Mammal watching tours
16-Day Snow Leopard & Pallas's Cat Observation Expedition
Track two of Mongolia’s most elusive predators across Altai mountain and rocky steppe habitat.
Overview
This specialized wildlife expedition is designed for photographers, wildlife enthusiasts, and researchers seeking Mongolia's most elusive predators: the Snow Leopard and Pallas's Cat. The expedition focuses on the rugged landscapes of Altai Mountain in Western Mongolia, one of the country's best Snow Leopard habitats, and the rocky steppe ecosystems surrounding Khar Us Lake National Park, known for Pallas's Cat sightings. In addition to tracking Mongolia's iconic predators, participants will have opportunities to observe Argali Sheep, Siberian Ibex, wolves, foxes, and numerous raptors and alpine bird species. Long observation sessions, camera trapping, and guidance from experienced local trackers maximize the chances of successful wildlife encounters.
Route sketch
Western Mongolia · Altai & Khar Us Lake
A complete day-by-day outline of the journey.
- 1
Day 1
Arrival in Ulaanbaatar
- 2
Day 2
Flight to Hovd
- 3
Day 3
Hovd → Altai Mountain
- 4
Day 4
Snow Leopard Observation Program
- 5
Day 5
Snow Leopard Observation Program
- 6
Day 6
Snow Leopard Observation Program
- 7
Day 7
Snow Leopard Observation Program
- 8
Day 8
Snow Leopard Observation Program
- 9
Day 9
Altai mountain → Hovd
- 10
Day 10
Hovd → Khar Us Lake National Park
- 11
Day 11
Pallas's Cat Observation Expedition
- 12
Day 12
Pallas's Cat Observation Expedition
- 13
Day 13
Pallas's Cat Observation Expedition
- 14
Day 14
Return to Hovd
- 15
Day 15
Flight to Ulaanbaatar
- 16
Day 16
Departure
Photo gallery
Field images
2 photos
Itinerary
Day by day
Exact roads can change with weather and local conditions. Drive times shown here come from the itinerary notes.
01
Arrival in Ulaanbaatar
Drive: 52 km (1.5–2 hrs)
Ulaanbaatar is the capital and largest city of Mongolia, serving as the country's cultural, political, and economic center. Surrounded by mountains and vast steppe landscapes, the city blends modern development with traditional nomadic heritage. Visitors can explore museums, monasteries, local markets, and vibrant cultural attractions while experiencing the unique character of Mongolia's capital.
Highlights
Arrival and hotel check-in
Preparations
02
Flight to Hovd
Flight: Ulaanbaatar → Hovd (2 hrs)
Hovd is one of Mongolia's oldest settlements and the cultural center of western Mongolia. Nestled between the Altai Mountains and the Khovd River, the city is home to diverse ethnic groups and serves as a gateway to the region's spectacular landscapes, including snow-capped mountains, lakes, deserts, and rich wildlife habitats. It offers visitors a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty.
Highlights
Scenic flight to Western Mongolia
Meet wildlife trackers and local team
Final expedition preparations
03
Hovd → Altai Mountain
Drive: 280 km (6–7 hrs)
Altai Mountain is one of the highest peaks in the Mongolian Altai, renowned for its snow-capped summits, glaciers, and spectacular alpine scenery. The mountain and its surrounding valleys support diverse wildlife, including ibex, argali sheep, and birds of prey. Its remote wilderness and breathtaking landscapes make it a highlight for trekkers, photographers, and nature enthusiasts exploring western Mongolia.
Highlights
Spectacular mountain scenery
Wildlife scouting en route
Expedition camp setup
04-08
Snow Leopard Observation Program
Drive: Local wildlife tracking
Spend seven full days searching for Snow Leopards in the remote valleys and ridgelines of Altai Mountain.
Highlights
Dawn and dusk observation sessions
Snow Leopard tracking with local experts
Camera trap monitoring
Wildlife photography
High-altitude hiking
Identification of tracks and signs
09
Altai mountain → Hovd
Drive: 280 km (6–7 hrs)
Highlights
Final wildlife observations
Return to Hovd
Rest and photo backup
10
Hovd → Khar Us Lake National Park
Drive: 60 km (1–2 hrs)
One of Mongolia's most important wetlands and Ramsar sites. That is located about 40 km from Khovd, Khar Us Lake National Park is one of western Mongolia’s most important wetland ecosystems and a major birdwatching destination. The park contains vast reed beds, shallow freshwater lakes, marshes, river deltas, and surrounding desert-steppe habitats that support more than 200 recorded bird species. It is also recognized as a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance....
Highlights
Wetland wildlife observation
Waterbird photography
Evening wildlife scouting
11-13
Pallas's Cat Observation Expedition
Drive: Local wildlife drives and hikes
Four full days dedicated to searching for Pallas's Cat in rocky hills and steppe habitats.
Highlights
Dawn and dusk observation sessions
Camera trapping
Tracking with local wildlife specialists
Photography from observation hides
14
Return to Hovd
Drive: 60 km (1–2 hrs)
Highlights
Final wildlife observations
Return to Hovd
Farewell dinner with local team
15
Flight to Ulaanbaatar
Flight: Hovd → Ulaanbaatar
Highlights
Return to the capital
Free afternoon for sightseeing or shopping
16
Departure
Drive: Hotel – Airport (52 km, 60–90 min)
Transfer to Chinggis Khaan International Airport for your departure flight.
Highlights
Airport transfer
End of services
What’s included
Airport pickup and airport transfer in Ulaanbaatar
All ground transportation during the tour (4WD vehicle with driver)
English-speaking tour guide
Hotel in Ulaanbaatar
Ger camps in the countryside
All meals during the countryside tour (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Entrance fees to national parks and sightseeing areas
Bottled drinking water during the trip
Fuel and road fees
Not included
International and domestic airfare
Travel insurance
Mongolian visa fee (if required)
Personal expenses (laundry, phone calls, minibar, etc.)
Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks
Tips for the guide and driver (optional but appreciated)
Optional activities not listed in the itinerary
Additional hotel nights in Ulaanbaatar outside the program
Packing notes
Warm layered clothing (temperature swings are big)
Windproof jacket (very important)
Waterproof boots
Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen
Personal medications
Power bank / spare batteries
Field notes
Roads are rough → expect long, bumpy drives
No paved roads in many areas
Remote regions → limited shops & facilities
Nights can be cold even in summer
Can change quickly: sun, wind, cold in one day
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