Dornod Mongolia steppe

Thankfully, authorities have been convinced that the area's fragile environment and endangered fauna and flora need to be conserved. Dornod is currently the base of a multi-million dollar environmental protection project, which is researching everything from fires to field mice in an attempt to protect one of the world's last undisturbed grasslands.

Three large Strictly Protected Areas (SPA) were established in the aimag in 1992: Dornod Mongol (570,374 hectares). Holds one of the last great plain ecosystems on earth, protecting seas of feather grass steppe and 70% of Mongolia 's white-tailed gazelle, which roam in herds of up to 20,000.

Nomrog (311,205 hectares). An unpopulated area, which contains rare species of moose, cranes, otter, and bears. Ecologically distinct from the rest of Mongolia, the area takes in the transition zone from the Eastern Mongolian steppe to the mountains and forest of Manchuria. It is proposed that the park expand eastwards.

Mongol Daguur (103,016 hectares). The reserve is divided into two parts; the northern half is hill steppe and wetland bordering on Russia 's Tarij Nuur and Daurski Reserve, protecting endemic species like the Daurian hedgehog; the southern area along the Uuiz Gol protects white-naped crane (Tsen Togoruu) and other endangered birds. The area is part of a one-million-hectare international reserve, linking the Siberian taiga with the Inner Asian steppe.

Things you can do:

• Visiting nomadic family
• Horse riding
• Hiking
• Bird watching