Mongolian Conservation And Research Expedition | Mongolia Wildlife Conservation Tour | Tailor Made | 12 Days
Embark on an extraordinary adventure in Mongolia’s Dorngobi region, where you’ll join forces with the Association Goviin Khulan to explore the untamed southeastern Gobi, protect the endangered Mongolian Khulan, and become part of a grassroots movement preserving the region’s culture, wildlife, and landscapes.
Embark on a transformative journey into Mongolia’s Dorngobi region on an adventure that transcends the ordinary and supports the preservation of Mongolia’s natural heritage. Join forces with the Association Goviin Khulan NGO to explore the heart of the lesser explored southeastern Gobi while actively contributing to the conservation of the endangered Mongolian Khulan and its natural habitat.
This isn’t just a tour—it’s a dynamic alliance with a passionate ethologist working with protected area rangers and local communities, a grassroots movement working to safeguard the Khulan and the regions in which it lives. Be part of a multidisciplinary and forward-thinking approach that respects the region’s needs, acknowledges its challenges, and embraces its culture.
Take action now, and be a catalyst for positive change. Your participation matters—join us in shaping a future where nature thrives and communities flourish.
Interested? Please email or send a message through WhatsApp for the full itinerary details. Price details are below.
- Duration – 12 Days – Adaptable – length or season<
- Maximum Group Size – we prefer 6 as it helps manage our impact but we will increase it for private trips
- Accommodation – Local hotel, rural family operated ger camp, wild camping
- This is a customisable trip. It is adaptable, giving you the freedom to build a unique and personal trip for your chosen date. Upgrade your accommodation for all – or just part – of your trip, slow down the pace with few extra nights here and there or add a few more active adventures along the way. All images used throughout this document were taken either by EL guests or members of the EL team. This is the Mongolia that you will also experience.
- Book With Confidence (see below)
Mongolia sits at the crossroads of the Central Asian steppes, the Siberian taiga (forest region), and the Gobi Desert and hosts a range of globally significant biodiversity within its boundaries. We have always looked to see where our support can have the most impact and the Mongolian Khulan (Equus hemionus hemionus) is one of the 5 recognised sub-species of the Asiatic Wild Ass and represents the largest population of this species in the world. As a result, Mongolia is a very important place for the conservation of this species due to having the densest distribution of Khulan in the world.
But, while a lot of tourism conservation or wildlife experiences in Mongolia often prioritise iconic species like the snow leopard and Takhi horses, the Mongolian Khulan remains at risk, its existence threatened by human settlements encroaching upon its habitat, resource extraction such as mining, and the resulting degradation of its natural grazing lands. The Trans-Mongolian railway, roads, and mining-related barriers further restrict the Khulan’s movements, exacerbating its plight.
Internationally recognized as ‘Endangered’ by the IUCN Red List and classified as ‘Very Rare’ and ‘Endangered’ in the Mongolian Red Book of Mammals, the Mongolian Khulan stands at a critical juncture. Join us on a journey that transcends sightseeing—an expedition dedicated to conservation, striving to safeguard the future of this magnificent species and its fragile ecosystem.
Our Mongolian Conservation and Research Expedition has been put together between EL and Anne-Camille Souris – an ethologist and a member of the SSC/IUCN Equid Specialist Group since 2007. As president and research manager of the Association Goviin Khulan, Anne-Camille has been studying the Mongolian Khulan since 2004. She first conducted research on this sub-species in the southwest Gobi during the summer 2004. In 2006 she then started research and conservation work on the populations that occur in the south and southeast Gobi where there was less work towards the conservation of this endangered species. In 2007, she co-founded the Association Goviin Khulan to enhance protection of the endangered Mongolian Khulan. This trip will either be led by Anne-Camille or one of her research associates.
- A group size of a maximum of six has been set in order to limit negative impacts on wildlife and its habitat.
- It is very important to consider the needs and difficulties of the local population that share the same habitat as the wildlife and to involve the population ensures the long term success of a conservation program. The itinerary has been created and designed by Association Goviin Khulan – making sure to create local benefits for Mongolia’s wildlife and people such as contributing to community development in the areas where the project is conducted. For example, in the training of local guides and rangers supported by the Association Goviin Khulan.
- A financial donation per person will be made by Eternal Landscapes to Association Goviin Khulan. This financial donation will help Association Goviin Khulan to conduct new research field trips, buy additional technical equipment for their research team and local partners (park rangers and citizen conservationists who work with them) and print new educational materials.
- Each guest will receive a copy of Anne-Camille’s conservation book The Lost Khulan of The Gobi with its beautiful illustrations by the Mongolian artist Zolbootulguldur O. The funds of this book go back into conservation education carried out by AGK in Mongolia.
- Data collected will be used in the continued protection of Gobi wildlife. This range of data will include use of water sources by Mongolian khulans/wild asses and by other species (wild and domestic), the watering behaviour of the Mongolian Khulan, nature of interactions between khulans/wild asses, wild and domestic fauna and human activities at and in the surroundings of water sources, illegal activities occurring in our study area and the biodiversity of our study area.
- We are in the process of measuring the carbon footprint of each experience we offer and balancing the footprint through the Mongolian Nomad Carbon Project. We wanted a high-standard project local to Mongolia where the local community had a positive say in the scheme and its impact. It’s the first project of its kind in Mongolia – https://www.eternal-landscapes.co.uk/climate-action-plan/
Explore More: Connected Stories On Our Blog
Khamariin Khiid Monastery in Dorngobi Aimag – Mongolia’s East Gobi – is also considered an energy centre.
Learn more about the work of Association Goviin Khulan and also their hopes for conservation in Mongolia.
Discover what Mongolia’s Great Gobi Six are and their importance for the health of the Gobi
Read more about Mongolia’s mighty Gobi Desert
Read our guidelines on how you can help to protect Mongolia’s wildlife and wild spaces.
Mongolian Conservation And Research Expedition | The Small Details
- For all of our trips we offer a sliding price scale. We appreciate your holiday funds are precious and so the more people that book so the price comes down and everyone benefits.
- If you are travelling with children, let us know their ages as we do offer free experiences for children under 15 excluding certain costs.
Group Size – Minimum of two or pay a surcharge | We prefer a maximum group size of 6 as it helps manage our impact but we will increase it for private trips
- Final group size of 2 guests: USD 4430 pp
- Final group size of 3-4 guests: USD 3835 pp
- Final group size of 5 guests: USD 3450 pp
- Final group size of 6 guests: USD 3075 pp
Where Does Your Payment Go?
We understand that budget is a personal consideration, and everyone has different preferences. Our rates may be higher compared to some other agencies, not because we position ourselves as a luxury tour operator, but due to our commitment to a form of tourism that is fair and equitable. By limiting our operations to around 150-200 travelers annually, we focus on delivering personalized and meaningful journeys rather than generic tick-list experiences.
- Commitment to Mongolia: We are a registered Mongolian business, contributing to the local economy through taxes, employment, and social security payments. Your tour payment stays within Mongolia, supporting local initiatives and fostering economic growth.
- Empowering Employment Opportunities: We offer long-term employment to individuals often overlooked by other tour companies. Our team includes female Mongolian trip assistants who break barriers in the tourism industry, paving the way for other women to flourish in tourism-related roles. Similarly, we employ older, traditional male drivers, addressing high unemployment rates and supporting extended families within Mongolia. Learn more about our initiatives: Empowering Mongolian Women and Supporting Male Drivers.
- Community and Herding Family Support: Our trips are designed to benefit Mongolian herding families and local communities that we have formed long-term local community partnerships with without disrupting their lives or work. Our sustained support helps these families face the challenges posed by climate change. Discover more: About Us.
- Climate Emergency Advocacy: As members of Tourism Declares A Climate Emergency and signatories of the Glasgow Declaration, we are committed to finding solutions to the climate crisis. We pioneer regenerative tourism practices that minimize our carbon footprint and contribute positively to our planet’s well-being. Learn about our climate initiatives: Climate Emergency.
- All meals outside of the city of Ulaanbaatar. Mainly prepared and cooked by your local team so they are fresh and it means we offer more flexibility for any dietary requirements. We also provide filtered drinking water (not bottled), tea, and coffee.
- In Ulaanbaatar: local lunch and welcome drink on city walking tour
- Local team of English-speaking female Mongolian trip assistant and Mongolian male driver
- All overland transportation throughout the trip (+ fuel)
- Each vehicle has a charger for cameras and phones
- Free (informal and relaxed) city walking tour of Ulaanbaatar
- Transportation to and from the airport on arrival and departure days
- All activities mentioned PLUS any activities offered including
- Camel or horseback rides
- Entrance fees to monasteries, temples, and museums (when with local team) – excludes camera tickets
- Festival tickets if a festival is highlighted in the itinerary
- International airfare to and from Mongolia
- Accommodation in Ulaanbaatar
* Our trip pricing excludes the price of accommodation in UB though. Why? Everyone is different is the standard of accommodation they prefer at the start and end of a trip. As there is now such a variety of hotels in UB it is easier to exclude this cost. I provide a list of ideas covering varying standards and budgets and I can also help with booking. There’s everything from a homestay through to Airbnb, US$10 guesthouses and the Shangri-La!
- Domestic flight where/if applicable
*If you are travelling by domestic flight, the schedule and cost of the domestic flights have not yet been determined by the Mongolian airlines. Once you have booked this trip, you will be notified directly by us as soon as that info becomes available. Reservations and payment arrangements for any domestic flight will be coordinated by us.
- Passport and visa fees
Let us know your nationality at the time of booking and we’ll confirm whether you need to apply for a Mongolian visa. It is a relatively easy process depending on your nationality and we can help with some of the formalities.
- Travel insurance (mandatory)
- Gratuities
*Each member of the local team receives a responsible but fair salary and none have to rely on receiving gratuities to supplement their income. In addition, we make sure that everyone who works with us or helps us is fairly rewarded for their work and the service they provide. At the end of the tour, if you wish to make a gratuity to the local team then thank you – it is not compulsory but it is appreciated when given. If you would like to provide a tip, a tip for the drivers would be roughly equal to what you would give to the tour guides – anything from $20 (USD) per member of staff (driver & tour guide) is a good minimum guide.
Take a look at our comprehensive FAQ section – https://www.eternal-landscapes.co.uk/mongolia-faqs/
We are members of Tourism Declares A Climate Emergency and a signatory of The Glasgow Declaration which requires us to publish an annual Climate Action Plan. It also means we have essentially signed up to work towards halving our emissions by 2030 and reaching Net Zero as soon as possible before 2050. We must report publicly on an annual basis on progress against our interim and long-term targets, as well as on actions being taken. We do this in our Climate Action Plan linked above.
One of the five pathways defined in the Glasgow Declaration is ‘measure’ and we have started the process of measuring the carbon footprint of our tours.
- We wanted an accurate footprint analysis whilst also keeping the process manageable and achievable. Of the limited carbon calculators available to small tourism companies with a restricted budget we have signed up with the carbon calculator tool Carmacal – specifically designed for tour operators and the 2017 winner of the UNWTO Award for Innovation in Research and Technology.
- However, there are limitations with this online tool in the fact that – like most online carbon calculators – you can only measure transport and accommodation and a few very specific activities. But, the main contributors to carbon footprints are food, consumption, transportation, and energy, and all are heavily utilised during a tourism experience.
- As a result, Jess has been working with postgraduate student Kelly Hirschbuehler from the Responsible Tourism Management Postgraduate Course of Leeds Beckett University in the UK – the only responsible tourism management MSc certified by the UNWTO – looking at how we can measure the carbon emissions of meals on tour as well as the carbon footprint of our office as well as certain tour activities.
- Using the calculations provided by Kelly in her research project we can now better calculate – not perfectly but still better – the overall carbon footprint of each trip we run.
We then balance the footprint for each tour by purchasing Plan Vivo Foundation carbon certificates which are used to support the Plan Vivo Mongolian Nomad Project – working in partnership with the Mongolian Society of Range Management.
It’s not perfect, but it is a start. After all, you can’t manage what you don’t measure, and the way we measure the carbon footprint of our tours is manageable and achievable for us – a very small business with limited finance and resources.
We will be publishing the carbon footprint for each tour on each specific tour page but this will take a little time.
