Pallas Cat Photography Tour in Mongolia
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About the Tour
Join our Pallas Cat Photography Tour in Mongolia and photograph one of the world’s most elusive and charismatic wild cats in the vast eastern steppes.
Also known as the manul, the Pallas’s cat is a small wild feline perfectly adapted to Mongolia’s open grasslands, rocky areas, and remote steppe ecosystems. This expedition is designed for wildlife photographers who want a rare opportunity to observe and photograph Pallas’s cats in their natural habitat with the support of expert local trackers and experienced photography guides.
During the tour, we will focus on carefully identified Pallas’s cat territories while also looking for other steppe wildlife such as corsac fox, steppe polecat, raptors, cranes, and other birds of the Mongolian grasslands. The itinerary combines long field sessions, ethical wildlife observation, traditional ger accommodation, and a small-group structure created specifically for photographers.
Date
June 23rd – July 1st, 2027
Activity level
Easy
Available spaces
1
Itinerary
Day 1 | June 23: Arrival in Ulaanbaatar
Arrival in Ulaanbaatar. Overnight at hotel in the city.
Arrival Airport:
Ulaanbaatar International Airport (UBN) – Chinggis Khaan International Airport
Hotel: Kempinski
Day 2 | June 24: To the Steppes
Drive to Manul Camp (600 km paved + 70 km dirt road), we will drive 7 hours, aprox. Overnight in traditional ger.
Hotel: Manul camp
Day 3-7 | June 25-29: Pallas cat
Morning: search for steppe polecat and corsac fox—both diurnal and crepuscular.
Afternoon: Pallas’s cat observation from previously identified locations.
Hotel: Manul camp
Day 8 | June 30: Drive back to Ulaanbaatar
Drive back to Ulaanbaatar. Overnight at hotel.
Hotel: Kempinski
Day 9 | July 1: Departure day
International flight home.
Departure Airport:
Ulaanbaatar International Airport (UBN) – Chinggis Khaan International Airport
Tour Highlights
– Small-group Pallas cat photography expedition in Mongolia.
– Focused on wild Pallas’s cats, also known as manuls.
– Field support from expert local trackers.
– Photography-focused itinerary with long field sessions.
– Traditional ger accommodation in the Mongolian steppes.
– Opportunities for corsac fox, steppe polecat, raptors and steppe birds.
– Designed for ethical wildlife observation and photography.
– Easy activity level with vehicle-based access to the field areas.
Featured sightings
USD 4,920 P.P.
Included
-
Accommodations (shared hotel rooms in Ulaanbaatar and gers in camp)
- Meals (All meals at the camp)
- Expert photographer guide.
- Pallas cat trackers.
- Apply supplement for single room (+ USD 500)
Not included
- National and International air tickets and airport taxes.
- Lunch and dinner in Ulaanbaatar.
- Additional nights.
- Alcoholic beverages, snacks and beverages that are not part of the meals.
- Laundry service.
- Personal expenses.
- Travel insurance (we recommend having one).
- Tips.
- Any other service not specified in the document.
General tips
Why Mongolia Is One of the Best Places to Photograph Pallas’s Cats
Mongolia is one of the best destinations in the world to search for and photograph wild Pallas’s cats. The country’s vast steppe landscapes provide ideal habitat for this secretive small cat, which is naturally difficult to find due to its excellent camouflage, low profile, and elusive behavior.
Our expedition is based in Sukhbaatar Province, in eastern Mongolia, approximately 570 km from Ulaanbaatar. This region offers open steppe habitat, remote landscapes, and experienced local knowledge that greatly improves the chances of finding and photographing Pallas’s cats responsibly.
Photographic equipment
Recommended Camera Gear for Pallas Cat Photography
- For Pallas cat photography in Mongolia, we recommend a telephoto zoom or prime lens in the 400–600mm range. A 100–500mm, 200–600mm, 180–600mm, 500mm or 600mm lens is ideal for most situations.
- A second camera body with a shorter lens, such as a 70–200mm or 100–400mm, can be useful for environmental images, steppe landscapes, camp life, and wider wildlife scenes.
- We also recommend bringing extra batteries, battery chargers, memory cards, a rain cover, a cleaning kit, a tripod or monopod, and a universal plug adapter. Early mornings and evenings can be cold and windy, so gloves that allow camera control are also useful.
Clothing
Clothing Recommendations
I recommend wearing dark or neutral-colored clothing (black, dark green, brown, dark gray, etc.) to help you blend into the surroundings.
Please avoid bright or highly contrasting colors.
If you bring a rain jacket, windbreaker, or waterproof shell, try to choose one made from quiet fabric that does not produce excessive noise when moving, as silence is very important while photographing wildlife.
Weather
We will be traveling during the summer, so conditions are generally dry and pleasant.
Early mornings and evenings can be quite chilly, with temperatures around 8°C (46°F).
During the day, especially under the sun, temperatures can rise to approximately 24°C (75°F).
I recommend bringing a warm jacket or fleece, as it can become windy and feel much colder, particularly during our early morning and evening sessions in the field.
Dressing in layers is the best option, allowing you to stay comfortable as temperatures change throughout the day.
tour leader
At Photo Wildlife Tours, we ensure that we work with the best local guides—experts in species identification, photography, and customer service. Our guides are carefully selected for their extensive knowledge and experience, guaranteeing a unique, educational, and memorable experience.
We also promote an ethic of respect and kindness toward animals, ensuring that all our tours are conducted responsibly and with environmental awareness.
With us, you can trust that you will be accompanied by professionals committed to quality, conservation, and the full enjoyment of nature.
