Track snow leopards
Photograph the “Ghost of the Mountains”
- Prime snow leopard territory
- Track wildlife with experts
- Use fresh signs, scopes & camera traps
- Nomad knowledge & insights
Why this trip
Tour Highlights
Rare wildlife
Wolves, ibex, argali and more
- Wolves, Pallas’s cats & golden eagles
- Ibex, argali sheep & foxes
- Stay in heated gers & field camps
Nomadic culture
Kazakh & Mongolian families
- Meet Kazakh & Mongolian nomadic families
- Visit eagle hunter families
- Experience falconry traditions
- Enjoy cultural performances
DAY1Arrival in Ulaanbaatar & Cultural Welcome
Arrive in Ulaanbaatar, meet Bek Travel’s team and check in at the 4-star Ramada Hotel. See a Mongolian traditional ensemble performance, then a welcome dinner at the Mongolian Nomads Restaurant.
Stay: Ramada Hotel, Ulaanbaatar
DAY2Fly to Ölgii & Prepare for the Expedition
After breakfast, fly to Ölgii (2 hours); your domestic flights are included in this tour. Meet your local guides and explore the town, then listen to a Mongolian throat singer and a Kazakh traditional ensemble before a welcome dinner.
Stay: Bek Travel’s luxury hotel, Ölgii
DAY3Drive to Siilkhem Mountains Base Camp
Drive 5 hours toward Nogoonuur Village and the Siilkhem Mountains, to your expedition campsite with heated gers, and meet the snow leopard tracking team.
Stay: Heated gers
DAYS4–8Snow Leopard Tracking & Photography Expedition
Spend five full days tracking snow leopards in remote valleys and ridges, using fresh signs, spotting scopes and camera traps to locate wildlife. Photograph ibex, argali sheep, eagles, foxes, wolves, Pallas’s cats and alpine landscapes. Travel on foot, on horseback, by motorcycle and by vehicle as needed, and move camp if required to improve the chances of a sighting.
Stay: Heated gers or field camps
DAYS9–10Nomadic Life & Eagle Hunter Experience
Visit Kazakh and Mongolian nomadic families, and meet eagle hunters to learn about golden eagle falconry traditions: two days of cultural immersion and photography.
Stay: Gers, yurts or huts, depending on location
DAY11Return to Ölgii & Farewell Dinner
Drive back to Ölgii for a farewell dinner and Kazakh cultural program, then fly back to Ulaanbaatar and check into the Ramada Hotel for your final night.
Stay: Ramada Hotel, Ulaanbaatar
DAY12Departure
After breakfast, we transfer you to Ulaanbaatar airport for your flight home.
Stay: Home
Route map
Tour Map: Ölgii and the Siilkhem Mountains
Leaflet map placeholder
Mount L.map('tour-map') here. Use one layer per day, with that day's points of interest as markers; picking a day in the list zooms to its layer.
Private Tours
Private Tour on Your Dates
No group tours are scheduled for this tour. Contact us with your travel dates to plan your private tour.
Tour essentials
- Priced for 2 people: the price is per person, assuming 2 people travel together
- Travelling solo or in a bigger group? Contact us for your price.
- 4x4 Land Cruiser with driver and fuel included
- Meeting point: Ulaanbaatar Airport
One price, no surprises
What's Included & Not Included
Included
Domestic flights
- Domestic flights are included in this tour
Transport
- Airport transfer in West Mongolia
- 4x4 Land Cruiser
- Driver
- Fuel
Accommodation
- All accommodation in West Mongolia
- Sleeping bag
- All camping & cooking equipment
- Other necessary items
Meals
- All meals in West Mongolia
- Vegetarian, vegan & gluten-free meals available
Support team
- English-speaking guide
- Cook
- Logistics team
Permits & activity fees
- All entertainment & event fees
- Horses and wrangler fees
- Eagle hunter fees, incl. photos holding the eagle in traditional clothing
- Border area permits
- National park taxes
- Other administrative costs
Not included
- Everything in Ulaanbaatar
- Airport transfers in Ulaanbaatar
Questions
FAQs
Tour Experiences
I've never ridden a horse. Can I ride in Mongolia?
Yes. We choose horses to suit your experience and no prior riding is needed. If you've never ridden, our wrangler will lead your horse. Many guests ride for the first time with us and love the open steppe.
Price & Dates
Are there any additional costs?
No. There are no extra costs: everything in the itinerary is covered, including meals, transport and entertainment fees.
When can I travel?
There are no fixed group departures for this tour. Contact us with your travel dates and we will plan your private tour.
Can I travel solo?
Yes. Private tours run for solo travellers too. The price shown is per person, assuming 2 people travel together, so contact us for your solo price. Contact us too for group discounts.
Can the itinerary be changed?
Yes. All our tours are 100% customisable, and we can combine tours across Mongolia.
Meeting Point
Where does the tour start?
We meet you at Ulaanbaatar Airport. Your domestic flights from Ulaanbaatar to Ölgii and back are included: we book them for you.
Where does the tour end?
Your trip ends at Ulaanbaatar Airport. After breakfast on Day 12 we transfer you to the airport for your flight home.
Food
Are vegetarian meals available?
Yes. We provide vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free meals. Tell us your dietary needs and we will plan for them.
Gear
What gear is provided?
Sleeping bags, blankets, camping and cooking equipment and all activity gear are provided by Bek Travel.
What should I pack?
Pro tip: dress in layers. Quick-dry clothing beats cotton.
Pro tip: dress in layers. Quick-dry clothing beats cotton.
Pro tip: dress in layers. Quick-dry clothing beats cotton.
Pro tip: dress in layers. Quick-dry clothing beats cotton.
Pro tip: dress in layers. Quick-dry clothing beats cotton.
