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
Of the estimated 5,000 left snow leopards left in the world today, scientists have recorded the largest numbers in China and Mongolia, of which the latter has the easiest access both politically and logistically. These big cats have been protected in Mongolia since 1972. There are now over 30 different mountainous locations where these beautiful yet elusive cats, with an estimated population ranging from 1,000-1,500 individuals. Many different species of mammals will be encountered during the trip such as the Argali sheep and wild goat, the Ibex. Estimated travel time is little over 2 weeks. During the trip, you will visit the high peaks of Altai Mountains and the low ranges of the great Gobi basins, both of which will offer unparalleled exploration of the most astonishing ecosystems of Mongolia. Participants can set up camera traps or simply follow the local park rangers and follow the footsteps of these elusive but magnificent cats.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT…
- Travel through Mongolia’s vast grassland and the steppe, learning about their ecosystem and searching for the wildlife
- Enjoy hiking in some of the most scenic trails in Mongolia while learning about birds, flowers and geology
- Visit the Gobi desert and ride two-humped Mongolain camels on the sand dunes
- Visit the habitat area of the elusive snowleopards in the Altai Mountains
- 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…
- Travelers interested in exploring Mongolia’s vast grasslands and steppes, learning about their ecosystem, and searching for wildlife.
- Hikers who enjoy scenic trails and want to learn about birds, flowers, and geology.
- Adventurers eager to visit the Gobi Desert and ride two-humped Mongolian camels on the sand dunes.
- Wildlife enthusiasts keen to visit the habitat area of elusive snow leopards in the Altai Mountains.
- Nature lovers looking for a private tour of the Wild Horse Park with a leading local biologist.
- Cultural explorers interested in meeting nomads and experiencing the nomadic culture of Mongolia.
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.
