The Tracker

When it’s happening:
September 20 - 30th, 2023

The Invitation

Mongolia is home to the second largest population of snow leopards in the world and, despite being incredibly rare and endangered - and living in some of the most extreme high altitude and cold climates on earth - this expedition will take place in Khovd - an area that offers an excellent chance of seeing them.

Snow Leopards are one of the most beautiful and mystical species of wild cats. They are incredibly elusive and very few people have seen them in the wild. Because of this they are known to locals as the "grey ghosts of the mountains".

Nomadic people living in the Altai Mountains have lots of rituals and folklore concerning the snow leopard. Local inhabitants believe that snow leopards remove people’s sins from past lives, and killing one is an incredibly bad omen. If one is killed, the sins it is carrying will be transferred to the present life of the killer. Because of this, snow leopards are not hunted as much as other endangered creatures. The snow leopard is also considered to be a conduit to

the spirit world by healers and shaman.

On this expedition, we will travel across the terrain on horseback, accompanied by a recognised tracking instructor who will teach us all about tracking and animal behaviour. The trip will be a wonderful opportunity to explore western Mongolia and experience all its culture

and traditions.

As well as searching for snow leopards, this trip includes attending the Tea Road festival. Mongolia’s Tea Road may not be very well known but it was an incredibly important trade route that connected China and western Russia via Mongolia. Bricks of tea (packaged this way to allow larger quantities to be packed into smaller volumes) were transported by camel caravans along the high plateau of the Gobi.

Join me and immerse yourself in celebrating the heritage of the ancient Tea Route at the Tea Road Festival - a chance for you to experience a camel caravan trip, mini Naadam festival, tea- making ceremony, horsemanship competition, contortion performances and folk arts.

Over the course of each day we will cover several miles on foot and on horseback, sometimes over rough ground, therefore a reasonable level of fitness is required.

Cost: £4690

Includes:
All accommodation
All meals (excluding final meal)
Internal Flights
Professional photographer including instruction
Megan & local team

Excludes :
International flights, final meal, personal insurance, alcohol, soft drinks & extra snacks.