SNOW LEOPARD EXPEDITION AT BAITAG BOGD MOUNTAIN
Location: Ulaanbaatar – Khovd – Bulgan – Baitag Bogd Mountain
Duration: 7 Days / 6 Nights
Best Time to Visit: October – April for winter snow leopord sightings | May – September for warmer trekking conditions
Overview
- Baitag Bogd Mountain is one of Mongolia’s most remote wildlife regions, rising along the Mongolia-China border in the far west of the country. This expedition takes travelers deep into the Altai Mountains to search for signs of the elusive snow leopard, following high ridges, canyons, river valleys, and observation points used by local wildlife guides.
- The journey is designed for wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, and adventure travelers who want a true remote Mongolia expedition. Along the way, travelers may see Mongolian Ibex, Argali sheep, raptors, mountain valleys, borderland landscapes, historic battle sites, and prehistoric cave art at Gurvan Senkher Cave.
Tour Highlights
✔️ Track elusive snow leopards in one of Mongolia’s most remote wildlife habitats.
✔️ Trek or ride horseback through the rugged Altai Mountains.
✔️ Stay in nomadic-style wilderness camps, immersed in Mongolia’s untouched nature.
✔️ Observe Mongolian Ibex, Argali sheep, and rare high-altitude birds.
✔️ Explore historic battle sites and prehistoric cave art.
✔️ Gain exclusive access to border control areas with special permits.
Itineraries
Day 1: Arrival in Khovd – Journey to Baitag Bogd
- • Fly from Ulaanbaatar to Khovd town, the capital of Khovd province.
- • Enjoy lunch in Khovd, featuring traditional Mongolian cuisine.
- • Drive 380 km through the breathtaking Altai Mountain range towards Bulgan County.
- • Continue toward Baitag Bogd Mountain, a remote borderland area near the Mongolia-China frontier.
- • Set up camp on the banks of the Buduun Khargait River, the site of the 1948 border struggle.
- • Overnight in a wilderness camp, preparing for the wildlife expedition.
Day 2: Wildlife Viewing – Urd Nuruu & Altan Ovoo Peak
- • Begin the day with a horseback or trekking expedition toward Altan Ovoo, the highest peak in the Baitag Bogd area.
- • Move through rocky mountain terrain and open slopes where Mongolian Ibex and Argali sheep may be seen.
- • Reach Urd Nuruu, a high-altitude observation area overlooking snow leopard habitat.
- • Watch for Mongolian Ibex, Argali sheep, raptors, and other high-altitude wildlife moving through the mountain landscape.
- • In the evening, observe Khargaitai Salaa Canyon, a key area where snow leopards are known to hunt.
- • Return to camp for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 3: Wildlife Safari – Uhriin Tolgoi (Cow Head Ridge)
- • Travel to Uhriin Tolgoi, also known as Cow Head Ridge, another important snow leopard observation site in the Baitag Bogd region.
- • Search for fresh signs of snow leopard movement, including tracks, scratch marks, scent-marking areas, and remains of prey animals.
- • Spend time scanning the surrounding slopes and cliffs for snow leopards, ibex, Argali sheep, foxes, wolves, and birds of prey.
- • Enjoy a packed lunch in the wild, surrounded by the stark mountain scenery of the Altai borderlands.
- • Descend through Khargaitai Salaa and return to Buduun Khargait camp.
- • Overnight at the wilderness camp.
Day 4: Explore Tsagaan Burgas Valley – 87th Height Plateau
- • Pack camp gear and relocate deeper into the Baitag Bogd wilderness toward Tsagaan Burgas Valley.
- • Ride south along the eastern ridge of Baitag Bogd Mountain, following open slopes and rocky terrain toward the 87th Height Plateau.
- • Trek through Baga Ulaan Salaa and Ikh Ulaan Salaa canyons, both important corridors for mountain wildlife.
- • Set up a new wilderness camp deep in the valley.
- • Overnight at Tsagaan Burgas Valley Camp.
Day 5: Final Snow Leopard Tracking – Gants Mod
- • Spend the day in Gants Mod, a prime location for snow leopard activity in the region.
- • Monitor known predation sites where snow leopards have been observed moving through livestock and ibex habitat.
- • Continue searching for ibex, Argali sheep, raptors, and other wildlife that share the snow leopard’s mountain environment.
- • Enjoy the final evening in the wild with a farewell campfire dinner under the stars.
- • Overnight at Tsagaan Burgas Valley Camp.
Day 6: Cultural & Historical Exploration – Gurvan Khuukhed Mountain
- • Visit the Three Heroes Monument, dedicated to Mongolian soldiers who defended the border during the 1948 conflict.
- • Travel to Gurvan Khuukhed Mountain, featuring spectacular rock formations and dramatic mountain scenery.
- • Continue through the borderland landscapes of Bulgan County, where mountains, steppe, and desert-edge terrain meet.
- • Drive to Bulgan County for dinner and an overnight stay in a local hotel.
Day 7: Return to Khovd – Visit Gurvan Senkher Cave
- • Drive back toward Khovd town, passing through Bodontchiin Havtsal Canyon.
- • Stop at Ulaan Davaa, one of Mongolia’s highest mountain passes, for views across the Altai landscape.
- • Visit the 15,000-year-old Gurvan Senkher Cave, one of Mongolia’s most important prehistoric rock art sites.
- • Walk through the majestic cave passage and see ancient paintings depicting animals and early human artistic traditions from thousands of years ago.
- • Enjoy a final meal in Khovd before flying back to Ulaanbaatar.
Who Should Go On This Expedition?
This expedition is designed for travellers who want to go beyond the standard Gobi, Terelj, or central Mongolia routes. Ideal for wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, and adventure seekers, offering a once-in-a-lifetime experience in Mongolia’s remote wilderness; tracking snow leopards, Mongolian Ibex, Argali sheep, raptors, and other high-altitude wildlife. Furthermore, the breathtaking mountain landscapes, wildlife, and remote camps make this expedition a must-see for photographers.
Why Choose This Expedition?
- Exclusive Snow Leopard Tracking: Enter remote border control areas with the required local arrangements and permits, accompanied by expert wildlife guides.
- Authentic Nomadic Adventure: Ride on horseback, trek, and camp in the Altai mountains and Mongolian wilderness.
- Rich Biodiversity of the Altai Mountains: Look for Mongolian Ibex, Argali sheep, wolves, foxes, raptors, and other species.
- Historical & Cultural Insights: Explore battle sites, ancient Buddhist landmarks, and prehistoric caves.
- Luxury Meets Wilderness: Stay beside rivers and mountain valleys in well-equipped expedition camps surrounded by open sky, silence, and untouched landscapes.
- Optional Add-Ons
- Professional Wildlife Photographer Guide – Get expert tips on capturing rare snow leopard sightings.
- Snow Leopard Conservation Contribution – Sponsor a tracking collar for research efforts.
What's in the package
What's Included:
- 24/7 In-country emergency support
- Detailed pre-departure summary & briefing
- Health & safety risk assessment
- All accommodation costs
- Full board meals for the entire trip
- All land transportation costs, airport pick-up & drop-off
- All activities listed in the itinerary
- English speaking local guides
What's Excluded:
- Mongolian Tourist visa.
- International flights.
- Meals not included in the itinerary and alcohol.
- Tips and gratuities.
- Expenses of a personal nature (e.g., mini bar, personal telecommunications, laundry, etc.).
- Any activities not included in the itinerary.