Bordzongobi Wildlife

^{8 Days / 7 Nights}

Itinerary (Dalanzadgad - Bordzon Mountain - Gobi - Gurvansaikhan Mountains - Gobi - Ulaanbaatar)

Some areas of the Gobi are, very arid shingle steppes and completely devoid of human habitation. This is where rare Gobi wildlife is able to survive. Bordzongobi lies near the Chinese border, and harbor herds of Wild Asses (khulan) and Gazelle. In the Bordzon mountain Argali sheep and Siberian Ibex is to be found. Certainly also the elusive Snow Leopard.

Brief Outline Itinerary
A cook and all provisions will be carried. Jeep or a minibus will be used for the transportation of the Gobi steppes.

Day 1 : Fly to Dalanzadgad
A.m. Fly by scheduled flight to Dalanzadgad, the center town of South Gobi province. Lunch at the hotel and depart by bus over the desert steppe to the Nomgon area. South Gobi is the least populated part of Mongolia, and neighbors are far apart. Pitch camp somewhere on the way. Overnight in tents.

Day 2 : To Bordzon Mountain
Continued drive and for lunch time arrive in this remote mountain area, and camp by the ruins of a monastery, sacked during the purges of the 1930s. There are rock paintings from the period of the Huns in this area, as well as small caves where the monks used to meditate. Evening hike in the area.

Day 3 : Bordzon Mountain
Full day hike in the mountains. The option exists to stay back around camp and make small hikes from there.

Day 4 Bordzongobi
Drive south and suddenly the mountains gives way for the uninhabited desert zone. Gazelle may have been seen previously, but now you will also be able to see the Wild Asses (Equus hemionus) slowly driving through the Bordzongobi desert. Provided the migration pattern of the species have not changed you will see small herds of wild asses. Some 2000 Khulans however make this arid plain their home. Mongolia is one of a few other places on Earth where the ass still roams wild. Drive to Gurvansaikhan National Park and overnight in gers.

Day 5 : Gobi
Visit the famous site of Bayanzaag where fossilized dinosaur bones have been unearthed. Gazelle may be seen on the way. Return to the ger camp.

Day 6 : Gurvansaikhan Mountains
Full day visit to Yol Valley. Yol means Lammergeier in Mongolian. The elevation of the mountains is some 2300 meters above sealevel and the surrounding Gobi steppes are around 900 meters. Gurvansaikhan Mountains is an extension of the Altais that stretch out into the Gobi. There is alpine flora here, and rose finch may be heard and seen. There is certainly a lot of Ibexes. In the shaded ravine, there is permanent ice and snow. Above, several pairs of Lammergeiers nest and the rare Wallcreeper (Tichodroma muraria) is mostly seen at close range. Anyone that can climb the ridges may be able to see the Altai Snowcock (Tetraogallus altaica). Return to the Gurvansaikhan Ger Camp.

Day 7 : Gobi
This day is a buffer day in anticipation of unexpected encounters of wildlife or people, which often is the case.

Day 8 : Fly to Ulaanbaatar
In the morning depart for town. You will spend an hour or two exploring the town, and having lunch at the hotel. The flight will depart Ulaanbaatar. Overnight in a hotel.

PRACTICALITIES :

TRANSPORT : This journey is supported by a jeep or minibus on the Gobi road tracks.

STAFF : A Mongolian English speaking local guide will accompany the group at all times. A cook will follow and prepare all meals whilst camping. Plus one driver.

OVERNIGHTS : Tents and mattresses will be provided for the camping nights. You need to bring your own sleeping bag. The gers have 3-4 bed sin each, and they are furnished with beds, stools and a table. A portable camping shower will be provided