Birds & Mammals of the Western Altai 2027

Destination: Mongolia
Duration: 12 Nights, 13 Days

This epic expedition ventures deep into Mongolia’s far west, exploring the spectacular Jargalant Khairkhan within the Altai Mountain range in search of one of the world’s most elusive predators — the Snow Leopard — alongside a remarkable suite of Central Asian wildlife.

Following arrival in Ulaanbaatar, we fly to Mongolia’s remote western frontier where vast, untouched landscapes provide prime habitat for an estimated 20% of the global Snow Leopard population. Over several days, we explore rugged mountain terrain, expansive steppe, and semi-desert ecosystems, targeting iconic mammals including Pallas’s Cat, Mongolian Saiga, Siberian Ibex, and more.

The birding throughout the tour is equally exceptional, with a strong focus on high-altitude and steppe specialists. Birding above 3,000 metres offers a unique and rewarding experience, with species such as Altai Snowcock, Kozlov’s Accentor, Henderson’s Ground-Jay, and Pallas’s Gull, alongside the possibility of unexpected Siberian migrants.

This journey combines world-class wildlife viewing, dramatic landscapes, and authentic cultural experiences, including stays in traditional, community-run ger camps hosted by Mongolian nomads.

This tour starts and ends in Ulaanbaatar. 

Tour Highlights

• The spectacular Altai Mountains, featuring snow-capped peaks, alpine meadows, dramatic valleys, and pristine waterways
• Exceptional chances to encounter Snow Leopard and Pallas’s Cat, along with a diverse range of mammals including Pallas’s Pika, Tarbagan Marmot, Gobi Jerboa, Mongolian Three-toed Jerboa, Midday Jird, Grey Wolf, Corsac Fox, Red Fox, Przewalski’s Horse (Takhi), Goitered Gazelle, Mongolian Gazelle, Saiga, and Siberian Ibex
• Jargalant Khairkhan (Altai Mountains): Altai Snowcock, Bearded Vulture, Himalayan Griffon, Cinereous Vulture, Steppe Eagle, Golden Eagle, Saker Falcon, Isabelline Shrike, White-winged Redstart, Altai Accentor, Brown Accentor, White-winged Snowfinch, Water Pipit, Grey-necked Bunting
• Great Lakes Depression: White-headed Duck, Bar-headed Goose, Red-crested Pochard, Pallas’s Sandgrouse, Demoiselle Crane, Pallas’s Gull, Great Grey Shrike, Mongolian Ground-Jay, Crested Lark, Bearded Reedling, Paddyfield Warbler, Great Reed Warbler, Pallas’s Grasshopper-Warbler, Savi’s Warbler, Desert Wheatear
• Margaz Mountains & Bayan Lake: Falcated Duck, Eastern Spot-billed Duck, Pallas’s Sandgrouse, Oriental Plover, Asian Dowitcher, Pallas’s Gull, Bearded Vulture, Steppe Eagle, Pallas’s Fish Eagle, Long-legged Buzzard, Lesser Kestrel, Saker Falcon, Mongolian Lark, Pallas’s Grasshopper-Warbler, Desert Wheatear, Mongolian Accentor, Rock Sparrow, Small Snowfinch, Mongolian Finch, Grey-necked Bunting
• Authentic stays in community-based ger camps, supporting local Mongolian nomadic communities