Yumchin Batkhuu

“As a guide,” said Yumchin, “my heart swells with joy witnessing the tears of awe streaming down the faces of guests upon their first view of snow leopards and other creatures they’ve dreamt of encountering their entire lives. For many, it’s a sublime experience, a moment that transcends imagination and stands at the pinnacle of awe-inspiring moments.”

For Yumchin, wildlife observation and photography aren’t just a pastime – they are a lifelong passion. “The snow leopard, my cherished muse, has been the catalyst for a transformative journey over five years. Every glimpse of these elusive cats sends shivers down my spine.

“In the presence of the snow leopards, boredom is an alien concept. These magnificent cats have not only become the subject of my lens but also the teachers of patience and adaptability, virtues crucial in navigating life’s challenges.”

Yumchin’s calling transcends personal enrichment. He dedicates much of his time to sharing the wonder of nature with others and he actively contributes to the conservation of wildlife for the well-being of future generations. “In guiding wildlife enthusiasts from around the world,” Yumchin explained, “I find immense joy in weaving shared experiences into a tapestry of unforgettable adventures.”

What keeps him up at night? Yumchin didn’t hesitate. “The thrill of leaving for the next adventure, for sure. My passion for exploration keeps the fire burning around the clock!”

There’s nothing Yumchin enjoys more than introducing first-time visitors to Mongolia. “I am delighted to extend an invitation to you for an exploration of one of the last untamed frontiers on Earth. Find yourself in the natural harmonies of Mongolia, where we will do our best to provide unparalleled service and comfort that make you feel right at home!”

Bayanmunkh (Bina) Dashnyam

From a young age, Bina has taken an interest in wildlife. Having been born and raised in a nomadic family in western Mongolia, Bina helped his parents herd their livestock in an environment where children learn to ride a horse starting at the age of three. His early exposure to the great outdoors brought Bina into close contact with a range of wild animals including argali wild sheep, Siberian ibex, grey wolf, and Pallas’s cat. It also sparked an enduring passion for birding, with some of his earliest sighting being majestic raptors such as the bearded vulture, golden eagle, and Eurasian eagle-owl.

“I was fortunate to sustain my youthful enthusiasm for all things wild, and turn it into what is now my profession as a biologist,” said Bina. “In fact, I wrote my master’s thesis on the subject of wind farm impacts on birds here in Mongolia and compiled a range of mitigation recommendations.” What does Bina get up to beyond his professional career? Not surprisingly, he is an avid birder and enthusiastic wildlife
photographer.

“My biggest thrill, Bina added, “is to share my knowledge with the birders and wildlife watchers who come to explore Mongolia with Yumchin and myself. We love our jobs!” Bina leads wildlife tours throughout the country, but naturally he has a soft spot for western Mongolia, where he hails from. It remains a special place for him and he visits it regularly, enjoying the wildlife and nature at least once a year.

His passion for disseminating knowledge on wildlife and nature prompted Bina to establish – he is the cofounder – the Mur Wildlife Awareness Project. The organization has produced several short documentaries on some iconic species including Takhi wild horse, Mongolian gazelle, and of course – snow leopards.

Snow leopard and Pallas’ Cat tour

We still have a couple of spots open on our November 2024 Mongolian wildlife expedition. The main thrust of our trip will be to find and photograph snow leopards and Pallas’ cats. Beyond that, Mongolia is a land of amazing landscapes and beautiful people. It has a reputation for being easy to photograph and for being so beautiful that even amateurs can take stunning and spectacular photos. We will learn more about Mongolia’s fascinating history and its very special wildlife, and soak up the atmosphere of this ‘last wilderness of the world’. An enormous, landlocked country – larger than the combined areas of Germany, France and Spain – with a population of barely three million. Second on the list of least densely populated countries in the world, behind Greenland, and ahead of Namibia, which we visited last November.

If you’d like to join our small group on what promises to be an extraordinary journey, give us a call at 1 800 513-5222 or email Bert at bert@fisheaglesafaris.com for more details, including the trip itinerary.