PALLAS’ CAT

DATES: August 8-15, 2027

Cost: $4399, shared room
Single Room Supplement: $199 additional

Embark on an unforgettable adventure to Mongolia’s vast open wilderness in search of the elusive Pallas cat, also known as the manul. This fascinating small wild cat, famed for its cryptic coloration and exceptional camouflage, has long remained a mystery, with little data available on its population trends in Mongolia. Predominantly crepuscular, the Pallas cat is most active during dawn and dusk. Sir David Attenborough aptly described it as “the world’s grumpiest cat.” Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to observe and photograph the enigmatic Pallas cat in its natural habitat.

About the Camp

The basecamp is located in Sukhbaatar Province, 570 km east of Ulaanbaatar, offers an immersive experience in birding and mammal watching, with a special emphasis on observing the elusive Pallas’s cat. The area also provides opportunities to spot corsac foxes, Mongolian gazelles, and a variety of bird species. Enjoy hiking and other outdoor activities while exploring this remarkable region.

Accommodation and Food

Welcome to our eco-friendly ger camp, where you can experience a traditional nomadic lifestyle by staying in a cozy ger. Each ger accommodates three beds and includes bedding layers, blankets, sheets, pillows, and a handwashing sink. Modern conveniences are provided, with electric plugs in each ger powered by two on-site generators. Toilets and showers are located outside the gers, ensuring an authentic yet comfortable stay.

The kitchen and dining ger are separate from the living quarters, offering a dedicated space for meals. Manul Camp is conveniently situated 4 km from Halzan village, providing a stable 4G mobile and internet connection, including Wi-Fi. We use water from a deep well for food preparation, and bottled pure water is provided in the field. A knowledgeable, English-speaking biologist guide will accompany guests throughout their stay. 

Meals:

• Breakfast: Oatmeal, fried eggs, cheese, sausage, bread, and homemade traditional cookies.

• Lunch: A mix of Russian and Mongolian cuisine, including eco-friendly meats (mutton, bacon, and chicken), rice, noodles, vegetables, and salads.

• Dinner: Soups, main dishes, and desserts.

• Beverages: Coca-Cola, coffee, bottled fruit juices.

If you have specific dietary preferences, please let us know in advance. We also cater to vegetarian and vegan diets, offering options like tofu, soy meat, and vegetables.

Experience the charm of Mongolia’s wilderness while enjoying a balance of tradition and comfort at our ger camps.

Itinerary

Day 1 (18th August):

• Pick up in Ulaanbaatar or Ulaanbaatar Airport (UBN) and drive to Manul Camp (500 km on a paved road and 70 km on an unpaved road).

• Overnight stay in a traditional ger camp.

Days 2 – 6 (19th – 23rd August):

Morning Routine:

• Day 2: Begin with birdwatching at water points and ravines. Observe species such as oriental plovers, eagle owls, steppe eagles, and various small birds, or opt for a hiking excursion.

• Day 3: Search for steppe polecats (Mustela eversmanni) and corsac foxes, two sympatric carnivore species that inhabit the steppe zone. Both species are active during the day (diurnal) and at dusk and dawn (crepuscular).

Evening Routine:

• After lunch, embark on Pallas’s cat observation. Visit the spot identified the previous day and continue observing until sunset.

Day 7 (24th August):

• Drive to Ulaanbaatar (500 km on a paved road and 70 km on an unpaved road). Overnight in hotel in Ulaanbaatar.

Day 8 (25th August):

• Departure from Ulaanbaatar Airport (UBN).

  * image courtesy of my guide.