Few nature travellers venture to Mongolia in autumn. On this journey, the word silence takes on an entirely new meaning. With no sounds but the whisper of the wind and the distant calls of birds overhead, you cross vast steppes and towering mountains, scanning the horizon for the rare and remarkable mammals that inhabit the wild heart of Central Asia.

From wolves to snow leopards to Mongolian saigas

We begin this nature journey through Mongolia in Khustai, the perfect place to ease into the wilderness. Here, we search for wapiti, Przewalski’s horses, and wolves… an inspiring introduction to the landscapes and wildlife that await.

Next, the challenge intensifies. In western Mongolia, we set our sights on truly legendary species: the elusive snow leopard and the Mongolian saiga, a rare antelope of the steppe. Neither is easy to find, but this journey offers a genuine opportunity to encounter both. And anyone familiar with STARLING knows exactly what “genuine” means to us. Highly recommended.

In the east, our focus shifts to the remarkable pallas’s cat. Guided by a local scientist who has dedicated years to studying this enigmatic species, we benefit from unparalleled knowledge of its behaviour, habitat, and daily rhythms. Thanks to this expertise, our chances of seeing the pallas’s cat are exceptionally high.

This will be an unforgettable and truly adventurous journey. Throughout the trip, we stay in a ger camp set up exclusively for our group. These traditional round tents—warm, comfortable, and perfectly adapted to the landscape—have been the home of Mongolian nomads for thousands of years. On some nights, we will also stay with local families, offering a rare glimpse into everyday life on the steppe. The itinerary has been specially designed for STARLING and involves an impressive logistical operation, with a fully mobile tent camp moving across remote regions. You will be among the very first European travellers to explore this area in autumn. We are fully prepared. Every detail has been carefully planned to ensure that, as a participant, you can enjoy a comfortable, safe, and seamless expedition, even in one of the most remote corners of the world.

…and, of course, spectacular birds!

We immerse ourselves completely in everything the landscape has to offer. Our carefully chosen locations—Khustai National Park, the Khentii Mountains, and the Altai Mountains—are prime habitats for Mongolia’s iconic mammals and an impressive diversity of birdlife. Our local guide is a true bird specialist, and the STARLING guide brings extensive experience with both the region and its species.

Autumn is an exceptional time for birding. We aim to observe as many migratory species as possible as they escape the approaching Siberian winter: Siberian accentor, red-flanked bluetails, thrushes, and many more.

The open steppe comes alive with vast flocks of resident species such as Mongolian larks and père david’s snowfinches, while birds of prey, including saker falcons, upland buzzards, and cinereous (monk) vultures, are never far away, patrolling their territories high above the plains.

Nature trip to Mongolia with a dream team of guides

The idea for this journey was born during a spring visit to Mongolia by STARLING guide Geert Beckers. There, he was introduced to an exceptional local team: a mammal researcher and a bird specialist, who shared just how extraordinary Mongolia becomes in autumn. The wilder the idea, the more determined we are to make it happen. In 2018, we carried out an in-depth reconnaissance trip, during which we successfully observed snow leopards and several pallas’s cats. These encounters confirmed the potential of this little-explored season and region. Today, we are proud to present a truly pioneering nature journey, led by a carefully selected team of specialists who have prepared every detail with precision and care. This dream team is dedicated to delivering a remarkable, comfortable, and safe expedition, ensuring every participant can fully immerse themselves in the wild beauty of Mongolia.