Few places on the planet remain as open and untrammeled as Mongolia. Under a blue bowl of sky, wild Takhi horses—an ancient equine known as the Przewalski's horse—graze on grass that stretches to the horizon, sharing the landscape with wapiti deer, gazelle and Mongolian wolves. In the eastern Gobi steppe, Argali sheep and Siberian ibex roam while raptors glide overhead. Far to the west, the Altai Mountains rise where Mongolia, China, Russia and Kazakhstan meet. On this genuine adventure, search for wildlife among alpine tundra, granite cliffs and glacier-fed river valleys, and learn about Mongolia's enduring cultures as we meet Kazakh and Mongol nomads who live as they have for centuries.
Trip Highlights
Track Wolves & Wild Takhi Horses in Hustai National Park
From our camp on the edge of the national park's Core Zone, search for native wildlife with exclusive access to areas not open to the public
Strategic Internal Flights Maximize Time in Nature
Carefully chosen flights, including private charters, seamlessly link our three distinct eco-regions, offering more time in the wild rather than in transit
Stay in Nomadic Style at Traditional Ger Camps
Experience centuries-old Mongolian culture at ger camps offering comfortable accommodations in felted yurt-style suites inspired by classic nomad dwellings
Why Choose Nat Hab?
The Ultimate Encounter with Mongolian Nature & Nomadic Culture
Mongolia is an entrancing destination for adventurous travelers keen on discovering the unique and less-discovered. From its 5,000-year-old nomadic herding culture to its 800-year veneration of Genghis Khan, its human history is remarkable—but its natural features may hold even more allure for the nature traveler. Here's what you'll find on Nat Hab's distinctive adventure:
A Unique Itinerary That's Ours Alone
We have meticulously researched, scouted and arranged this itinerary to highlight rare experiences in nature, a conservation focus, and authentic interactions with local people. When you explore Mongolia with Nat Hab, you'll find a more intimate, personal encounter with its cultures and wild creatures.Experience Three Contrasting Biomes
A biome is a large geographic region defined by its climate, vegetation and wildlife, and our itinerary encompasses three that contrast dramatically: the mountain steppe of Hustai National Park, a region of high-altitude grasslands; the Eastern Gobi steppe, an arid realm of rocky desert and shrublands; and the Altai Mountains of western Mongolia, where we find conifer forests, and alpine meadow and tundra.Exclusive Access to the Inner Sector of Hustai National Park
From our private mobile ger camp located in the national park buffer zone, bordering the core zone that is typically limited only to researchers, we have been granted special permission to access to this area of Hustai that is off-limits to regular tourists. This means virtually private wildlife viewing, and a greater chance to see more species deep within the park.Track Gray Wolves with a Local Biologist Researcher
Through our local connections, we have made special arrangements to join a wolf biologist in a quest to view gray wolves. We’ve timed our departures for the very best time of year to see them, and with our high-powered spotting scopes, our odds are very good for sightings.Authentic Encounters with Two Nomadic Cultures
Nomadic herding culture in Mongolia dates back 5,000 years, although it is now in decline due to a complex mix of environmental, economic and social factors. The number of nomadic or semi-nomadic Mongolians still numbers around 40%, though, and we learn about this traditional way of life during visits with two different nomad families, one Mongol and one Kazakh. While they share similarities, including living in portable, round felt dwellings called gers, they differ in language, religion and other cultural aspects.Travel with Just 10 Guests
Our small group ensures a more rewarding and enlightening experience. You'll explore with no more than 10 travelers, with our Expedition Leader at the helm throughout, plus an expert local guide in each of our three main locations.Internal Flights, Including Private Charters, Maximize Your Time in Nature
Mongolia is vast and largely undeveloped. Only recently was an international highway connecting Mongolia with Russia and China completed to facilitate trade, and there is still no paved road that crosses Mongolia from west to east. Overland travel is typically rugged and slow. That’s why we’ve included strategic flights, including two private charters, to avoid long hours of rough driving—giving you more time for what you came for, exploring Mongolian nature.Intimate Nomadic-Style Accommodations in Remote Locations
Exuding centuries of heritage, our traditional ger camps reflect authentic Mongol and Kazakh design and decor, with essential modern comforts, from en suite self-contained mobile port-a-potties to hot showers and hearty meals. Get a taste of rustic nomad-style life while being assured of the amenities you need. One of the three ger camps we use is private for Nat Hab guests alone.Search for Native Wildlife at Optimal Times
We choose accommodations for their proximity to nature, and we arrange our schedule to be out there when wildlife is most active. This means some very early mornings, but we think you’ll agree it’s worth it. And we slot in downtime so you can rest and recoup from your sunrise outings.Travel with Peerless Expedition Leaders
Our Nat Hab Expedition Leaders are outstanding naturalist guides who are passionate about Mongolia, its history, nature and wildlife. In addition, you’ll travel with a local Mongolian guide at each of our primary destinations—ensuring a rich mix of scientific knowledge, insight from a local perspective, and attentive personal service. Our Expedition Leaders also have the benefit of additional training and resources from WWF's renowned scientists and researchers. See Expedition Leader bios and traveler comments regarding the quality of our leaders.Our Quality-Value Guarantee Ensures Your Outstanding Mongolia Adventure
With Nat Hab, you receive our exclusive guarantee that clearly states that we will meet the high expectations we set forth in our promotional materials. To our knowledge, this is the most ambitious guarantee made by any adventure travel company. Read our important promise.Feel Good About Your Carbon-Neutral Journey
We care deeply about our planet, as we know you do. When you travel with us, the carbon emissions from your trip are 100% offset—including your round-trip flights from home. Natural Habitat Adventures has been the world’s first carbon-neutral travel company since 2007.Natural Habitat Adventures Is WWF's Travel Partner
Because of our commitment to environmentally friendly travel, as well as the exceptional quality of our small-group nature adventures, World Wildlife Fund, the world’s leading environmental conservation organization, has named Natural Habitat Adventures its worldwide travel partner—a designation that makes us exceedingly proud!
