Mongolia holds some of Asia's most intact ecosystems. Here are the 15 species our guests most commonly see, where to see each, and what makes each special.
Tsetsegmaa Dorj
Herds of up to 2,000 on the eastern steppe. Fast, shy, photogenic. Best May-June.
The world's largest wild sheep. 120 kg rams with massive curling horns. Altai and Khangai, at 2,500-3,500 m.
Mountain goat specialist. Steep cliffs, leaping bounds. Altai, Khangai.
The eagle hunters' partner. 2-metre wingspan. Altai in winter, everywhere year-round.
Mongolia's national bird. Fast, beautiful, endangered. Eastern steppe.
Huge bone-eating vulture. Altai, Khangai, cliffs only. Extraordinary sighting.
Huge black vulture, widespread. Often seen on the carcass trail.
Migratory, breeds across Mongolia April-September. Graceful, widespread.
Everywhere, rarely seen. Heard at night at ger camps. Healthy population, no restrictions.
Siberian forest margins. Khentii, Khuvsgul, Altai. Larger than European red deer.
Forest deer with fangs (not antlers). Khentii and Khuvsgul. Elusive.
Two rarer species. Ibex in central Gobi cliffs. Gobi bear on the Great Gobi A reserve, 15 individuals remain, expedition only.
The ghost. Altai and Khangai. See our dedicated guide.
Siberian subspecies. Khentii forests, rarely seen. Occasionally crosses into Terelj.
The only true wild horse on earth. Hustai National Park near UB. Reintroduced from Prague Zoo stock in 1992.
For gazelle and Saker: eastern steppe. For Altai wildlife (argali, ibex, snow leopard): our February winter expedition. For Takhi: Hustai NP day trip from UB. For general wildlife with decent odds: our 12-day Wildlife Circuit.