Snow Leopard Tour: Wild Camp with a Local Biologist and Become a Guest Conservationist

Wild camp and learn from a local protected area biologist about Mongolia’s ghost cats. A photographer and wildlife lover’s dream trip! Become a guest conservationist March 24 – 31, 2026.

9-Day Adventure Horse Trek Through the Lands of Horseman and Yaks (Pioneer Trip)

Highlights of this Snow Leopard Tour include:

Supporting local biologists and the Environmental Protection Agency in their efforts to preserve snow leopards and their habitats.
Being a part of a small, exclusive group who have been granted access to this protected area.
The chance to spot snow leopards when they’re most active – in the evenings and in the early morning.

Mongolia has the second largest population of snow leopards in the world, after China. Snow leopard populations thrive in mountainous areas, and that’s exactly where you’ll head.

Under the careful guidance of a local protected area biologist, you’ll have the rare opportunity to try to spot these ghost cats for yourself. Learn how to look for prints, scat, and other indicators that snow leopards are in the area.

This tour includes wild camping under the stars, giving you the best chance to spot these elusive animals late at night and early in the morning, when they’re most active.

If you’re a photographer, this is an incredible chance to photograph these beautiful creatures in their natural habitat. Be sure to bring your best zoom lens for this trip! You won’t regret it.

Join us for this experience March 24 – 31, 2026.

If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, wildlife lover, or avid photographer, this trip is for you.

During this trip you will simply observe snow leopards in their natural habitat while doing so ethically and with respect to their environment and the protection of their population. There will be no capturing, trapping, or any other behaviors that will disturb the peace of these animals in any way, shape, or form!

Accommodation includes tent camping and respecting the outdoors is a must during this trip. Outhouse-style toilets will be available at the tent camping site and Spring House, with a stress on the importance on proper waste disposal.

Please come into this adventure with an open-mind and adventurous spirit. While the team will do everything they can to help you spot a snow leopard, please keep in mind these majestic animals are nicknamed ghost cats for a reason. Sightings are not guaranteed.

Temperatures this time of year will be wet and cold. We choose this time of year because it is mating season, and this is when the snow leopards become very active.

If you plan to join this trip you need to arrive in Ulaanbaatar on or before March 24, 2026. The only thing on the schedule for this day is a Welcome Dinner at night (7 pm).

Many travelers choose to arrive in Ulaanbaatar at least 1 – 2 days early to adjust to Mongolian time and shop for warm clothes. If you’d like to arrive a few days early, We are happy to help you make arrangements at the hotel, take you around the city, and help you make the most of this time in Ulaanbaatar.

Below you’ll find a day-by-day breakdown of this Snow Leopard Tour package itinerary, and everything it includes.

Meals included in this tour are indicated as Breakfast (B), Lunch (L), and Dinner (D).

Day 1 / Tuesday, March 24, 2026: Arrive in Ulaanbaatar

You will need to arrive in Ulaanbaatar on or before March 24, 2026 to join this itinerary.

During the day you are free to explore Ulaanbaatar, get settled into Mongolian time, exchange cash, and visit museums. We’ll have a Welcome Dinner in the evening.

Accommodation: Best Western Premier Tuushin or Similar

Accommodation Notes: A 4-star hotel located near the city’s most central point, Sukhbaatar Square. Bookmark this quick guide on what to know about staying in this area.

Meals: D

Day 2 / Wednesday, March 25: Arrival and Journey to Snow Leopard Camp

This adventure begins with a 1.5 hour domestic flight to western Mongolia. An early morning flight will reap huge rewards – you’ll be at your remote snow leopard camp by this evening!

Morning: Arrive after a 1.5 hour flight to western Mongolia early in the morning. Once everyone’s bags are collected, it’s time to begin your off-road adventure to the remote snow leopard camp. This area is near the Russian-Mongolian border, nestled next to the Altai mountain range.

Drive to Snow Leopard Camp: The 180 km journey will take you through rugged terrain, offering stunning mountain views along the way. You’ll stop for a delicious packed lunch in a scenic spot to break up the drive.

Evening: Arrive at snow leopard camp and meet your professional guide, a protected area biologist who will accompany you throughout the trip. Settle into the Spring House – your cozy, pre-arranged accommodations near to the snow leopard habitats. Relax, have dinner, and rest after your travels, preparing for the exciting days ahead.

Accommodation: Spring House

Accommodation Notes: This is a basic herder accommodation. That means no running water, electricity, and an outhouse toilet. Camping cots are available. This is a shared sleeping space.

Meals: B/L/D

Day 3 / Thursday, March 26: Snow Leopard Tracking in the Wild

Morning: After breakfast, embark on your first wildlife adventure. Head out early to rugged terrains known for snow leopard sightings, accompanied by the protected area biologist.

Activities: Search for signs of the elusive snow leopard, including tracks, scat, and other indicators. While sightings are not guaranteed, your guide will share fascinating insights into the snow leopard’s behavior and the importance of its habitat.

Evening: Return to the Spring House for a well-deserved dinner prepared by a local chef. Afterward, head back to the campsite for your chance to observe the snow leopard’s environment at night. You’ll spend the evening in a camouflaged tent under the stars, fully immersed in the wilderness. The tents are set up in the valley two weeks before your arrival to allow the local wildlife, including the snow leopards, to become accustomed to them.

Accommodation: Tent Camping

Accommodation Notes: Shared sleeping space inside a large tent. Warm sleeping bags and sleeping pads are required.

Meals: B/L/D

Day 4 – 5 / Friday – Saturday, March 27 – 28: Continue Snow Leopard Tracking and Wildlife Spotting

Morning: Continue your search for snow leopard tracks, using a mix of traditional tracking techniques and modern tools like cameras and binoculars. The terrain will be challenging but rewarding.

Wildlife Spotting: While focusing on the snow leopard, be on the lookout for other majestic species such as ibex, argali sheep, wolves, and foxes. These creatures are often spotted in the same rugged terrain.

Afternoon: Enjoy a packed lunch in the field as you continue observing the wildlife around you. Each moment offers new opportunities to connect with nature.

Evening: Return to the Spring House for dinner and relaxation. Recharge your gear, share stories with fellow adventurers, and enjoy a warm meal. Afterward, head back to your tent for another night immersed in the wild.

Accommodation: Tent Camping

Accommodation Notes: Starting this morning breakfast and lunch will be brought to the tent to avoid leaving any scent. Inside the tent you will have a gas stove to keep you warm and to make hot tea during the day.

Meals: B/L/D

Day 6 / Sunday, March 29: Leave Snow Leopard Camp and Drive to Ulgii

Morning: Begin the day with one final tracking session in a new valley, using the same techniques as before. The search for snow leopard tracks continues, offering fresh perspectives and discoveries.

Wildlife Spotting: As always, stay alert for signs of wildlife, including the elusive snow leopard, and enjoy the beauty of the surrounding ecosystem.

Afternoon: After lunch at the Spring House, pack up and head to Ulgii, the capital of the Bayan-Ulgii Province.

Evening: Arrive in Ulgii, enjoy a leisurely dinner at a local restaurant, and spend the night in a comfortable locally-owned hotel.

Accommodation: Bastau Hotel or Similar

Accommodation Notes: Comfortable 3-star hotel in the central part of Ölgii.

Meals: B/L/D

Day 7 / Monday, March 30: Fly from Ulgii to Ulaanbaatar

Morning: After a hearty breakfast at your hotel, take some time to reflect on the adventures you’ve experienced. Then, head to the airport to check in for your flight back, carrying with you the unforgettable memories of your snow leopard tracking expedition and Mongolian cultural exploration.

Afternoon: Arrive in Ulaanbaatar and be transferred to your hotel. Enjoy the rest of today and this evening at leisure.

Accommodation: Best Western Premier Tuushin or Similar

Meals: B

Day 8 / Tuesday, March 31, 2026: Depart Mongolia

We will arrange an airport transfer to Chinggis Khaan International Airport for your flight home. Unless you want to extend your stay, of course!

Meals: B

What's Included

All airport transfers (including your international arrival/departure and transfers for your domestic flight).
All accommodation and transportation during the trip dates.
Two local guides – a local Mongolian guide will meet and travel with you from Ulaanbaatar and will act as a translator with the local protected area biologist.
All activities listed on the itinerary.
Meals* (breakfast, lunch, dinner) as outlined on the trip itinerary.

*Please let us know of any dietary restrictions before booking.

What's Not Included

International airfare.
Excess baggage fees on the domestic flight to/from western Mongolia. There is a 15 kg limit on checked bags and 5 kg limit on handbags. Overages are subject to additional fees.
Visa costs and fees.
Travel Insurance that covers medical evacuation and cost of participation (required).
Personal expenses such as laundry, alcoholic beverages, telephone calls, optional activities, and meals which are not included in the trip itinerary.
Tips and additional gratuities.

Visit our tour cancellation policy page if you have any additional questions.

Book Now

The price to book this 8-Day Snow Leopard Tour is $4,500 USD per person.

Snow Leopard Tracking: Immerse yourself in the elusive world of snow leopards through expert-led tracking and observation under the guidance of a local protected area biologist.
Wildlife Sightings: Beyond snow leopards, it is possible to encounter ibex, argali sheep, wolves, and foxes, enriching your experience in the Altai Mountains.
Camping in the Wild: Experience the true wilderness with nights spent in tents under the stars, surrounded by breathtaking landscapes.
Expert Guides and Conservationists: Your professional guides are not only skilled in tracking wildlife, but they are also passionate about protecting and preserving the environment.

This once in a lifetime experience happens March 24 – 31, 2026. Book now – spots are limited!

To book your spot, please complete the Google form linked below. Once received, I will reach out with everything you’ll need to complete your booking.

About Aagie, Your Local Mongolian Guide & Trip Leader

Hi everyone! I’m Aagie, the Head Guide at Meanwhile in Mongolia.

As a certified and licensed Mongolian tour guide, I’ve been leading tours for three years and I’m excited to welcome you to my country.

While I’ve lived and studied abroad, Mongolia will always be home and I hope you enjoy exploring it as much as I do.

Is this trip right for me?

There are a few important things to know about this trip.

Patience is a must if you are joining this experience. Snow leopards are rare and elusive, and that requires patience on your part. Enjoy the process of tracking and observing, even if a sighting isn’t guaranteed. The ability to sit still, quiet, and remain hidden is extremely important when you are in the tent. Because of the scent, no smoking is allowed at the campsite.
We ask that you stay flexible throughout this experience. The weather and terrain may present challenges, but this is part of the adventure. Trust your guides and embrace the experience!
It is absolutely necessary that you respect the environment during your stay. Follow your guides’ instructions to help preserve this delicate ecosystem and ensure future generations can enjoy it too. This experience is a privilege and honor not granted to many tourists. Anyone who fails to listen to the guides at any time during this trip will be immediately asked to leave the experience at their expense.
Accommodations will be shared and that means you will be sleeping in one shared space. No single supplements are available for this experience.
The temperature in March in Western Mongolia will be very wet and cold. Prepare for cold mornings and evenings with warm layers for both tracking and camping. It can also get windy, so pack windproof and waterproof gear. You will be spending a lot of time outside. If you need help deciding what to pack, shop my favorite winter clothing and gear.
You will be living off-grid. That means running water, regular electricity, showers, and reliable data and cellular service will not be available. This is your chance to disconnect from the outside world!
We will be driving off-road. It’s not easy to get to these remote corners of Mongolia, but the journey is always worth it. I promise! Please let me know in advance if you get car sick. If you do, I recommend purchasing these motion sickness glasses.
You’ll be staying in tents during the snow leopard tracking portion, so make sure you have a portable charger for your electronics.
Don’t forget your camera and binoculars! You’ll want high-quality gear for capturing both close-up and long-distance wildlife shots. A camera with a telephoto lens is ideal, and binoculars will help with spotting animals from afar.

By Booking You’re Supporting the Local Biologist & the Environmental Protection Department

By booking this tour you are supporting the local biologist and his partners, who are herders living in the area. This covers their work as guides, as well as essential expenses such as car rental, house rent, trip equipment rental, food, and gas.

A portion of the payment is allocated as tax to the environmental protection department. This setup ensures that the funds directly support the herders and others facilitating the trip while also contributing to conservation efforts.

Through [Breanna's] expertise I was able to sleep in local gers, experience the mysticism of a shaman, and ride a horse for three days without feeling like any of it was overly wrought. Breanna mastered that fragile balance of guiding my group without shielding us from the reality of traveling through such wild country.

Can’t stop thinking about my holiday - loved the country, the Mongolian people were so generous and welcoming, every day was an adventure. Thank you to Breanna & Aagie of Meanwhile in Mongolia - they really know how to show you the real Mongolia. The memories will live long in my mind.

I was not expecting to have such a culturally immersive experience as I did when going to Mongolia. This was hands down the most culturally distant place I have ever gone. I went on an organized tour equipped with a Mongolian driver as well as an interpreter. This is not a country I would recommend just "winging". Many destinations have no roads, no signs, and no other way of finding them without local knowledge.

As someone who went on a trip with Breanna in Mongolia - HIGHLY RECOMMEND. It changed my life. Love her and Mongolia and the amazing women I met alone the way.