Wildlife Tour of Mongolia - 7 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Ulaanbaatar

Welcome to Mongolia! Arrive in Ulaanbaatar, the capital city. You will be met by an English-speaking guide who will accompany you to your hotel in the city center. The rest of the day is yours to relax or explore. Consider stopping into the National Museum of Mongolia for an overview of the country's history and culture, or wander around the colorful temples in the Choijin Lama Temple Museum complex. Then have dinner in a local restaurant before getting some rest.

Day 2: Explore Terelj National Park

This morning, set off into the Mongolian countryside on the way to Terelj National Park. As you make your way east out of the city, stop to visit the world-famous Chinggis Khaan Statue Complex. Here you will learn about the history of the Mongolian Empire and visit the famous giant statue of Ghengis Khan on horseback. You can even ride the elevator up to the horse's head to see breathtaking views over the plains. 

Then head further into Terelj National Park. Drop by your ger (yurt) camp — a traditional Mongolian accommodation — where you'll have lunch and drop off your bags. In the afternoon, visit Turtle Rock and climb up the mountain path to the beautiful Aryapala Meditation Temple.

Day 3: Birdwatch in the National Park

You'll spend another day in the national park today. Wildlife you might see include the Eurasian Red Squirrel, Siberian Chipmunk, Long-tailed Ground Squirrel, Steppe Zokor, Northern Red-backed Vole, Siberian Roe, and Asian Wapiti. Birds in the area range from the Oriental Cuckoo, Eurasian Sparrowhawk, Northern Goshawk, and Eastern Buzzard to the Ural Owl, Red-throated Thrush, Spotted Flycatcher, and Siberian Rubythroat. Return back to camp for dinner and to relax after a long day exploring.

Day 4: Discover Gobi Gurvan Saikhan National Park

Fly to Dalanzadgad, then take a scenic drive to the incredibly scenic Gurvan Saikhan National Park, encompassing a chain of three beautiful mountains. On an afternoon trek, look for mammals like the Long-eared Hedgehog, Pallas’s Pika, Tolai Hare, Pallid Ground Squirrel, Alashan Ground Squirrel, Mongolian Mountain Vole, Midday Jird, Red Fox, Wolf, Marbled Polecat, and Siberian Ibex. Spend the night in a yurt camp.

Day 5: Continue Exploring the National Park

Continue your explorations of the national park today. Keep your eyes open for birds including the Altai Snowcock, Golden Eagle, Eurasian Eagle-Owl, Saker Falcon, Brown and Mongolian Accentors, White-winged Snowfinch, Common and Beautiful Rosefinches, Mongolian Finch, Godlewski's and Grey-necked Buntings, Northern House Martin, Eurasian Crag Martin, Sulphur-bellied Warbler, Wallcreeper, Black Redstart, and Common Rock Thrush.

Day 6: Look for Falcons in Yolyn Am

Meaning "Vulture's Mouth," the Yolyn Am is a deep rocky ravine. The center is frozen solid throughout most of the year. Between June and September, the majority of the ice around will be melted but even in the height of summer, you'll still be able to see patches of snow and ice outside the valley walls.

You'll go on a guided excursion that takes you most of the way out to the gorge, partly on horseback and partly on foot. You might spot the Amur Falcon, Azure-winged Magpie, Daurian Jackdaw, Azure Tit, White-crowned Penduline-Tit, White-cheeked Starling, Red-throated Thrush, and Long-tailed Rosefinch. Camp out one last time before the trip comes to an end. 

Day 7: Depart Mongolia 

After breakfast, head to the airport. The trip has come to an end - safe travels!

More Mongolia Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Mongolia? Check out these other Mongolia itineraries, with outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights. 

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