Gun-Galuut Nature Reserve

Gun-Galuut packs several habitats into a small area: steppe, the Kherlen river and its marshes, lakes and the rocky Baits mountain, and that mix supports a species list well beyond what its size suggests. Argali sheep, the largest wild sheep in the world, live on the rocky ground and are more reliably seen here than in most places; the wetlands hold white-naped and demoiselle cranes, swan geese and hooded cranes among some two hundred and fifty bird species; and Siberian marmots are everywhere on the grassland. The reserve is community-managed with local herders involved in protection, and a ger camp provides accommodation. Being only a few hours from Ulaanbaatar, it works as a short trip for people who want wildlife and steppe without committing to a long journey west or south.

What you actually see

• Argali sheep - the world's largest wild sheep on the rocky ground.
• Cranes and waterbirds - white-naped and demoiselle cranes in the wetlands.
• The Kherlen river - marsh and river habitat through the reserve.
• Steppe and marmots - open grassland with dense marmot colonies.

When to go

May to September; cranes arrive in spring and breed through summer. Argali are visible year-round but the roads are hard in winter. Early morning and evening are best for both birds and sheep.

Honest expectations

The reserve is small and the accommodation is essentially one ger camp, which must be booked. Argali sightings need patience and binoculars. Tracks are rough. It is a quiet place with no facilities beyond the camp, which is the appeal for some and dull for others.

Nearby

Ulaanbaatar lies west; Khentii province and the Genghis Khan sites are northeast.