TRACKING THE KING OF ALTAI – SNOW LEOPARD

The endangered snow leopard Panthera uncia occurs in rugged, high-altitude regions of Central Asia. Total population in Mongolia was 500-1000 individuals according in the survey conducted in 2000 (McCarthy and Chapron, 2003). Density of population is higher in Mongol Altai and Gobi Altai.

Suitable habitats of the species include high mountainous rocky, steep, cliffy slopes, narrow passages, ravines, passes, and alpine in Mongol Altai, Gobi Altai.

The diet of the snow leopard varies across its range and with the time of year, and depends on prey availability. In Altai mountain, it preys mostly on marmots, siberian ibex and argali, the biggest sheep in the world.

The area that we are offering is located in Munkhkhairkhan National park of Khovd province which has an abundant wildlife (the highest rate of ibex population) with less human density that makes suitable for snow leopard habitat.

BT&TC travel company works closely with administration of the national park and its rangers by donating camera trap and other facilities to helping them to conserve wildlife in the area. Also, cooperating and supporting local community members in the area is the main goal of the company.

During the trip, the rangers of the national park will accompany for guiding and has duty to make sure to meet with the King of Altai mountain – Snow leopard.

As a present and contribution to locals, the company purchases handmade woolen slippery for our clients.

The “TRACKING THE KING OF ALTAI MOUNTAIN” photosafari tour will take a place in Uench and Munkhkhairkhan sum (village) of Hovd province, which is famous with its 100 km stretching canyon and picturesque high altai mountains scenery. Tracking a snow leopard in Munkhkhairkhan for 5 days give an opportunity to see snow leopard, other wildlife and experience horse trekking through the WILD WILD WEST MONGOLIA and interact with ordinary nomad people to learn about the their daily life and cultures.

This tour is designed for photo safari lovers who are looking for staying in the nature far away from touristic destinations.

WILD WILD WEST OF MONGOLIA AWAITS YO

DEPARTURE/RETURN LOCATION

Chinggis Khaan airport, Ulaanbaatar

INCLUDED

Meal	Accommodations
Pick-up, departure	Professional guide, transport

NOT INCLUDED

Insurance

Guide gratuity

Day 1

Ulaanbaatar

Upon arrive in Ulaanbaatar (UB), the company guide meets you at the airport/train station and transfers to a hotel in the downtown of UB city. After refreshment and short rest, the tour program starts with city tour to the Museum of National History with displays related with Mongolian history and its splendid collection of Mongolian traditional costumes exhibits. If time permits evening tour around of UB, including the World War II Memorial at Zaisan hill with beautiful panoramic view of the city. Welcoming dinner at the restaurant in downtown. Overnight at hotel. (L,D)

Day 2

Hovd

Early in the morning transfer to the airport and fly to Hovd city (3 hrs). The Hovd city is the center of 17 minority nationalities of Mongolia. Sightseeing in Hovd city, main square and after lunch before drive to the Yamaan Us where can see ancient rock paintings (250km’s), visit black market for purchase items for your own use. On the way to Yamaan Us visit Hoid Tsenher cave. Hoid Tsenher is one of the largest caves in Mongolia, with a main chamber at least eighty-five feet high. It was reportedly inhabited by Stone Age people during the Upper Paleolithic, 10,000 to 40,000 years old. The cave is famous for its rock paintings, which have been dated to 17,000–22,000 years ago. Late afternoon arrive at Yamaan Us where you will be welcomed by local horsemen and local guides. The Yamaan Us, or Goat Water Rock Drawings, are located in a narrow valley east of Uench. There are several hundred drawings on the cliff dated to the Late Bronze or Early Iron Age.

Uench canyon

Day 3-8. Morning meet companions for the next days – horses. Sunrise and sunset in Altai mountains is a moment that you never should miss – the golden time photographers. Spend four days with nomads and national park rangers in search of snow leopard. Beside of that, in Altai mountains inhabit animals that listed as endangered species like the argali sheep with its massive curved rams, ibex, lynxes, maral deer, falcons, foxes, golden eagle and the vulture which all can be within the frame of your camera. The best time to see them is in the early morning and late evening. (B,L,D)

Day 9