Mongolia: snow leopards
TRIP INFO
Join Kris Andres and Curtis Jones for an unforgettable photography adventure into the remote mountains of western Mongolia, where we’ll head into the wild in search of one of the planet’s most elusive animals: the snow leopard.
This is an expedition for photographers who love a challenge, a little adventure, and the chance to photograph wildlife in some truly extraordinary places. Alongside experienced local guides, snow leopard experts, and trackers, we’ll explore the rugged Altai Mountains, drawing on their knowledge of the landscape and the animals that call it home.
Time in the field will be spent searching for snow leopards, photographing the dramatic mountain scenery, and discovering the other wildlife that makes this region so special. And when we’re not out exploring, we’ll get a taste of traditional Mongolian life, with comfortable ger camps, local hospitality, and opportunities to experience the culture of this remarkable part of the world.
With just 12 spots available, this is a small-group expedition built around patience, persistence, and making the most of every opportunity behind the camera.
Photographing a wild snow leopard is a pretty special bucket-list experience. If you’ve ever dreamed of heading somewhere remote, embracing the adventure, and seeing what you can create along the way, Mongolia is calling.
》WHAT YOU’LL LEARN
Techniques for shooting in varying light conditions (e.g, sunrise, sunset, golden hour blue hour and harsh light.)
Expanded creative vision and storytelling
Techniques for capturing the traditional nomadic lifestyle and portraits of local people. Engaging with subjects and capturing authentic expressions.
Capturing Mongolian wildlife from Hawks, Eagles, Horses and understanding the behavior to capture the perfect shot.
》YOUR OFFBEAT GUIDES
KRIS ANDRES // GUIDE
Kris is a storyteller of the wild, known for cinematic, dreamlike imagery where human presence meets untamed landscapes. From the frozen silence of Antarctica to the vast landscapes of Mongolia, his work is shaped by a pursuit of meaning, connection, and lived experience in the wildest and most remote places on Earth. A mountaineer and one of four owners of OFFBEAT Photo, he refines immersive photography experiences that push beyond the expected—creating work that feels truly alive. [Bio Photo by Paul Zizka]
CURTIS JONES // GUIDE
Curtis is an adventure, landscape and portrait photographer from Newfoundland and Labrador who considers Nunavut his second home. Never tiring of seeing the sun rise from a new horizon or watching a contagious smile grow on the faces of friends and strangers alike as they step out of their comfort zone, Curtis seeks to tell stories with his photographs as he lives out his own. Throughout his career, he has had the pleasure of working with worldclass athletes, artists, and production teams while shooting in some of the globe’s most raw, wild, and challenging locations. Equal parts adventurer, artist and clown, he is never far from a camera, a tent or a good punchline.
* As per our Terms and Conditions, OFFBEAT reserves the right to change, at any time, the tour leader of any workshop.
》INS AND OUTS
What’s Included:
One-on-one and group photography instruction from Kris Andres and Curtis Jones
Airport transfers
All accommodations during the workshop
Transportation during the workshop ( in Toyota Land Cruisers or similar)
All meals
Local guide and drivers
Location scouting and itinerary planned by OFFBEAT instructors.
Lifetime membership to OFFBEAT Community.
What’s Not Included:
Travel insurance
Flights to and from Mongolia
Visa, vaccinations, passport fees.
Alcohol
Souvenirs
Any weather-caused delays/extensions to stay.
Tips and gratuities for drivers
ACCOMMODATIONS
This camping adventure is an immersive experience in a remote part of the country, where we can embrace the wilderness and capture stunning photographs right from our sleeping spots. The camp setup ensures both communal and private spaces. A large group tent serves as the hub for dining, complemented by smaller toilet tents for convenience and privacy. Each participant will have the opportunity to retire to the two-person dome-style tent, providing a cozy haven for the night.
TRANSPORTATION
We will explore the wild western part of Mongolia in Land Cruiser-styled cars. As well as a Russian van for gear and luggage.
Meals
All meals while camping are prepared by the amazing staff cook that can accommodate dietary needs. As well we will have a chance to stop in Ulgii for some snacks prior to setting out, in case you'd like to have a personal stock of items. We do encourage you to grab some late-night munchies as it is a wonderful way to watch the stars with chocolate or chips.
》ITINERARY
Full itinerary to be provided to participants upon arrival.
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Day 1 - Saturday, May 27
Upon arrival in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia’s capital, we’ll meet our local guide and transfer to the hotel to settle in after our travels.
In the afternoon, we’ll gather for a trip briefing to review the expedition ahead, discuss our plans for the days in the field, and prepare for our journey into western Mongolia in search of the elusive snow leopard.
We’ll then enjoy an introduction to Mongolia’s rich cultural traditions with a folklore performance featuring traditional throat singing, long and short songs, contortion, and other elements of Mongolian performing arts. It’s a chance to experience a different side of the country before heading into its remote mountain landscapes.
The day concludes with a welcome dinner, giving the us an opportunity to get to know one another, meet our local team, and begin the expedition together.
Day 2 - Sunday, May 28
Into the Altai Mountains
This morning, we’ll take a domestic flight to Khovd, where we’ll meet the rest of our local expedition team and begin the journey into western Mongolia. After introductions, we’ll have a chance to put our newly learned Mongolian words to use before setting out on the road.
Our drive will take us toward the Khar-Us Lake region and onward to the rugged foothills of Jargalant Khairkhan. This is where the landscape begins to open up, offering a first look at the remote terrain we’ll be exploring over the coming days.
Keep the cameras close along the way. The journey itself will offer photographic opportunities, from local communities and herding families to wildlife and the changing scenery. As always, sightings and encounters are unpredictable, so we’ll make the most of the opportunities that arise along the route.
On arrival, we’ll establish camp and review the expedition plans with our local team. We’ll discuss the days ahead, go over field logistics, and prepare for our time exploring the region in search of snow leopards.
Overnight: Camp
Day 3 - Monday, May 29
The Search Begins
This is it! Our snow leopard tracking begins. Working alongside our experienced local guides and trackers, we’ll head into the rugged terrain around Jargalant Khairkhan to begin searching for signs of one of the world’s most elusive big cats. These guides know the landscape intimately, and their trained eyes will help us spot details that might otherwise go unnoticed.
Throughout the day, we’ll learn to look for clues such as tracks, scrapes, and scent markings, building our understanding of how snow leopards move through their territory. We’ll explore rocky valleys and mountain ridgelines, with our local team helping us interpret the signs and understand the relationship between predator and prey in this remote ecosystem.
For us, this is about more than simply finding a snow leopard. It’s about learning to read the landscape, understanding the animal’s behaviour, and being ready when a photographic opportunity presents itself. Keep the cameras close, as the mountains, wildlife, and everyday life in this region can all offer worthwhile images along the way.
Snow leopard sightings are never guaranteed, but each day in the field brings new opportunities to learn, observe and immerse ourselves in the mongolian culutre.
Overnight: Camp
Day 4 - Tuesday, May 30
Scanning the Mountain Slopes
Our days in the field continue scanning the high cliffs, rocky slopes, and ridgelines. Patience is an important part of snow leopard photography, and we’ll work alongside our local guides to observe the terrain, look for signs of movement, and refine our understanding of how these elusive cats use their mountain habitat.
Along the way, we’ll also be watching for other wildlife that calls this region home, including ibex and argali sheep. Observing these animals in their natural environment offers valuable photographic opportunities and helps us better understand the mountain ecosystem, including the relationships between prey species and the predators that depend on them.
We’ll take our time, learning from the experience of our trackers and staying alert to changes in the landscape. A distant movement, an animal crossing an exposed slope, or a clue spotted by our guides may shift our attention in an instant.
In this environment, every scan matters. We’ll remain flexible throughout the day, making the most of the wildlife and photographic opportunities that present themselves while continuing our search for the snow leopard.
Overnight: Camp
Day 5- Wednesday May 31
Deeper into Snow Leopard Country
Today, we’ll venture farther into the mountain terrain, continuing our search for snow leopards. We’ll build on what we’ve learned in the field, paying close attention to fresh tracks, scrapes, scent markings, and other signs that may help us understand where these elusive cats have been moving. Or maybe we will already have an experience of a lifetime and continue building off of that experience.
Our plans will remain flexible, guided by local knowledge, conditions in the mountains, and any new signs of wildlife activity. We’ll spend time scanning rocky slopes and cliffs, watching for movement, and looking for opportunities to photograph the wildlife that inhabits this remote landscape.
Every day in the field offers a chance to develop our tracking skills and deepen our understanding of the ecosystem. If we encounter wildlife, we’ll take the time to observe its behaviour and photograph it respectfully, without disturbing the animals or their natural routines.
Snow leopards are masters of camouflage, and finding one requires patience, persistence, and a little luck. We’ll continue to make the most of our time in the mountains, staying ready for whatever the day brings.
Overnight: Camp
Day 6- Thursday, June 1
Today marks our final dedicated day of snow leopard tracking in the mountains, and we’ll make the most of our time in the field. With the guidance of our local trackers, we’ll continue searching for signs of snow leopard activity, focusing on promising areas and adapting our plans as conditions and new information allow.
We’ll aim to be out during the early morning and late afternoon, periods that can offer useful opportunities to observe wildlife moving through the mountain landscape. Between these sessions, we’ll continue scanning the cliffs and rocky slopes, watching for movement and keeping an eye out for other wildlife, including ibex and argali.
While sightings can never be guaranteed, we’ll use this final tracking day to build on everything we’ve learned, remain attentive to opportunities, and photograph the remarkable wildlife and landscapes of western Mongolia.
Overnight: Camp
Day 7- Friday, June 2
This is our buffer day, as we are flexible and reserve a day for weather conditions or additional tracking opportunities. We have some optional short hikes and landscape photography opportunities as well as wildlife photography excursions in surrounding valleys. We will be tracking species such as black-tailed gazelle, Mongolian saiga, foxes, and a variety of steppe birds.
Day 8- Saturday, June 3
We rise and bid farewell to our mountain terrain and drive to Khovd town for our first hotel night in many days. We refresh ourselves and a chance to explore the area or rest before supper.
For those that are extending there trip to the eagle hunters excursion we will head straight to the next camp and bid farewell to our friends heading to Khovd.
Day 9- Sunday, June 4
It is time to head back with our flight to Ulaanbaatar, where we will be picked up by our local expedition team. Rest of the afternoon is at your leisure. Finale farewell dinner with our local Mongolian expedition team in Ulaanbaatar.
Day 10- Monday, June 5
It is departure day. Breakfast and Transfer to the airport for your international flight.
EAGLE HUNTER ADD-ON
Extend your Mongolia photography adventure into the remote landscapes of Bayan-Ölgii, home to Mongolia’s legendary Kazakh eagle hunters. This immersive photography experience takes you beyond traditional sightseeing and into the daily lives, culture, and traditions of local eagle-hunting families.
Spend time with Kazakh eagle hunters and their magnificent golden eagles, photographing their families, horses, traditional clothing, and the remarkable bond between hunter and bird. With time to slow down and connect with our hosts, this is an opportunity to create authentic, intimate images while learning about a centuries-old tradition that remains an important part of Kazakh culture in western Mongolia.
Designed specifically for photographers, this small-group experience offers dedicated time and access to photograph Mongolian eagle hunters, their eagles, horses, and surrounding landscapes in a relaxed and meaningful environment.
From the vast landscapes of Bayan-Ölgii to the people who call this remote region home, this is a rare opportunity to experience and photograph one of Mongolia’s most fascinating living traditions.
Whether you're hoping to make the most of your time in the field or explore another part of the adventure, this optional add-on offers an opportunity to expand your experience beyond the main expedition.
EAGLE HUNTER Itinerary
A closer look at what's planned for this additional experience.
DAY ONE
Arrival & Exploration
As our Snow Leopard expedition comes to an end, we say goodbye to the mountains and begin our journey deeper into Bayan-Ölgii Province, home to Mongolia’s Kazakh eagle hunters.
We’ll drive toward Sagsai, where we’ll meet a local Kazakh eagle-hunting family and settle into our camp for the next two nights.
This first evening is about slowing down and getting acquainted with the family, their traditions, and the remarkable relationship between hunter and eagle. We'll have time to explore the area, photograph the family and their surroundings, and begin getting to know the stories and traditions behind this centuries-old practice.
DAY TWO
Time in the Field
Today, we'll have the opportunity to immerse ourselves in the daily life of a Kazakh eagle-hunting family, learning more about their traditions, culture, and the remarkable relationship between hunter and eagle.
We'll spend with our hosts, getting to know their way of life and hearing the stories and traditions that have been passed down through generations.
Throughout the day, there will be opportunities to photograph the family, their eagles, horses, and the surrounding landscape in a relaxed and authentic setting.
This is our chance to slow down, connect with our hosts, and photograph not only the spectacle of eagle hunting, but the people and culture behind this extraordinary tradition.
DAY THREE
FAREWELL
Farewell to the Eagle Hunters
Our time with the eagle hunters comes to an end this morning as we make our way to Ulgii Airport for our flight back to Ulaanbaatar.
After arriving in the capital, the afternoon is yours to relax, explore, or simply take a moment to reflect on the incredible experiences of the past few days. Tonight, we'll come together one final time for a farewell dinner, sharing stories and photographs from an unforgettable journey through the world of Mongolia’s Kazakh eagle hunters.
Optional Add-On Experience
An additional experience available to participants joining the snow leopard expedition.
Per person · In addition to the main expedition. $500 DEPOSIT REQUIRED
Itinerary details and inclusions are subject to cchange. Please refer to the final trip information for confirmed arrangements.
PRICE/PAYMENT SCHEDULE
Full Cost: CAD $11,900
Payment options: Full payment or non-refundable deposit to secure a space with equal installment payments.
Non-Refundable Deposit: CAD $1500 (due upon booking)
Payment #1: CAD $2,600.00- due January 15, 2027
Payment #2: CAD $2,600.00 - due June 15, 2027
Payment #3: CAD $2,600.00- due November 15, 2027
Payment #4: CAD $2,600.00- due February 15, 2028
Note: Failure to pay by due dates means forfeiting deposit and spot will be freed up and potentially sold to another interested participant (see more in cancellation policy below).
If unforeseen circumstances arise, participants are welcome to transfer/sell their space to another interested participant. In such case, participants are responsible for handling payment for the transfer.
EAGLE HUNTERS ADD-ON
Full Cost: CAD $2995 (this is an additional cost added to the above $11,900)
Payment options: Full payment or non-refundable deposit to secure a space with equal installment payments.
Non-Refundable Deposit: CAD $500 (due upon booking)
Payment #1: CAD $2,495- due August 15, 2027
WHAT OUR PARTICIPANTS HAVE TO SAY
ABOUT OFFBEAT WORKSHOPS
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“I have attended a number of OFFBEAT Workshops and have loved them all. Dave and Paul are two of the most genuine people I have met and they are both so enthusiastic and passionate about what they do. They always ensure that you have the best time and are always willing to share their time and experience with you. My photography has definitely improved since learning from these two. I have also only meet decent and friendly people on these workshops. Everybody is there for the common goal - photography and everybody has such fun. I can not recommend Offbeat highly enough.”
— Claire C.
“I felt the level of collaboration and support among the participants in this one was exceptional and so was the size of the group. It is easier to hide in bigger groups when I feel insecure with my skills and talent. The content was timely, appropriate and exceedingly well organized. The facilitators’ presentation skills were exceptional. I came away with a little more confidence and a lot more knowledge. Thanks, Dave and Paul!!!”
-Jan L.
Traveling with Offbeat to Mongolia was one of my favorite trips I have ever taken! Paul and Curtis were excellent instructors, they were always inspiring me to try new concepts and techniques. I feel like I became a better photographer after this trip! The Mongolian crew were some of the happiest, most friendly people I have met. It was Offbeat, the Mongolian Expeditions and all of the participants that made this a trip to remember.
-Lys O.
》IMPORTANT INFO
Please visit our FAQs for more information on What to Bring, our Physical Ratings and Photography Levels.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Physical Rating (Moderate)
Hiking experience // Previous/regular hiking experience. Good physical condition.
Pace // Steady.
Distance/Description // Hikes may be a day hike with less <15km, with a significant elevation change (>300 m), and more rugged terrain. We’ll cover varying distances and terrain on generally established trails.
Footwear // Hiking boots or light hiking shoes are appropriate.
Photography Level (All): This workshop is open to both amateur and professional photographers.
See these ratings described in our FAQs.
INSURANCE POLICY
It is not only advised but required that participants have trip cancellation/interruption insurance, as well as emergency medical/illness insurance and rescue coverage (proof required within 4 months of departure).
Weather and other unforeseen factors can cause delays in travel, particularly from some of our more remote locations. It is the participant’s responsibility to cover any costs in the case of a travel delay of any length. Please ensure your trip cancellation/interruption insurance accommodates this possibility.
By purchasing a spot you are acknowledging that you accept these conditions.
Please see our Insurance page for more information about our insurance partner, World Nomads.
》OFFBEAT TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Please take the time to review OFFBEAT’s Terms and Conditions, including our Cancellation Policies. You are required to agree to these in order to confirm your registration. Effective June 16, 2020.