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Snow Leopards of the Altai: Mongolia Wildlife Photo Expedition
Mongolia
From
This trip supports
- Overview
- Itinerary
- Esential info
- Reviews
- Packing list
Grade:
Intermediate
Type:
Wildlife
Transfers
Duration:
14 Nights
3 - 12
Group size
Leaders
Highlights
- Capture the iconic Snow Leopard and other mammals in their natural habitat
- Photograph the elusive and adorable Pallas’s cat
- Explore the Mongolian Altai region, home to the largest Snow Leopard population in Mongolia
- There is a chance to spot the rare Saiga antelope in the wild (though photographic opportunities may be limited due to distance)
- Witness and photograph traditional eagle hunting in action, a powerful display of Mongolia’s nomadic heritage.
Wild Mongolia: A Photographic Journey into the Altai Mountains
Step into the wild heart of Mongolia on this expert-led Snow Leopard photography tour. With exclusive access to the remote Altai Mountains and guided by years of on-the-ground knowledge, this expedition offers a rare chance to photograph elusive Snow Leopards, Pallas Cats and a host of mountain wildlife in their natural surroundings.
At elevations between 2,000 and 3,500 metres, you may capture images of Argali sheep, Siberian ibex, Grey wolves, Pallas Cats and soaring raptors, all within a pristine and remote landscape. Beyond the wildlife, you'll experience traditional Mongolian life through visits to nomadic herders and Golden Eagle hunters, gaining a deeper understanding of their customs and winter survival. Ethical, expertly guided and truly unforgettable.
Day 1: Arrive in Ulaanbaatar
Transfer
Lunch
Dinner
Arrive in Ulaanbaatar and transfer to your hotel for check-in. Depending on your arrival time, enjoy a relaxed half-day city tour, visiting highlights such as the Gandan Monastery, the National Museum of Mongolia and Central Square. This is also a great time to meet your guide and discuss the days ahead on your Snow Leopard and wildlife photography journey. Return to the hotel in the evening for a welcoming meal and a restful night.
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 2: Flight to Ulgii
Flights
Transfer
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Guest house
Fly to Ulgii, the cultural heart of Mongolia’s Bayan-Ulgii province, home to the Kazakh community and their centuries-old traditions. On arrival, meet your local team and transfer to Sagsai village, where you’ll be welcomed into the world of Golden Eagle hunting. In the snow-covered landscape, witness skilled Berkutchi take to the mountains with their eagles, continuing a proud winter tradition. You’ll stay with a local Kazakh family for a deeply authentic and personal experience.
Accommodation: Local Host Family
Day 3: Photographing Pallas's cat
Transfer
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Guest house
Your wildlife photography adventure begins with a dedicated expedition to find and photograph one of Mongolia’s most enchanting wild cats, the elusive Pallas’s cat. Guided by our expert team and supported by local rangers with deep knowledge of the species and its habitat, this day offers a rare and rewarding opportunity for close encounters and exceptional images.
Thanks to their understanding of the terrain and behaviour of the Pallas’s cat, our team is able to reliably locate these secretive felines. This is a true highlight for wildlife photographers and nature lovers alike, an immersive and heart-stirring experience in Mongolia’s wild steppe.
Accommodation: Local Host Family
Day 4: Head to Snow Leopard habitat
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Today we head into the heart of Mongolia’s wilderness and journey towards the Snow Leopard’s remote mountain habitat. After checking into a locally run hotel, we take time to rest and get ready for an unforgettable week of tracking and photographing the elusive Snow Leopard, also known as the Mountain ghost.
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 5: Set off in search of the Snow Leopard
Transfer
Wildlife
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Ger
Begin the day with an early morning drive deep into the Altai Mountains, home to Mongolia’s elusive Snow Leopards. Our journey takes us through dramatic winter landscapes as we reach the heart of Snow Leopard territory. Settle into a traditional heated ger camp, surrounded by untouched wilderness and crisp mountain air. After a warm meal, meet with your expert wildlife guides for a briefing on the days ahead, preparing for your first full day of tracking.
Accommodation: Traditional Ger Dwelling
Day 6: First Treks and Tracking Begins
Transfer
Wildlife
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Ger
Today marks the start of your Snow Leopard tracking experience. Guided by expert spotters and local rangers, you will set out on foot and by vehicle to scan the rocky slopes for signs of wildlife. Tracks, scrapes and calls may lead us to the "Mountain ghost". Along the way, enjoy photography opportunities with other native species, such as Siberian ibex and soaring raptors. Return to camp for a hearty dinner and share stories from the day’s search under the star-filled Mongolian sky.
Accommodation: Traditional Ger Dwelling
Day 7: Exploring the Snow Leopard’s Domain
Wildlife
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Ger
Continue your exploration of the Snow Leopard’s rugged habitat. Each day’s route is carefully selected by guides based on fresh sightings and local knowledge, offering you the best possible chances of observing and photographing Snow Leopards in the wild. The stark beauty of the mountains is a constant companion, and sightings of Argali wild sheep, foxes, and birds of prey enrich the day’s photography. Evenings are spent warming up in the ger with nourishing meals and steaming mugs of tea.
Accommodation: Traditional Ger Dwelling
Day 8: Deeper into the Mountains
Wildlife
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Ger
Your search continues as you explore deeper reaches of the Altai range, following the natural paths used by Snow Leopards and their prey. These days offer exceptional wildlife photography opportunities, not just of big cats, but also of Mongolia’s dramatic winter scenery — sweeping valleys, jagged ridgelines and brilliant blue skies. With each day, your understanding of the terrain deepens, as does your connection with this wild corner of the world.
Accommodation: Traditional Ger Dwelling
Day 9: Wildlife Encounters and Cultural Connection
Wildlife
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Ger
While the primary focus remains on Snow Leopard photography, today may include encounters with herders or brief cultural moments, offering insights into the lives of people who share these mountains with the wildlife. Keep your lens ready for surprise sightings of ibex or eagles perched along the cliffs. Your guides remain in constant communication, maximising the chances of a special sighting. Return to camp for a warming meal and a relaxed evening reflecting on your experiences so far.
Accommodation: Traditional Ger Dwelling
Day 10: Final day in Snow Leopard Country
Wildlife
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Ger
This is your final full day in Snow Leopard country. With the team’s careful coordination and experience from past expeditions, guests have had excellent success in previous tours. Today is another chance to photograph these magnificent creatures if not already seen, or to deepen your portfolio with atmospheric wildlife and landscape shots. In the evening, enjoy a celebratory meal in the ger, a fitting end to an extraordinary adventure.
Accommodation: Traditional Ger Dwelling
Day 11: Farewell to the Mountains
Wildlife
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Ger
After breakfast, take a final look across the snow-dusted mountains before beginning your return journey from the highlands. Say farewell to your local team and the wild terrain that has been home for the past week. Reflect on the unforgettable encounters, images captured, and the unique privilege of exploring one of the last great wildernesses in search of Snow Leopards.
Accommodation: Traditional Ger Dwelling
Day 12: Drive to Khovd or Ulgii Town
Transfer
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Today we travel to either Khovd or Ulgii town, preparing for tomorrow’s domestic flight back to Ulaanbaatar. Upon arrival, check in to a local hotel and enjoy a well-earned rest after your days in the mountains.
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 13: Hustai National Park
Flights
Transfer
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Ger
Fly back to Ulaanbaatar and continue by road to Hustai National Park, a protected area renowned for the successful reintroduction of the Takhi, or Przewalski’s horse. This important reserve also supports a wide range of endangered mammals and bird species. Spend the night in a traditional tourist ger camp surrounded by rolling steppe landscapes.
Accommodation: Tourist Ger Camp
Day 14: Drive to Ulaanbaatar
Transfer
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Drive back to Ulaanbaatar, taking in the final views of Mongolia’s vast steppe landscapes. Upon arrival in the capital, transfer to your hotel for a comfortable and well-deserved rest.
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 15: Departure Day
Transfer
Breakfast
Transfer to Chinggis Khaan International Airport for your departing flight, marking the end of your unforgettable Mongolia wildlife adventure.
Adventure Optional Extras
Single Room Supplement
Single rooms are available on a first come, first served basis, however, due to the nature of some of the accommodation we are using on this adventure (staying in gers, teepees, camps), single rooms are not possible, so the supplement price reflects this. We will charge on a pro-rata basis if a single room is not available to book for part of the trip where it would have been possible.
Plant an additional 15 trees for your adventure
Carbon Compensation is not the perfect solution, and it is important to first reduce our carbon emissions as much as we can, yet trees remain an excellent natural technology to sequester carbon dioxide from the atmosphere to slow global warming.
For every client and guide who attends a YellowWood Adventure, we donate £30 to our partner charity WeForest to plant 15 trees to (over) compensate for the carbon footprint of the tour.
We also invite our clients to match this with an optional additional £30 for another 15 trees to be planted to help compensate for the carbon footprint of their international flights.
WeForest run many tree planting and tree maintenance projects such as this seedling nursery in the Amhara region of Ethiopia, the Amazon Rainforest in Brazil and many other projects in other countries including Zambia, Malawi, Tanzania & India.
Click Here to find out more about their amazing projects around the world.
Not Included
- Excess Baggage Charges (over 15kgs)
- International Airfare - Domestic flights are included
- Alcoholic Drinks
- Tips
- Travel Insurance
Contents
Accommodation
Accommodation
We fully believe in, and practice Responsible Tourism, using accommodation run by locals. We put time and effort into building our relationship with them to ensure you have a a great trip.
We choose accommodation based on cleanliness, comfort, safety, proximity to our route (to avoid unnecessary extra travel), and a warm client welcome, as well as reliability in their service to us. Some hotels will be basic, and in modern buildings and or in towns. Wherever we can, we will choose smaller more characterful, individual options, but in areas where tourism is still developing, this may not be available.
An aspect of our adventures is to escape the ‘trappings’ of modern Western lifestyles and to experience new things which is exciting and memorable, and reflects the countries we are visiting.
This is adventure travel and on occasion the advertised services at a hotel (eg wifi, or hot showers!) may not be functional on our arrival. This tends to occur in the smaller, more remote hotels. Very rarely a hotel lets us down and we are required to find alternative suitable accommodation that might not be our first choice.
The accommodation on this adventure involves both hotel stays and camping in gers/yurts. Where hotels and refuges are fully booked or unavailable, we will use an alternative of a similar standard, and equally well situated. We will provide you with an accurate list of accommodation, with contact information to leave with relatives, prior to departure on your adventure.
Guiding & Your Group
Guiding & Your Group
Supporting you on your holiday will be an in-country local guide who will be with us for the duration of the holiday; offering insight into local life and customs, as well as routes during walking/horse riding excursions.
Your Group
Your group will be any number from our minimum group size of 4, up to a maximum of 12 clients. This number works really well with the ratio of guides, and ensures an optimal level of service to you during your adventure.
We get clients booking alone, as couples and in small groups of friends. If you have a larger group of friends or family who are interested in having their own customised trip, then please let us know and we can cost it out for you. Our links with in-country travel experts often mean that we can assist you in developing a personalised itinerary.
Insurance
Holiday insurance is essential for all Yellow Wood Adventures. Unfortunately, anyone without insurance is not able to take part in the holiday, so please make sure you arrange cover. We recommend arranging your insurance cover when you book so that if you have problems during the run up to your holiday, and need to cancel, you are covered.
YellowWood partners with battleface as a travel insurance provider. Click here for a quote.
battleface insurance is provided in the UK by battleface Insurance Services Limited, a UK insurance intermediary authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Details provided on this webpage are for information only. Terms, conditions, exclusions, and limitations apply. Always read the description of cover contained within your policy to ensure it is suitable for your needs.
Prior to the holiday, we will ask you to send us details of your insurer, policy number, 24 hour emergency assistance contact details and the name, address, and telephone numbers of your NOK or persons to be notified in the event of an emergency.
You must ensure the travel insurance you purchase provides you with suitable cover for the entirety of your trip. Your travel insurance must include cover in the event that you have to cancel for a reason outside your control prior to departure, for any medical expenses you may incur whilst away (including repatriation in the case of medical need) and for the activities which you may participate in during your trip.
Travel & Arrival
Your YellowWood adventure starts at the airport in Ulaanbaatar. We understand that arriving into an unfamiliar airport can be very daunting, so we aim to give you as much information here as possible, to help you prepare.
Finding flights
Flights are not included in the cost of your holiday, and whilst we are happy to help advise you, responsibility for booking the correct flights rests with you. We recommend that you use a comparison tool such as www.momondo.co.uk or www.skyscanner.net when searching for flights. We will send you a Flight Information Sheet with further pointers on which flights to book for your adventure.
Foreign Travel Advice
For the latest travel advice from the Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), including security and local laws, plus passport and visa information, check www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice. We also receive notifications direct from the FCDO so we are always aware of the ‘status’ in our destination countries.
Airport & Arrival Info
Chinggis Khaan International Airport is the main international airport in Mongolia, located 18km SW of the capital, Ulaanbaatar. It is a small, though fully functioning, airport with 2 ‘terminals’ that you may arrive into, at different ends of the same building.
General Information on Mongolia
For information on Mongolia, such as climate, weather, language, social norms, food & drink etc, please have a read of our Country specific information.
Incuded
- Rangers/spotters
- Full board meals
- Domestic flights (UB-Ulgii-UB)
- Entrance fees to protected areas and national parks
- Transport 4x4 vehicle
- Camping equipment (except sleeping bag)
Reviews
Diane Smillie
What an adventure - second to none. As I was in Mongolia for 10 days with a group for the spectacular eagle festival I decided to extend my journey to include a trip to stay with the Reindeer herders in the north west province and I’m so glad I did. There were no other participants - just me, I had a whole team of guides all to myself. The entire experience was truly an unforgettable adventure. All of the staff, whether being in the uk or with me on the group tour or for my solo journey to the Reindeer herders were incredibly attentive and professional. I had no worries what so ever. Would I recommend this company? Absolutely. All my needs were met with speed and enthusiasm which gave me great confidence. Have fun!
Mongolia Sagsai Eagle Festival & Reindeer Herders 2024
Compulsory
- Passport & insurance documents
- US$ or £GB to exchange for local currency
- Debit / Credit card for use in ATMs (where available)
- Prescription medication & antibiotics such as Azithromycin to stop serious traveller's diarrhoea
- First aid kit: paracetamol, anti-diarrhoea tables, rehydration sachets, antihistamine cream, ibuprofen cream, thermometer & blister kit (eg plasters & zinc oxide tape).
- Insect repellent
- Flannel & Towel (ideally quick drying travel towel)
- Washbag & usual contents
- Toilet kit: toilet roll and biodegradable wet wipe
Items for Ger Stays
- Winter sleeping bag: comfort rating -20ºC
- 20-30L rucksack with waist (& ideally chest) strap
- Rucksack or duffel bag for main luggage (no hard suitcases) so it can be strapped to horses for transportation during camp/hike
- Water-to-Go filtration water-bottle & additional storage water-bottle - ideally 2 litres per person
- Waterproof walking shoes or boots that have already been broken in...
- Torch with spare batteries
- Waterproof stuff sacks & liners to keep kit dry. Esp. important for sleeping bags & spare clothes
Clothing
- General socks / underwear for city sections & for trekking / riding.
- Suitable clothes/pjs for sleeping in. Thermal base layers are ideal when camping & also useful if you get cold weather.
- Light clothes for day time - long & short sleeved tops. NB technical fabrics dry quickly in hot or wet weather when riding/hiking.
- Waterproof jacket (GoreTex or similar quality)
Optional
- Silk or thermal sleeping bag liner if you feel the cold
- Inflatable pillow, or pillowcase you can stuff with spare clothes - adds comfort to camping
- Purification tablets as alternative to Water Purification Bottle
- Flask if you like hot drinks
- 2 prong adaptor
- Camera & charging cables / plug
- Phone & charging cables / plug
- Spare ziplock bags for dirty clothes, waterproofing phones, rubbish & general organising
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Need a little help?
All adventures can be tailored as private bespoke trips.
Please contact us for more information:
+44 207 846 0197
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Booking Process
Select dates: Choose the dates for your adventure and consider adding any extra adventures or add-ons to enhance your experience.
Check the box to agree to our Terms & Conditions.
Make Booking: Click on "Make Booking." If you're booking more than 56 days before your adventure, you'll be redirected to secure WorldPay to make your deposit. If it's 56 days or less before your adventure, you'll need to make full payment. Rest assured, your money is held securely by the Travel Trust Association.
Your booking will show as 'pending' in your YellowWood online account.
Confirmation: We'll be in touch as soon as possible to confirm your booking or discuss any availability limitations. Please refrain from booking transport or flights until we've emailed you to confirm your booking. (Note: Receipt of your booking form is not confirmation.)
Making payment: Once your booking is confirmed, we'll change the status of your final invoice from 'Pending Approval' to 'Outstanding,' indicating that it's ready for payment online.
You will receive a reminder email for your final payment 56 days before the departure date.
Feel free to contact us with any questions about your adventure or booking, we're here to help!
Grading
To help you choose the right adventure for you, we have given each itinerary a grading that relates to the level of Walking / Trekking you will experience during the trip. This grading can be found on the Yellow map on the adventure page of the website.
All of our trips involve a level of general activity so are designed for people who are in good health, enjoy the outdoors, and have a taste for adventure and some level of fitness. As will be clear from our destinations, the climate (and altitude) may be different to that which you are used to, so please take this into consideration when choosing the most suitable holiday.
Please read our Adventure Itinerary & Essential Information for more information and don't hesitate to contact us if you would like to chat through whether you have found a suitable adventure for you.
Grade 1-3: Entry Level
You need to be in good physical health to enjoy your active holiday, but you don’t need to be an experienced hiker. These itineraries offer a mix of sightseeing and easier walking for around 2-4hrs a day, with the emphasis on sights and cultural experiences.
Walks will be well marked or on defined pathways, and often around sites of interest. The expected amount of descent/ascent will depend on the landscapes of the destination, but will not exceed 400m/day, and will often be much less. Walks are at low altitude (below 3000m).
You will not be required to carry more than a day sack with water and essentials. Ensure you are aware of the weather conditions likely in the destination you are visiting and have a pair of comfortable and worn in walking shoes/boots.
Grades 4-6: Intermediate
You need to have a good level of fitness and be a regular walker for these adventures, with ideally some trekking experience. You can expect to be walking for 3-6 hours per day, not including rest stops, normally on good trail paths but with some uneven surfaces at times.
You will not be required to carry more than a day sack. You may be walking in more challenging temperatures. You will generally be walking at low altitude (below 3000m) but may walk at altitudes up to 4000m. The amount of ascent could be up to 800m in a day but will frequently be less. You may walk on consecutive days.
Ensure you are aware of the weather conditions likely in the destination you are visiting and have suitable clothing for this adventure.
Grades 7-9: Challenging
You need to have a good level of fitness with previous experience of trekking. Extra training before your trip will ensure that you get the most out of your adventure. Areas will be remote and terrain uneven.
Expect to walk for 5 – 8 hours a day, not including breaks, with some very steep ascents and descents. You will be walking at altitude (over 3000m but not higher than 5000m).
Ensure you are aware of the weather conditions likely in the destination you are visiting and have suitable equipment/clothing for this adventure (see the packing list for your adventure).
Please check individual itineraries for details of what you will need to be carrying with you.
Get in touch
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