Explore Mongolia’s Untamed Wilderness at Ikh Nart Nature Reserve
Argali in Ikh Nart Nature Reserve
"Argali" is the Mongolian word for “RAM,” and this species is the largest wild sheep on Earth — an icon of the Central Asian highlands.
Established in 1996, Ikh Nart—meaning “Great Sunny Rocks”—lies at the transition zone between the dry steppe and desert steppe of Mongolia. These habitats harbor the greatest number densities of large animals. Particularly good places for viewing wildlife in Ikh Nart include the valleys with perennial source of water (springs) and areas with steeper rocky outcrops. In addition, during spring (late April – early June) and autumn (August – early October) migrations, a diverse array of bird species stop-over at the Ikh Nart. The reserve spans 666 km² and is home to hundreds (from 800 to 1000<) of Argali sheep (Ovis ammon) making it one of the largest remaining populations in Mongolia. Ikh Nart provides unique opportunities to view Argali regularly and from relatively close distance.
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See more detailsFig.1. The location of Ikh Nart Nature Reserve, Mongolia (Credit: Schneider et al. 2016)
What Makes Ikh Nart Special?
- Home to 500–1,000 Argali sheep, one of Mongolia’s largest remaining populations.
- Excellent chances to view wildlife up close, especially in the valleys with perennial springs, steep rocky slopes, and marmot colonies.
- Ideal birdwatching during migration seasons: late April–early June & August–early October.
- Unique rutting season experience in October–November, where male Argali and Ibex engage in spectacular horn clashes
Wildlife & Nature Experience. Besides Argali sheep, Ikh Nart is home to:
- Siberian Ibex (Capra sibirica)
- Goitered & Mongolian Gazelle
- Cinereous Vulture (Aegypius monachus)
- Saker Falcon (Falco cherrug)
- 33 species of mammals, 200+ species of birds, 7 reptiles, and over 220 plant species
Whether you’re trekking, photographing, or quietly observing from a distance, Ikh Nart delivers unforgettable wildlife encounters.
Step into the Past: Archeological Treasures. Ikh Nart isn’t just about wildlife. It’s also a site of rich cultural and historical significance:
- Over 5,000 archaeological sites have been identified within the reserve
- Ancient remains from the Bronze Age, Xiongnu (Hunnu), Turkic, Kitan, and Mongol Empire periods
- Traces of Buddhist religious structures and ancient residential zones
Walking through Ikh Nart is like stepping into a living museum of Mongolia’s vast and layered history.
The best travel seasons are October – November (during Argali rutting season for rare wildlife displays). Custom tours are available upon request. We offer both group trips (4–6 people) and private tours (1–3 people). If you have any questions or special requests, please don’t hesitate to contact us at [email protected].
| 2026 Departures | Group Size Limit | Availability | Cost |
| October | 6 | Spaces |
5 days from $1000 |
| November | 6 | Spaces |
5 days from $1000 |
Underground Adventures. Enhance your journey with a visit to:
- Tsagaandel Cave – Mongolia’s longest cave and secrets beneath the surface
- Sharkhanan Cave – Bat hibernation and a vital part of our natural heritage
Located just 30–50 km from the reserve. These caves add a mysterious twist to your adventure.
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Tour Packages & Booking
We offer a range of customizable tours:1) Private expeditions (1-3 people)
2) Group tours (4-9 people)
Contact us now to get your personalized quote and tour details.