🐾 Track the Ghost of the Mountains in Mongolia

Altai and Hangai Mountains, Mongolia
February 26 - March 12, 2026
4 SPOTS AVAILABLE

 Snow Leopard & Pallas’s Cat Expedition.
This isn’t just a wildlife trip—it’s a rare invitation to one of the last wild frontiers on Earth.

Join us as we venture deep into Mongolia’s snow-draped Altai and Hangai Mountains in search of two of the world’s most elusive cats: the iconic Snow Leopard and the elusive Pallas’s Cat.

Our route takes you across sweeping frozen steppes, windswept granite ridges, and the dazzling crystal-blue Bayan Lake, flanked by dunes and jagged cliffs—prime habitat for big cats, wild horses, wolves, and the nomadic herders who still call these mountains home.

Along the way, you’ll photograph:

• Snow Leopards in their natural winter range (with an estimated 80% success rate)

• Pallas’s Cats, blending in with boulders near ancient dunes

• Siberian Ibex, Argali, Przewalski’s Wild Horses, and more

• Altai Snowcock, Bearded Vultures, Cinereous Vultures, Golden Eagles, and winter flocks of stunning Central Asian birdlife

This trip is for those who crave unfiltered wilderness, big cat encounters, and raw, once-in-a-lifetime images.

Trip Cost is $9,588 per person (Dbl Occ.)

With an $3000 deposit required to reserve your space.
*Add $800 for single supplement accommodations.

Price Includes:

• All in-country transportation (including 4x4 jeep travel)

• All domestic flights within Mongolia

• All accommodations (hotels, ger camps, and field stays)

• All meals during the expedition

• Expert local naturalist guides and professional trackers

• Experienced camp cook and support staff

• Entry fees to national parks and protected areas

• Road tolls and permits

• Drinking water throughout the trip

• Photo Coaching during the expedition.

Price Excludes:

• International airfare to and from Mongolia

• Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks

• Hotel accommodations before the trip begins and after it ends

• Gratuities for guides, trackers, and support crew

• Personal travel insurance (strongly recommended)

🔥 YOUR NEXT MOVE:
Ready to join us? Lock in your spot now—or reach out with any questions. We’re here to help.

TRIP ITINERARY

Day 1 – Arrival in Ulaanbaatar
Our team will greet you at the Chinggis Khaan International Airport (UBN) and transfer you to the Mongolica Resort Hotel, located along the Tuul River Valley near the city. Depending on your arrival time, we’ll have the chance to explore the surrounding riparian forest—an excellent opportunity for some light birding and a peaceful start to your adventure.
(Accommodation: Mongolica Resort Hotel | Meals: B, L, D)

Day 2 – Fly to Ulaangom & Transfer to the Margaz Mountains
This morning, we take a scenic 2-hour flight to Ulaangom in western Mongolia. Upon arrival, we begin our overland journey to the remote and stunning Margaz Mountains (approx. 4–5 hours). These mountains are home to Pallas’s Cats and other elusive wildlife. We'll settle into a cozy, community-run ger camp and prepare for the days of tracking ahead.
(Accommodation: Community-Based Ger Camp | Meals: B, L, D)

Days 3–4 – Tracking Pallas’s Cat in the Margaz Mountains (2 DAYS)
Spend two full days exploring the Margaz Mountains—home to the elusive Pallas’s Cat. With the help of local nomad trackers, we’ll search for this rare feline while scanning for signs of Snow Leopards, Red and Corsac Foxes, Grey Wolves, and Siberian Ibex.

The landscapes here are as diverse as the wildlife: dramatic granite rock tors, windswept steppes, tranquil sand dunes, and frozen lakes form the perfect backdrop for winter wildlife photography.

Key Bird Species:
Hill Pigeon, Pallas’s Sandgrouse, Bearded & Cinereous Vultures, Golden Eagle, Saker Falcon, Upland Buzzard, Little Owl, Mongolian Lark, Rock Sparrow, Meadow Bunting, and more.

Key Mammals:
Pallas’s Cat, Snow Leopard (possible), Grey Wolf, Red Fox, Corsac Fox, Siberian Ibex

(Accommodation: Community-Based Ger Camp | Meals: B, L, D)

Day 5 – Margaz Mountains to Homyn Tal
Today we journey onward, crossing a breathtaking winter landscape of open desert plains, snow-dusted sand dunes, and ancient rock tors. Our destination is Homyn Tal, a remarkable conservation success story and home to the world’s last truly wild horse—Przewalski’s Horse. Once extinct in the wild, over 150 individuals now roam free here, thriving in their native steppe habitat thanks to dedicated reintroduction efforts.

This region also offers opportunities to spot Mongolian Gazelle, Corsac and Red Foxes, and Wolves, as well as rare birds like Henderson’s Ground-Jay, Pallas’s Sandgrouse, and White-winged Redstart.
(Accommodation: Tourist Ger Camp | Meals: B, L, D)

Day 6 – Homyn Tal to Hovd
This morning, we embark on a game drive across the expansive steppe in search of the critically endangered Saiga Antelope, known for its distinctive, bulbous nose and incredible speed. With some luck, we’ll photograph these fascinating antelope against the backdrop of Mongolia’s vast and silent wilderness.

In the afternoon, we continue to the city of Hovd, where we’ll relax and recharge at a comfortable hotel after days spent in remote terrain.
(Accommodation: Hotel | Meals: B, L, D)

Day 7 – Hovd to the Altai Mountains
We continue our journey with a scenic drive into the majestic Altai Mountains, home to some of Mongolia’s most dramatic high-altitude landscapes and rich wildlife. Along the way, we’ll have the unique opportunity to visit traditional Kazakh eagle hunters—a living link to an ancient nomadic tradition.

By evening, we arrive at our community-based ger camp nestled at the foot of the mountains, where we prepare to begin the snow leopard portion of our expedition.

(Accommodation: Community-Based Ger Camp | Meals: B, L, D)

Days 8–12 – Snow Leopard Tracking in the Mongolian Altai (5 DAYS)
These five days are the heart of our expedition. Based at a warm, community-run ger camp nestled in the Altai Mountains, we set out each day with our expert trackers to achieve our ultimate goal—finding and photographing the elusive Snow Leopard, the legendary Ghost of the Mountains.

This remote, pristine wilderness offers more than just big cats. Towering snow-capped peaks, dramatic narrow valleys, untouched alpine lakes, and ancient desert plains create an awe-inspiring backdrop for wildlife encounters and photography.

With the help of local nomads and rangers who know the terrain intimately, we’ll also keep our eyes open for Pallas’s Pika, Tolai Hare, Red Fox, and possibly Grey Wolf.

Key Bird Species:
Chukar, Altai Snowcock, Daurian Partridge, Hill Pigeon, Pallas’s Sandgrouse, Bearded & Cinereous Vultures, Golden Eagle, Eurasian Eagle-Owl, Little Owl, Saker Falcon, Upland Buzzard, Red-billed Chough
(Accommodation: Community-Based Ger Camp | Meals: B, L, D)

Day 13 – Altai Mountains to Ulgii
After an unforgettable week in the high mountains, we make our way back to Ulgii city on a scenic overland drive through the sweeping landscapes of western Mongolia. It’s a time to reflect on the rare encounters and incredible images captured throughout the expedition. Upon arrival, we’ll settle into a comfortable hotel for a well-deserved rest.
(Accommodation: Hotel | Meals: B, L, D)

Day 14 – Return to Ulaanbaatar
This morning we board our return flight to Ulaanbaatar, where you’ll have time to explore the city or shop for a perfect souvenir from your time in the land of the snow leopard. In the evening, we’ll gather for a final dinner to celebrate our journey.
(Accommodation: Hotel | Meals: B, L, D)

Day 15 – Fly Home
After an unforgettable journey through Mongolia’s wild and remote frontiers, we’ll transfer you to the Chinggis Khaan International Airport (UBN) based on your flight schedule. Depart with full memory cards, new friendships, and the rare experience of having tracked the Ghost of the Mountains in its natural realm.
(Meals: B)

READY TO JOIN US!

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