Mongolia 2025 - $1000 deposit/person

Tour Price/person*: $7395

Deposit: $1000
Final Payment Due Via Check or ACH: 9 April 2025

*Based on double occupancy at lodgings, with a group size of a minimum of 4 to maximum of 8 registrants. Group also includes guide(s) and driver(s). If less than 4 registrants, trip may be cancelled or re-negotiated.

The tour price (fee) includes services from upon arrival on Day 1 into Chinggis Khaan International Airport (UBN) until our return there on Day 16, including:

·      All meals from dinner on Day 1 through breakfast on Day 16.

·      All accommodations from Day 1 through until Day 16. Single supplements are typically not available at the Ger Camps where we spend the bulk of our time on this trip. The camping is comfortable, especially considering the remote location. Yurts are shared by 2 guests. (See image below).

·      All transport from arrival into the UBN on Day 1 through to Day 16, until guests are transported back to UBN (usually mid to late afternoon).

·      Domestic flight between Ulaanbaatar and Khovd, return

·      All guiding services, access permits and entrance fees to mammal watching and birding areas.

·      Tips for drivers and staff at hotels and restaurants.

Excluded from your tour fee are:

·      International flights. (We can advise you on best times for your flights, but Hillstar does not book flights or arrange air travel).

·      Excess luggage on domestic flights (only 10 kg check in and 5 kg hand luggage is included)

·      Alcoholic beverages, laundry services, charges for phone calls, and any other items of a personal nature.

·      Expenses associated with travel such as insurance, visa fees, airport taxes, airline baggage fees, COVID tests, vaccinations, etc.

Documents

All travelers must have a current passport, valid for six months beyond the start date of this tour, with at least one blank page for visas. A visa is not required of US citizens entering Mongolia.

Cancellation Policy

If a guest/participant cancels registration:

●      120 days or more prior to the start of the tour, a refund is issued minus a $500/person processing fee.

●      Between 119 and 90 days prior to the start of the tour, half of the tour fee will be returned to the registrant.

●      89 days or less prior to departure, no refund of payments or deposits are issued.

The team at Hillstar Nature reserves the right to refuse service to any registrant/participant who acts disruptive, routinely disrespectful, or in a manner inconsistent with the goals of the company. All guests are expected to comply with the rules and agenda set forth by the guide(s) of the tour, and to behave in a way that is considerate and conducive to a quality group experience.

Please contact us if you have any questions about if a tour is a good fit for your goals and/or level of fitness.

Pace, Rigor, Climate & Pests

· Moderate pace with some long drives. We use a fleet of 4-wheel drive vehicles.  Walking is slow and steady for mostly, although there may a few optional strenuous uphill walks at moderate elevation while in the Altais. 

· Apart from our nights in Ulaanbaatar we stay in ger (yurt) camps.  The yurts are comfortable and warm.  Generally there will be shared bathroom facilities and there may or may not be a shower operating in the Snow Leopard Ger camp.

· Cuisine is a bit different in Mongolia to what most travelers are used to, especially in regards to lack of vegetables.  However we will be traveling with our own chef who specializes in making western food so expect tasty meals throughout. Vegetarian diets can be accommodated.

· Reasonably pleasant weather at this time of year.  Expect highs to about 80 F and lows to about 40 F at night. We do not anticipate accessing areas much above 8,000 feet.

· Expect a few mosquitoes but generally not too bad.

The main focus of our tour is to attempt to see two cat species: Snow Leopard and Pallas’ Cat.  This involves a lot of scanning (much of it by our expert guides/trackers) and the best times are near dawn and dusk. While our chances of seeing the two species are reasonably good, both are shy, so sightings may be distant.  You may wish to bring your own spotting scope and tripod, such that you can enjoy lengthier views if and when an animal is spotted.  We will attempt to close the distance if possible, but these animals tend to keep their distance.  While the cats are our main focus, we also spend time looking for some of the other fantastic mammals here and may do some night-driving.  Much of the birding in these areas is incidental, yet it is very much worthwhile and we visit a few wetlands, primarily to see the birds there.

Expect to be out early and back late, but often with some down-time at camp in the middle of the day.  Sunrise is around 6 am and sunset around 8 pm.  While at the Snow Leopard camp we have the option of being in the field with our trackers or relaxing/birding around camp, awaiting radio calls to alert us of any cat activity.

Weather is typically pleasant at this time of year, and this is one of the reasons we are doing the trip at this season. Expect daytime highs of 80F and nighttime lows down to about 40F.  Bear in mind that in many cases we will be standing around scanning at some length, so layers and a windproof outer shell are highly recommended.  Neutral colors are best for clothing. Sunscreen, hat and sunglasses are good for time spent in prolonged sun.  We don’t expect much rain in these arid areas but it is a possibility.  We will spend most of our time between 4000-8000 feet above sea level, which isn’t really high enough for the air to thin too much for low-landers. Biting insects are not usually a nuisance but do come prepared for a few mosquitoes.

Packing

Please limit yourself to one mid-size suitcase/duffel and another smaller bag (daypack, small backpack, etc.) for daily outings. Group travel dictates we consider our fellow traveler’s comfort, and this includes not over-packing. Please note that included in your domestic flight is only 10 kg check in and 5 kg hand held.  Additional weight will need to be purchased but is at a reasonable rate.  While temperatures will not be extreme, please be prepared for standing around in moderately chilly weather especially during our early mornings in the Altai.   A windbreaker is recommended and a sturdy pair of hiking shoes will be a necessity.