Snow Leopard Expedition in Mongolia

A snow leopard photography expedition in Mongolia’s Altai Mountains — built around years of tracking experience, local knowledge, and patience in one of the last true snow leopard landscapes on Earth.

Unlike conventional wildlife tours, this expedition follows real conditions in the mountains. Time in the field depends on wildlife movement, weather, and terrain, alongside experienced local trackers and our long-term partners who know these mountains intimately.

Snow leopard encounters can never be guaranteed. However, our expeditions have consistently achieved strong results in recent seasons, with sighting success rates of over 85%.

Winter is the best time to observe and photograph snow leopards. During this season, the cats move to lower elevations, and their thick winter coat makes them especially striking to photograph. 

The journey also extends beyond snow leopards. Part of the expedition moves into a different habitat known for Pallas’s cat, where sightings and photography opportunities are often far more reliable.

This small-group expedition is designed for wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, and travelers who value real field experience over comfort and fixed schedules.

INSIDE THIS SNOW LEOPARD EXPEDITION

This snow leopard expedition in Mongolia is rooted in years of fieldwork by Ayan Travel's founder and Mongolian photographer Batzaya Choijiljav, whose snow leopard photography later became a large-format photography book published under the National Geographic brand.

Over the years, he has worked closely with local trackers, herders, and remote mountain communities across western Mongolia, building long-term partnerships and a deep familiarity with snow leopard habitat in the Altai Mountains.

Through years of working alongside photographers in the field, local guides and tracking teams have also developed a strong understanding of positioning, light, distance, and animal behavior, helping guests make the most of photography opportunities whenever conditions allow.

FIELD CONDITIONS IN THE ALTAI MOUNTAINS

This is not a fixed-schedule wildlife tour. Conditions in the Altai Mountains can change quickly, and time in the field depends on weather, wildlife movement, and snow conditions.

Temperature
-15°C to -30°C

Activity Level
Moderate to challenging

Field Time
5–8 hours of daily observation and scanning

Terrain
Rocky ridgelines, mountain slopes, and snow-covered valleys

Accommodation
Local hotels and simple winter field camps

Altitude
Approximately 2,000–3,500 meters

Patience is an important part of snow leopard tracking, and long periods without sightings are always possible. Some days in the mountains are quiet, while others can change quickly when fresh tracks or movement are found.