Snow Leopard Volunteer Expedition Kyrgyzstan

Expedition in cooperation with NABU

EXPEDITION SUMMARY

This snow leopard conservation volunteer expedition to the Tien Shan mountains of Kyrgyzstan will take you to remote, spectacular and beautiful mountains to survey snow leopards, as well as their prey animals such as the argali mountain sheep, the Central Asian ibex, marmots and others. You will be working as part of a small international team from a mobile tented base camp set at various locations and altitudes of around 2000 m (where altitude sickness is not an issue). You will be covering ground in the expedition vehicles and on foot, looking for tracks, kills, scats and the animals themselves, and setting camera traps. True expedition-style base camp conditions, testing but satisfying mountain surveying, off-road driving and the breathtaking high mountains make this a challenging, but very rewarding expedition. Join us on this Kyrgyzstan snow leopard volunteer project!

“After 40 years experience in the mountains and 20 years of nature conservation volunteering, we have just had two perfect weeks of merging these two and enriching our lives. We have seen breathtaking landscapes, learnt a lot and met like-minded people. Biosphere Expeditions is an extraordinary organisation and our days in the Tien Shan will stay with us forever.” more testimonials

Expedition contribution

€2990 (ca. £2506 | US$3379 | AU$5253)

The above excludes flights and is per dates as shown. A €300 deposit is required and the balance is due four weeks before the expedition starts. Base currency is Euro. Other currencies as per ECB FX reference rates.

More about this contribution and where the money goes is in the FAQ section.

Dates

7 - 19 Jul 2025 | 21 Jul - 2 Aug 2025 | 4 - 16 Aug 2025 (13 days)

You can join for multiple slots as shown and there are no other dates available apart from the above. Participants have to organise their own travel to the in-country assembly point (see "Key Details" below for where this is).

More details on all this can be found in the expedition briefing.

Availability

Status: Amber

Expeditions of status amber have few spaces avaiable (or are currently in the field). To join them you need to decide soon.

7 - 19 July 2025 (3 places left)
21 July - 2 August 2025 (no places left)
4 - 16 August 2025 (1 place left)

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Expedition Photos

Snow leopard

Snow leopard caught in a camera trap (c) NABU / Tolkunbek Asykulov

Ibex

Ibex (c) Dietmar Denger

Manul (c) Dietmar Denger

Marmots (c) Dietmar Denger

Apollo butterfly

Tien Shan mountain landscape (c) Dietmar Denger

River (c) Dietmar Denger

Wildflowers, mountains and expeditioner (c) Dietmar Denger

Wildlflowers

Night sky

Expedition base (c) Dietmar Denger

Expedition base

Sunset at the expedition base

Expedition base at night (c) Liss Myrås

Animal ID training session

Getting to a survey site (c) Dietmar Denger

Setting off on a survey (c) Dietmar Denger

Surveying

Surveying a mountain saddle

Engaging a local herder (c) Melissa Shepstone

Interviewing a local herder

Setting a camera trap

On the way to check camera traps (c) Liss Myrås

Crossing a stream

Rest stop

Reviewing the day, planning the next

A relaxing game of chess

None too impressed local kids ;)

Foot survey team

Vehicle survey team

Join us in the Tien Shan mountains!

See more photos on

Tien Shan Key Details

Terrain
Open steppe and high mountains.

Weather expected during expedition
High mountain summer weather usually means hot sunshine during the day, but it can turn cold at any time of the year, including brief snow showers.

Expedition base for Tien Shan volunteers
Tent camp of yurts, dome, mess and kitchen, as well as shower and toilet tents. Each citizen scientist has their own dome tent to sleep in (and there are also two- person tents for couples).

Team size
Up to 12 team members + 1 local scientist + 1 expedition leader. What kind of people will be on this snow leopard conservation volunteer team?

Skills & prerequisites required for this Kyrgyzstan volunteering expedition
None. You don't need to be a scientist or have any special qualifications - everyone can take part and there are no age limits whatsoever.

Team assembly point
Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan. Full details on how to get to the snow leopard volunteer assembly point are in the expedition briefing

Fitness level required to be a snow leopard conservation volunteer
Ability to walk about 5-15 km per day in high mountain terrain and up to 3800 m altitude. Those who feel able to, can also take part in overnight surveys in remoter locations. Those of lower fitness level can monitor wildlife near base camp or do vehicle-based work. Please note that medical evidence shows that altitude sickness is not usually a problem at altitudes below 3500 m.

Details

Host country & expedition safety

Kyrgyzstan is a remarkably stable and democratic country, which has not been plagued by autocratic regimes and religious extremism of the other ex-Soviet "...stan" countries. This makes it even more achievable, realistic and interesting to become a Kyrgyzstan volunteer working in snow leopard conservation.

Biosphere Expeditions, as a professional organisation, has full emergency and medical evacuation procedures in place and the expedition leader is a trained wilderness first aider. In all the years since starting operations in 1999, Biosphere Expeditions participants have never suffered any serious injuries (the worst was a broken wrist due to a slip in the mud in the jungle), let alone deaths. We will treat you like capable, responsible adults, though, and not mollycoddle or mother you.

Aims & objectives

The aims of this Kyrgyzstan volunteer project to the Tien Shan mountains, working in snow leopard and wildlife conservation are:

(1) To estimate snow leopard numbers and activity through field signs, by tracking and observation.
(2) To assess the status and distribution of their prey species such as the Tien Shan argali and the Central Asian ibex.
(2) To survey small animals, such as marmots, and birds.
(3) To involve local people in snow leopard conservation through education, capacity-building and the creation of economic benefits.

Background

Kyrgyzstan is a country located in Central Asia and often referred to as the "Switzerland of Central Asia". Landlocked and mountainous, Kyrgyzstan is bordered by Kazakhstan to the north, Uzbekistan to the west, Tajikistan to the southwest and China to the east. Its capital and largest city is Bishkek.

Kyrgyzstan is further from the sea than any other country and all its rivers flow into closed drainage systems, which do not reach the sea. The mountainous region of the Tien Shan covers over 80% of the country, with the remainder made up of valleys and basins. The highest peak is Jengish Chokusu (Pik Pobedy) 7,439 m and more than half the country is above 2,500 metres. Steppe and alpine vegetation dominate the landscape; glaciers and eternal snow cover over 3% of the country’s total area. The climate in Kyrgyzstan is continental with a small amount of rainfall.

Little is known about the status and distribution of the globally endangered snow leopard in the area and its interaction with prey animals such as the Tien Shan argali and Central Asian ibex, and its reliance on smaller prey such as marmots, ground squirrels and game birds. Biosphere Expeditions will, through its Kyrgyzstan volunteers, provide vital data on these issues, which can then be used in the formulation of management and protection plans. The expedition will also work with locals in an effort to build capacity, educate and involve local people in snow leopard conservation and generate income through responsible tourism activities. Working from a mobile base camp, the expedition will work in areas that are protected (such as Ala Archa National Park) and those that are not.

Study species

Snow leopard (Uncia uncia), Central Asia ibex (Capra sibirica alaiana), Tien Shan argali (Ovis ammon karelini)

Other (study) species, all in mountain habitats of granite cliffs, lakes and conifer forests - Mammals: Marmot, manul, lynx, wolf, roe deer, as well as a number of mustelids. Birds: The Tien Shan mountains harbour a very rich bird life, including bearded vulture, long-legged buzzard, golden eagle, saker falcon, cinereous vulture, Himalayan snowcock, sandpipers, ibisbill, Brandt’s mountain finch and various species of wagtail and crane.

Typical day as a snow leopard volunteer in Kyrgyzstan

Activities are usually decided the night before and then confirmed in the morning, depending on the weather. The whole set-up of this Kyrgyzstan volunteer expedition is quite flexible so that you can participate according to the weather conditions, your skills, general fitness and how you feel on the day.

Your typical day may consist of (1) taking your survey group’s vehicle into the mountains to survey access points and from there search in the mountains and valleys for snow leopards, argali, ibex and their field signs, or (2) climbing a mountain and spending the night there, observing using field scopes and searching for snow leopard and other animal activity, or (3) placing, checking and retrieving camera traps, or (4) finding and identifying other animals such as birds and small mammals by various means by day and occasionally by night, or (5) working on educational and other snow-leopard conservation activities with and within local communities.

Most research groups will return to our mobile tented base for the night where food is prepared by the expedition cook. There will also be rest and admin days as required and on some days you may be asked to help out with some camp and kitchen work.

Research area

The Burkhan, Jyluu-Suu and Archaly valleys are located in the catchment of the Kichi Naryn River in the Central Tien Shan mountains The terrain consists of alternating mountain ranges (Teskei Ala-Too, Kara-Kaman, Uch-Emchek, Zhetim-Bel, Zhetim), which run parallel to each other. Vegetation varies by altitude, running upwards from the subalpine zone into the alpine zone and finally into the glacial-nival zone. On the southern slopes of mountains there there is also steppe zone vegetation. The peaks immediately surrounding base camp are all above 4000 m, with Burkhan peak at 4396 m the highest of them.

The region is prime snow leopard terrain, because it is remote and sparsely populated with relatively little impact other than grazing by herders. However, this grazing pressure can be severe and is often a threat to snow leopard survival.

Many threatened animal and plant species, a great number of them endemic, are present in the area with a recent count showing at least 70 mammal, 376 bird, 44 fish species and over 3000 insect species.

The Kyrgyz people are descendants of several different nomadic Turkic ethnic groups in Central Asia and were first mentioned in writing in 201 BC. Kyrgyzstan is one of the active members of the Turkic Council and the TÜRKSOY community. Kyrgyzstan's history is one of Turkic and Mongol, and more recently Soviet and Russian domination. Independence from the Soviet Union was declared on 31 August 1991 and Kyrgyzstan became, and has stayed, a very stable unitary presidential republic.

Partners

NABU (= Naturschutzbund = nature protection alliance), founded in 1899, is one of Germany’s oldest and its biggest conservation NGO. In Kyrgyzstan, NABU, in cooperation with the Kyrgyz government, is implementing a programme to conserve the snow leopard through a twin approach of research and the prevention of illegal hunting and trade of the endangered species.

And finally (almost)

Our expeditions are not about playing the primitive, neither are we a military style 'boot-camp'. Our expedition leader and the local scientist will be by your side and we believe strongly that we get the best out of our expedition teams by making them comfortable, safe and well fed. You won’t be living in the lap of luxury (this is a citizen science snow leopard volunteering expedition after all), but we will do our best to make you feel comfortable and at home in your working environment, as this is the key to a well-balanced and successful expedition.

And finally (briefing)

Even more details, including instructions on how to get to the assembly point, are in the expedition briefing for this Kyrgyzstan volunteer project below.

Briefing

Briefings (in PDF format) contain additional information such as activities, staff, the assembly point and how to get there, visa and vaccinations, proximity to medical care and personal equipment.

Please access the expedition briefing by providing your full name and e-mail. Biosphere Expeditions will never share these details with anyone.

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Paying your deposit 300€ per person, per slot*. International exchange rates via www.xe.com
*NOTE that you must fill in one sign-up form for each person, so you cannot sign up two or more persons using this form. Please complete one form for each person separately.

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If you would like to join more than one group, make sure you specify the first group dates in the start date above and then select number of groups here. The total deposit amount will adjust automatically. NOTE THAT THIS IS ONLY FOR NUMBER OF GROUPS, NOT PEOPLE. If more than one person wants to join, then each person must fill in a joining form.

If you have an account in the Eurozone, this is the easiest option. Simply transfer funds to Biosphere Expeditions, IBAN BE52 9670 2407 0009, SWIFT/BIC TRWIBEB1XXX. If your account is not inside the Eurozone, traditional banks often make mistakes and transfer the wrong amount. Many will also levy obscene charges at very bad exchange rates. We therefore recommend option 2 for those outside the Eurozone. If you still want to go down the bank to bank transfer route, then please make sure that all charges are to your account and that your bank sends the full amount outstanding in EUR, not your local currency.

Any problems or questions?

Please just contact us via This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or one of our offices.

Terms and Conditions

Biosphere Expeditions Terms and Conditions

0. Introduction, philosophy and risk management
	0.1. We strive to make joining Biosphere Expeditions a unique experience. Before completing a joining form, please read this information carefully. Much of it is already contained in our information materials, but we are summarising it here in an effort to convey to everyone in a clear, understandable and honest way the terms and conditions under which we operate: what you can expect from us, what we can expect from you, what your rights are, and what our rights are. Before joining you should fully understand the nature of the services and facilities we provide. To do this you should read the information below in conjunction with any other material pertaining to the experience you want to join. If at any time you have any questions at all, please just ask.
	0.2. Many of our experiences visit distant and challenging parts of the world, often in remote regions of developing countries. Everything we do involves a certain degree of risk, which varies from experience to experience. Where we work, the unexpected is often the norm and it is important to realise that the most carefully laid plans can go wrong. Unlike many holiday services calling themselves ‘expeditions’, true expedition work is by its very nature unpredictable. Emergency and health services, local infrastructure and services, transport and accommodation on our experiences are often very unlikely to be of western standard. Internal flights can be delayed or cancelled, local helpers may be unreliable, the behaviour and movements of wildlife will be hard to predict, and the weather and research work may cause you some discomfort.
	0.3. It is therefore essential that those who join our experiences do so with a positive frame of mind and a sense of humour. The published itineraries of our experiences, the research work and the wildlife we are likely to encounter should be seen as statements of intent, rather than contractual obligations and we reserve the right to vary the itineraries. Our aim is to offer enjoyable and challenging experiences whilst making the safety and welfare of participants our highest priority. 
	0.4. Our leaders are responsible for the safe and efficient running of our experiences, and the supervision of safety, health and hygiene. Achieving research aims is one of our highest priorities, but no experience can be considered successful unless it is also conducted responsibly, safely and harmoniously, and with regard for the environment. We aim to assist participants to realise their individual ambitions within the limits of these conditions and acceptable risk. Safety of participants and protection of the environment is paramount. Achieving research aims is desirable. We advise you to read carefully the description of the experience before applying to join. If you are unsure about anything, you can contact our offices and/or you can order a detailed briefing.
	0.5. By signing the joining form or submitting it online, you agree to participate in the experience’s activities at your own risk and to ensure that you have adequate travel and medical insurance to cover all normal travel risks and any additional risks mentioned in our information materials, including these Terms and Conditions. You agree that you have read and understood our Terms and Conditions and agree to abide by them.

1. Terms used
	1.1. These Terms and Conditions apply to all experiences provided by Biosphere Expeditions. "Biosphere Expeditions", "we", "us" and "our" refers to Biosphere Expeditions Ltd., non-profit social enterprise registered in Ireland, registration number 601133. 
	1.2. When we mention “experiences” below, we mean our projects, expeditions, experience days, events and any other ventures and experiences that we offer. 
	1.3. "You" and "yours" means all the persons named on any joining form, or any one of them as the context requires (including anyone added or substituted at a later date). The "lead name" is the person who submitted the joining form on behalf of everyone participating in an experience. 
	1.4. "Force majeure" means any event or circumstances which we could not, even with all due care, foresee or avoid. Such events may include (but are not limited to) actual or threatened war, riot, civil strife or political upheaval, terrorist activity, industrial dispute, natural or nuclear disaster, adverse weather or road conditions, fire, bureaucratic obstacles, changes in schedules or mode of transport by ferry companies, airlines, bus or train operators and all similar events outside our control.

2. Signing yourself up to an experience 
	2.1. Please read the Terms and Conditions below carefully. When you sign a joining form or fill one in online, you (and any other person on whose behalf you complete the joining form) agree to accept all of these conditions and you acknowledge that you have read these and the relevant information materials, and agree to the matters set out in the Assumption of Risk and Waiver of Liability below. You also warrant that the information provided by you on the joining form is complete and true. When you complete a joining form and send it to us with a deposit or full payment, and we accept your joining form, a legally binding contract is formed between you and us, on the terms of these Terms and Conditions. A contract will exist as soon as we issue our confirmation note. After receipt of your joining form, we will send you a confirmation and information, which will help you prepare for the experience.
	2.2. You must be 18 years old at the time of completing the joining form and possess the legal capacity and authority to join and travel on an experience with us. Any joining form for a person under 18 must be completed and signed by their parent or legal guardian. Whether you join alone or as a group, we will only deal with the lead name in subsequent correspondence, including changes, amendments and cancellations. The lead name is responsible for ensuring the accuracy of all personal details and any other information supplied to us in respect of all persons travelling, and for passing on any information provided by us regarding the experience or any changes made to it. 
	2.3. Please check any documentation which you receive carefully as soon as you receive it. Contact us immediately if any information, which appears on the invoice, confirmation or any other document appears to be incorrect or incomplete.

3. Payment
	3.1. The contribution due for each experience and (if applicable) the amount of any deposit are advertised on our website, alongside the relevant currency and payment methods. Deposits are always non-refundable. 
	3.2. If you are joining an experience where a non-refundable deposit payment is due on completing the joining form and a balance payment is due subsequently, then with your confirmation notice we will send you a final invoice for your balance payment. This should be paid by the due date shown on the invoice. 
	3.3. If you join an experience within four weeks of its departure, you should send the full contribution with your joining form. 
	3.4. If any balance is not paid by the due date, we reserve the right to cancel your place and apply cancellation charges and interest, unless a payment delay has been agreed with Biosphere Expeditions in writing. Payments can be made by cheque, bank transfer or credit and debit card. By submitting your debit or credit card details you are agreeing to have your card charged to settle any outstanding balance by or at any time after the due date given on your invoice.

4. Withdrawal by you
	4.1. If you want to withdraw from participating in an experience, you must do so in writing. Your cancellation will take effect from the date we receive your written confirmation. Cancellation charges may apply. The details below set out the number of days prior to the date on which your balance payment is due (as shown on your invoice) that we receive written notice of your withdrawal, and the percentage of the total cost that will be payable as cancellation charges. Days > % Charge | More than 100 > Loss of deposit only (all deposits are non-refundable) | 99 to 50 > 50% | 49 to 21 > 90% | 20 or fewer > 100%.
	4.2. The charges we retain are intended to cover advance payments and purchases we have made in the host country and/or with our field stations and scientists. Charges will always be applied, irrespective of the circumstances of the withdrawal. Please note that it is your responsibility to protect yourself against such charges by taking out adequate travel insurance. 
	4.3. If you fail to arrive at the assembly point in time and as a result miss taking part in the experience, no refund or compensation will be given. No refunds will be made in respect of your contribution (or compensation in respect of any independent travel arrangements) if you leave an experience for any reason after the experience has begun. Once an experience has departed, no refund or compensation will be given for any unused accommodation, travel or any other feature referred to in the itinerary.

5. Change to expedition or cancellation by us
	5.1. We plan our experiences many months in advance and may have to make changes to our itineraries. We reserve the right to do so at any time. It is in the nature of an experience of this kind that arrangements and participants have to be flexible and it is a necessary condition of your joining any of our experiences that you accept this flexibility. In the case of changes other than significant ones, you will have no entitlement to cancel without penalty. 
	5.2. If a significant change becomes necessary prior to departure, we will advise you of the change as soon as possible. Whether a change is ‘significant’ depends on the nature of the experience and may include alteration to the scheduled start or end date of the experience by more than 12 hours (but not a flight delay). When a significant change occurs, you will have the choice of either accepting the change, or cancelling your experience, in which case we shall refund you in full. In all cases, no compensation will be payable. 	
	5.3. We reserve the right to cancel an experience at any time and for any reason. In particular, if the minimum number of participants required is not reached, we may have to cancel (see section 6 below). In the unlikely event that an experience has to be cancelled by Biosphere Expeditions, you will be notified as soon as possible and (subject to clause 5.4 below) all monies you have paid to us will be refunded. 
	5.4. We do not accept liability for any loss arising from our cancellation or from your withdrawal, including non-refundable or penalty-carrying airline tickets or other travel costs, special clothing and equipment, visa, passport and vaccination fees, or other expenses related to the experience which you have incurred. Please note that it is your responsibility to protect yourself against airline and travel agency cancellation to and from the assembly point by taking out adequate travel insurance. 
	5.5. Our published itineraries and any statements about our planned research work and the wildlife we are likely to encounter should be seen as statements of intent, rather than contractual obligations. During the experience, a variety of factors including (but not limited to) political instability, war, transport difficulties, strikes, sickness, quarantine, local regulations, weather conditions, natural disasters, wildlife behaviour and movements, and other force majeure events may cause us to alter the stated itinerary, and/or incur additional expenses, and/or prevent you from seeing the species and habitats under investigation. If the experience is affected by these unforeseen events, the leader will consult the participants where appropriate and make any necessary changes, but you will be responsible for any additional expenses incurred, which, depending on the circumstances, may be recoverable on your travel insurance. We will endeavour to keep changes to a minimum, but if they are necessary they will always be made with the aims of the experience, as well as the enjoyment and welfare of the participants in mind. We will not be liable for any losses arising from changes or delays caused by any of the above factors. If, for reasons for force majeure, we have to cut short the experience, no refund or compensation will be made for any unused service or feature of the trip.

6. Insufficient numbers, small teams and surcharge policy 
	6.1. We aim to operate every experience within the contribution advertised. In order to keep our contributions low and research teams small, we operate with very small margins and are thus unable to absorb large cost and/or currency fluctuations. On the rare occasion of a significant increase in the price of products (e.g. fuel & equipment prices), services (e.g. research & access permits, helicopter airlifts), or exchange rates, we may consider it necessary to pass a proportion of this increase to participants. Any such increase will be notified to you as soon as we have the information. If this surcharge exceeds 10% of the contribution advertised, you may withdraw from the experience within 7 days of receiving notification and receive a full refund. 
	6.2. In order to minimise environmental impact and maximise research efficiency, Biosphere Expeditions only operates small teams with a dedicated leader. If the minimum team size is not reached, we reserve the right to add up to a 10% surcharge to the contribution. We reserve the right to cancel any experience for which we do not have a large enough team (even with an additional surcharge) to make the experience economically viable.
	6.3. If there are any problems of the sort described above, we will consult with all participants. Such issues occur very rarely and most problems are apparent before the balance of the expedition contribution is due, so there is usually plenty of time for participants to consider changed circumstances.

7. Inclusions and exclusions
	7.1. Biosphere Expeditions will provide all the arrangements and services as detailed below from and to the assembly point in the host country. The published contribution does not include travel to and away from the assembly point. It is the responsibility of each participant to make their own way to the assembly point in time for the advertised meeting date and time. We insist on punctuality and do not accept liability for any loss arising from failure to arrive at the assembly point on time. 
	7.2. The published contribution for your experience includes all of the below, where applicable: travel from and to the assembly point • all accommodation and base camp facilities • all meals and provisions • access to specialist research equipment • all research permit and access fees • the services of local researchers and helpers • the services of the leader • any other services or goods specifically mentioned in the experience dossiers or briefings. 
	7.3. The published contribution does not include the following: visa and vaccination costs • personal travel & medical insurance • personal (alcoholic) drinks • telephone calls and internet access • airport taxes • private trips and excursions • anything else not specifically included.

8. Experience and fitness required
	8.1. Our experiences are for everyone and there are usually no special skills (biological or otherwise) required other than the ability to communicate in English. If there are special skills required (e.g. a diving qualification), this will be clearly stated in the relevant information materials and on our website. If you are disabled, please contact us to find out about the suitability of the experience of your choice. We ask everyone to tell us what they think they can bring to the expedition so that we can make the best use of the team's skills and experience. Some degree of fitness is required, but if you are healthy and enjoy the outdoors, your fitness level should normally be sufficient. Some experiences require a higher level of fitness, and if so this will be clearly stated.

9. Medical
	9.1. It is the responsibility of each participant to seek professional medical and if appropriate dental advice prior to departure and to be aware of and take all necessary health precautions. In particular you must comply with all advice from the relevant authorities and health professionals regarding vaccinations, inoculations and other medical and dental precautions. Health requirements and recommendations may change and you must check the up to date position in good time prior to departure. 
	9.2. If you have an existing or previous illness/disability which could affect your mental or physical condition during the expedition you must consult your doctor about your suitability to join the expedition. You must also inform Biosphere Expeditions of any such pre-existing condition. We reserve the right at any time prior to departure to insist that you provide a medical certificate as documentary proof of your suitability to join the experience. 
	9.3. If you are found to have an undeclared or understated medical condition (whether physical or mental) after departure, the leader may require you to seek medical advice. If you refuse to do so, or refuse to follow such advice, the leader may require you to leave the experience. If in the opinion of the leader your health is at risk, or you are putting the health of any other participant at risk, the leader is entitled to require you to leave the experience, or to require that you not undertake specified activities, or to authorise your immediate evacuation and repatriation. In such circumstances, there will be no refund of the experience cost, and we (and the leader) will accept no liability for any losses or expenses you incur. We reserve the right to recover any costs we incur, for example in connection with your evacuation and repatriation.

10. Paperwork and tickets
	10.1. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of all necessary documents for the experience, including (but not limited to) valid visas, valid vaccination certificates, travel tickets to take you to the assembly point on time, and a passport with at least six months validity beyond the date of your return travel (as some countries now insist on this). If you expect to have to renew your passport and your vaccinations before departure, you should allow plenty of time to do so. 
	10.1. In some cases we must notify the authorities of the host country of the whole team's passport and vaccination details. Discrepancies may result in delays to the team, fines to the individuals involved, or in the worst case cancellation of all research and access permits. In such cases we reserve the right to recover costs from the individuals involved. Your experience dossier or briefing will contain details of visa and vaccination requirements, but this information is provided without responsibility and as set out above you are responsible for ensuring you have the correct travel and vaccination documentation, if applicable.

11. Leaders, conduct and observing the law
	11.1. Our experiences may take teams to remote and potentially dangerous places and the role of the leader is to oversee the safe conduct of the experience and well-being of all participants, in the interests of the team as a whole. Our leaders have considerable experience, which they use to facilitate the safe achievement of the stated aims of the experience. However, no proportion of the contribution is in relation to, or in return for, professional instructing or guiding services. You acknowledge your personal responsibility for your own welfare at all times by signing the appropriate joining form or submitting it online. 
11.2. Our leaders will seek to ensure that any problems are solved in the best interests of the team. You accept the leader's authority to make decisions affecting the safe conduct of the experience and individual participants. You agree to comply with the leader’s instructions and with the laws and regulations of the host country. If you disregard these instructions and laws (in particular unlawful possession of drugs or firearms), you will be removed from the expedition. 
	11.3. The decision of the leader as to the conduct, itinerary, and objectives of the experience and its members, and in respect of any disputes within the team, is final. The leader may require an individual to leave the experience or to be confined to camp if in the leader's judgment the actions of that individual puts their own health and safety at risk, or jeopardises the safety, enjoyment or welfare of the team, or jeopardises the expedition's research aims and objectives, or puts the welfare of wildlife or habitats at risk. 
	11.4. Where you are asked to leave an expedition, or are confined to camp, in the circumstances described above, there will be no refund of the experience cost, and we (and the leader) will accept no liability for any losses or expenses you incur as a result. We reserve the right to recover any costs we incur as a result of your breach of this clause 11.

12. Insurance
	12.1. Once you join an expedition, it is compulsory that you purchase a suitable travel insurance policy, which covers you fully for the activities detailed in the experience dossier or briefing, and provides cover for medical expenses, emergency medical repatriation, and loss and damage to your personal effects. You should ensure that your policy covers you for adventurous activities and/or light manual work. You are required to carry proof of insurance with you and produce it if requested by our employees or suppliers. We reserve the right to remove you from the team at any time if you fail to provide us with evidence of adequate travel insurance cover when asked to do so.
	12.2. We also strongly advise you to obtain, immediately upon joining an experience, insurance that will cover you for any withdrawal charges (as per clause 4.1) that may be due in case you have to withdraw from the experience

13. Equipment
	13.1. All communal and group equipment such as research tools, GPSs, tents, cooking equipment, medical kit, etc. will be provided by Biosphere Expeditions. You will receive full training on any specialised equipment you are asked to use. You will need to provide your own clothing and personal equipment. A detailed list of personal clothing and equipment required will be sent to you as part of the dossier or briefing about your experience. 
	13.2. If you cause damage or loss to any equipment belonging to Biosphere Expeditions by your carelessness, negligence or improper use, we may recover that damage or loss from you if we consider it reasonable to do so. Depending on the circumstances, you may be able to recover this loss from your travel insurance.

14. Transport
	14.1. Our experiences typically involve transport of some sort (vehicles, boats, helicopters and other aircraft, etc.). By signing the joining form or submitting it online, you accept that the standards of safety on such vehicles and, for example, on local roads, may not be as high as those required in your home country. Please also see section 15 below in relation to the matters for which we do and do not accept liability. 
	14.2. We may also ask you to drive vehicles and/or support the experience by using your own vehicle to transport yourself and other participants. You are not required to drive any vehicle but, if you do so, then you agree that you will • Drive any vehicle in a safe and responsible manner, as if it was your own, and not engage in any race or unsafe driving • Not operate the vehicle in an unsafe and negligent manner • comply with all applicable speed limits and obey all rules and regulations with respect to the operation of a motor vehicle • Be responsible for all costs incurred due to traffic offences while the vehicle is under your control • Not allow passengers to ride anywhere other than in the interior or loading platform of the vehicle • Not use the vehicle for any illegal purpose • Not permit the vehicle to be operated by any other person not authorised to drive by Biosphere Expeditions • At no time operate the vehicle whilst under the influence of alcohol or drugs. 
	14.3. You also agree to fully indemnify Biosphere Expeditions for any and all loss of or damage we suffer arising out of any breach by you of clause 14.2 above.

15. Liability
	15.1. Biosphere Expeditions takes overall responsibility for the organisation, logistical and research arrangements of your experience, as well as providing overall leadership. However, we provide experiences in countries where standards of accommodation, transport, safety, hygiene, medical facilities and other infrastructure are almost always lower than those you normally expect in your home country. Your application to join an experience is accepted on the understanding that you recognise and accept the hazards involved in this kind of experience, including injury, disease, loss or damage to property, inconvenience and discomfort. 
	15.2. Our obligations, and those of any of our suppliers who provide any service or facility included in the experience, are to take reasonable skill and care to arrange for the provision of such services and facilities. You must show that reasonable skill and care has not been used if you wish to make any claim. The services and facilities included in your experience will be deemed to be provided with reasonable skill and care if they comply with any applicable local regulations.
	
 
	15.3. If you suffer injury, illness or death directly as a result of the services provided as part of your experience we may make a payment to you. However, we shall have no liability where the cause of any death or personal injury you may suffer is not due to any fault on our part or that of our agents or suppliers, because it is (a) your own fault, or (b) attributable to an event or circumstance which could not have been foreseen or avoided event if all necessary and reasonable care had been taken. 
	15.4. Our liability, except in cases involving death, injury or illness, shall be limited to a maximum of two times the cost of the experience. We shall have no liability where any failure to provide, or any failure in your experience, is attributable to the factors mentioned at clause 15.3. (a) and (b) above. Our liability in all cases will be limited in accordance with and/or in an identical manner to any relevant international convention which applies to, or governs, any of the services or facilities included in your experience. International Conventions which may apply include, without limitation: in respect of international air travel, the Warsaw Convention 1929 (as amended) or the Montreal Convention 1999; in respect of rail travel, the Berne Convention 1961; in respect of carriage by sea, the Athens Convention 1974; in respect of carriage by road, the Geneva Convention 1973; and, in respect of hotels, the Paris Convention 1962. This means that we are to be regarded as having all benefit of any limitations of compensation contained in any of these Conventions or any other international conventions applicable to your experience. Other than as set out above, and as detailed elsewhere in these Terms and Conditions, we shall have no legal liability whatsoever to you for any loss or damage. 
	15.5. If you purchase any optional activities that are not part of your itinerary, the contract for the provision of that activity will be between you and the activity provider. The decision to partake in any such activity is entirely at your own discretion and risk.

16. Single facilities
	16.1. Our costs are based on two or more people sharing. We can sometimes provide single facilities, but there may be an extra charge involved. This will become apparent as the expedition team recruits itself. Please notify us of your requirements when applying to join.

17. Complaints
	17.1. It is our sincere hope that the experience you join will live up to your expectations. However, if you have cause for complaint during the experience you must bring it to the attention of the leader who will do his/her best to rectify the situation. We cannot take action and try to make your experience more enjoyable if you take no action during the experience, but only write a letter of complaint upon your return. 
	17.2. If a problem is brought to the attention of the leader, but remains unsolved, you should write a letter of complaint within 28 days of your return. Subject to clause 15.3. above, we do not accept any liability in relation to any complaint if you fail to notify us strictly in accordance with the provisions above.
	17.3. Remember that our expeditions are real scientific research expeditions, not tours. Biosphere Expeditions makes every effort to describe accurately field conditions in its publications and verbally, but field work in what are often remote and challenging places is a delicate business, and prone to last-minute changes. We accept this as part of what makes joining Biosphere Expeditions a unique experience. We are not in the package holiday business, so if that is what you want, best look elsewhere.

18. Jurisdiction and choice of law 
	18.1. This agreement shall be subject to and governed by Irish law and any disputes arising out of or in connection with it shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Irish Courts.

19. Variation
	19.1. These terms and conditions are subject to reasonable change without prior notice. The terms and conditions displayed at www.biosphere-expeditions.org/terms shall at all times be considered the binding terms and conditions irrespective of other terms and conditions in circulation.

20. Use of images
	20.1. Any likeness or image of you taken on any of our holidays may be used by us without charge in all media for promotional, marketing or illustrative purposes, including without limitation promotional materials such as brochures, slides or video shows, and on our internet site or social media profiles, and as an illustration in scientific publications. Any written feedback supplied to the company may also be used for promotional purposes in such materials.

21. Assumption of Risk and Waiver of Liability
	21.1. I affirm that I am aware that taking part in an experience with Biosphere Expeditions has inherent risks, which may result in serious injury or death. I further understand that these experiences may be conducted at a site that is remote, either by time or distance or both, from medical services. I still choose to proceed with the experience with Biosphere Expeditions despite the above. 
	21.2. I understand and agree that neither Biosphere Expeditions, nor its employees, officers, agents, contractors or assigns (‘‘Released Parties’’) may be held liable or responsible in any way for any injury, death, or other damages to me, my family, estate, heirs or assigns that may occur as a result of my participation in this experience (save in respect of injury or death caused by their negligence). In consideration of being allowed to participate in the experience with Biosphere Expeditions, I hereby personally assume all risks of this experience, whether foreseen or unforeseen, that may befall me while I am a participant in the experience, or whilst I am travelling to the experience or back from it. I further release, exempt and hold harmless Biosphere Expeditions and the Released Parties from any claim or lawsuit by me, my family, estate, heirs, or assigns, arising out of my participation in this experience including both claims arising during the experience or after (save in respect of injury or death caused by their negligence). 
	21.3. I also understand that the experience may (if so specified in the experience dossier) involve physically strenuous activities and that I may be exerting myself during the experience, and that if I am injured as a result of a heart attack, panic, hyperventilation, drowning or any other cause, that I expressly assume the risk of said injuries and that I will not hold the Released Parties responsible for the same (save in respect of injury or death caused by their negligence). 
	21.4. I further state that I am of lawful age and legally competent to accept this liability release, or that I have acquired the written consent of my parent or guardian. I understand the terms herein are contractual and not a mere recital, and that I have agreed to this document of my own free act and with the knowledge that I hereby agree to this waiver of liability. 
	21.5. I further agree if any provision of this agreement is found to be unenforceable or invalid, that provision shall be severed from this agreement. The remainder of this agreement will then be construed as though the unenforceable provision had never been contained herein. 
	21.6. I agree to exempt and release Biosphere Expeditions and the Released Parties from all liability or responsibility whatsoever for personal injury, property damage or wrongful death however caused (save in respect of injury or death caused by their negligence, and save as otherwise provided in the Terms and Conditions). I have fully informed myself of the contents of this liability release and assumption of risk agreement by reading it before I accepted it on behalf of myself and my heirs. I accept that completing a joining form for the experience, either online or as a hard copy, is regarded as signing and accepting this liability release and assumption of risk agreement.


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Results & achievements

This Kyrgyzstan volunteer expedition has worked in snow leopard conservation since 2003, making it one of the longest-running initiatives organised by Biosphere Expeditions and one of the most extended research projects on snow leopards ever conducted. Initially, expeditions were based in the Altai mountain range in Russia from 2003 to 2011, where they utilised sign rates and sightings for species recordings to confirm snow leopard presence, which contributed to the establishment of Saylyugemsky National Park. From 2014 onwards, when the national park in the Altai was well on its way, expeditions moved to Kyrgyzstan: First the Karakol valley and since 2024 in the Burkhan & Archaly valleys, all in the Tien Shan mountain range. There, snow leopards were recorded multiple times by camera trapping, track identification and DNA analysis of snow leopard droppings. Analysis of the camera trap photos showed that two, perhaps three snow leopards of unknown sex populate the Burkhan & Archaly valleys, which fits well with home ranges published by other studies. Further expeditions, including in the summer of 2025, will study whether these animals are just moving through or resident. The overall conclusion of the 2024 expedition was clear: The Burkhan & Archaly valleys are significant snow leopard habitat, which could develop into a snow leopard stronghold if the two main threats of game ungulate poaching and significant overgrazing by oversized herds can be tackled.

As an organisation Biosphere Expeditions has had a great many achievements on four continents. Also, scientific reports and publications for this snow leopard wildlife research volunteer project to the Tien Shan mountains of Kyrgyzstan are on the reports & publications page. As far as we are aware, Biosphere Expeditions is the only organisation in the world that has a direct and transparent link between the work done by citizen scientists and an expedition report. Each expedition year is matched by an expedition report for that year, which deals with the two main areas that expedition participants contribute to: funding and data collection. Chapter 1 of each report, written by Biosphere Expeditions, reviews the expedition logistics and publishes an expedition budget, which shows in a clear and transparent way income and expenditure for each expedition and the percentage of income spent on the project. Chapter 2 onwards, written by the expedition scientist, shows who collected what data, how they were analysed, what the conclusions were, as well as the conservation recommendations and actions flowing from this, and what future Kyrgyzstan snow leopard volunteer expeditions should do. In this way, each expedition comes full circle for its participants.

Expedition reports:

2015 I 2016 I 2017 I 2018 I 2019-2021 I 2022 I

Publications in peer-reviewed scientific journals or as part of scientific conferences (also included publications referencing expedition results):

Dyldaev, M. et al. 2021 Investigation of the population area of snow leopard in the Central Tian-Shan Mountains. E3S Web of Conferences 227, 02002

DeKastle, A., Hermann, L.. 2022 Tamga Petrogyphs in the Rock Art of the Karakol Region (Chuy and Naryn Oblasts) in Kyrgyzstan, Conference: Margulan Readings–2022: Proceedings of the International Scientific and Practical Conference at: Almaty, Kazakhstan, April 2022.

DeKastle, A., Hermann, L. 2022. Karakol Rock Art, Kyrgyzstan: the Relationship Between Petroglyphs and Landscape. Expression 35: 35-50.

Hermann, L., DeKastle, A., and Foggin, M. 2020. The Rock Art of the Karakol Region (Tchouï and Naryn Oblast) in Kyrgyzstan. International Newsletter On Rock Art (INORA), 86: 17-25

Tytar, V., M. Hammer, T. Asykulov. 2019. Distribution modeling of the long-tailed marmot (Marmota caudata) for objectives of directing field surveys and ground validation of the snow leopard (Panthera uncia) habitat quality. Theriologia Ukrainica, 18: 101–107.

Tytar, V., Asykulov, T., Hammer, M. 2019. Using species distribution modelling to guide survey efforts of the snow leopard (Panthera uncia) in the Central Kyrgyz Ala-Too region. Theriologia Ukrainica, 17: 112-118.

DeKastle, A. 2015. Butterflies of the Suusamyr Valley, Kyrgyzstan (Lepidoptera, Diurna). Master thesis, University of Nebraska, Lincoln.

Awards & accolades

Conde Nast Gold List

Our Tien Shan expedition is honoured on Condé Nast Traveller's "Gold List" of "the world's most extraordinary travel experiences".

Our snow leopard expedition was honoured as the "Editor's Picks: Unforgettable" in National Geographic Traveller UK.

Our snow leopard work was honoured on WildlifeExtra's "Life-changing volunteering trips" list.

Our snow leopard work was honoured in BBC Wildlife magazine's "Top Ten Conservation Holidays" list.

Our snow leopard work was honoured in The Independent in Sunday’s "Top Ten Outdoor Pursuits" list.

Our snow leopard work was honoured in the Sunday Times "Summer 100" list as the "Most satisfying trip of the year".

Our mountain expeditions in general have won the "Best Initative" category at the UIAA Mountain Protection Award.

Biosphere Expeditions as an organisation has won the "Best Volunteering Organisation" category of the First Choice Responsible Tourism Awards

Biosphere Expeditions as an organisation has also won multiple National Geographic awards and accolades such as "Best New Trip" and "Tours of a Lifetime".

Biosphere Expeditions as an organisation has also won multiple Travel+Leisure awards and accolades such as the "Conservation Award" category of Travel+Leisure's "Global Vision Awards" or "Best Adventure Outfitter" and "Best Save-the-Earth Trip" accolades.

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