Take part in the study of one of the world's most emblematic felines, in Nepal, in the heart of the Himalayas: the snow leopard. All selected ecovolunteer missions here
On the trail of the snow leopard in Nepal. In the heart of the Himalayas, study the snow leopard and talk to the local population about the importance of preserving the environment.
On the trail of the snow leopard in Nepal
The snow leopard is one of the world's most enigmatic felines. It lives in remote, hard-to-reach places in a dozen Asian countries. Between 300 and 500 individuals live in Nepal today. The snow leopard, also known as the "ounce" or "himchitouw" (in Nepalese), is an integral part of Nepalese culture. However, the snow leopard is currently endangered. Its natural habitat is being degraded by human activity. It is a victim of poaching and conflicts with herders.
Non-invasive monitoring of the snow leopard
The NGO you're going with has been running a snow leopard study program since 2006. The objective of this program is :
- Non-invasive monitoring of Snow Leopard (Panthera uncia) populations and Himalayan wildlife.
- The creation of a database in partnership with the reserves and local players.
- Raising awareness of biodiversity protection among scientific participants and local populations.
- Support for nature conservationists in Nepal.
Your involvement in the snow leopard project in Nepal
The mission takes place either in the Le Langtang reserve, located north of Kathmandu along the Tibetan border, or further south at the Gosaikunda lakes.
Every day, in small groups, accompanied by science educators and Nepalese guides, you will roam the mountains of the Nepalese Himalayas to gather information on the snow leopard. The main aim of the project is to provide evidence of the presence of this mountain ghost in the areas studied.
In the heart of the Himalayas
The aim of this expedition is also to study the flora and fauna of the nature reserve. The park boasts a rich fauna, with over 50 species of mammal, 345 species of bird, numerous amphibians and reptiles, 30 species of fish and 55 species of butterfly. You'll be on the lookout for the slightest noise or movement in the heart of the mountains, equipped with binoculars, a GPS and a notebook to locate and observe the wildlife. You'll also be taking part in two presentations to the local population on the importance of preserving biodiversity.
- Sunday, April 13, 2025 to Thursday, May 1, 2025 - 19 days in the Langtang reserve
- Sunday, September 14, 2025 to Thursday, October 2, 2025 - 19 days Gosaikunda area
- Sunday, April 19, 2026 to Thursday, May 7, 2026 - 19 days in the Langtang reserve
- Sunday, September 20, 2026 to Thursday, October 8, 2026 - 19 days Gosaikunda area
- Price €5160 : €1754.2 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.
- 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, thanks to a range of "Sports/Comfort/Families" formats, and take place with favorable weather conditions in spring and autumn. You walk around 5 hours a day, in the mountains, on comfortable trails. Depending on the format you choose, you can walk up to 1000 m in altitude.
- French-speaking supervision
- Motivation! This trip requires active participation in the NGO's scientific project.
Accommodation and food
On arrival in Bhaktapur, you will stay with two potter brothers in the heart of the old town, who will introduce you to their art.
In Kathmandu, on both the outward and return journeys, you will stay at the Yellow House, just a few minutes from the lively Thamel district.
For the first few days in the reserve, you will sleep in small Nepalese dwellings. These facilities are basic but comfortable. They provide access to a bed and a shower. You'll enjoy delicious meals carefully prepared by your hosts.
When you're outside the towns and villages, you'll sleep in tents in the calm and beauty of the Himalayan mountains. A large tent allows you to share convivial meals and lively evenings around the fire with the whole Franco-Nepalese team.
Location
The LangtangNature Reserve
Located north of Kathmandu, along the Tibetan border, the Langtang Reserve offers a wide variety of landscapes with a rich biodiversity. Langtang National Park is one of Nepal's 12 national parks. Opened in 1976, it was the very first park in the Himalayas.
Gosainkundais famous for its lakes, one of which culminates at 4380 m. Legend has it that the lake was formed when Shiva's trident (trishula) dug into the earth after he drank the poison of Samudramanthan and desperately wanted cold water to quench the poison's overwhelming heat. Lake Gosaikunda and its associated wetlands were designated a Ramsar site on September 23, 2007.1.
- This solidarity trip on the trail of the snow leopard in Nepal is one of a kind. You'll experience a scientific adventure in the heart of the Himalayas.
- 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. Thanks to this participatory science trip, 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.
All Mission reviews Objectif Sciences international
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
Front page photo ©OSI
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