Tien Shan: Prep

Update from our snow leopard volunteer project to the Tien Shan mountains of Kyrgyzstan

Welcome to the 2025 Tien Shan snow leopard expedition diary. I am Matthias Hammer, expedition leader for group 1 and the founder & executive director of Biosphere Expeditions. I am already in Bishkek, where it is hot and stifling (35 C yesterday). It will be different in the mountains – cooler and fresher.

The expedition scientist, Emil, and I have a week to prepare, go shopping, put things in place etc. before two more staff and expedition leaders – Jonny and Darran – arrive from the UK and Ireland respectively and we move out and set up base camp for you, before it all starts.

So this is just to let you know that things are proceeding as planned despite various crises around the world, and that we look forward to meeting you in due course.

At your end, please study your dossier as well as the 2024 report to make sure you come prepared. I hope you are getting excited and that your preparations are going well. I’ll be in touch again before we set up and once we’re back from setup.

Update from our Kyrgyzstan expedition to the Tien Shan mountains, volunteering in snow leopard conservation.