| Ikh Nart Nature Reserve - Argali Sheep of Dornogobi |
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Ikh Nartiin Chuluu Nature Reserve is a community reserve where local people have partnered with the Denver Zoo Foundation, the Mongolian Academy of Sciences and Nomadic Journeys for research and the conservation of the Ikh Nartiin Chuluu Plateau. It is an upland with many rocky outcrops. Often hot and dry, it is an arid Gobi kind of area, only a 4 hours drive southeast from Ulaanbaatar. The unique wildlife feature of Ikh Nart is its approximately 600 argali sheep (Ovis ammon), the largest wild mountain sheep in the world. Although there is no guarantee, they are not that shy here. Also Mongolian gazelle (procapra gutturosa) are frequent visitors and are relatively easy to come across and view. Ikh Nartiin Chuluu, the full name, means, in Mongolian, “Rocks with plenty of sunshine”. The reserve also has a sizeable population of the world's biggest vulture, the black or cinereous vulture (Aegypius monacha), as well as some 200 Siberian ibex (Capra sibirica).
Brief Outline Itinerary Nomadic Journeys operates a seasonal ger camp at Ikh Nart. You travel there southeasterly on the Trans-Mongolian railway line towards Beijing by a slow train (6h20) from Ulaanbaatar. Disembark at Shivee Gobi, the next small station after Choir. Then drive 60 km. Red Rock Ger Camp is located on its own next to the reserve. Ikh Nartiin Chuluu Nature Reserve was established in 1996 as a wildlife reserve as it has intact populations of Gobi fauna. There are plenty of opportunities for wildlife walks and drives. There may be camels for rent. Transfer back to Ulaanbaatar is by fine tarmac road most of the way. Or vice versa. Day 1: To Ikh Nart Day 2-3: Ikh Nart
For two days we will explore the Ikh Nart on foot, trekking through interesting rocky areas and hoping view different kinds of wildlife. There are argali sheep, which are the most likely to be seen, but there is also Siberian ibex (Capra sibirica) and a variety of bird life. Three parallel research projects are being carried out on an on-going basis by Mongolian and foreign scientists. One study is mainly concerned with argali sheep and Siberian ibex. A second is gathering data on small carnivores such as corsac fox (Vulpes corsac), red fox (Vulpes vulpes), badger (Meles meles) and Pallas’ cat (Otocobolus manul), along with lynx (Lynx lynx) and wolves (Canis lupus) when possible. Learning about prey species such as gerbils, jerboas and hedgehogs is also part of this project. For aviafauna there is a third on-going research study of cinereous vultures and lesser kestrels (Falco naumanni). Botanists are also regular visitors to the reserve. Research results will be made available at the ger camp through our guides, as well as directly by Mongolian student researchers. Herders come and go in the Ikh Nart area, as they rely on pastures and sufficient precipitation. Being Gobi herders, they migrate often to find food for their animals and are interesting, hospitable and hardy people.
Day 4: To Ulaanbaatar PracticalitiesTransport: This journey is supported by a jeep or minibus to and from Ikh Nartiin Chuluu Nature Reserve. We use the train to/from Ulaanbaatar every Thursday and jeep/bus every Sunday, as shared transfers. There is a supplement charge to have private transfer on any other day, in which case please just enquire. There is an option to go by train or vehicle both ways.
Includes: All meals outside Ulaanbaatar. All overnights in double occupancy ger. Transfer to and out of camp on scheduled dates. Excludes: Laundry, imported drinks. Arrival and departure transfers and hotel nights in Ulaanbaatar. Children: 1-4 years free. 5-12 years 50%. Transfer out: Transfer back:
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