East Gobi & Khan Khentii

MONGOLIA | EAST GOBI & KHAN KHENTII

Your journey begins leaving the capital on a local train south on the Trans-Siberian Railway. Watch the scenery change gradually from lush green lands to arid steppes as you enter the Gobi—where you will disembark at a local station that seems to be in the middle of nowhere! From there, a jeep ride will take you to your exclusive ger camp in the Ikh Nart Nature Reserve.

The nature reserve is home to an estimated 500-700 Argali Sheep (Ovis ammon) and 100-200 Siberian Ibex (Capra sibirica). Though it is not guaranteed, there is a very good chance of seeing both species. You spend the days looking for wildlife as well as exploring the history and archaeology of the reserve—whistling arrows were quite recently found embedded in the rocks. With ancient graves and petroglyphs, its rich and unique landscape has incredible stories to tell. From here, you set out with camel carts on a 8-10 kilometer walk through the wilderness to a fixed Ger Camp, where you can meet other travellers with plenty of amazing stories to share.

You will leave the Gobi on a plane that will take off from a private airfield for a 2-hour flight northwards (alternatively, you could take a 7-hour drive by Cesna Caravan) to the Khan Khentii Wilderness. This is a protected area of Taiga forest and mountains that extend up to Siberia. The southern edge of the Khentii transitions from steppe to forest, creating a beautiful landscape of wildflower meadows, larch and birch woodlands.

JOURNEY HIGHLIGHTS

Stay in a private ger camp set up just for you amongst the rocky plateau of Ikh Nart. Meaning "home" in Mongolian, the ger is one of the most ancient forms of accommodation for Mongolians. The dwelling is a strong, solid structure made to endure even the bitterest winters.

Ger camps are disassembled, packed on to camel carts and hiked on to the next site. Stemming from nomadic traditions, these unique contructions are famous for being both solid in structure yet quite easily stripped, packed and transported to move with the families. Set off on foot to your next camp and get acquainted with local wildlife. Allow your naturalist to give you insight into the habits of your surroundings and how to track animals like the ibex and argali sheep.

Known as one of the most densely forested ecoregions in the world, the Siberian Taiga is abundant in beautiful lakes and thick trees. The waters are teeming with fish and are a popular fishing spot for locals. Winters are cold and dry but as temperatures rise, the area becomes a verdant green, and later in the year a warm autumn orange. With our belongings thrown onto the yak carts, we are at liberty to roam through these lush surroundings and admire the striking views.

River Rafting along the Tuul River. Hop into a raft and let the gentle current of the Tuul river take you alongisde the beautiful meadows. With an oar handy, some light manoeuvring across half-submerged rocks may be needed on this otherwise tranquil ride. If the weather is warm enough, you may even be tempted to take a dip in the cool river water, which can be followed by a session in a sauna ger.

Mountain hiking on horseback. The Khentii Mountains are studded with wild larch and birch forests. Rivers flow down broad steppe valleys past wooded meadows with broad-leaf forests-an absolute indulgence for the senses. This strictly protected area was established in December 1993 and covers most of the Khan Khentii wilderness, stretching all the way up to the Russian-Siberian frontier. On horseback is a wonderful way to explore it.

Trek on foot or on camel back to spot the local wildlife like argali sheep and ibex. Climb above the prehistoric-looking, flat-topped rocks and through this semi-arid nature reserve. Your naturalist accompanies you to clue you in on the what to expect and what to look out for. A lot of this depends on luck! Perhaps it has rained the day before and left the soil more humid, or you have crossed the animals upwind. Expect an adventure.

ACCOMMODATION

These are a selection of lodges that we feel combine well for this journey. However we do also have a range of options to consider in each region, and can tailor them to you preference.

Jalman Meadows Ger Camp

Remotely located in the uppermost parts of the Tuul River Valley—and a three hours' drive northeast of Ulaanbaatar—is Jalman Meadows Ger Camp. It is a beautiful pasture located within the strictly protected area of Khan Khentii, which extends all the way up to the Russian-Siberian frontier, and shelters much of Mongolia's true wilderness. This area comprises the transition of steppe to the boreal forests of the southermost reaches of Siberia. This is a fixed camp with dinner, library and shower tents. Electricty is available here.