DATE                     24.08 - 04.09 2025 (12-days)

GENRE                  Snow Leopard and Pallas's Cat and birds                  

TOUR LEADER      Michael Westerbjerg Andersen. The language we                                     speak on our tours is English, German & Danish

FEE                       From 5,240 USD pr. person in shared DBL room 

SINGLE SUPPL.    550 US$           

DEPOSIT              Please pay a deposit (US$ 1,000. -) per person                                        when booking;

                             Please pay Please pay the balance 3 months prior to                              tour start

VISA                    Depending on country of origin. At present no visa                                  for many nationalities! Information when booking the                              tour

VACCINATION     No

GROUP SIZE       Max. 9 guests plus your expedition leader Michael                                   Westerbjerg Andersen

LEVEL                 Physical requirements involves minimal strenuous                                   walking or hiking, with trekking limited to short day                                 walks to maximize wildlife sightings rather than cover                              long distances. Some areas are steep and at high                                   altitude, requiring a moderate level of fitness.                                         Altitude averages between 1,500 and 3,200 meters                                 above sea level, though altitude issues are generally                               minimal. Our team, experienced in mountainous                                       terrain, prioritizes safety and comfort. Those in good                               health and reasonable fitness should acclimate                                       within a few days and enjoy the journey fully. Horse                               riding may be possible.

DESCRIPTION    Unique journey through the wild and untouched                                          landscapes of western Mongolia, where we will search                                for one of nature's most mythical, enigmatic, and                                        beautiful creatures: the Snow Leopard

                             The snow leopard is one of the world’s most mythical                                  animals—a symbol of beauty and the mystery of                                          nature. Spotting this shy, elegant creature with its                                        distinctive fur, mesmerizing blue eyes, and long tail is a                              dream for many. Mongolia is a land of dramatic                                          contrasts, where the steppes meet the mountains, and                              the sky seems to stretch endlessly.

                             Upon arriving in the capital, Ulaanbaatar, we will take a                              domestic flight to Hovd in Mongolia's far west to                                        search for snow leopards in the pristine wilderness of                                  the Altay Mountains, which hold approximately 20%                                  of the world’s estimated snow leopard population. The                              Altay Mountains stretch across Russia, China,                                              Kazakhstan, and Mongolia, forming an impressive                                      range with diverse landscapes—from snow-capped                                    peaks and deep valleys to high-altitude grasslands. In                                this remote corner of Mongolia, we seek the elusive                                    snow leopard along with other iconic wildlife such as                                  Pallas' cat, Siberian ibex, Mongolian saiga antelope,                                  Przewalski's horse, argali mountain sheep, Altai red                                    deer, and wolves. The area also hosts a fascinating                                      variety of birdlife, providing excellent opportunities for                              observation. A detailed bird list will be provided prior                                to departure

​​

                            This journey takes us to a rugged yet simple world, free                             of dangerous elements. A significant advantage of this                               trip is that we travel in summer. Traditionally, snow                                     leopard expeditions occur in winter, when snow drives                               the leopards’ prey into valleys, making the cats easier                                 to locate. In western Mongolia, however, we rely on                                   knowledgeable locals who understand the snow                                         leopard’s habits and territory. The Altay Mountains are                               also lower and more accessible than the Himalayas.                                   Remarkably, we can search for snow leopards in                                         summer attire, though western Mongolia remains both                               barren and windy. This trip has the character of an                                       expedition, where climate and weather require                                           patience and understanding from you, the traveler. We                               cannot predict the weather or exact conditions, nor can                             we say precisely when we will arrive or how long each                                 day’s foray will be. What we can promise, however, is a                               breathtaking experience in a remote area rarely visited                               by humans, led by an experienced team in a region of                               outstanding nature and wildlife, with a high success                                   rate for snow leopard sightings.

​​

                           Our camp is comfortable, featuring warm gers                                             (traditional felt tents) and delicious, freshly prepared                                  meals. This is an active travel experience, with ample                                  opportunities for easy walks in the surrounding area.

​​

                          While it is impossible to guarantee sightings of snow                                 leopards or other wildlife, our experienced team is well-                             versed in tracking these elusive animals. We understand                           the snow leopard's habits and movement patterns                                     intimately, but we never disturb this shy and vulnerable                             species. Notably, the snow leopard’s nature and                                         tolerance toward humans is unique. Unlike its African                                 cousins, snow leopards have never been documented to                           harm people. Though they are unafraid, they maintain a                             respectful distance, like all wild animals.

                          Before departure, Miksture provides detailed                                               information about appropriate clothing and what to                                   bring. You don’t need to be a top athlete or marathon                               runner to join this incredible journey. The key                                               requirements are patience, a bit of persistence, and a                                 positive outlook.

​

                         On this expedition, we venture deep into the heart of the                          snow leopard’s domain, where our team’s expertise                                    transforms the chances of an encounter from nearly                                    impossible to truly possible. Sometimes, dreams do                                    come true. It’s in these moments that the fantasies                                      formed at home emerge vividly, bringing joy and                                        excitement—and a realization that nothing is impossible.

                        

​

     PHOTO HIGHLIGHTS AND FOCUS EVENTS

• ​Incredibly scenic Mongolian Altai mountains, lakes, rivers and untouched wilderness

• enigmatic Snow Leopard, Pallas's Cat along with the charismatic Siberian Ibex and Argali,

• maximum amount of time in the field, positioning ourselves for the opportunities of a lifetime!

• small group - flexible

• expert tour leader with 25+ years Snow leopard expedition experience

• close contact with Mongolia's wild nature, beautiful landscapes, and rich culture

• rare wildlife sightings, featuring the elusive Snow Leopard and Pallas' Cat as highlights, with chances to see Gray Wolf, Corsac Fox, Wild (Przewalski's) Horse, Wapiti, Siberian Ibex, Goitered Gazelle, Argali, Mongolian Gazelle, Saiga, Tolai Hare, Pallas's Pika, Tarbagan Marmot, Daurian Hedgehog, Long-tailed Ground Squirrel, Northern Three-toed Jerboa, and Brandt's Vole

• unique birds (species seen on our previous tour): Swan Goose, Ruddy Shelduck, Baikal Teal, Eastern Spot-billed Duck, Red-crested Pochard, White-headed Duck, Altai Snowcock, Japanese Quail, Hill Pigeon, Oriental Turtle Dove, White-naped Crane, Common Crane, Horned Grebe, Pacific Golden Plover, Red-necked Stint, White-winged Tern, Eurasian Spoonbill, Dalmatian Pelican, Bearded Vulture, Crested Honey Buzzard, Cinereous Vulture, Booted Eagle, Steppe Eagle, Golden Eagle, Japanese Sparrowhawk, Eastern Marsh Harrier, Hen Harrier, Black-eared Kite, White-tailed Eagle, Upland Buzzard, Little Owl, Eurasian Eagle-Owl, Eurasian Hoopoe, Amur Falcon, Saker Falcon, Great Grey Shrike, Isabelline Shrike, Azure-winged Magpie, Mongolian Ground Jay, Daurian Jackdaw, Azure Tit, White-crowned Penduline Tit, Mongolian Lark, Hume’s Leaf Warbler, Yellow-browed Warbler, Pallas’s Leaf Warbler, Dusky Warbler, Arctic Warbler, Paddyfield Warbler, Asian Desert Warbler, White’s Thrush, Eyebrowed Thrush, Black-throated Thrush, Red-throated Thrush, Siberian Rubythroat, Taiga Flycatcher, Daurian Redstart, Güldenstädt’s Redstart, Pere David’s, Brown Accentor, Eastern Yellow Wagtail, Richard’s Pipit, Blyth’s Pipit, Mongolian Finch, Oriental Greenfinch, Pine Bunting, Meadow Bunting, Grey-necked Bunting, Ortolan Bunting, Little Bunting, Yellow-browed Bunting, Black-faced Bunting, Pallas’s Reed Bunting, etc.

• experience nomadic life—outside the cities, we support the local population by staying in a ger camp run by Mongolian nomads.

 

Joining one of MIKSTURE photo tours, you are going to have the very best opportunities to experience and photograph the wildlife and pristine landscapes. Sunrises and sunsets are extraordinarily beautiful along with Mongolia's mountains. We enjoy comfortable accommodation and cuisine, but most important: We enjoy the maximum amount of time in the field

​​

IMPORTANT NOTES This is an easy paced wildlife tour. We will spend some time searching for the Snow Leopards with help of local trackers. '

​We designed this trip involving the least possible strenuous walks and treks throughout the trip. Depending on the sighting, we might ask you to walk maximum 2 km on comparatively flat terrain.

 

FAUNA The Mongol Altai embraces diverse fauna. Besides elusive Snow Leopards and Pallas's Cat, we have a chance to see many interesting mammals including Gray Wolf, Corsac Fox, Wild (Przewalski's) Horse, Wapiti, Siberian Ibex, Goitered Gazelle, Argali, Mongolian Gazelle, Saiga, Tolai Hare, Pallas's Pika, Tarbagan Marmot, Daurian Hedgehog, Long-tailed Ground Squirrel, Northern Three-toed Jerboa, and Brandt's Vole.

​

ELECTRICITY AND POWER SOURCES We use a power generator in the community-based ger camp, providing 220 KV. The common socket type is type E. The recently built buildings have the combination of Type G and Type E.

​​​

EXPECTED CLIMATE Mongolia is the ‘Land of Blue Sky’, the nickname comes from the number of sunny days throughout the year in the country – two third of the year. Mongolia, known as the "Land of the Blue Sky," enjoys sunny days two-thirds of the year. Days are generally sunny and cool, while nights are significantly colder. Mountain temperatures will be lower, and rain is possible. Climate data is from Hovd (2005–2015) and Ulaanbaatar (1985–2015) from timeanddate.com. One of the huge advantages traveling in August is the mild climate!

 

​TOUR PACE & TRANSPORT Moderate to easy. Domestic flight between Ulaanbaatar and Khovd. Fairly comfortable vehicles in the field from accommodation and into the adventure and back again. 

 

ACCOMMODATION Comfortable accommodation: Hotels and Community-based Ger Camp. Miksture are happy to book accommodation prior and after the expedition is wished.

​

We will stay in a community-based ger camp when we explore Altai in pursuit of the Snow Leopards. The campsites are a real heaven located in the authentic wilderness, facing the sublime scenery to all directions. Average altitude of the camp and surroundings is 2,000 m above sea level. The camp provides clean and comfortable traditional Mongolian gers with two beds or three beds inside. The gers will be heated by stove. The outside toilet will be secured in the secluded area of the campsite. There will be a place to wash hands and face but no always possibilities for shower each day.

​

Generally, we will book twin doubles, but single accommodation is possible against a fee (Solo Rate) (see below for details). If you are a single traveler and are ok to share, we will attempt to pair you with a same-sex co-traveler. If that is not possible, the single supplement fee (Solo Rat) will apply (se also Terms & Conditions (T&C)). 

 

MONGOLIAN CUISINE ​Our cook in the community-based camp will cater for your special food requirements. Please let us know your dietary requirements in advance so that we can prepare the supplies accordingly. We will provide our guests with fresh fruits every day. However, the meals in the camp might lack a variety comparing to the European standards. There will always be hot drinks and snacks.

​

CULTURE Mongolian culture is intricate; ancient, and modern, tradition-bound, and flexible. We will mostly be focused on wildlife and wilderness, but we will meet the people and their ways as well. Most locals speak little to no English. 

​

OTHER ATTRACTIONS Spectacular scenery, culture and fantastic wildlife

​

PHOTOGRAPHIC OPPORTUNITIES WORLD-CLASS!