WILDLIFE SAFARIS
The Quest for Snow Leopards of Mongolia
Dates: Feb 3-20, May 1-18 & June 2-19; Oct 3-20, 2025
TRIP SUMMARY
With an estimated global population of only 4,500-6000 snow leopards are among the world’s most endangered big cats. Mongolia, boasting one of the largest populations (1,000-1,500 individuals) and offering unparalleled access, invites you to venture into the remote, snow-capped peaks of Western Mongolia’s Altai Mountains. Join us on a two-week quest to track these elusive predators.
This extraordinary expedition offers a unique chance to witness one of the world’s most awe-inspiring predators in its natural habitat. Join experienced park rangers, utilize advanced camera trapping techniques, and explore the rugged terrain, actively searching for signs of these magnificent cats. Encounter the iconic Argali sheep and Ibex. Breathtaking landscapes define this remarkable region, within which you will be immersed.
This is an adventure for those seeking an authentic wilderness experience, a chance to witness the raw beauty of Mongolia’s Altai, and to contribute to the preservation of the majestic snow leopard.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT…
- Active participation in tracking snow leopards with experienced park rangers.Learning about the challenges facing snow leopards and their ecosystems.
- Enjoy hiking in some of the most scenic trails in Mongolia while learning about birds, flowers and geology
- Exceptional opportunities for wildlife and landscape photography.
- Enjoy a private tour at the Wild Horse park with a leading local biologist
- Enjoy meeting with nomads and exploring the nomadic culture of Mongolia.
THIS TRIP IS PERFECT FOR…
- Those passionate about big cats and endangered species.
- Individuals with a strong interest in wildlife tracking and observation.
- Those who enjoy challenging outdoor experiences and remote travel.
- Those who want to take once in a lifetime photos of rare wildlife and stunning landscapes.
- People wanting to travel to locations that are not common tourist locations.
MAP & ITINERARY
Upon arrival, meet your guide and transfer to your hotel. Built as a ger capital over 350 years ago, the modern day Ulaanbaatar is surrounded by white ger districts around it. After resting in your hotel room, we will enjoy a brief city tour including of Zaisan Hill where you can get a magnificent bird’s eye view of the city. In the evening, we will enjoy a traditional Mongolian performance featuring the “throat” or khoomii singing which also features dancer girls with colorful traditional Mongolian clothes. We will then enjoy a welcome dinner at a fine local restaurant. Later, we will go and Overnight at hotel. (Hotel Shangri La or similar; B, L, D)
Today, we will fly to the western most part of Mongolia. We will meet our local crew and after a quick stop at a local market, begin driving to the Altai mountains where our camp site is located. Enjoy dinner and overnight in tents or gers. (Field camp; B, L, D)
In the morning, we will hear a brief introduction on the region’s conservation projects for snow leopard and other rare species. We will set out each day to one of the frequently sited valleys in search of the elusive cat. Packed lunch will be provided and we will enjoy dinner at the base camp by a warm fire site. Overnight in tents or gers. (Tent camp; B, L, D)
In the morning, transfer back to the local town for our return flight back to Ulaanbaatar and transfer to your hotel located in the downtown. The rest of the afternoon is free for resting at your hotel. Dinner is independent.
(Hotel Shangri La or similar; B, L, D)
In the morning, drive to the Hustai National Park, to spot the takhi wild horses in their natural habitat with a chance to photograph them. After lunch, spend the afternoon exploring the park’s various sites before returning back to Ulaanbaatar. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. (Hotel Shangri La or similar; B, L, D)
Explore Ulaanbaatar, visiting the National History Museum and Gandan Monastery, followed by a traditional music and dance performance in the evening, and enjoy a farewell dinner. (Hotel Shangri La or similar; B, L, D)
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for departure. (B)
PRICING
- Land transportation using a 4×4 van and land cruisers; A
- ccommodation in standard rooms at hotel and standard ger camps throughout;
- Expedition style tents, sleeping bags and mats;
- Airport arrival & departure transfers;
- All meals indicated as B, L or D;
- All entrance fees as indicated in the itinerary;
- Camel and horse riding fees; Mongolian ornithologist or a study leader;
- English speaking guide throughout your stay with local knowledge and experience;
- One soda per person per meal;
- Supply of bottled water per person per day based on consumption.
- International and domestic airfares;
- Personal laundry;
- Drinks not mentioned in the itinerary;
- Travel insurance;
- Medical evacuation costs;
- Excess baggage charges;
- Visa fees;
- Gratuities;
- Photography and video fees;
- Any other item not mentioned as included.
PHOTOS & REVIEWS
We spent almost two amazing weeks traveling from Ulaanbaatar to the Snow Leopard Trust research center in the Tost Mountains of the South Gobi desert to experience what is involved in collaring and tracking snow leopards and their prey and seeing how the herders are helping to protect these endangered cats. We also visited the Hustai National Park, museums and Buddhist monasteries and enjoyed shopping and a terrific music show in the capital. Badral, our Mongolia Quest guide, was fabulous.
