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Snow Leopard Expedition: track the ghost of the mountains in Bayan-Ölgii
Eight days in the Altai winter: stay with a Kazakh herder family on Tsambagarav mountain, scan the cliffs at dawn and dusk with a local tracker, and follow fresh snow leopard tracks in the snow.
8 Days / 7 Nights
Max 6 travellers
Stay with herders
Flights UB ⇄ Ölgii included
DURATION
8 days / 7 nights
DIFFICULTY
Moderate, cold weather
TEMPERATURE
−10 to −25 °C
GROUP SIZE
Max 6
SEASON
January – March
PRICE FROM
$3,278 pp
OVERVIEW
Track the snow leopard in the Altai winter
Spend five days in snow leopard country on Tsambagarav mountain with a Kazakh herder family, a local tracker and a wildlife guide. You scan cliffs at dawn and dusk, follow fresh tracks and learn how herders live alongside the big cat. A sighting is never guaranteed, but every day brings signs and other wildlife.
✓
Five tracking days in Tsambagarav Mountain National Park
✓
Spotting scopes and binoculars for long-range viewing
✓
Siberian ibex, argali, Pallas’s cat, foxes and golden eagles
✓
Stay in a heated ger with a Kazakh herder family
✓
Winter eagle hunting with a Kazakh eagle hunter
✓
No baiting, no chasing: ethical, small-group tracking
THE ROUTE
Ölgii to snow leopard country and back
1
2
4
3
5
6
7
Ölgii
Tsambagarav
Tracking valleys
High ridges
Eagle hunters
Ölgii
Ulaanbaatar
Fly in from UB
Drive 3–4 h
Days 3–5
Scopes & tracks
Day 6
Drive 3–4 h
Fly back
ITINERARY
Day by day
Open all days
DAY 1
Fly to Bayan-Ölgii
Fly from Ulaanbaatar, meet your guide and check your cold-weather gear.
✈ Domestic flight
Flight ~2 h
Hotel in Ölgii
Day details +
Morning domestic flight from Ulaanbaatar (about 2 hours)
Meet your wildlife guide and driver at Ölgii airport
Bayan-Ölgii Museum, including the snow leopard display
Local bazaar for felt boots and warm socks
Cold-weather gear check and expedition briefing
DAY 2
Drive to Tsambagarav and meet the herders
Drive into the mountains, meet your herder family and tracker, and start scanning the cliffs.
Drive 3–4 h
Herder ger
Day details +
Drive about 3–4 hours off-road to the foothills of Tsambagarav
Meet the Kazakh herder family and the local tracker or ranger
Settle into your heated ger
Afternoon scan of the nearby cliffs with spotting scopes
DAY 3
First full tracking day
Dawn start with the tracker to follow tracks, scrapes and scent marks on the snowy slopes.
Walk 4–8 km
Herder ger
Day details +
Dawn start, when snow leopards are most active
Follow tracks, scrapes and scent marks with the tracker
Walk 4–8 km on steep, snowy slopes
Scan for Siberian ibex herds, the snow leopard’s main prey
DAY 4
Tracking in the high valleys
Drive to a different valley and walk to viewpoints, looking for the cat and other wildlife.
Walk 4–8 km
Herder ger
Day details +
Drive to a different valley, then walk to viewpoints
Look for Pallas’s cat, foxes, wolves and lammergeiers
Learn how herders protect livestock and live with the snow leopard
DAY 5
Ridges and cliffs
A full day of patient watching from the best lookouts above camp.
Full day
Herder ger
Day details +
Full day on the ridges above camp; picnic lunch in the vehicle
Long, patient sessions with scopes at the best lookouts
Spotters divide the slopes between them and search them systematically
DAY 6
Last tracking morning and eagle hunters
A final dawn session, then an afternoon with a Kazakh eagle hunter on horseback.
Dawn & afternoon
Herder ger
Day details +
Final dawn session in the most promising area
Afternoon with a Kazakh eagle hunter: winter hunting on horseback
Farewell dinner with the herder family
DAY 7
Back to Ölgii
Drive out of the mountains to Ölgii for a hot shower and a farewell dinner.
Drive 3–4 h
Hotel in Ölgii
Day details +
Drive 3–4 h back to Ölgii
Hot shower and free time
Souvenir shopping at the bazaar
Farewell dinner with the team
DAY 8
Fly to Ulaanbaatar
Fly back to the capital, transfer to your hotel and shop for souvenirs.
Flight ~2 h
Hotel in UB
Day details +
Transfer to Ölgii airport; domestic flight (about 2 hours)
Hotel transfer in Ulaanbaatar
State Department Store for souvenirs
Optional throat-singing show
PRICES
Price per person
How much does the snow leopard expedition cost? This 8-day expedition costs from $3,278 per person for a group of 5–6, $3,568 per person for two travellers and $4,160 for a solo traveller. The price includes return flights Ulaanbaatar ⇄ Ölgii, a 4WD vehicle with fuel, meals, an English-speaking wildlife guide, a local tracker and your stay with a Kazakh herder family. International flights, travel insurance and a sleeping bag are not included.
TRAVELLERS
PER PERSON (USD)
1 traveller
$4,160
2 travellers
$3,568
3–4 travellers
$3,360
5–6 travellers
$3,278
7+ travellers
Ask us
The more people travel together, the lower the price per person. All prices include domestic flights Ulaanbaatar ⇄ Ölgii, meals, wildlife guide, local tracker and your stay with a herder family.
Departure dates
Private departures on your own dates from January to March. February and March are the best months.
Sightings depend on weather and on the animals. Your guide and the local spotters adjust each day’s plan to the snow and the latest signs.
The expedition runs for 8 days, for up to 6 travellers.
Contact us to check availability and dates.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
Included and not included
Included
✓ Return domestic flights Ulaanbaatar – Ölgii – Ulaanbaatar
✓ Airport pickup and drop-off
✓ Hotel and heated herder ger accommodation
✓ All meals and hot drinks, made by a field cook
✓ English-speaking wildlife guide
✓ Local herder spotters who know the snow leopard’s routes
✓ 4WD vehicle, driver and fuel
✓ Spotting scopes
✓ Visit to a Kazakh eagle hunter
✓ National park fees
✓ Visa support with an official invitation letter
Not included
✕ International flights
✕ Visa fees
✕ Travel insurance with medical evacuation
✕ Winter sleeping bag
✕ Personal camera gear
✕ Excess baggage on domestic flights (over 15 kg)
✕ Alcoholic drinks
✕ Personal expenses
✕ Tips for guides, drivers and staff
IS IT FOR ME?
Moderate, very cold, patience needed
Difficulty: moderate
4–8 km
walking on tracking days
−25 °C
possible at night
5 days
in snow leopard country
5 nights
with the herder family
A good fit if you…
Can walk 4–8 km a day on steep, snowy ground
Can cope with −20 °C and below
Are patient: some days are long hours of quiet watching
Accept that a sighting is never guaranteed
Talk to us first if you…
Have a heart or respiratory condition
Have problems with extreme cold
Are bringing large camera gear and need help planning
GOOD TO KNOW
Before you go
Best time
January to March, with February and March best. It is the mating season, when snow leopards move and call more, and fresh snow shows their tracks.
Accommodation
Hotel in Ölgii, then a heated ger with a Kazakh herder family at Tsambagarav. The ger is warmed by a wood or dung stove; the toilet is outdoors.
Meals
Hot, hearty meals with local meat, rice, noodles and vegetables, plus hot drinks in the field. Vegetarian on request.
Transport
Private 4WD vehicle with an experienced driver. The drive from Ölgii to Tsambagarav takes about 3–4 hours off-road, longer after fresh snow.
What to bring
Down jacket and trousers, insulated boots rated well below the expected cold, wool base layers, mitts, balaclava, hand warmers, sunglasses, a sit pad and a 4-season sleeping bag. Binoculars (10x42 or more). Photographers: a 400 mm lens at least, 600 mm is better, and extra batteries, as the cold drains them fast.
Phone and internet
Mobile signal in Ölgii town only (Days 1 and 7). Expect no signal at the herder camp from Day 2 to Day 6.
REVIEWS
What our guests say
★ 5.0 on TripAdvisor (8 reviews, October 2026)
What reviewers mention (summary, not quotes):
Ritvik S (July 2026, travelled with a friend): a one-week expedition in Altai Tavan Bogd National Park, including hiking Malchin Peak. Praised the guide, driver, host families, food and smooth organisation.
matej l (August 2026, solo): camped at Khoton Lake and describes it as remote, quiet and worth the long 4x4 drive. Notes basic conditions and no facilities at the lake.
Guille C, Spain (September 2026, solo): a great adventure with local guides; would recommend it.
Marina F, United Arab Emirates (June 2026, with a friend): the route was changed to avoid areas under quarantine; thanked the driver and guide for difficult mountain roads. Says to expect a very basic level of comfort.
Vacations Mongolia is listed on TripAdvisor as Vacations in Mongolia.
Read honest reviews from our guests on our reviews page, TripAdvisor and Google. Read all reviews →
FAQ
Questions travellers ask
Will I see a snow leopard?
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Not guaranteed. Wild snow leopards are rare and shy. Most trips find fresh tracks and signs, ibex and other wildlife; a sighting depends on luck, weather and patience.
When is the best time to go?
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January to March, with February and March best. It is the mating season, when snow leopards move and call more and fresh snow shows their tracks.
Is travel insurance required?
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Yes. Travel insurance that covers medical evacuation is required, because Tsambagarav is remote and winter conditions are extreme.
How do I get to Bayan-Ölgii from Ulaanbaatar?
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By domestic flight, about 2 hours. Return flights Ulaanbaatar ⇄ Ölgii are included in the price.
Can I join the tour as a solo traveller?
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Yes. Solo travellers are welcome on a private trip or can join a group departure to lower the price.
What is the maximum group size?
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Up to 6 travellers. Small groups are quieter on the slopes and less likely to disturb wildlife.
Can the tour dates be customised?
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Yes. This is a private tour, so you choose your start date between January and March, subject to flights.
How close will we get to a snow leopard?
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Usually several hundred metres, seen through spotting scopes. We keep our distance so we don’t disturb the animals.
Do you use baits or calls?
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No. We track only by signs and observation. We never bait, chase or call wildlife, keep a respectful distance and keep the camp smoke-free so scent does not disturb the animals.
Is vegetarian or special diet food available?
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Yes. Vegetarian meals are available on request. Tell us about any diet needs when you book.
Is there phone or internet connection?
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Mobile signal works in Ölgii town. At the herder camp on Tsambagarav there is no signal, so plan to be offline from Day 2 to Day 6.
What should I pack for the cold?
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Down jacket and trousers, insulated boots rated to −40 °C, wool base layers, mitts, balaclava, hand warmers and a 4-season sleeping bag. A full list is sent at booking.
How cold does it get?
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Days are usually around −10 °C, colder in January. Nights drop to −15 to −25 °C and can be colder higher up. The ger stove keeps the evenings warm.
How much does the tour cost?
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From $3,278 per person for a group of 5–6, up to $4,160 for a solo traveller. See the prices table above.
Where do we sleep?
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In a hotel in Ölgii (Days 1 and 7), a heated ger with a Kazakh herder family at Tsambagarav (Days 2–6) and a hotel in Ulaanbaatar (Day 8).
Will we see eagle hunters?
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Yes. On Day 6 you spend the afternoon with a Kazakh eagle hunter, who hunts on horseback in winter.
Is a sleeping bag included?
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No. Please bring a 4-season sleeping bag with a comfort rating of at least −20 °C.
What is this tour at a glance?
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8 days / 7 nights · January–March · 5 days of snow leopard tracking at Tsambagarav · Heated ger with a herder family · Max 6 travellers · From $3,278 per person
What does each day of the tour look like?
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Day 1 — Fly to Ölgii · Flight about 2 h · Night: hotel in Ölgii
Day 2 — Drive to Tsambagarav, meet the herders · Drive 3–4 h · Night: herder ger
Day 3 — First full tracking day · Walk 4–8 km · Night: herder ger
Day 4 — Tracking in the high valleys · Walk 4–8 km · Night: herder ger
Day 5 — Ridges and cliffs · Full day · Night: herder ger
Day 6 — Last tracking morning and eagle hunters · Night: herder ger
Day 7 — Back to Ölgii · Drive 3–4 h · Night: hotel in Ölgii
Day 8 — Fly to Ulaanbaatar · Flight about 2 h · Night: hotel in Ulaanbaatar
PHOTOS
From the trip
MORE IN BAYAN-ÖLGII
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Which winter tour is right for you?
Snow Leopard Expedition (this tour) — 8 days · January–March · 5 days of wildlife tracking with a herder family · From $3,278 per person
Winter Migration — 7 days · Late Feb–Mar or late Oct–Nov · 4 nights with a nomad family on the move · From $1,160 per person
Autumn Migration — move with the herders before winter · see the Autumn Migration page for dates and prices
FROM THE BLOG
Read before you go
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BOOK OR ASK A QUESTION
Talk to our team in Bayan-Ölgii
Flat 606, Happy Town 3, Bayan-Ölgii 18700, Mongolia
Written by the Vacations Mongolia team · Updated October 2026