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Experience Highlights
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Overview
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Quick Look Itinerary
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Accommodation
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More Practicalities
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Pricing
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Included
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Excluded
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FAQs
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Positive Impact
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Carbon Footprint
- Journey into Mongolia’s Wild West - Explore the remote, rugged mountains of western Mongolia—one of the few remaining strongholds of the elusive snow leopard.
- Community-Led Conservation - Stay in a community-run ger camp and directly support local efforts that protect both snow leopards and herder livelihoods.
- Track the “Ghost of the Mountains” - Join skilled local trackers - considered some of the best in the country - who know the rhythms of the land and guide you through prime snow leopard habitat.
- Slow, Immersive Wildlife Experience - Embrace silence, patience, and stillness as you experience Mongolia’s wilderness on nature’s own terms.
- Empowering Local Communities - Travel in partnership with a grassroots conservation initiative that strengthens local stewardship and sustainable livelihoods.
- Oct 30: Final Arrival Day "Intro To Ulaanbaatar'
Welcome to Mongolia! Enjoy a free transfer from the airport to your chosen accommodation. Join us for an informal introduction to Mongolia’s capital through local eyes, a local-style lunch, and a welcome drink'
Western Mongolia
- Oct 30: Fly & Explore Khovd
Fly from Ulaanbaatar to Khovd and explore the quiet rhythms of everyday life in this provincial capital.
- Nov 1: Drive to snow leopard camp
Travel across Khovd’s striking landscapes to the snow leopard camp, with time for a walk or to simply enjoy the sweeping mountain views on arrival.
- Nov 2 - 6: Snow leopard spotting
Spend several days with the research team, tracking and searching for signs—and possible sightings—of this elusive big cat.
Ulaanbaatar
- Nov 7: Fly Ulaanbaatar
Fly back to Ulaanbaatar, where the journey ends with a transfer to your accommodation; we also provide support and a complimentary departure transfer.
Snow Leopard Camp
You’ll stay in simple but clean and comfortable ger accommodation provided by the local community group. Each ger is insulated for winter and heated by a central stove.
The gers are typically twin-share, although on occasion you may share with three or four group members. You’ll always have your own bed and personal space. Bedding is provided, but we recommend bringing your own sleeping bag for added comfort in cold conditions. If needed, we can provide a sleeping bag free of charge—just let us know in advance (please note: these are not temperature rated).
Toilets and showers are located in a basic shared block a short walk from the gers. While facilities are simple, they are functional and in keeping with the remote nature of the setting.
Khovd
In Khovd, you’ll stay in a twin-share en-suite hotel room on October 31 and November 6th. If you prefer a single room, this can be arranged subject to availability and at an additional cost. Please let us know if you’d like to explore this option.
Ulaanbaatar
Accommodation in Ulaanbaatar on October 30th and November 7th is not included although we provide recommendations and can help with booking.
Your Local Team
Throughout your journey, you’ll be supported by one of our intergenerational Mongolian teams — a male driver and a female trip assistant — who not only manage the logistics but also bring genuine warmth, insight, and companionship along the way.
Unlike many companies, we don’t bring in freelancers just for the high season. Instead, we invest in our team year-round, building a strong culture of trust and collaboration that we share with you on the road.
You’ll also be welcomed by the local families with whom we’ve built long-standing partnerships — their hospitality and friendship are at the heart of this experience.
And behind the scenes, Jess (founder) and Tuya (office manager) are always just a WhatsApp message away for any questions or additional support.
Meals
Each EL team travels with a simple kitchen, and most meals are prepared by your trip assistant. We don’t ask rural families—with limited access to shops—to provide meals, especially given the number of travellers with dietary needs. However, during each trip you’ll also share some meals with host families, stop at guanz (roadside cafés), and eat in local restaurants.
Our trip assistants are not trained chefs, but they know how to keep you well-fed. Meals are based around local, seasonal produce with a focus on food miles. You won’t find elaborate international dishes, but you can rely on hearty, filling food that sustains you. If five portions of fruit a day are a must, you may find this challenging in remote Mongolia.
We can cater for vegetarians, some dietary restrictions, and food allergies—but only with advance notice. Please share your requirements when booking so we can advise what’s possible and set realistic expectations.
Drinks
We provide filtered drinking water, tea, and coffee throughout. Alcohol and soft drinks are not included but can be purchased en route. Choice is limited in the countryside, so if you enjoy a good bottle of wine or whisky, we recommend stocking up in Ulaanbaatar before departure.
Since rural areas lack running water and recycling is minimal, we avoid bottled water. Each team carries large containers and filters water from town stations. Please bring a reusable bottle (a filter bottle is even better). A detailed packing list is provided on booking.
Showers
Running water is rare in rural Mongolia, so showers are limited. On this itinerary we use town shower houses—simple cubicles with plenty of hot water, which many travellers describe as a highlight! You will need to bring a towel.
We also provide bowls and soap powder for hand-washing clothes if needed. Just to be clear: there are no washing machines.
Toilets
Think: a loo with a view!
Mongolia has very few public toilets, so on drives it’s a case of finding a private spot in nature (your trip assistant will give what we call “the toilet talk”).
At host family homes, expect Asian-style squat or long-drop toilets.If squatting isn’t second nature, you may want to practice before travelling—several of our guests recommend it.
These toilets aren’t designed to shock you; they’re simply part of everyday rural life. We provide toilet paper (though not the aloe vera variety!).
Winter Temperatures
Mongolia’s winters are legendary — crisp, clear, and cold. Daytime temperatures drop well below freezing but with the right clothing it’s manageable. We’ll provide you with a detailed packing list and practical advice so you arrive fully prepared. From thermal layers to tried-and-tested tips from our team, we’ll make sure you stay warm and comfortable as you experience the raw beauty of Mongolia’s winter.
Transport
Our driving team is made up of men we know personally and have worked with for years. Their English is limited, but their road skills are unmatched—whether navigating tough terrain or practicing mongolchlokh (improvising the Mongolian way) when a tyre bursts or a vehicle breaks down. And yes, breakdowns do happen—this is Mongolia, after all. By travelling with us, you’re supporting the long-term employment of experienced, traditional men who use their income to provide for extended families.
Each driver owns their own vehicle, which may include Furgon 4×4 vans, Toyota Land Cruisers and Lexus models, Hyundai Starex, or Mitsubishi Delicas. Because they’re driver-owned, interiors and seating layouts vary, and each vehicle is fitted with either lap or seat belts.
We assist with maintenance fees, and all vehicles undergo:
- Annual assessments by the Mongolian Government for tourism standards
- Standard MOT checks
- Licensing for tourism use
Group Size & Pricing
Our journeys are designed for small groups of 2–6 travellers. Solo travellers are always welcome, with a surcharge to cover the costs of private travel.
Sliding Price Scale
The more people who travel together, the lower the cost per person — so everyone benefits:
- Final group size of 3 guests: US$ 5985 pp + domestic flight of approx US$ 285 pp **current group size**
- Final group size of 4 guests: US$ 5670 pp + domestic flight of approx US$ 285 pp
- Final group size of 5 guests: US$ 5095 pp + domestic flight of approx US$ 285 pp
- Final group size of 3 guests: US$ 4535 pp + domestic flight of approx US$ 285 pp
We know your holiday funds are precious. This sliding scale keeps our trips personal and immersive, while making them more affordable when shared — so if you know someone who might like to join, invite them along and take advantage of our friends & family discounts.
Why Travel with Us?
We know budget is personal, and every traveller has different priorities. Our prices may be higher than those of larger or budget-focused operators, but here’s what your payment supports:
- Small-scale, ethical tourism – we welcome just 100–150 travellers a year, keeping experiences personal and meaningful.
- Fair group sizes – groups of 2–6, giving you the flexibility of a private trip with the social feel of a small group.
- Thoughtfully designed itineraries – crafted by our founder, Jess, with an emphasis on flow, balance, and season rather than profit.
- Long-term partnerships – we invest in our local team and host families, rather than hiring freelancers seasonally or arriving unannounced.
- Positive impact – your payment supports local employment, community initiatives, and responsible travel practices.
- Not luxury, but genuine – we prioritise authenticity, fairness, and connection over fancy extras.
Curious where your money goes? See the breakdown on our Positive Impact tab.
Included in the price
- All meals outside of the city of Ulaanbaatar unless otherwise stated: These are mainly prepared and cooked by your local team so they are fresh and it means we offer more flexibility for any dietary requirements. We also provide filtered drinking water (not bottled), tea, and instant coffee.
- You’ll be supported by one of our experienced intergenerational teams—made up of a male Mongolian driver and one of our English-speaking female trip assistants—helping create an immersive and well-supported experience. Jess and Tuya are also available throughout your journey via WhatsApp.
- Our complimentary 'Intro To Ulaanbaatar' experience including a local lunch and welcome drink
- Transportation to and from the airport or train station on arrival and departure days
- Entrance fees to monasteries, temples, and museums are included when you are with the local team. Please note this excludes camera tickets.
- Festival tickets are provided if listed in the itinerary.
- Camel or horseback rides (please note, riding helmets are not provided)
- Thoughtful Extras – We add a few gentle surprises—small touches that express our thanks for choosing to travel with us.
- A complimentary day visit to Khustain Nuruu National Park to (hopefully!) see the Takhi horses
Not included in the price
- International airfare to and from Mongolia
- Accommodation in Ulaanbaatar: Our trip pricing excludes the price of accommodation in UB though. Why? Everyone is different is the standard of accommodation they prefer at the start and end of a trip. As there is now such a variety of hotels in UB it is easier to exclude this cost. I provide a list of ideas covering varying standards and budgets and I can also help with booking. There’s everything from a homestay through to Airbnb, US$10 guesthouses and the Shangri-La!
- Domestic flight where/if applicable including any fees for excess luggage
- Passport and visa fees: Let us know your nationality at the time of booking and we’ll confirm whether you need to apply for a Mongolian visa. It is a relatively easy process depending on your nationality and we can help with some of the formalities.
- Travel insurance (mandatory)
- Gratuities: Each member of the local team receives a responsible but fair salary and none have to rely on receiving gratuities to supplement their income. In addition, we make sure that everyone who works with us or helps us is fairly rewarded for their work and the service they provide. At the end of the tour, if you wish to make a gratuity to the local team then thank you – it is not compulsory but it is appreciated when given. We give detailed information on booking.
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Personal Expenses: We provide detailed guidance on booking
- Alcohol: Alcohol is available to buy in shops and supermarkets throughout your trip, and your team will make regular stops.
We have a detailed FAQ page covering everything from packing lists to payments, but here are answers to the most common immediate questions:
Visa
Requirements vary depending on your nationality. You can check the most up-to-date information at evisa.mn. If you need assistance, we’ll help once your booking is confirmed.
International Flights
All international flights arrive at Ulaanbaatar’s Chinggis Khaan International Airport (UBN). We don’t book flights, but we can advise on routes and airlines. Most travellers fly via Korea, Turkey, China, or Japan. Airport transfers are included in your trip unless your journey begins in Ölgii, Mörön, or the Gobi.
Domestic Flights
Some of our experiences include internal flights within Mongolia, operated by MIAT and Hunnu Air. These are small aircraft, and schedules are subject to weather and operational changes, so flexibility is key. Tickets are excluded unless stated otherwise, but we handle all bookings on your behalf.
Standard allowance: 15kg check-in + 5kg hand luggage
Excess baggage: usually $1–3 per kilo (often not applied)
Winter Temperatures
Mongolia’s winters are legendary — crisp, clear, and cold. Daytime temperatures drop well below freezing but with the right clothing it’s manageable. We’ll provide you with a detailed packing list and practical advice so you arrive fully prepared. From thermal layers to tried-and-tested tips from our team, we’ll make sure you stay warm and comfortable as you experience the raw beauty of Mongolia’s winter.
Booking Conditions
Our booking terms and conditions cover payments, cancellations, and other key details. You can read them here.
If you decide to cancel your trip, by choice or necessity, up to 10 weeks before departure, we will fully refund your deposit (and balance if paid). Refunds will be made in GBP or US$ excluding fees we incurred to receive your payment and any cancellation fees we incur for domestic flights or accommodation booked at your request. The actual amount you receive may be lower or higher depending on the exchange rate used by your bank.
If you decide to cancel between 10 and 31 days before departure, we will fully refund your balance (if paid), and your deposit will be held as credit to be used on a different trip instead (with no cut off date. This can be transferred to a friend or family member). Refunds will be made in GBP or US$ excluding fees we incurred to receive your payment and any cancellation fees we incur for domestic flights or accommodation booked at your request. The actual amount you receive may be lower or higher depending on the exchange rate used by your bank.
If you cancel within 30 days of departure, we will retain the following percentage of your deposit and balance.
30 days before departure - 50% of holiday cost
29 – 15 days before departure - 90% of holiday cost
Less than 15 days before departure - 100% of holiday cost
Notes
There is no time limit on when you may use your deposit credit, but it is non-refundable if you decide to cancel in future.
Failure to join the tour will also mean you forfeit the tour cost. We will deduct the cancellation charge(s) from any monies you have already paid to us.
No domestic flights. Emissions per km for domestic flights are high because a large proportion of the flight is spent taking off and landing. As we are serious about tackling the carbon footprint of the trips we offer, we try that a majority of our experiences don’t include domestic flights.
We only offer a very limited number of departures for this experience. Although we all love spending time in nature, we need to strike a balance. By having a limited number of departures each year we’re not creating a tourism circuit.
The maximum group size is six which is refreshingly small for the travel industry and allows us to manage our impact.
The experience has been built with a focus on Mongolian culture and on creating local benefits for local people & communities including families we work in long-term local community partnership with – helping to supplement their income to help prevent urban migration, face the challenges of climate change and allowing them to maintain their fragile herding lifestyle. More about who we work with.
Our team of female Mongolian trip assistants is breaking down barriers in tourism and leading the way for other Mongolian women from a diverse range of backgrounds to work in and be supported by tourism. Mongolia’s growing economy has not directly translated into better employment opportunities for women and by choosing to travel with us you’re helping us to create long-term development and employment opportunities for our brilliant trip assistants.
High unemployment rates and toxic masculinity are two very real issues faced by older more traditional men in Mongolia. By choosing to travel with us you’re helping us to provide long-term employment for our team of older, more traditional male drivers who have experience and accumulated knowledge but who would otherwise struggle to find employment and provide for their extended families.
We are in the process of measuring the carbon footprint of each experience we offer and balancing the footprint through the Mongolian Nomad Carbon Project. We wanted a high-standard project local to Mongolia where the local community had a positive say in the scheme and its impact. It’s the first project of its kind in Mongolia.
A donation is made to the Mongolian projects we support and that you will visit such as the Uuliin Nuur Community Project in Ulaanbaatar.
We are members of Tourism Declares A Climate Emergency and a signatory of The Glasgow Declaration which requires us to publish an annual Climate Action Plan. It also means we have essentially signed up to work towards halving our emissions by 2030. We must report publicly on an annual basis on progress against our interim and long-term targets, as well as on actions being taken. We do this in our Climate Action Plan linked above.
One of the five pathways defined in the Glasgow Declaration is ‘measure’ and we have started the process of measuring the carbon footprint of our tours.
- We wanted an accurate footprint analysis whilst also keeping the process manageable, achievable, and affordable. Of the limited carbon calculators available to small tourism companies with a restricted budget we have signed up with the carbon calculator tool Carmacal – specifically designed for tour operators and the 2017 winner of the UNWTO Award for Innovation in Research and Technology.
- However, there are limitations with this online tool in the fact that – like most online carbon calculators – you can only measure transport and accommodation and a few very specific activities. But, the main contributors to carbon footprints are food, consumption, transportation, and energy, and all are heavily utilised during a tourism experience.
- As a result, founder Jess has worked with two postgraduate students from the Responsible Tourism Management Postgraduate Course of Leeds Beckett University in the UK – the only responsible tourism management MSc certified by the UNWTO – looking at how we can measure the carbon emissions of meals on tour as well as the carbon footprint of our office as well as certain tour activities.
Balancing Our Carbon Footprint
We are in the process of measuring the carbon footprint of each of our tours. Once this is complete, we will balance those emissions by purchasing Plan Vivo–certified carbon certificates (environmental service certificates that each represent the reduction or avoidance of one metric tonne of CO₂) through C-Level and the Mongolian Nomad Project, delivered in partnership with the Mongolian Society of Range Management. The Plan Vivo Standard is built on ethical principles that deliver long-term climate, livelihood, and biodiversity benefits.
In the meantime, we have partnered with C-Level to fund a secure carbon calculator (linked below) for our guests. Through this, you can:
Balance the footprint of your flights
Offset a chosen amount of CO₂ (including your annual footprint)
Or make a direct donation to support the project’s work
Each contribution is invested in Plan Vivo Certificates that support the Mongolian Nomad Project
We know this isn’t perfect, but it is a start. As the saying goes: “you can’t manage what you don’t measure.” For us — a small business with limited resources — this approach is both realistic and achievable.
Client Reviews
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The Ghost Of The Mountains: Background Information
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Embrace the adventure: Is this experience for you?
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Positive Impact Overview
The snow leopard (Panthera uncia) roams the high, rugged mountain landscapes of northern Asia, spanning 12 countries, though its population is sparsely distributed. Thriving at elevations above 3,000 meters, these elusive cats are expertly adapted to their environment with a thick, spotted coat that provides insulation against the cold and wide, fur-covered feet that distribute their weight across snow. Yet, snow leopards face growing threats: habitat degradation, loss of prey, retaliatory killings from human-wildlife conflict, poaching, and the far-reaching impacts of climate change.
Mongolia is home to approximately 20% of the global snow leopard population, with two-thirds of these majestic creatures residing in the Altai-Sayan Ecoregion—a vast and biodiverse area that encompasses the location of this trip.
Snow leopards are solitary and skillful predators, often called "ghosts of the mountains" due to their elusive nature. Their survival is intricately tied to the attitudes and support of local communities in these remote areas. To address this, WWF-Mongolia has partnered with local herders, training them as citizen scientists to monitor snow leopards and their prey. Using tools like automated camera traps, herders conduct surveys and collect critical data. These efforts not only benefit snow leopard conservation but also provide herders with strategies to mitigate livestock losses, creating a balance between wildlife and traditional pastoral lifestyles.
This region endures some of the harshest winters on Earth, where survival is a delicate balance for both humans and wildlife. Climate change has exacerbated the frequency and severity of "dzud" events—catastrophic winter disasters that decimate livestock and disrupt ecosystems, threatening the nomadic pastoral way of life. These challenges underscore the critical need for conservation efforts. Through initiatives like training herders to monitor snow leopards and providing them with tools to adapt to changing conditions, WWF is working to safeguard both the snow leopards and one of the planet's last remaining nomadic cultures, ensuring their mutual resilience for generations to come.
For local herders, these efforts inspire deeper connections with wildlife, fostering a shared commitment to protect Mongolia’s unique natural heritage.
Mongolia has deep-rooted traditions that shape its cultural heritage, including the belief that the energy and intentions behind a journey can influence its outcome. When it comes to wildlife, particularly elusive species like the snow leopard, placing pressure on the local team to find one may have the opposite effect—they are more likely to step back rather than push forward. We ask that you embrace the possibility that the "ghost" of the mountains may not reveal itself on your journey. However, this experience still offers a connection to the raw beauty and resilience of one of the world's last true wildernesses.
Mongolia may have become more mainstream as a travel destination, but it remains a remote and rugged country with limited infrastructure and vast distances between locations. As a small company, we don’t aim to be all things to all people and our philosophy of travel may not suit everyone. We encourage you to review our travel style (as well as our accommodation options detailed in the itinerary) and ensure it aligns with your expectations, so you can determine if we’re the right fit for your journey.
- Be fit and healthy: This is a rugged mountain environment, and basic physical fitness is essential. You'll spend most of your time at altitudes between 1,700–2,000m, but while tracking snow leopards, you may ascend to 2,000–2,800m. Our drivers will get you as close as possible to the observation sites, but you should be prepared to walk 4–8km per day, often on steep inclines and unstable scree slopes. Stability, endurance, and some acclimatisation are key to ensuring a safe and rewarding experience in this challenging but extraordinary terrain.
- Comfortable in Nature: You enjoy being outdoors, surrounded by wildlife, and interacting with animals. This tour is all about immersing yourself in Mongolia’s natural beauty.
- Open-Minded and Easy-Going: Mongolia is an adventure that demands flexibility and resilience. Be ready to embrace challenges and adapt to the unexpected—it’s all part of the journey.
- Ready for Unpredictable Weather: Mother Nature is in charge here. Weather conditions can change quickly, impacting travel plans. A spirit of adaptability is key. Mongolia's winters are harsh, with temperatures plunging well below freezing. Ensure you’re equipped with proper gear and comfortable enduring the deep cold.
- Respectful of Group Dynamics: Our small group tours bring together travelers from diverse backgrounds, nationalities, and ages. A sense of patience, respect, and camaraderie will enrich your experience.
- Comfortable with Rustic Living: Be ready to share close quarters with others, use pit-style or outhouse toilets, and sleep in communal accommodations. This is part of the authentic Mongolian experience.
- Equipped with a Sense of Adventure: A willingness to embrace the unknown and find joy in every moment is essential for this unforgettable journey into the realm of the snow leopard.
Group Size
We limit our group size to a maximum of six guests—refreshingly small by tourism industry standards, and intentionally so. Smaller groups allow for more respectful, low-impact travel, helping to minimise environmental disturbance and reduce pressure on wildlife and their fragile habitats.
Supporting Responsible Community Conservation Efforts
Equally important to wildlife conservation is the recognition and respect for the local communities who share these remote landscapes. The survival of the snow leopard is intricately tied to the attitudes and support of local herders, who live and work in the same high-altitude regions.
Climate change has intensified the frequency and severity of dzud events—harsh winter disasters that devastate livestock and disrupt ecosystems. These events threaten not only the nomadic pastoral way of life, but also the natural prey base of snow leopards, increasing competition between herders and predators.
To address this, WWF-Mongolia has partnered with local herders, training them as citizen scientists to monitor snow leopards and their prey. Using tools like automated camera traps, herders conduct wildlife surveys and collect valuable data—contributing directly to conservation science. These efforts also equip herders with strategies to reduce livestock losses, creating a more balanced coexistence between wildlife and traditional pastoralism.
Their active involvement is essential to long-term conservation success. This itinerary has been carefully developed in collaboration with a local community conservation group in Khovd, supported by WWF-Mongolia, to ensure that your journey brings tangible benefits to both Mongolia’s wildlife and its people.
The Distribution Of Economic Benefits
The community camp where you’ll stay is owned and operated by a local community group. Your trip cost directly supports this initiative, covering meals prepared by the camp chef, local drivers and their vehicles for mountain access, local guides, and the accommodation itself. This structure helps to distribute the economic benefits of tourism throughout the community—supporting livelihoods and reinforcing the value of conservation.