On the trail of the snow leopard in Kirghizia. Get involved with scientific educators studying the snow leopard in the heart of nature reserves in Kirghizia (or Kyrgyzstan). On the trail of the snow leopard in Kirghizia. Experience an adventure in the heart of the Kyrgyz mountains, to study the snow leopard. Explore the mountains, on foot or on horseback, in search of clues to the presence of the snow leopard and other wildlife. Also known as the snow leopard or "ounce", this mountain ghost is one of the world's most enigmatic felines. It lives in remote, hard-to-reach places in a dozen Asian countries.
Objectives of the snow leopard scientific program
Snow leopards have been an integral part of Kyrgyz culture for thousands of years. Kirghizia is thought to account for 10% of the total number of snow leopards. Although there are not many studies devoted to the snow leopard, there is evidence that it is in danger. Threats include habitat loss and a decline in prey such as ibex and mouflon. It is also a victim of poaching and conflicts with farmers.
- Non-invasive monitoring of snow leopard (Panthera uncia) populations and wildlife in Central Asia.
- Raising awareness of biodiversity protection among participants and local populations.
- Support for the country's nature conservationists.
- The project has several components
- A phototrap study. Each snow leopard has a unique coat. Photo-identification is therefore an excellent tool for identifying individuals over the years. It's also ideal for studying panther behavior.
- A genetic study involves collecting faeces, which are then analysed in the laboratory.
- A study using presence indices, with each individual marking its territory. The frequency of marking gives an indication of population density.
Your role in the snow leopard science project
The missions take place in the heart of the Kyrgyz steppe, between lakes, torrents and glaciers. You will explore the ridges and valleys on foot and/or on horseback. In order to extend the study area across the country throughout the season, the NGO works in different areas, including two state nature reserves (Sarychat-Ertash and Naryn) as well as the Shamshy and Chon Jarguilchak valleys.
On foot and on horseback in the Kyrgyz mountains
During the day, you track the panthers by following the tracks they leave behind and the camera traps, which you control and/or set up. These camera traps can take exceptional shots of wildlife, day and night.
You note down in your notebooks all the important details for the study: the type of clue, the species concerned, the sex, the numbers, the time of day, the precise location of the sightings...
In this way, you help to build up a database on the snow leopard and its ecosystem. You will be in regular contact with the local population, in particular with the reserve rangers.
- Sunday, July 6, 2025 to Sunday, July 24, 2025 (Naryn)
- Sunday, July 13, 2025 to Sunday, July 31, 2025 (Sarychat sud)
- Sunday, August 3, 2025 to Thursday, August 21, 2025 (Naryn)
- Sunday, August 10, 2025 to Thursday, August 28, 2025 (Sarychat nord)
- Sunday, July 5, 2026 to Sunday, July 23, 2026 (Naryn)
- Sunday, July 12, 2026 to Sunday, July 30, 2026 (Sarychat sud)
- From Sunday, August 2, 2026 to Thursday, August 20, 2026 (Naryn)
- Sunday, August 9, 2026 to Thursday, August 27, 2026 (Sarychat nord)
- Price: €4,750 or €1,615 after tax deduction*.
- Sunday, October 19, 2025 to Saturday, November 1, 2025 ( 14 days special tracking)
- Price: €3,530 - or €1,200.2 after tax deduction*.
Tax deduction *
The NGO partner Objectif Sciences international is recognized for the quality, usefulness, solidarity and educational nature of its stays and training courses dedicated to achieving the goals of sustainable development. The NGO operates on the donation-action principle. A person makes a donation and participates in an NGO action. Note that the person making the donation may be different from the person taking the action. As such, the cost of the training or scientific stay is tax-deductible up to 66% in France.
Housing
Outside the reserves, you'll stay with local people in yurts or guest houses. In the mountains, in the reserve, you'll stay in tents. Sometimes, a gamekeeper's hut or a wagon will give you a little more comfort for cooking and eating as a group. The lifestyle you'll adopt will remain spartan. Weather permitting, and if you're motivated enough, you'll be able to admire the Milky Way from the comfort of your over-sack!
Location
Get your visa for the Celestial Mountains, the Tien-Shan, Lake Issik Kul and the Kyrgyz Highlands!
The partner NGO works in two state nature reserves (Sarychat-Ertash and Naryn) as well as the Shamshy and Chon Jarguilchak valleys. Located south of the great Issik Kul lake, on the Kyrgyz highlands on the border between Kyrgyzstan and China, the Sarychat-Ertash State Reserve doesn't let just anyone in. A special border permit is required.
Likewise, authorization is required to enter the Naryn Reserve in central Kyrgyzstan, close to the magnificent Son Kul Lake and its bird sanctuary.
The Shamshy and Chon Jarguilchak valleys are protected areas where hunting is strictly forbidden, but access is not restricted. Pastoralism is still very much alive here.
In all these massifs you will be plunged into the heart of the Kyrgyz steppe, between lakes, torrents and glaciers. You'll explore ridges and valleys on foot and/or horseback. You'll bivouac close to the high peaks, contemplating the Milky Way ...
- Open to adults, families with children aged 14 and over, and unaccompanied minors aged 16 and over.
- Zero waste: one of the principles of this expedition is to leave no trace behind. Everyone brings their own waste.
- Physical fitness: these expeditions are accessible to all. You walk around 5 hours a day, in the mountains, on comfortable trails. You'll be walking at altitude, with a vertical drop of up to 1000 m.
- French-speaking supervision
- Motivation! This trip requires active participation in the NGO's scientific project.
- This solidarity trip on the trail of the snow leopard in the Kyrgyz highlands is one of a kind. You'll experience a scientific adventure in the heart of the Celestial Mountains.
- You're fully involved in the study of the snow leopard and its habitat.
- You'll benefit from French-speaking supervision, while being in contact with the local population.
- Your action has a real impact. It's thanks to this participatory science program, which has been running since 2006, that the snow leopard is being studied and protected in this part of the world.
- You're sharing a collective and personally transformative adventure.
- You develop patience and humility!
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Headline photo: © Bruno Cédat
The NGO partner
Partner NGO Objectif Sciences international has Special Consultative Status with the UN (ECOSOC) and is a member of the AAAS Science and Human Rights Coalition. Specializing in scientific 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 adults and minors. All OSI programs here
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