Snow Leopards of Mongolia

Snow Leopards of Mongolia

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7 Days From

$5658

Snow Leopards of Mongolia

7 Days Starting and ending in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

Visiting: Ulaanbaatar, Bayan-Ulgii, Munkhkhairkhan National Park, Mongolia, Ulgii

Tour operator:

Crooked Compass

Tour code:

4996

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Medium

Tour operated in:

English

Activities:

Walking

From: $5658

NB: Prices correct on 05-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Embark on an unforgettable journey with the "Snow Leopards of Mongolia" tour, where you'll explore the vibrant city of Ulaanbaatar and delve into the heart of Mongolia's breathtaking landscapes. Experience the rich culture of the Kazakh people in Deluun County, renowned for their Golden Eagle hunting traditions. Venture into the majestic Mountain Munkhkhairkhan National Park, home to Mongolia's second-highest peak, and search for the elusive snow leopards with expert local guides. Immerse yourself in the unique lifestyle of the Uriankhai ethnic group, staying with nomadic families in traditional Gers. Marvel at the stunning alpine and sub-alpine zones of the Altai Mountains, and discover Mongolia's fascinating history in Ulaanbaatar's museums. This active adventure includes return airport transfers, domestic flights, accommodation, meals, and the expertise of English-speaking guides, ensuring a seamless and enriching experience.

Highlights

  • Ulaanbaatar, a thriving cosmopolitan city with contrasts and contradictions.

  • Visit a Kazakh family in Deluun County and learn about their culture and Golden Eagle hunting traditions.

  • Explore Mountain Munkhkhairkhan National Park, home to Mongolia's second highest summit.

  • Search for the elusive snow leopards in their natural habitat with local mountain guides.

  • Experience the unique lifestyle of the Uriankhai ethnic group and stay with local nomad families.

  • Witness the breathtaking scenery of the alpine and sub-alpine zones in the Altai Mountains.

  • Discover the rich history of Mongolia in Ulaanbaatar's fascinating museums.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 - Arrival Ulaanbaatar

Location: Ulaanbaatar

Accommodation Name: Best Western Premier Tuushin or similar

Welcome to Mongolia! Upon arrival into Ulaanbaatar, you will be met at the airport or train station and be transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is yours at leisure.


Ulaanbaatar is a thriving cosmopolitan city on the verge of massive growth, it is a city filled with contrasts and contradictions, wild traffic, sinful nightlife and bohemian counter-culture.


Overnight Best Western Premier Tuushin or similar


Day 2 - Ulgii & Deluun County

Location: Bayan-Ulgii

Accommodation Name: local Kazakh family

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Following breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your 3.5hr flight to Bayan-Ulgii province. Upon arrival, you will be met by your guide before driving to the Deluun county of Bayan-Ulgii province. The journey is approx 180kms. On arrival, you will visit a Kazak family and enjoy witnessing and learning about their unique culture and traditions of training Golden Eagles for hunting. (B,L,D)


Overnight with a local Kazakh family.


Day 3 - Bulgan County

Location: Munkhkhairkhan National Park

Accommodation Name: Ger of a local nomad family

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning, you will travel to the southwest part of Mountain Munkhkhairkhan National Park located in West Altai. This is home to the second highest summit of Mongolia at 4362m above sea level. Standing at the foot of the sky touching high peaks, you can see several small lakes in different colours. The ‘Uriankhai’ ethnic groups mainly live in this region. The park is also famed for growing various medicinal plants and its mountain wildlife such as argali, ibex and of course the snow leopard. On the way to the national park, you will cross over a mountain pass Ulaagchin, the highest pass of the Mongol Altai Mounts. You will then visit Uriankhai ethnic Mongol family, the nomads who live in this region, and stay in their Guurt area which is the homeland of the snow leopard. (B,L,D)


Overnight in the Ger of a local nomad family.


Day 4 - 7 - Snow Leopards

Location: Mongolia

Accommodation Name: Ger of a local nomad family

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The next four days are dedicated for exploring the area and searching for Snow Leopards. You will go to Khar Uzuur, head of the Guurt area and Ikh Baga Khadaan Gijigt by horse with your local mountain guides. Search and observe snow leopards in their ‘nests’. You will search snow leopard habitat sites in the hope of catching a glimpse of this rare Himalayan cat. Listed in the Mongolian Red Book as ‘Very Rare’, the snow leopards in Mongolia, are generally at altitudes of 2000-3500m. The snow leopard habitat includes steep broken mountainous regions in the alpine and sub-alpine zones, where vegetation is sparse, but the scenery spectacular. (B,L,D)


Overnight in the Ger of a local nomad family.


Day 8 - Ulgii

Location: Ulgii

Accommodation Name: Ger of a local nomad family

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today is a long drive day of approx 6 hours as you return to Ulgii. Upon arrival, you will check into your hotel and overnight. (B,L,D)


Overnight in a local hotel.


Day 9 - Ulaanbaatar

Location: Ulaanbaatar

Accommodation Name: Ger of a local nomad family

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Following breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your domestic flight back to Ulaanbaatar. The day is yours at leisure. For those interested, there are some fascinating museums about the history of Mongolia. This evening, enjoy a farewell dinner. (B,L,D)


Overnight Best Western Premier Tuushin or similar


Day 10 - Departure

Location: Ulaanbaatar

Accommodation Name: Ger of a local nomad family

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today is yours at leisure until it is time to transfer to the airport or train station for your onward flight/train. (B)


What's Included

  • Return airport transfers

  • 9 nights accommodation

  • Services of an english speaking guide service

  • Local mountain guide and horses

  • Field cook

  • All camping equipment

  • Entrance fee to the Protected Area

  • Return domestic flights Ulaanbaatar/Ulgii/Ulaanbaatar

  • Private transportation

  • Meals as per the itinerary

What's Not Included

  • International flights

  • Visas

  • Travel and medical insurance

  • All services, meals other than those indicated above

  • Any changes to the proposed and confirmed program.

  • All items of a personal nature e.g. drinks, laundry, telephone calls, tips etc

Mode of Transport

Enjoy private transportation throughout the tour, including return domestic flights between Ulaanbaatar and Ulgii, and airport transfers for a seamless travel experience.

Accommodation

Experience authentic Mongolian hospitality by staying with local Kazakh and Uriankhai nomad families in traditional Gers, as well as comfortable hotel accommodations in Ulaanbaatar and Ulgii.

Check out our Q&As

  • What kind of wildlife can be expected during the tour?

    During the tour, you can expect to see a variety of mountain wildlife including argali, ibex, and the elusive snow leopard in their natural habitat.

  • Will there be opportunities to interact with local communities?

    Yes, the tour includes visits to local Kazakh and Uriankhai ethnic families where you can learn about their culture, traditions, and lifestyle.

  • What is the main focus of the tour in the Altai Mountains?

    The main focus in the Altai Mountains is to search for snow leopards in their natural habitat with the help of local mountain guides.

  • What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?

    Accommodation includes staying with local nomad families in their Ger, as well as hotels in Ulaanbaatar and Ulgii.

  • Are meals included in the tour package?

    Yes, meals are included as per the itinerary, covering breakfast, lunch, and dinner on most days.

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes. Focusing on providing authentic experiences where ever you are in the world, Crooked Compass has access to a vast array of accommodation styles. From boutique properties in larger cities to local guest houses and home stays within small villages. Crooked Compass ensures that local authenticity flows through your accommodation throughout your tour without compromising standard.

  • What sort of transportation is used for your tours?

    Transportation utilised on a Crooked Compass escorted small group tour is a combination of a private air conditioned vehicle and local transport where appropriate. This may include a local bus ride, use of the cities metro system, a domestic flight to another city or overnight train ride.

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Crooked Compass strives to be a leader in sustainable tourism. Crooked Compass is firmly committed to the principles of ethical travel. Our comprehensive Sustainable Tourism Practices policy summarises our commitments and actions. Although the very basis of our ground operations lends itself to the ethos of sustainable tourism, this policy re-iterates our commitment to: Use locally owned hotels Use locally owned ground agents Use local guides and drivers Promote community tourism projects from homestays to craft shops Support charities that work within the destinations that we travel to Carbon offset our travels

  • Who runs your tours and are they experts in their fields?

    Crooked Compass works with the worlds best operators who are specialists in their country, region and cities providing you with in depth local knowledge. We use local guides who live and breathe the areas they work in, making sure you experience their region, their way. We believe it is far better to have a local guide who knows a lot about a little than a text book trained Western tour guide who knows a little about a lot. Using local guides also ensures that money stays within local communities and supports the regions we visit.

  • What can I expect from a Crooked Compass tour that I wouldn't get from travelling with an alternative company?

    Crooked Compass provides a sensory way to understand the world – we help you live like a local, eat like a local, do what the locals do and seek the faces behind the places whilst discovering untouched lands and natural beauty. Crooked Compass tours delve deep into the heart and soul of a destination ensuring you get out of your journey all you intended and much, much more. Our intriguing itineraries have been created by travellers for travellers. Steering travellers to follow a different path, Crooked Compass’ itineraries allow you to experience the world’s most fascinating destinations in ways you never dreamed possible. It brings to life those ‘bucket list’ experiences you have yearned to do and separates the travellers from the tourists. Crooked Compass tours are culturally rich, reward travellers with unexpected encounters and uncommon rendezvous, creating truly unique, authentic travel experiences.

  • Who do your tours cater for?

    Crooked Compass escorted small group tours cater for those who are well travelled seeking the what’s next and what’s new. Our travellers are curious minded soft adventurers who want to uncover something more than the mainstream tourist trail. Crooked Compass tours draw travellers with an interest in sustainable tourism and conservation for the areas they visit. A Crooked Compass traveller is someone who is seeking something fresh and unique, who has a yearning for authenticity and discovery, with an appreciation for cultures, tradition and the natural world. We call them Cultural Purists.

  • I am concerned about my impact on travelling through untouched regions. Can I offset?

    Yes. All travellers on Crooked Compass tours have the option to offset their part of their tour’s carbon footprint by donating $4AUD (tax-deductible) at time of booking. 100% of these funds are donated to Greenfleet, an environmental non-profit organisation dedicated to protecting our climate by restoring our forests. By partnering with Greenfleet, we are confident that our carbon offset program provides genuine and lasting environmental benefits. Your offset donation funds plant trees and restore permanent native forests in Australia and New Zealand. As they grow, these forests provide many community and environmental benefits by absorbing carbon emissions, protecting our unique biodiversity, restoring habitat for native wildlife, preventing soil salinity and erosion, improving water quality and much more. If you’d like to find out more and offset the rest of your carbon emissions, visit www.greenfleet.org.au

Reviews of this operator

Jeff Rehn  

A wonderful trip to Saudi Arabia organised by Crooked Compass

07-Apr-2022

A wonderful trip to Saudi Arabia organised by Crooked Compass. Considering the country is just opening up to tourism everything went very well - flights, trips, transfers, guides and accommodation - thank you CC - highly recommended

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Pauline Mavis Rusby  

We were kept safe at all times.

09-May-2022

We were kept safe at all times. When unexpected hurdles appeared they were handled without fuss. Our tour was informative, picturesque and comfortable.

Tripadvisor
Tina Watts-Seale  

Family holiday to Vietnam

01-Aug-2022

We booked a family holiday to Vietnam with Crooked Compass and it was perfect. The booking process was easy and Lisa took all of our requests on board so that the trip was exactly what we wanted. All flights, transfers, accommodations, guides and activities were fantastic, with great communication throughout the whole trip. Would highly recommend, we will be booking again soon!

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1 Select your preferred date

Monday - Sunday

Sep 15, 2025 - Sep 21, 2025
$5658

Wednesday - Tuesday

Sep 16, 2026 - Sep 22, 2026
$6054

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Crooked Compass requires a minimum deposit of 20% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of crooked compass charges.

    Up to 61 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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