Demanding
Mount Khuiten Climbing Tour in Mongolia
Climbing tours in Mongolia. Mountaineering in Altai mountains with Mongolia Expeditions.
View tour
Price on request
Snow Leopard Research Expedition
In Search of the Ghost of the Mountains
Tour description
Travel into the remote mountains of Western Mongolia in search of the snow leopard, one of the world's most elusive big cats. This eight-day photography expedition takes us to the Jargalant Khairkhan Mountains in Altai Mountain Range, an important habitat for snow leopards and other mountain wildlife.
Accompanied by experienced local wildlife trackers, we spend four full days searching for snow leopards, examining tracks and territorial markings, and scanning rocky ridges and remote valleys with binoculars and spotting scopes.
Our expeditions operate from December to early March. Each month offers different winter conditions and wildlife behavior. January to early March overlaps with the snow leopard mating season, when increased movement, scent marking and vocal activity may create additional opportunities for observation.
Along the way, we may encounter Siberian ibex, argali sheep, birds of prey and other wildlife. The snow-covered mountains also provide excellent opportunities for winter landscape photography.
We stay in a traditional heated ger camp, supported by local trackers and an experienced expedition team. Daily activities are flexible and adapted to weather conditions, recent wildlife movements and information from our local guides.
Best Time for Snow Leopard research
Our expeditions operate on selected dates from December to early March. Each month offers different winter conditions, snow leopard behavior and photography opportunities.
December — Early Winter Tracking
Snow leopards continue hunting and marking their territories. Snow-covered landscapes offer opportunities for tracking and winter wildlife photography. Daylight is shortest at this time of year.
January — Beginning of the Mating Season
The breeding season begins, and territorial activity and movements may increase. January is typically one of the coldest months, requiring careful preparation for extended observation.
February — Mating Season
February falls within the snow leopard breeding season. Pairs may occasionally travel together, while scent marking and vocal communication become important aspects of their behavior.
Early March – Longer Days
Early March brings longer daylight hours, providing more time for wildlife observation and photography. The snow leopard mating season may still be underway, while snow-covered mountain landscapes offer excellent opportunities for winter photography. Cold temperatures and challenging mountain conditions can continue during this period.
Tour highlights
- Four Full Days of Snow Leopard Tracking: Explore remote valleys and rocky mountain slopes in search of wild snow leopards.
- Winter Mating Season: January to early March offers opportunities to observe breeding-season movements and territorial behavior.
- Experienced Local Wildlife Trackers: Work with local specialists familiar with the mountain terrain and snow leopard activity.
- Wildlife Photography: Opportunities to photograph snow leopards, Siberian ibex, argali sheep and birds of prey.
- Spectacular Winter Landscapes: Capture the snow-covered ridges, valleys and dramatic scenery of the Mongolian Altai.
- Small-Group Expedition: Travel with a small group, flexible daily observation plans and a dedicated local support team.
- Traditional Ger Camp: Experience Mongolian hospitality while staying close to the wildlife observation areas.
- Responsible Wildlife Tourism: Support local livelihoods through community-based tourism and respectful wildlife observation.
Trek stats from the day-by-day itinerary
150 kmTotal on foot
2 of 8Walking days
140 kmLongest day
Day 1
Arrival in Ulaanbaatar
Arrival at Chinggis Khaan International Airport. Meet your guide and transfer to your hotel in Ulaanbaatar. Depending on your arrival time, explore the city or relax at the hotel. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner and expedition briefing covering snow leopard behavior, winter photography, weather conditions and safety procedures.
Day 2
Fly to Khovd – Jargalant Khairkhan Mountains
Take a morning flight to Khovd in Western Mongolia. Meet our local expedition team and drive approximately 140 km towards the Jargalant Khairkhan Mountains, passing the landscapes of Khar-Us Lake. Arrive at our community-based heated ger camp and meet the experienced local wildlife trackers. Prepare photography equipment and discuss the following days' observation plans.
Accommodation: Community Ger Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Distance140 km
- Elevation1849 m
Day 3
Snow Leopard Tracking – First Observation Day
Begin our first full day of snow leopard tracking early in the morning. Accompanied by local wildlife trackers, explore rocky valleys and mountain slopes in search of fresh footprints, territorial markings and other signs of snow leopard activity. Scan distant ridges using binoculars and spotting scopes. Enjoy opportunities to photograph mountain wildlife and dramatic winter scenery.
Accommodation: Community Ger Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Distance10 km
- Elevation2400 m
Day 4
Snow Leopard Observation and Wildlife Photography
Spend the day exploring selected observation areas in the Jargalant Khairkhan Mountains. Our local trackers use their knowledge of snow leopard movements to identify promising locations. Observe rocky ridges and mountain valleys, searching for snow leopards and their natural prey, including Siberian ibex. Focus on patient wildlife observation and long-lens photography.
Accommodation: Community Ger Camp.
- MealsBreakfast · Lunch · Dinner
media/l6mml8QUByPTKYzLUjMf6lDqf5xzrKtFy14BSN6U.png
Day 5
Snow Leopard Tracking in Remote Mountain Valleys
Continue our expedition into different mountain valleys and observation areas. Search for fresh tracks and signs of snow leopard activity while exploring their remote winter habitat. Depending on wildlife movements, spend extended periods observing selected locations. Along the way, photograph Siberian ibex, birds of prey and the spectacular snow-covered landscapes of the Mongolian Altai.
Accommodation: Community Ger Camp.
- MealsBreakfast · Lunch · Dinner
Day 6
Final Full Day of Snow Leopard Photography
Our final full day is dedicated to snow leopard tracking and photography. Based on recent wildlife activity and weather conditions, return to promising observation points or explore alternative mountain valleys. February falls within the snow leopard mating season, when increased movements and territorial behaviour may provide additional observation opportunities. During December, January and early March departures, activities are adapted to seasonal wildlife behaviour and local conditions. In the evening, learn about local snow leopard conservation efforts and the relationship between wildlife and herding communities.
Accommodation: Heated Ger Camp.
- MealsBreakfast · Lunch · Dinner
Day 7
Return to Khovd – Fly to Ulaanbaatar
After an early breakfast, leave our mountain camp and drive approximately 140 km back to Khovd Airport. Take a domestic flight to Ulaanbaatar and transfer to your hotel. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner and share photographs and experiences from the expedition.
- MealsBreakfast · Lunch · Dinner
- AccommodationHotel
Day 8
Departure
After breakfast, transfer to Chinggis Khaan International Airport for your international departure.
- MealsBreakfast
Tour gallery
Reviews
Nobody has written a review for this trip yet. You can read what travellers say about our tours on Tripadvisor.
Other trekking tours
Other trips you might like.
Medium
Moderate
