Taiga forest: Taiga, also known as boreal forest (mostly in North America) is a biome characterized by coniferous forests consisting mostly of pines, spruces and larches. It is the world's largest land biome, making up 24% of the world's forest cover.

The largest area being in Canada and Russia, 3/5 of the taiga extension is in Eurasia. Mongolia’s northern part is covered by approximately 11 million ha of taiga forest which forms the southern extension of the Siberian taiga forest. The biggest chunk of taiga in Mongolia is called Khentii Mountains (northeastern Mongolia), where the Siberian forest belt borders the Central Asian expansive steppe grassland, represent a unique and greatly untouched ecosystem.

The mountainous areas of Terelj national park is located at the southern end of Khentii Mountains will be our key destination. It is covered mostly in larch, pine and birch forests, narrow valleys and green meadows bisected by wild, rugged rivers.

The typical taiga resident bird species include impressive Black-billed capercaillie and intricately patterned Hazel grouse, Northern Goshawk, Siberian Jay, Brandt’s Jay, Spotted Nutracker, Siberian Tit and several species of woodpeckers such as White-backed, Grey-headed, Eurasian Three-toed and Lesser Spotted, as well as the regal Black woodpecker.

Hustai national park: Hustai National park, situated in a beautiful mountain steppe ecosystem comprised of gently rolling hills, open grasslands and patches of birch forest. The main attraction of the national park is the herds of Przewalski’s Horses, or “Takhi” as they are called by the local Mongolians. At one time extinct in the wild (in Mongolia, the last wild Przewalski's horses had been seen in 1966), it has been reintroduced from various European zoos to its native habitat in Mongolia at 3 different locations since 1992. As being the first site of the reintroduction of takhi, Khustai national park hosts almost 400 wild horses currently.

In this biodiversity rich reserve, our first mammals of the trip will be Altai wapiti, Corsac fox, Mongolian marmot and adorable little Daurian pikas. Array of raptor species such as Cinereous vulture, Himalayan griffon, Golden and Steppe eagle, Saker and Amur falcon, Lesser kestrel and Upland buzzard are seen soaring high in the sky or feasting on dead livestock. Also, other bird species such as Daurian partridge, Meadow bunting, Mongolian lark and Asian short-toed Lark occur all year round here.

We have our best chance to encountering wild wolves (Mongolian wolf) in this park. Furthermore, the park hosts small population of Argali, Siberian Ibex and Mongolian gazelle.

Ikh Nart Nature reserve: Ikh Nart is a nature reserve located in the East Gobi Province of Mongolia. Established in 1996, Ikh Nart covers an area of about 66,000 hectares of grassland and semi-desert steppe environments and harbors the largest populations of Argali Sheep and Siberian Ibex in the country.

Eastern Steppe: Highly undisturbed and intact dry steppe ecosystem situated in south eastern Mongolia hosts an array of species including Pallas’s cat. In Eastern Mongolia we will be accommodated in a pre-set-up camp surrounded by breathtaking expansive open space. During these days in this true wilderness we unlikely to see other people except for our camp staff and your mammal guide who will be helping us to observe this cute fluffy feline which we expect to see on more than one occasion.

Accommodation: During entire tour our guests will be accommodated in Ger camps specially set up for the trip. Gers are the traditional round shaped, portable, felt dwellings in which Mongolians have lived for thousands of years. These ger camps are similar to motels and are spacious and cozy, often heated by wood or coal fires. Each ger has twin beds, bedding consisting of blankets, sheets, pillow and duvet. Washing and toilet facilities at these camps are basic but do consist of separate toilet and shower buildings. There will be a separate dining Ger with table and chairs.