THE ALTAY SAYAN ECO-REGION – THE LAND OF SNOW LEOPARD Travel itinerary 30 July-8 August, 2018
Altay-Sayan Ecoregion (ASER) located in the center of Eurasia linking together Russia, Mongolia, China and Kazakhstan, lies on of the last remaining areas of practically pristine nature in the world. Encompassing an area the twice the size of France, the ecoregion hosts Snow leopard, Siberian lynx, Saiga antelope and one of the world largest sheep, the Altai argali. The area is also considered as one of the cradles of human origin and an extinct species or subspecies of human in the genus Homo – the Denisovan or Denisova hominin (currently carries the temporary names Homo sp. Altai, or Homo sapiens ssp. Denisova) – was first found in the remote cave in the Russian part of the Altai Mountains. Today, the ASER is a home to diverse ethnic groups that differ in their origins, religions, languages, household traditions, custom and economic activities since the ancient time. OUR TRIP THROUGH THE ASER
The land of Snow leopards will be around 1100 kms over 9 days. The trip will start on 30 July with the arrival in Khovd town of Khovd province and will end on 7 August in Ulaangom town of Uvs province. This programme is only for general guidance and could be tailored to the actual circumstances on the ground.
Trip route map DAY 1 TRIP TO KHUSTAI NATIONAL PARK & 30 July 2018 FLY OUT TO KHOVD CITY (~approximately 5 hours of net driving & 3 hours of flying)
The accompanying team D. Batbold – the Country Representative of WWF Mongolia, B. Chimeddorj – Conservation Director of WWF Mongolia
Key people to meet D. Baigalmaa – the Head of ASER Field Office, O. Munkhtogtokh – Senior Biologist of WWF Mongolia (to be joined at Khovd town) E. Sergelen – Biologist of WWF Mongolia, Ecoclub children from Mankhan soum (county)
Today we will have a full day trip to Khustai National Park located 110 kms to west of the Ulaanbaatar city. This is the very first site where the wild horse (Equus ferus Przewalskii) EVENTS AND – Takhi was re-introduced in 1992. ACTIVITIES We will start driving with WWF and a rental car after the breakfast and enjoy the park until late afternoon. After a nice lunch in Khustai National Park, we will drive to Chinggis Khan International Airport.
The team will fly from Ulaanbaatar to Khovd town, the provincial center of the Khovd province at 21:20 p.m. by Hunnu air flight MR 181. The plane is expected to arrive in Khovd town at 23:30 p.m. local time. The three western provinces and Ulaanbaatar has one hour time difference.
We are spending a night in Khovd hotel ahead of our exciting trip.
The Takhi at Khustai National park DAY 2 SEARCHING FOR SNOW LEOPARD IN 31 July 2018 JARGALANT KHAIRKHAN MOUNTAIN (~150 kms – approximately 4 hours of net driving and 4-5 hours of walking)
The Jargalant khairkhan Mountain range is part of Mongolian Altay Mountain range and serve as a part of the chains of mountain range that connect Snow leopards in the area. The mountain range is good habitat for Snow leopard and its main prey such as ibexes and marmots, however, does not have any protection status.
The accompanying team D. Batbold – the Country Representative of WWF Mongolia, B. Chimeddorj – Conservation Director of WWF Mongolia, O. Munkhtogtokh – Senior Biologist of WWF Mongolia
EVENTS AND After breakfast, the team will start driving in two 4WD cars to the Mankhan soum located at 80 kms south of the Khovd town. We will drive to Bayantumbe Mountain ACTIVITIES located in 4kms to north of the Mankhan soum center. The children from the local school ecoclub will meet us and share their experiences in promoting conservation work, including anti-trap campaign and wildlife monitoring through camera traps.
After meeting with ecoclub children, the team will drive another 70 kms deep into Jargalant khairkhan mountain range to stay overnight at summer camp sites of local herders. A separate tent will be built for your stay.
On this day, we expect to spend a good 3-4 hours in hiking in snow leopard habitats, searching for signs and marks of Snow leopard.
We will visit Snow leopard regular visiting areas and will search for scrapes – bumbaa (made by raking the paw through the dirt so as to create a scrape with a pile of dirt at one end and deposit scent from glands in the feet and sometimes adding scats or urine in scrapes) and other territorial markings. We will also scan with binocular the areas where Snow leopards most frequently visited in the past, including the areas where WWF Mongolia had recorded Snow leopard family of five – mother Snow leopard with four cubs. After returning the tent camp, we will enjoy authentic Mongolian food followed by a brief presentation about next day activity. Tonight we will retreat early after the dinner to get up early in the morning.
Mankhan county school ecoclub children after play about Snow leopard DAY 3 DRIVE TO SAIRKHARIKHAN 01 August 2018 VIA KHOVD TOWN (~300 kms – approximately 6 hours of net driving)
The accompanying team D. Batbold – the Country Representative of WWF Mongolia, B. Chimeddorj – Conservation Director of WWF Mongolia, O. Munkhtogtokh – Senior Biologist of WWF Mongolia
Key people to meet Mr. Esbol – the Head of the local Community Based Organization (CBO) Mr. Janatbek – the Head of local CBO Mr. Oraz – Aksakal ( or Aqsaqal) of the Local Community
EVENTS AND Today we will get up at 5:00 a.m. and will start driving in close by areas to spotlight wild animals. If lucky, we should be able to see some of the common animals like ACTIVITIES wolf, fox, Pallas’cat (manuul cat), hares etc.
By 8:00 a.m. we will come back to the camp site and will have a good breakfast and will start packing to leave for our next destination.
On the way back we will stop for a bird watching at Khar-Us lake. The Lake is one of the 11 RAMSAR sites in Mongolia and considered as an important stopover and breeding ground for migratory birds that use Central Asian and West Asian-East African flyways.
We will have a lunch at Khovd town. From Khovd town we will drive 120 kms and will arrive at Sairkhairkhan Mountain. The Sairkhairkhan-Khatuu mountain range is one of the important Snow leopard habitat that are facing habitat fragmentation of prey species and Snow leopard by regional level road development and it is one of the sites for new project - IRBIS.
At foothills of Sairkhairkhan Mountain, we will stay with Kazakh communities (ethnic minority in Mongolia). WWF Mongolia had worked with these particular local communities during 2015-2017 as a part of the recently ended WWF US programme. We will have a dinner together with local community members led by Messrs. Oraz, Esbol and Janatbek. It is expected that during the dinner, and afterwards, we will learn the challenges the local communities are facing and exchange ideas on improving local communities’ livelihoods while ensuring conservation of Snow leopards and its prey species.
Sairkhairkhan mountain DAY 4 INTRODUCTION OF ONE OF THE SELECTED 02 August 2018 SITES OF SNOW LEOPARD CONSERVATION (~20 kms – approximately 1 hour of net driving and 4-5 hours of walking)
The accompanying team D. Batbold – the Country Representative of WWF Mongolia, B. Chimeddorj – Conservation Director of WWF Mongolia, O. Munkhtogtokh – Senior Biologist of WWF Mongolia
Key people to meet Mr. Esbol – the Head of CBO, Mr. Janatbek – Head of CBO, Mr. Oraz – Aksakal (or Aqsaqal) of the Local Community and project local coordinator in Bayan-Ulgii province (tbc)
EVENTS AND We will have an ample opportunity to watch ibexes in early morning of this day because during the night the animals stay close to human settlement to avoid predators. In ACTIVITIES addition, the camp site is located close enough to the salt march that animals come for licking.
Therefore, everyone are welcome to get up soon after sun rise and do small hiking exercise to watch these marvelous ibexes.
After the breakfast with the local communities, during which we could continue our talk and observations from the morning hiking, we will drive up to the Sairkhairkhan Mountain and then will do some more hiking to areas where, WWF Mongolia trap cameras had taken some amazing recording and photos. A light lunch will be served during the hiking which would allow us continue to enjoy the scenery and have a break from the hiking.
In late afternoon, we will drive back to our camp site and after some refreshment and resting we will enjoy traditional cuisine and performance by the local community members.
Camera trap photo of Snow leopards in Sairkhairkhan Mountain DAY 5 DRIVE TO TURGEN MOUNTAIN 03 August 2018 VIA ULGII TOWN (~280 kms – approximately 8 hours of net driving)
Turgen is part of the Tsagaan Shuvuut-Kharkhiraa Turgen mountain range that form one of the key connectivity area for Snow leopard and its prey with its Russian population. The Tsagaan Shuvuut-Kharkhiraa Turgen Mountains Range is also one of the sites for new project-IRBIS. The rugged mountain terrain of Turgen Mountain is best suited for ibexes and Snow leopards and one of the best filming of Snow leopard in Mongolia was taken in this mountains.
The accompanying team D. Batbold – the Country Representative of WWF Mongolia, B. Chimeddorj – Conservation Director of WWF Mongolia, O. Munkhtogtokh – Senior Biologist of WWF Mongolia
Key people to meet Project local coordinator in Uvs province (tbc).
EVENTS AND Today we will have rather long drive mostly by dirt road. Therefore, after solid breakfast we will start driving towards Ulgii town, the center of the Bayan-Ulgii province using ACTIVITIES the western vertical road line built during the last few years. After Ulgii town, we will leave the paved road and turn eastwards and will drive along Khovd river bank. We will have a lunch in Ulgii city.
We will drive to the summer camp site of local herder communities in “Olon nuur” valley and set up our tent and enjoy the evening after a long day drive.
Turgen Mountain Range DAY 6 04 August 2018 TOUR IN TURGEN MOUNTAIN (~90 kms – approximately 3 hours of net driving and 1-2 hours of walking)
The accompanying team D. Batbold – the Country Representative of WWF Mongolia, B. Chimeddorj – Conservation Director of WWF Mongolia, O. Munkhtogtokh – Senior Biologist of WWF Mongolia
Key people to meet Herders camping in the Olon nuur valley, Local coordinator for Uvs province (tbc) and Mr. Mandakh – ranger of the soum.
Today we rise early and hike to see Saussurea and edelweiss flowers, which is symbol of deep love and devotion. Later, breakfast is in open air and we will visit the local herders settled for summer camp in the valley. We will be discussing with the herders about the challenges and opportunities for conservation of natural resources in the area, especially from the Snow leopard and its prey conservation point of view. Their ongoing and/or past experiences with the Snow leopard conservation programme “Irves Enterprise” will be important for the new programme in defining and fine tuning the “conservation oriented private sector driven initiatives” under the current programme.
After the open discussion with the local herders, we will drive deeper into the mountain and do some hiking to see any visible tracks or markings from Snow leopard and will observe prey density of the area.
In the afternoon, we will drive to Mandakh aarag area of Gulzat Mountain and stay in a tent camp set up by local communities.
Over the dinner, we will meet Mr. Mandakh, a prominent soum ranger. WWF Mongolia had involved him into conservation of argali sheep in the area since 2003. In 1990s, Mr. Mandakh used to be a certified hunter of collective farm and with the collapse of collective farm he became subsistence hunter that often had to do poaching to sustain his family.
Herders’ summer camp in “Olon nuur” valley Mr. Mandakh – Soum ranger DAY 7 TOUR IN MANDAKH AARAG/TSAGAAN GOL 05 August 2018 FOR PHOTOGRAPHING ARGALI RAMS (~80 kms – approximately 3 hours of net driving and 2-3 hours of walking)
The accompanying team D. Batbold – the Country Representative of WWF Mongolia, B. Chimeddorj – Conservation Director of WWF Mongolia, O. Munkhtogtokh – Senior Biologist of WWF Mongolia, Mr. Mandakh – Soum Ranger
Key people to meet Herders camping in the Tsagaan gol valley, Officers from the border troop in Tsagaan gol area.
EVENTS AND This morning we will drive together with Mr. Mandakh around the local protected area under his charge. The Argali sheep population in Gulzat Mountain were estimated as ACTIVITIES low as 160 animals in 2003. Thanks to the WWF intervention and active conservation work of the local communities, the latest population assessment in the area estimated over 3000 animals that move freely between Russia and Mongolia.
We will visit one of the herder families in Tsagaan gol and will listen, over the light lunch, their experiences and challenges in conservation and sustainable management of surrounding natural resources and securing their livelihoods.
In the afternoon, we will visit Border troop in the area and listen their involvement in conservation of wildlife, including their work in removing border fences in critical migration routes.
Tonight we will spend the night in our ger camp.
Argali rams in “Mandakh Aarag” low mountain DAY 8 DRIVE TO TSAGAAN SHUVUUT - 06 August 2018 INTRODUCTION OF ONE OF THE SELECTED SITES OF SNOW LEOPARD CONSERVATION (~50 kms – approximately 2 hours of net driving and 2-3 hours of walking)
The accompanying team D. Batbold – the Country Representative of WWF Mongolia, B. Chimeddorj – Conservation Director of WWF Mongolia, O. Munkhtogtokh – Senior Biologist of WWF Mongolia.
Key people to meet Herders camping in the foothills of Tsagaan Shuvuut Mountain.
EVENTS AND Today we will drive to Tsagaan Shuvuut Mountain which form important connectivity area together with the Tsagaan Shibetu Mountain on the Russian territory. Considering ACTIVITIES the strategic importance of the connecting Snow leopard, Argali sheep and Siberian ibex sub-populations in Russian side, WWF Mongolia has actively supported the establishment of the trans-boundary connectivity area and increased partnership within the Uvs lake trans-boundary biosphere reserve.
We will be visiting herder communities at foothill of Tsagaan Shuvuut Mountain and we will be discussing with the herders about the challenges and opportunities for conservation of natural resources in the area, especially from the trans-boundary collaboration point of view.
After meeting with local communities we will drive deeper into the mountain and do some hiking to see any visible tracks or markings from Snow leopard and will observe the prey density of area. A light lunch will be served during the hiking which would allow us continue to enjoy the scenery and have a break from the hiking.
In late afternoon, we will drive down to foothills and set up our ger camp site and enjoy our last night in Altay Mountains. DAY 9 07 August 2018 FLIGHT BACK TO UB (~110 kms – approximately 2.5 hours of net driving)
The accompanying team D. Batbold – the Country Representative of WWF Mongolia, B. Chimeddorj – Conservation Director of WWF Mongolia, O. Munkhtogtokh – Senior Biologist of WWF Mongolia.
EVENTS AND Today morning we will have a quick breakfast and pack our luggage. Before leaving, we will have a short trip to Kheree lake. We will need drive some 110 kms by dirt road ACTIVITIES and catch our plane that will depart at 18:50 hours. Therefore, we will start driving by 14:00 p.m. and will have quick lunch in Ulaangom town of the Uvs province.
At 13:30 we shall be saying goodbye to our field staff and checking in for our flight to Ulaanbaatar by M084 operated by Hunnu air.
Upon arrival in Ulaanbaatar WWF car will be picking you up and delivering the hotel. DAY 10 ULAANBAATAR 08 August 2018
EVENTS AND Today’s activities will be discussed. ACTIVITIES It could be tailored depending on the circumstances. USEFUL INFORMATION
Weather Visa Mongolia enjoys over 280 sunny days a year. To travel to Mongolia you must need to get a visa. However, because Mongolia has a continental Generally, a Mongolian visa is issued at the Mongolian weather pattern, weather can fluctuate drastically nearest third country. during any given day. We recommend you packing both warm and light clothes and as well as lightweight For more information, please visit below links: raincoat. July and August are usually the hottest • Mongolian Visa Information months of the year for Mongolia. At this time of year, • Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mongolia the average temperature is 24-29 oC daytime and 9-14 oC at night. However, in recent years we are Information about Currency and Payment witnessing very hot day strong fluctuation between Methods day and night temperature. Mongolian national currency is called tugrik and the exchange-rate is about 2,416 tugrik to a US dollar (as Even though it's the hottest time of the year, Mongolia of July 2018). Major currencies can be exchanged experiences an average of 52.3 mm of rainfall during at the hotels and pawnshops, and ATM machines August, spread across 13 days, making it very likely are widely available throughout Ulaanbaatar and you'll experience somekind of railfall at least once provincial centers. Traveler’s checks can be cashed during your trip. at banks and major credit cards are accepted at most places in the capital, but only Mongolian cash Safety is accepted in the countryside. We recommend that Mongolia is devoid of any political, religious and you travel with Mongolian national currency equal ethnic sectarian conflicts and is considered one of to US$100-$200 depending on whether or not you the safest countries in the world for international intend to buy gifts, souvenirs, cashmere, etc. Cash travelers. Additionally, Mongolians are hospitable in the form of the newest possible US$100 bills will people who love to interact with foreigners. usually bring the highest exchange rate.
Food Souvenirs Mongolia’s capital, Ulaanbaatar, hosts an excellent Like any other places, Mongolia offers great collection of fine restaurants of international souvenirs ranging from camel wool sweaters cuisine. In the countryside, however meals tocashmere scarves and traditional wooden puzzle are predominated with meat, especially beef, games and Mongolian musical instruments such as mutton and goat. Meat in Mongolia is excellent in the famedmorinhuur or “horse headed fiddle” in cities that the whole country is essentially “free-range” and towns. terrain. In the camp site, the meals are mostly traditional Mongolian dishes with beef and mutton. In Khovd: There are some shops where you can When you visit a local family you will be offered with buy above mentioned souvenirs. Among them there milk tea and some other milk products. is a small shop that sells products made by local herders who live near Jargalantkhairkhan Mountain Accommodation and other areas, habitat of Snow leopard. There you Newly renovated hotels are located at some of the can find some unique products. If you plan to shop best locations in downtown Ulaanbaatar. They offer for souvenirs, we recommend purchasing locally as comfortable rooms and friendly services. Rooms will many items as possible since your purchases will be be reserved in Ulaanbaatar Hotel. a direct contribution to the local community.
The countryside accommodations are arranged in Travel Insurance both of tents and “ger camps,” which provide authentic With Mongolia stretching over 1.5 million square nomadic felt tents with centralized bathroom and kilometers and its population concentrated in the toilet facilities located nearby. cities, we will be travelling through some remote areas away from good roads and medical facilities. Time difference We strongly recommend that you consider getting Ulaanbaatar city is 1 hour ahead of Khovd and Uvs standard emergency medical evacuation insurance provinces. as a means to protect yourself from unexpected accidents that can happen during any trip. Nothing is better than traveling with peace of mind knowing that you have prepared for the trip. Camp sites in the Baatar Khairkhan Mountain and for protecting equipment like cameras from dust, Mandakh Aarag humidity, and water). Water bottles. Flashlight or Depending on number of guests, we offer gers to headlamp (preferred) with extra batteries and extra accommodate 2-3 people in each ger. Centralized bulb (although the gers have solar power lanterns, shower, wash basins and toilet will be located in a you may need a light at night, so it is useful to bring a separate ger. The toilet is inhouse with sit-down smaller lantern-style flashlight as well). “semi-normal” one and is composted with dry manure and you will be instructed in their use on arrival. There Health and personal supplies are spare gers for kitchen and dining room. • Personal toiletries (biodegradable soaps and shampoos are encouraged). Electricity and internet • Antibacterial wipes or lotion (good for cleaning Nomadic style offers the use of candles in most cases. hands while in the field). However, the gers have solar lamps and there’s • Personal first aid kit (e.g., anti-diarrhea pills, limited power to recharge your electrical items. We antibiotics, antiseptic, itch-relief, pain reliever, have outlets for American and European electronics. bandages, blister covers, etc.) and medications. No internet connection, no mobile network coverage • Sleeping bag will be privied, is available. We are in a complete wilderness. • Mosquito repellent.
Special dietary requirements Caution: Please alert WWF-Mongolia if you have any Felts (sheep wool) are used for warmth in gers. special dietary requirements (e.g. diabetes, lactose If you allergic to this material you should bring intolerance, nut or other serious food allergies) appropriate medication.
Cultural considerations Optional items Mongolians love to give and receive gifts, and you • Camera, film, or memory card(s), extra camera may wish to bring some small items to give. It can battery. be calendars, small flashlights, pocket knives or • 300-400 mm telephoto lenses are the best for tools, small puzzles, playing cards, tea, your own taking any wildlife photos, because wildlife in handmade crafts or trinkets, water bottles, pens or a Mongolia keep distances from humans. bar of chocolate etc. • Hardware for sharing digital photographs at the end of the expedition. WHAT TO BRING • Binoculars (WWF provides with 1-2 spotting scopes) Clothing/footwear • Travel guidebook, book, journal or other things Shorts, long pants/trousers, jacket and gloves. you are interested in for free time. Beanie hat and broad brim hat would need to protect • Small gifts for Mongolian locals (t-shirts, hats your head, neck and face from sun, wind and dust. or calendars featuring your home town etc.) Sun glasses and sun block cream are essential. • Pillow (you may need a road/car pillow). Fleece/jumper/ sweater, windbreaker, sturdy and • Earplugs (very useful if you are a light sleeper). comfortable hiking boots. Light weight wateproof and • Walking poles for hiking (sometimes parts of windproof rain jacket. Light weight, quick- drying, the mountain is rocky with loose rock debris. long-sleeved shirts and pants/trousers are optional. • Distance varies greatly with activity, so travelers can expect some lighter and other Warm sweater and pair of pants are always make more strenuous hiking). comfortable evening chat around campfire. • Goggles or bandanas for dust storms. • Spare batteries. Field supplies • Insulated cup. Small daypack to carry your personal and necessary • Gaiters. items together. Drybag or plastic sealable bags (good