In the Footsteps of the Snow Leopard in Kyrgyzstan. Engage with scientific educators for the study of the snow leopard in the heart of the nature reserves of Kyrgyzstan. In the Footsteps of the Snow Leopard in Kyrgyzstan. Live an adventure in the heart of the Kyrgyz mountains, to study the snow leopard. Survey, on foot or on horseback, the mountain, in search of clues of the presence of the snow leopard and wildlife. Also called snow leopard or “ounce”, this ghost of the mountains is one of the most enigmatic felines in the world. It lives in remote and difficult to access places, in a dozen countries in Asia. Snow Leopard programs
The Objectives of the Snow Leopard Scientific Program
In Kyrgyzstan, snow leopards have been an integral part of the culture for millennia. The country is believed to be home to 10% of the global snow leopard population. Although there are few studies dedicated to this species, evidence suggests it is endangered. Among the threats facing this feline are habitat reduction and the decline of its prey, such as ibex and argali sheep. It is also a victim of poaching and conflicts with herders.
- Non-invasive monitoring of snow leopard (Panthera uncia) and Central Asian wildlife populations.
- Raising awareness about biodiversity protection among program participants and local communities.
- Supporting local nature conservation actors.
This project is divided into several components:
- A camera-trap study: Each snow leopard has a unique coat pattern. Photo-identification is therefore an excellent tool for identifying individuals over the years. It is also highly suitable for studying the behavior of the snow leopard.
- A genetic study through the collection of scat, which is then analyzed in the laboratory.
- A presence-sign survey: Each individual marks its territory. The frequency of marking provides an indication of population density.
Your role in the snow leopard scientific project
The missions take place in the heart of the Kyrgyz steppe, among lakes, streams, and glaciers. You will traverse ridges and valleys on foot and/or on horseback. To expand the study area across the country throughout the season, the NGO works in various zones, including two state nature reserves (Sarychat-Ertash and Naryn) as well as the Shamshy and Chon Jarguilchak valleys.
On Foot and Horseback in the Kyrgyz Mountains
During your days, you will track snow leopards by following the traces they leave behind and by checking and/or setting up camera traps. These camera traps can capture exceptional images of wildlife, both day and night.
You will record in your notebooks all the important details for the study: the type of evidence, the species involved, the sex, and the population numbers.tifs, l’heure de la journée, le lieu précis des observations…
Vous participez ainsi à la constitution d’une base de données sur la panthère des neiges et son écosystème. Vous échangez régulièrement avec la population locale, notamment avec les gardes des réserves.
Dates and Prices
- From Sunday, July 5, 2026, to Sunday, July 23, 2026 (Naryn)
- From Sunday, July 12, 2026, to Sunday, July 30, 2026 (Sarychat South)
- From Sunday, August 2, 2026, to Thursday, August 20, 2026 (Naryn) Price: €4,790 (€1,615 after tax deduction*)
- From October 4 to October 17, 2026 Price: €3,570 (tax deduction possible)
Tax Deduction *
The partner NGO is recognized for the high-quality, meaningful, educational, and solidarity-based nature of its programs and training courses dedicated to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
The NGO operates on a donation-action principle: a person makes a donation and takes part in one of the NGO’s activities. Please note that the donor and the participant may be two different people.
As such, the cost of the training course or scientific expedition may be tax-deductible up to 66% in France, in accordance with current French tax regulations.
Accommodation
Outside the reserves, you will stay with local families, in yurts, or in village guesthouses. In the mountains, within the reserve, you will camp in tents. Occasionally, a hunter’s cabin or a railway car will provide a bit more comfort for cooking and eating as a group. However, the lifestyle you adopt will remain quite basic. When the weather permits and you have the motivation, you can admire the Milky Way, snug in your sleeping bag!
Location
Get your visa for the Celestial Mountains, the Tien Shan, the great Lake Issyk-Kul, and the high plateaus of Kyrgyzstan!
The partner NGO operates in two state nature reserves (Sarychat-Ertash and Naryn) as well as the Shamshy and Chon Jarguilchak valleys. Located south of the great Lake Issyk-Kul, on the high plateaus of Kyrgyzstan at the border with China, the Sarychat-Ertash State Reserve is not open to just anyone. A specific border permit is required.
Similarly, special authorization is needed to access the Naryn Reserve, located in the center of the country, near the stunning Lake Son Kul and its bird reserve.
The Shamshy and Chon Jarguilchak valleys are protected areas where hunting is strictly prohibited, but access is not restricted. Pastoralism is still very much present here.
Across all these mountain ranges, you will be immersed in the heart of the Kyrgyz steppe, among lakes, streams, and glaciers. You will traverse ridges and valleys on foot and/or on horseback, camping near the high peaks while gazing at the Milky Way…
- Eligibility : Open to adults, families with children aged 14 and up, and unaccompanied minors aged 16 and up.
- Zero Waste : One of the principles of this expedition is to leave no trace behind. Everyone takes their waste back with them.
- Physical Condition : These expeditions are accessible to all. You will walk about 5 hours a day in the mountains on comfortable trails, at altitude with elevation gains of up to 1,000 meters.
- Francophone Supervision
- Motivation Required! This trip demands active participation to successfully carry out the NGO’s scientific project.
- This solidarity-based trip following the tracks of the snow leopard on the Kyrgyz high plateaus is truly one of a kind. You take part in a scientific adventure in the heart of the Celestial Mountains.
- You become fully involved in the study of the snow leopard and its habitat.
- You benefit from French-speaking guidance while also engaging with the local population.
- Your contribution has a real impact. Thanks to this citizen science expedition, which has been running since 2006, the snow leopard is studied and protected in this part of the world.
- You share a collective and personally transformative experience.
- You develop patience and humility.
Tous les avis sur Objectif Sciences international
About our partner NGO
The partner NGO holds Special Consultative Status with the UN (ECOSOC) and is a member of the AAAS Science and Human Rights Coalition. Specialising in science trips, science and participatory research, the NGO believes that education is the driving force behind the Sustainable Development Goals. It offers a range of participatory science trips for both adults and children.
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