This 13-day snow leopard tour in Kyrgyzstan takes 2–6 wildlife lovers into the eastern Tien Shan, where the big cats still hunt ibex and Marco Polo sheep. With expert guides and local rangers you scan the slopes with spotting scopes at dawn and dusk: first in the Engilchek valley with a horse trek to the At-Jailoo pasture, then for four days in the Sarychat-Ertash reserve, one of the best-protected snow leopard habitats in Central Asia. About 1,590 km by 4×4, up to 4,025 m; guesthouses, ranger station and tents. A sighting is never guaranteed — the wilderness is.
Price per person, depends on group size
2027 prices per person, depending on group size. Private expedition on your dates from April to October.
Included:
Not included:
Moments that stay with you
Season. April to October. Spring and autumn bring the animals lower and give the best chances; summer is warmer but wildlife stays higher.
Permits. Engilchek and Sarychat-Ertash lie in the border zone. Send us a passport copy about 3 weeks before; we arrange permits and the reserve entry.
What to bring. Binoculars (we bring spotting scopes), camera with a long lens, down jacket, hat and gloves, warm sleeping bag (comfort −5 °C or lower), headlamp, sturdy boots.
Booking. 10–30% deposit by bank transfer or card, the rest on arrival in Bishkek.
We cannot promise it. Snow leopards are rare, shy and perfectly camouflaged; even rangers see them only a few times a year. What you will see almost certainly are ibex, Marco Polo sheep, marmots and large birds of prey, and often wolf or leopard tracks.
April–May and September–October: animals stay lower and are easier to find, the light is good and nights are cold. Summer is more comfortable but wildlife is higher in the mountains.
Moderate fitness is enough: walks of 2–5 hours at altitude, a day on horseback and long drives. Altitude up to about 4,025 m needs good health.
2027 prices per person: 3,950 $ for two travellers, 3,100 $ for three, 2,550 $ for four, 2,400 $ for five and 2,200 $ for six. A 10–30% deposit confirms the booking.
Landscapes and nomads: the 14-day Kyrgyzstan photo expedition. Birds: birdwatching in Kyrgyzstan. All options: wildlife tours.
Tell us your dates and group size. You get a personal offer within 24 hours, no commitment.
