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5 Best Places to Spot Mongolia Wildlife

Mongolia is a diverse country with an assorted array of landscape and wildlife. It is a small nation, landlocked between China and Russia, surrounded by the mountains, freshwater lakes, and deserts on all sides. The Mongolia wildlife and landscape are full of clear lakes, exotic wildlife, and stunning view. Some locations are so far away from the human habitation, that these places might awake your spiritual self.

If you are interested to explore the Mongolian wildlife, here are few of the places to visit:

1. Hustai National Park

• Where is it located? Khustai Mountains Rd, Mongolia
• What is it? A national park popular for its exotic birds and wild Mongolian horses
• Things to do: Exploring the natural habitat of rare Asiatic birds, camping and photography
• Entry fee: US$ 8 (approx.)

Spread in the area of 506 square kilometer (195 sq mi), the Khustain National Park is one of the nearest wildlife parks close to Ulaanbaatar - the national capital. Home to more than 200 rare spices of birds and animals, this place is often visited by wildlife enthusiast and nature photographers. Some of the rare animals found here are Asiatic red deer, Pallas’s cats, wild boar, gazelle, wolves, marmots, and lynx.

Tourists coming to the park can stay overnight at the tourist ger camps. The dinning hall, outdoor terraces, and pubs are available.

2. Altai Tavan Bogd National Park

• Where is it located? In Bayan-Ulgii Province of Western Mongolia
• What is it? A national park known for its snow-capped mountains
• Things to do: Hiking, mountaineering, or exploring the cave – do not forget to bring your camera
• Entry fee: US$5 (approx.) + border permits required

The Altai Tavan Bogd National Park, is close to the Russian and Chinese borders, and probably most beautiful protected habitat of the animals. It is the home to some of the tallest mountain peaks, five to be precise, of Mongolia.

Apart from the being the home to beautiful Khurgan, Khoton, and Dayan lakes, the park is the natural habitat of maral (Asiatic red deer), argali sheep, stone marten, ibex, deer, Altai snowcock, and elk. The mid-May to October is the best time to visit.

P.S: Border permits are required to enter the park. For overseas tourists, Mongolian guide is a must.

3. Dornod Mongolia Biosphere Reserve

• Where is it located? In the Dornod province
• What is it? One of the biggest steppe grasslands of the world
• Things to do: Camping, or hiking - ideal for a day trip
• Entry fee: No entry fee

The steppe grassland of Mongolia, located in the eastern part of the country, is one of the most popular destinations for camping and gazing Mongolia wildlife. The vast landscape is home to white-tailed gazelles and other exotic Asian wildlife – making it a paradise for nature lovers. Due to its remote setting, the nomadic population of the region was able to preserve it pastoral culture and heritage.

4. Gorkhi-Terelj National Park

• What is it? A national park
• Where is it located? Near Ulaanbaatar
• Things to do: Hiking, rock climbing, and camping - photography is encouraged
• Entry fee: US$1 to US$ 3 (subjected to change) – extra for camera

Close the national capital, the Gorkhi-Terelj National Park is the place for tourists looking for an adventure. The unending landscape and unchartered territories make this place the natural habitat of several animals and birds.

Several tourist ger camps organize overnight tours in the area for the tourists looking for Mongolia wildlife. You can spot a lot of birds and animals on your trip. Do try horse riding and camel riding while here.

5. Ikh Nartiin Chuluu Natural Reserve

• What is it? A natural reserve
• Where is it located? Near Ulaanbaatar
• Things to do: Hiking, rock climbing, and camping - photography is encouraged
• Entry fee: US$ 2 (approx.)

Another popular spot to catch the Mongolia wildlife, the Ikh Nartiin Chuluu is fairly new natural reserve of the area. The area, a beautiful mix of semi-desert and grassland, has been a sanctuary to argali sheep, black vultures, gazelles, and wolves. The indigenous nomadic tribe resides in the area, showcasing a perfect existence between nature, animals and man. While here, do make it a point to visit the natural springs of the park. It is believed to possess healing properties.