When is the best time to visit Kyrgyzstan for the Snow Leopard Expedition?

The Kyrgyzstan Snow Leopard Expedition runs from September to December. This timing coincides with the best conditions for snow leopard tracking and wildlife observation in the Sarychat-Ertash State Reserve.

What wildlife can I expect to see besides snow leopards on this expedition?

During the Kyrgyzstan Snow Leopard Expedition, you'll encounter argali, ibex, wolves, and brown bears in the reserve. You'll also see vultures and have opportunities to spot these animals while horseback riding through the Koiluu, Jaman-Suu, and Kashka-Tor valleys.

Do I need prior tracking experience for the snow leopard expedition?

No prior tracking experience is required for the Kyrgyzstan Snow Leopard Expedition. However, you should be prepared for physical terrain, cold alpine temperatures, and total immersion in fieldwork at elevations between 3,000 and 4,000 meters.

What accommodation is provided during the snow leopard tracking expedition?

Accommodation varies throughout the 11-day expedition, including one night at the luxury Orion Hotel Bishkek, family-run guest houses, camping in tents at base camps, traditional yurts in the reserve, and a mountain ethno-resort. All camping equipment including tents and sleeping bags rated to -40C are provided.

How much horseback riding is involved in the Kyrgyzstan expedition?

Horseback riding is essential for accessing remote areas of the Sarychat-Ertash State Reserve during the expedition. You'll ride through the Koiluu, Jaman-Suu, and Kashka-Tor valleys, with rides ranging from 1.5 to 3.5 hours, as it's the only way to reach much of this terrain.

What camera trap work will I do on the snow leopard expedition?

You'll work hands-on with reserve rangers to install, service, and reposition camera traps in active snow leopard territory. This includes replacing batteries and memory cards at stations across multiple valleys, and any animals captured on your traps during the three-month session will be sent directly to you.

Is internet available during the Kyrgyzstan Snow Leopard Expedition?

Yes, the expedition includes Starlink satellite internet connection in the Sarychat-Ertash Reserve. There's also a 2 kW solar station at Eshek-Art base camp for charging phones, cameras, and drones.

What conservation activities are included in the snow leopard expedition?

The expedition includes active conservation work with Snow Leopard Foundation rangers and camera trap installation. You'll also participate in a community conservation talk in Ak-Shiyrak village, with a $100 per person contribution going directly to the community conservation fund through the Snow Leopard Foundation.

What special permits are needed for the Sarychat-Ertash Reserve?

The Sarychat-Ertash State Reserve is a permit-only reserve that receives only a handful of visitors each year. All border permits and reserve entrance fees are included in the expedition cost, allowing access to this restricted wildlife sanctuary on the Chinese border.

What cultural experiences are included in the Kyrgyzstan Snow Leopard Expedition?

The expedition includes a traditional golden eagle hunting demonstration by a berkutchi in Bokonbaevo, showcasing a practice passed down through Kyrgyz nomadic culture for generations. You'll also visit ancient petroglyphs in the Jaman-Suu Valley and experience traditional Kyrgyz hospitality throughout the journey.

Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyzstan Snow Leopard Expedition

Duration

11 Days

From

$4,250

Group Size

Max 6 Guests

Work alongside Snow Leopard Foundation rangers and local trackers inside one of Central Asia's most restricted wildlife sanctuaries. Eleven days of genuine fieldwork in a remote permit-only reserve, traveling by horseback and 4x4 through glacial valleys rarely seen by outsiders.

Book This Expedition

View Itinerary See Pricing

Kyrgyzstan Tour Overview

Kyrgyzstan Snow Leopard Expedition

Duration

11 Days

Price

$4,250

Difficulty

Moderate

Best Time

September - December

You’ll spend six days living and working alongside Snow Leopard Foundation rangers and Sarychat-Ertash State Reserve trackers inside a permit-only reserve that receives only a handful of visitors each year. Traveling by horseback and 4×4 across remote glacial valleys at elevations between 3,000 and 4,000 meters, you’ll service camera traps, scan ridgelines for snow leopards, and encounter argali, ibex, wolves, and brown bears in genuinely wild terrain. Far from city comforts and off the grid, you’ll cross the Sook and Eshek-Art passes to reach one of the most isolated corners of Central Asia. No prior tracking experience is required, but a readiness for physical terrain, cold alpine temperatures, and total immersion in the field is essential.

Route Overview 11 Days · Kyrgyzstan

View Itinerary

Kyrgyzstan Snow Leopard Expedition

Your Kyrgyzstan Tour Itinerary

Route Overview 11 Days · Kyrgyzstan

Day 1

Arrival in Bishkek

You'll be met at Manas International Airport and transferred to the Orion Hotel Bishkek, a locally-owned boutique property on Erkindik Boulevard. After settling in, you'll explore the capital on a guided city tour taking in Ala-Too Square, Oak Park, and the Osh Bazaar, where stalls piled with spices, dried fruits, and handcrafted felt textiles give you your first real taste of Kyrgyz daily life. The evening ends with a welcome dinner of traditional Kyrgyz cuisine with your team. Meals: D

Ala-Too Square in Bishkek with red Kyrgyzstan flag, white government building, monument and fountains

Busy indoor market corridor with vendors selling goods from stalls under metal roof structure

Modern memorial monument with white statue under curved archway in landscaped park setting in Bishkek

Day 2

Bishkek to Bokonbaevo

After breakfast, you'll drive south to Bokonbaevo on the shore of Issyk-Kul Lake, approximately 270 km and 5 hours through mountain valleys. On arrival, you'll watch a traditional berkutchi put a trained golden eagle through a live hunting demonstration alongside an archery display — a practice rooted deep in Kyrgyz nomadic culture. Overnight at the Semetei guest house. Meals: B/ L / D

Kazakh eagle hunter on horseback with golden eagle in Kyrgyzstan mountains

Historic brick minaret tower in grassland with snow-capped mountains and grazing cattle in background

Pristine turquoise river winding through golden autumn valley surrounded by mountains in Kyrgyzstan wilderness

Day 3

Bokonbaevo to Sarychat-Ertash Reserve

You'll leave Bokonbaevo and push deep into the Sarychat-Ertash State Reserve by 4x4, approximately 250 km and 6 to 8 hours on rough mountain roads. You'll cross the Sook and Eshek-Art passes at over 4,000 meters, with the Central Tien Shan stretching out around you and argali visible on the high slopes. By late afternoon you'll be inside the reserve for your first snow leopard spotting session with the rangers. Overnight in tents at the Eshek-Art base camp at 3,000 meters, with a traditional yurt serving as the dining room. Meals: B / L / D

Day 4

Solomo and Syrdabai Gorges

You'll drive out from base camp to the Solomo and Syrdabai gorges, approximately 10 km round trip, for a full day of wildlife observation. Armed with Swarovski and Vortex spotting scopes, you'll scan for ibex, argali, and snow leopards alongside rangers who know every ridgeline. You'll also get hands-on with camera trap work — replacing batteries and memory cards at active stations and installing new traps in snow leopard corridors. Any animals captured on your traps over the three-month session will be sent to you. Overnight at the Eshek-Art base camp yurt. Meals: B / L / D

Day 5

Horseback Ride to the Koiluu Valley

You'll saddle up and ride out from base camp into the Koiluu valley, approximately 8 km and 3.5 hours on horseback with regular stops to observe wildlife. Rangers will guide you through the Uch-Kol valley looking for snow leopard signs, and you'll check camera traps along the route. You'll camp overnight at the Koiluu campsite in tents, deep in the reserve. Meals: B / L / D

Day 6

Full Day in the Koiluu Valley

A full day in the Koiluu valley dedicated to searching for snow leopards and wolves with your ranger team. You'll service camera traps and install new ones across the valley, then ride or walk approximately 6 km round trip through the valley floor to a waterfall. If you want more ground, there's an optional ride out to Chomoy valley, approximately 3 hours return. In the evening, you'll gather around and review the memory cards together to see what wildlife the traps have caught. Overnight at the Koiluu camp. Meals: B / L / D

Day 7

Jaman-Suu Valley and Ancient Petroglyphs

You'll ride out from Eshek-Art to the Jaman-Suu Valley, approximately 1.5 hours on horseback, to see ancient petroglyphs etched into the rock faces by people who traveled this terrain long before you. From there, you'll push deeper into the valley on horseback, scanning for snow leopards, argali, and wolves as you go. You'll return to the Eshek-Art station by late afternoon and overnight in a yurt. Meals: B / L / D

Snow leopard walking across snowy rocky terrain in mountain habitat

Day 8

Kashka-Tor

You'll ride out to Kashka-Tor for a full day of wildlife observation across the valley. You'll be watching for argali, ibex, and vultures in the lower terrain, while rangers scan higher ground for snow leopards and brown bears. It's one of the most rewarding days in the reserve. Return to the Eshek-Art station for overnight. Meals: B / L / D

Bighorn sheep with large curved horns resting in snowy mountain landscape in Kyrgyzstan

Snow-capped mountain valley with green alpine meadow and scattered rocks in Kyrgyzstan wilderness

Snow leopard with distinctive spotted coat walking through mountain grassland in Kyrgyzstan

Day 9

Reserve to Ak-Shiyrak to Bokonbaevo

You'll make an early morning departure from the reserve and drive to Ak-Shiyrak village, where you'll sit down with local community members and rangers for a conservation talk — hearing firsthand from the people who live alongside snow leopards year-round. You'll share lunch together, and your $100 per person contribution will go directly to the community conservation fund through the Snow Leopard Foundation. There's time to pick up work from local artisans before the long drive back to Bokonbaevo, approximately 270 km and 6 to 8 hours. Overnight at the Semetei guest house. Meals: B / L / D

Remote mountain village with scattered buildings in vast valley below snow-capped peaks in Kyrgyzstan

Wooden snow leopard carving with Kyrgyz text on base displayed before seated audience in community room

SUV driving on dirt road through green valley with snow-capped mountains in Kyrgyzstan

Day 10

Bokonbaevo to Supara Ethno-Resort

You'll drive back toward Bishkek, approximately 4.5 hours, then continue south into the Ala-Too foothills to Supara Chunkurchak Ethno-Resort, a mountain lodge built in traditional Kyrgyz style 27 km outside the city. After 8 days in the field, it's a genuine change of pace — a farewell dinner with the team looking out across the valley. Meals: B / L / D

Day 11

Departure

You'll have a final breakfast at Supara with views across the Ala-Too foothills before transferring to Manas International Airport for your departure flight. Approximately 45 km, 1 hour driving. Meals: B

Kyrgyzstan Tour Details

What's Included

Everything included in the tour, and what to budget separately.

What's Included

Accommodation in hotel, guest houses, yurt camps, tents, and ethno-resort based on double occupancy
One night at the Orion Hotel Bishkek including breakfast
All meals as indicated in the itinerary
Airport arrival and departure transfers
All land transportation in private 4x4 vehicle as indicated in the itinerary
English-speaking driver/guide
3 reserve rangers/guides of the Sarychat-Ertash State Reserve
1 expert from the Snow Leopard Foundation
Dedicated expedition chef for all reserve days
Horses, saddles, and riding equipment for all horseback days in the reserve
Tents and sleeping bags rated to -40C for camping nights
Swarovski and Vortex spotting scopes and Zeiss binoculars
Camera trap equipment and installation training
Drone footage of the expedition
2 kW solar station at Eshek-Art for charging phones, cameras, and drones
Starlink satellite internet connection in the reserve
Satellite messenger for emergency communication
Border permits and reserve entrance fees
Community conservation fund donation ($100 per person via Snow Leopard Foundation)
Golden eagle hunting show and archery demonstration in Bokonbaevo

Not Included

International airfare
Travel insurance (required)
Personal expenses and personal laundry
Visa fees (if applicable)
Gratuities for driver, guide, rangers, and chef
Satellite phone rental (available for additional payment)
Single supplement ($500)
Medical evacuation costs
Life/health insurance

Kyrgyzstan Tour Details

Tour Pricing & Departures

Transparent pricing, comprehensive inclusions, and exactly what to expect.

September 26 – October 6, 2026

11 days

Available

From $4,250 per person

Book This Date

October 10 – October 20, 2026

11 days

Available

From $4,250 per person

Book This Date

October 28 – November 7, 2026

11 days

Available

From $4,250 per person

Book This Date

December 6 – December 16, 2026

11 days

Available

From $4,250 per person

Book This Date

Prefer your own dates and itinerary? Our private expeditions offer full flexibility with the same expert guides, exclusive access, and conservation partnerships — tailored entirely around your group.

Starting From

$4,250

Based on double occupancy

Single Supplement$500

Deposit$1,050

CurrencyUSD

Private Group Rates

Group Size	Per Person	Notes
Solo traveler	$9,500	Contact us for pricingSingle occupancy
2 travelers	$5,200	Per personDouble occupancy
3 travelers	$4,700	Per personGroup rate
4 travelers	$4,250	Per personGroup rate
5 travelers	$4,800	Per person2nd Car Needed
6 travelers	$4,250	Per personGroup rate

Deposit & Payment: A 25% deposit secures your place (credit card accepted). 50% balance due 90 days before departure. Final balance due 60 days prior. ACH bank transfer available at reduced fees. Bookings within 60 days require full payment.

Cancellation: 90+ days: full refund minus $500 admin fee. 60-89 days: 50% refund. Under 60 days: no refund. Comprehensive travel insurance covering emergency evacuation is required for all participants.

Ready to secure your place on this expedition? Spaces are limited to ensure an intimate experience.

Book This Tour

JavaScript required. This booking form requires JavaScript to submit. Please enable JavaScript or email contact@ecovoyager.com to book directly.

Ecovoyager Adventures

Book Your Adventure

Complete your booking request and our travel specialists will be in touch within 24 hours to confirm your journey.

No payment required to request a booking

Response within 24 hours guaranteed

Flexible dates and custom itineraries available

Thank you! Your booking request has been received. We'll be in touch within 24 hours to confirm your adventure.

Oops! There was an issue submitting your request. Please try again or contact us directly.

Full Name *

Email Address *

Phone Number

Departure Date

Preferred Date

Adults (18+)

Children (0-17)

Total: 2 travelers

Special Requests or Questions

Traveler Stories

What Our Adventurers Say

View Us on Trustpilot

Norway

"Watching the northern lights from that coastal overlook was one of those moments you carry with you. EcoVoyager's team knew exactly where to take us and when."

Chile

"They made my trip to Chile super smooth. I had nothing to worry about, they connected me with local guides and took me to some super cool places."

Madagascar

"My kids are still talking about the lemurs months later. EcoVoyager handled every detail so we could actually be present together."

Mongolia

"Absolutely loved our Mongolia trip in July 2025! Ecovoyager put together the best itinerary possible that combined adventure and comfort. We would 100% recommend Ecovoyager to our friends and family!"

Guyana

"The Rupununi was fabulous. Even if there weren't any animals, it would've been a great experience. The only negative was leaving."

Cuba

"The trip was thoughtfully curated for a REAL Cuban cultural experience, juxtaposing between the island's insolvency and the faux luxuries propped up by foreign investment."

Bolivia

"The salt flats at sunrise were even more stunning than I'd imagined. Our guide positioned us perfectly for the reflections."

Kyrgyzstan

"EcoVoyager put my mind at ease with expert guidance on how to stay safe and enjoy the vibes. If I were to plan another solo trip to an unfamiliar country, I'd trust EcoVoyager to help me through it all."

Japan

"I had a wonderful time. Organization was superb and our experiences were maximized due to great planning and enthusiasm."

Kyrgyzstan

"Staying with nomadic families, riding through valleys with no other tourists in sight. This is the kind of travel I didn't know I was missing."

Duration

15 Days

From

From $2,995

All Kyrgyzstan Tours See All Experiences

Destination

Explore the Places You'll Visit

Each stop on this journey through Kyrgyzstan, and the country that ties them together.

Kyrgyzstan

Where the Tien Shan meets living nomadic tradition. Trek to alpine lakes, sleep in yurts on high summer pastures, and witness eagle hunters practicing an art unchanged for centuries.

Explore Kyrgyzstan

Bishkek

Explore

Karakol

Explore

Kyrgyzstan Snow Leopard Expedition

Kyrgyzstan Snow Leopard Expedition