Overview

The vast and virtually uninhabited lands of Mongolia have captivated the minds of explorers for as long as people have known of it. The landscapes and wildlife have had a draw on naturalists looking for something different. Long recognized for its scenic beauty, wonderful birdlife and plentiful mammalian fauna, it is now set to possibly become the premiere place to encounter the enigmatic Snow Leopard.

During this tour, we venture into the Altai Mountains. A stay of nearly a week will allow us to properly explore this remote locale. Based in a relatively comfortable ger camp, we stand a very reasonable chance of encountering the once near-mythical Snow Leopard. Compared with the other places in the Himalayas where one might now seek out the ‘Grey Ghost’, this site is at low elevation, and one needs to walk minimal distances to access the very best areas for seeing the big cat! Other mammals abound in this region, including Argali, Siberian Ibex, the fast-declining Saiga and Goitered Gazelle.

We will also visit Hustai National Park for Przewalski’s Horse and Goitered Gazelle (White-tailed race), before making our way to Gun Galuut for the near threatened Pallas’s Cat, large herds of Argali, perhaps a Corsac Fox or two, Mongolian Gazelle and hopefully a few Grey Wolf on the hunt.

Many other smaller mammals and some excellent birds are all on offer in this truly wild and remote setting!

Tour Facts Top Birds
Mongolian Ground Jay; Saker Falcon; Azure Tit; Siberian Rubythroat; Chukar & Daurian Partridges; Eurasian Eagle-Owl; Black-throated & Red-throated Thrushes; Bluethroat; Red-flanked Bluetail; Guldenstadt’s Redstart; Desert & Pied Wheatears; White-winged Snowfinch; Brown Accentor; Mongolian Finch; Pine & Meadow Buntings; Bearded & Cinereous Vultures; Steppe, White-tailed & Golden Eagles; White-headed Duck; Dalmatian Pelican; Pallas’s Sandgrouse; Mongolian Lark; Upland Buzzard; Amur Falcon; Demoiselle Crane; Daurian Jackdaw; Isabelline Shrike; Long-tailed Rosefinch; White-naped Crane; Stejneger’s Scoter;Pere David’s Snowfinch.
Top Mammals
Snow Leopard; Pallas's Cat; Siberian Ibex; Argali; Saiga; Goitered Gazelle; Przewalski’s Horse; Grey Wolf; Pallas’s & Daurian Pikas; Northern Three-toed Jerboa; Mongolian Gazelle; Siberian Wapiti (Red Deer); Tarbagan Marmot; Long-tailed & Daurian Sousliks; Corsac Fox; Brandt’s Vole; Mongolian Jird; Siberian Jerboa.
Habitats Covered
mountains, lakes, desert plains, steppe
Expected Climate
cool to chilly in the mountains (mostly at night), warmer temperatures at lower altitudes. Typically temperatures are mild, with evenings on the chilly side. Day time temperatures can reach 28°C.
Max Group Size
12 with 1 Rockjumper leader & 1 local leader
Tour Pace & Walking
moderate to relaxed pace but not too challenging considering the environment
Accommodation
comfortable
Ease of Birding
mammal focused, but birding generally easy
Other Attractions
incredible scenery, rarely travelled sites
Photographic Opportunities
good
Tour Route Map Route Map Client Testimonials
Dates, Leaders and Pricing
2023 DEPARTURES
2024 DEPARTURES
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