing station in Khurkh nature reserve.We will see some highlight species such as Long-tailed Rosefinch, Azure Tit, Whitecrowned Penduline Tit, White-cheeked Starling, Siberian Rubythroat, Blue-throat, Azure Tit, Long-tailed Rosefinch, coal tit, eurasian kingfisher, chestnut bunting. The following day, we’ll depart from the Khurkh Bird Ringing Station in the early morning, heading south to lakes and wetlands. There, we’ll have the opportunity to observe rare crane species such as Demoiselle, White-naped, Hooded, Siberian, and Common cranes.

Day 5-6. Kherlen Toono Nature Reserve

Early morning we will drive to south of Mongolia, Kherlen Toono nature reserve. As we enter Kherlen Toono Nature Reserve in the heart of the arid steppes, surrounded by the Rocky mountains, see rare desert birds such as Golden Eagle, Saker Falcon, Cinereous Vulture, Amur Falcon, Eurasian Hobby, Upland Buzzard, possibly Long-legged Buzzard, Daurian Partridge, Mongolian Lark, Rufous-tailed Rock Thrush, and Chukar, adding a unique touch to our birdwatching experience. Ikh Nart abounds with exotic mammal species, including Pallas’s cat, -endangered Argali sheep, Siberian ibex, Black-tailed and white-tailed gazelle, corsac fox, marbled polecat.

Day 7. Back to Ulaanbaatar

Today, we return to Ulaanbaatar, offering you a chance to stroll around the city center. Recommended stops include Chinggis Square and the National History Museum. Conclude the day with a farewell dinner at a fine restaurant. Overnight in the Hotel