Wild Cats of Mongolia
Led by Ismail Shariff - THE SNOW LEOPARD MAN OF INDIA
Mongolia
Beginner to Intermediate
Difficulty Level
13 days
Duration
2,500 m
Highest Altitude
6-10
Group Size
6,250
Price (excl GST)
689.8
kgCO2e/person
See the master of high altitude hunting
The adventure provides a unique and immersive experience for wildlife enthusiasts, offering the chance to capture stunning images of elusive feline species such as snow leopards and the Pallas's cats in their natural habitats. Led by expert guides, these tours blend photography opportunities with conservation education, showcasing the breathtaking landscapes of Mongolia's steppes, mountains, and deserts while emphasizing the importance of protecting these species. With small group sizes, comfortable accommodations, and seasonal considerations, participants gain a deep appreciation for both the wild cats and the rich nomadic culture of Mongolia.
Itinerary
1Arrive Ulaanbaatar: Arrive into the capital city of Mongolia, Ulaanbaatar and check into your hotel. Use this day to organise yourself, bond with the group and get briefed about the days ahead.
2Fly to Khovd. Drive to Altai Mountains: A short domestic flight (15 kg allowance) followed by a couple of hours of driving will take us to our base within the spectacular wilderness of the Altai mountains. The desolate beauty of this landscape is awe inspiring!
3-6Snow Leopard Search: Aided by professional trackers and local guides search for the snow leopard in the magnificent landscape of the Altai Mountains for the next four days. Most of the observation areas are within 5 to 12 km from our base and can be driven to in a 4x4 SUV. This might be followed by a short walk usually over flat terrain. Occasionally it will entail a short to medium length walk that will demand basic fitness and an ability to walk on rocky, uneven and /or steep terrain.
7Return to Ulaanbaatar: We drive to the airport for the return flight to Ulaanbaatar. Enjoy the urban comforts and take this time to look back at your experience in the Mongolian wilderness before we set off for the next leg of our adventure.
8Drive to Eastern Mongolia Depart Ulaanbaatar and drive towards Eastern Mongolia (500 km paved road and 70 km earth road from Ulaanbaatar). It will be a 6-7 hour drive that will take us to our base camp in the Pallas Cat territory.
9-11Pallas's Cat Search: We drive about 7 km from our campsite into the Pallas’s cat territory. Our tracking team will search for the elusive Pallas’s cat den within the rocky hillsides and lands dotted with marmot burrows. Avi fauna such as, oriental plover, eagle owl, steppe eagle, and other small birds that inhabit this area can also be spotted. Once spotted, one can observe the Pallas’s cat till sunset.
12Return to Ulaanbaatar: We drive to Ulaanbaatar today. Enjoy the comfort of your hotel and prepare for our return home the next day.
Read our FAQs for more info.
What’s Included
Accommodation for 3 nights in Ulanbaatar on twin / double share
Accommodation in Yurts for 9 nights on triple share.
Internal flights and transportation
4 x 4 Jeep for movement within the Altai region on spotting days
All meals from dinner on Day 01 to breakfast on Day 13
Qualified team lead & mentor
Wildlife permits and fee
Local support for spotting and guiding
Drinking water
What’s Not Included
5 % GST
5% TCS will be applicable
Insurance
Visa
International flights to Mongolia and back
Single room supplement in Ulanbaatar.
Tips / gratuities
Excess baggage on flights
Alcoholic / additional beverages)
Is this for me?
This expedition is for anyone wanting to see the hidden treasures of the Mongolian Mountains. It does not require you to have the fitness levels of an athlete. For photography enthusiasts, it truly is a dream come true as wildlife and culture come together in one journey.
