The Ikh Nart nature reserve which was placed under protection in 1996, is about an hour’s drive south of Choir and five hours away from Ulaanbaatar. There are two ways to get there from Ulaanbaatar. On an asphalt road that runs parallel to the railway line, it goes to Choir and from there on a slope another 60 kilometers south into the area. Alternatively, you can take the train from Ulaanbaatar to Sainshand and get off in Shiveegobi from where you can take a taxi 50 kilometers south to the northern edge of the area.
Wildlife of Ikh Nart
The reserve is open all year round and there is no admission fee. Gazelles, Argali sheep, wild donkeys, lynxes, foxes, Ibex ibexes and numerous bird species are at home here. A total of 30 mammals and over 100 bird species live here. The Mongolian Academy of Sciences works closely with the Denver Zoological Foundation on research and conservation. The national park has archaeological sites like petroglyphs, monastery ruins, and a sacred Buddhist site. During the Naadam Festival, you can watch exciting horse races that take place here. It’s a thrilling event that you wouldn’t want to miss!
