Classic · 10 days / 9 nights · 3–16 people
Exploring the Gobi Desert
from $1,823 / per person
- Tour type
- Photo tour
- Duration
- 11 days / 10 nights
- Best season
- October (Golden Eagle Festival)
- Destination
- Western Mongolia
- Group size
- 5–12 people
- Price
- from $4,588
Overview
Snow leopards live in the high mountain ranges of Central and South Asia, including western Mongolia; sightings are rare and the species is endangered. Our mountain guide worked for WWF as a range-monitoring officer and knows the dens and seasonal movements of the cats. The Golden Eagle Festival, usually held in the first weekend of October in Bayan-Ölgii, brings together Kazakh eagle hunters in traditional dress to show the incredible bond with their birds.
Highlights
- Snow leopard photography with a former WWF ranger
- Ibex and argali wild sheep
- Kazakh eagle hunters & huntresses
- Live eagle hunting
- Throat singing concert
Route map
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Itinerary
- 01
Day 1
Arrival in Ulaanbaatar
Airport pick-up, check in to a 4-star hotel and lunch or dinner depending on arrival. In the evening visit the Zaisan Monument for a view over the whole city.
- Overnight:
- 4-star hotel
- 02
Day 2
Fly to Khovd
Fly to Khovd in western Mongolia and drive to the snow leopard camp, about 150 km from the city at Jargalant Khairkhan mountain. If the flight lands late, we stay at a camp on Khar Us Lake and reach the snow leopard area by noon the next day.
- Overnight:
- Camp
- Distance:
- 150 km
- 03
Day 3
Snow leopards
A full day photographing and filming snow leopards with our mountain guide and local rangers. Food and hot drinks are served in a warm winter tent.
- Overnight:
- Camp
- 04
Day 4
Snow leopards & mountain wildlife
More time with the snow leopards and other mountain wildlife such as ibex and argali, the wild sheep. The viewing spot is about 1.2 km away, reached by a hike of about 700 m.
- Overnight:
- Camp
- 05
Day 5
Khovd city
Drive back to Khovd and stay in a 4-star hotel: shower, rest and review your shots.
- Overnight:
- 4-star hotel
- 06
Day 6
Bayan-Ölgii
Drive into the Altai mountains to visit eagle hunters and huntresses. Stay in a two-storey guesthouse owned by an eagle hunter, with hot showers.
- Overnight:
- Guesthouse
- 07
Day 7
Eagle hunters
Photograph the eagle hunters and huntresses in their costumes with eagles and horses, and watch them call their eagles from a distance — at a hidden spot few tourists have seen. Snowy mountains, horses and yaks in deep snow. Kazakh dinner with a nomadic family and a folk concert.
- Overnight:
- Guesthouse
- 08
Day 8
Live eagle hunting
A day of live eagle hunting with a huge chance for unique action photos. We drive back after sunset.
- Overnight:
- Guesthouse
- 09
Day 9
Back to Khovd
Return to Khovd on a different road with new landscapes to photograph. Farewell dinner with a throat singing concert.
- Overnight:
- 4-star hotel
- 10
Day 10
Fly to Ulaanbaatar
Fly back to Ulaanbaatar and visit the Chinggis Khan National Museum.
- Overnight:
- Hotel
- 11
Day 11
Departure
After breakfast, check out and transfer to the airport for your flight.
Fixed departures
Join a scheduled group departure, or pick your own date for a private tour.
No scheduled dates right now — choose any date in the cart for a private tour.
Included / Not included
Included
- ✓ Toyota Land Cruiser 100 series
- ✓ Professional guide
- ✓ Airport pick-ups both ways
- ✓ Domestic flights (Ulaanbaatar–Khovd–Ulaanbaatar)
- ✓ Hotels and homestay
- ✓ 3 meals a day with hot/cold drinks in the mountains
- ✓ A cook travelling with the group
- ✓ Rental horses, camels and eagle hunters' fees
- ✓ Fuel, taxis and driver's salary
- ✓ Restaurants, cafés and artists' fees
- ✓ Park permits and entrance fees
- ✓ Bio toilets in the mountains
Not included
- ✕ International air tickets
- ✕ Medical and travel insurance
- ✕ Personal expenses
- ✕ Alcohol and soft drinks
Photos
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