From owls and falcons to foxes and wolves, this 7-day tour around Mongolia has plenty to offer wildlife enthusiasts. You'll spend two days exploring Terelj National Park, looking for colorful birds, before heading into the desert landscapes of Gobi Gurvan Saikhan National Park. Hike through the rocky ravine of Yolyn Am and sleep out under the stars in a traditional ger (yurt) camp before heading back to civilization.

Highlights

  • Hike and look for birds and mammals in two of Mongolia's national parks
  • Keep your eyes open for falcons while exploring Yolyn Am Gorge
  • Sleep in a traditional Mongolian ger (yurt) camp
  • Learn about Mongolian history and culture in the capital city of Ulaanbaatar

Brief Itinerary

Day Highlights Overnight
Day 1 Arrive in Ulaanbaatar Ulaanbaatar 
Day 2 Explore Terelj National Park Ger camp
Day 3 Birdwatch in the National Park Ger camp
Day 4 Discover Gobi Gurvan Saikhan National Park Gobi Gurvan Saikhan
Day 5 Continue Exploring the National Park Gobi Gurvan Saikhan
Day 6 Look for Falcons in Yolyn Am Ger camp
Day 7 Depart Mongolia   

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Ulaanbaatar

Welcome to bustling Ulaanbaatar and enjoy one last day in civilization before we head out to the plains!
Apartment buildings 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

Visit the world's largest equestrian statue at the Chinggis Khaan Statue Complex
The world's largest equestrian statue at the Chinggis Khaan Statue Complex

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

Plan your trip to Mongolia
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.

The Eurasian Sparrowhawk

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

Drive through the Altai Mountain passes on our way to the Vulture's Mouth
Driving through the Altai Mountains

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

The Eurasian Eagle-Owl

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

Yolyn Am Gorge

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 

It's time to say goodbye to Mongolia and Ulaanbaatar
A morning scene in Ulaanbaatar

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. 

Or, describe your ideal trip and we will connect you with a local specialist to make it happen.