Nestled between Russia and China, Mongolia is a magnificent country that has preserved its environment. While renowned for its steppes and the dreams of escape and adventure it inspires, it is equally celebrated for its abundant wild fauna. If you're passionate about animals, here's a list of the 10 best places to observe wildlife in Mongolia.

The Gobi Desert

Located in the south of the country, the Gobi Desert is an essential destination for discovering unique wildlife during a trip to Mongolia. This vast expanse of sand is home to rare animals that have adapted to the desert's extreme living conditions. For example, ibex, argali sheep, snow leopards, beavers and birds of prey share the mountainous territories. The plains, meanwhile, are home to the white gazelle, the black-tailed antelope, and extremely rare species such as the wild camel and the Gobi bear.

Bayankhongor Province

Bayankhongor Province, located in southwestern Mongolia, is also a place not to be missed for discovering the richness of the country's wildlife. The distinctive feature of this region is that it is home to a large population of marmots, badgers, lynx, wild sheep, ibex, white antelope, and black-tailed antelope. You can also find donkeys, camels and wild horses.

Arkhangai Province

Located in the heart of the Khangai mountain range, Arkhangai Province is also among the places to prioritize for discovering Mongolia's wildlife. Indeed, many animals inhabit the province, including black ibex, wild sheep, snow leopards, lynx and musk deer. You will also find bears in the mountains, marmots and foxes.

Bayan-Ölgii Province

Bayan-Ölgii Province, located at the far west of Mongolia, is also a must-visit for lovers of Mongolian wildlife. This region welcomes wild sheep, ibex and snow leopards in the heights of the Altai mountain range. On the lower slopes, you'll find marmots and foxes. Bears, lynx and squirrels inhabit the forests.

Dundgovi Province

Located in the central east of the country, 240 km from the capital, Dundgovi Province is a must-visit to discover animals such as wild sheep, ibex, antelope and black-tailed antelope, marmot, fox, lynx, wildcat, badger and hare. This region is also home to many bird species, including eagles, swans, kites, great bustards, etc.

Yoliin Am Canyon

Located approximately 60 km southwest of Dalanzadgad, in the Züün Saikhan mountains, Yoliin Am Canyon is not only one of Mongolia's most beautiful places, but also ranks among the must-see destinations for observing rare animals. If you're lucky, during your trip to Mongolia, you may spot Siberian ibex, argali sheep or lammergeiers. Snow leopards and other predators also occupy the Yol Valley region, but you'll need immense patience to hope to catch sight of them.

Golden Mountains of the Altai

The Golden Mountains of the Altai form a significant nature reserve comprising the Altai and Katun reserves. Inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list since 1998, this vast reserve is home to numerous endangered animal species such as the snow leopard, the Altai argali, and the snow leopard.

Gün Galuut Nature Reserve

Located at the intersection of three major southern provinces—Dornod aimag, Umnugovi aimag and Dornogovi aimag—the Gün Galuut Nature Reserve spans a small territory of 20,000 hectares. Designated as a protected area, the reserve is home to numerous wild species threatened with extinction. Certain areas of the park are off-limits to tourists in order to preserve the environment. Its various geological formations allow it to welcome animals such as wild sheep, Siberian white crane, white-naped crane, hooded crane, red falcon, monk vulture and swan goose.

Khustai Nuruu Nature Reserve

The Khustai Nuruu Nature Reserve, located 90 km southwest of Ulaanbaatar, is also among the must-see places to admire animals in Mongolia. Indeed, 44 species of mammals are recorded there, including red deer, Mongolian gazelle, roe deer, grey wolf, lynx and red fox. The park is also home to 217 bird species, including the golden eagle, lammergeier, great bustard, whooper swan, black stork, and partridge.