Update from our snow leopard volunteering expedition to the Tien Shan mountains
The journey has officially begun! I touched down in Central Asia a couple of days ago for our latest research season. If you are looking into the realities of snow leopard volunteering, let me tell you: The expedition starts long before you set foot in the mountains.
My transit through Istanbul provided a swift reminder of the logistics involved in remote conservation work. Due to a self-transfer flight booking, I had to manually retrieve and recheck my bags. Take it from me: avoid self-transfers at all costs when travelling for fieldwork, especially when you are hauling 30 kg of heavy expedition kit and scientific equipment!
Bishkek: Gateway to the Tien Shan
Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan, is often celebrated as a wonderfully leafy city. It also holds a unique history, receiving its current name in 1991 after the country gained its independence from the Soviet Union (it was named Frunze, after a Red Army general before, hence the old and sometimes still used FRU airport code).
The drive from Manas International Airport gives you an immediate taste of the breathtaking geography of this region. Looking south, the Kyrgyz Ala-Too range rises sharply above the city landscape. If your flight lands in the early hours of the morning like mine did, you might be treated to the sight of the morning sun lighting up the glacier-capped north faces of these peaks. They are a stunning, modest spur of the greater Tien Shan range – and a beautiful preview of the rugged terrain we will soon be calling home.
Stocking the Pantry
Before we head up into the high altitudes, the immediate priority is logistics. We have been spending our days navigating the vibrant local bazaars, gathering bulk ingredients and fresh stock to fill the camp pantry.
We’ve had some great support on the ground from Amadeus DeKastle, who has been involved in snow leopard volunteering in one way or another for many years.
The rest of our core staff group is assembling quickly, with Almut and Matthias scheduled to arrive shortly too. Once they have, we will head out to set up base camp for you.
Final Packing Tips for Our Upcoming Volunteer Groups
For our first and subsequent snow leopard volunteering groups arriving soon: the city is currently feeling incredibly hot, especially if you are not acclimatised.
When packing your daypack for the initial journey out of Bishkek, wear light, comfortable, and breathable clothing. However, keep your high-quality mountain layers, fleece and windproof gear easily accessible. The weather in the Tien Shan high country can shift from bright sunshine to a freezing mountain storm in a matter of minutes.
Our preparations are nearly complete, and we are ready to find the “mountain ghosts” of Kyrgyzstan. More updates once we have set up base camp for you.
Read also: 2025 diary of the Tien Shan snow leopard volunteering expedition. All Tien Shan 2026 diary entries on one page.
Author: Darran Keog
Darran Keogh grew up in Ireland and has spent much of his adult life travelling and working in the outdoor industry. He has a degree in Outdoor Education and Geography and is a qualified Mountain Leader and an International Mountain Leader Aspirant. An adventurous spirit has taken him to explore remote areas around the world and in recent years Europe’s great mountain ranges from a base in Chamonix Valley, France. Happiest sleeping under the stars, climbing, surfing or exploring snowy mountains, he is now based in Ireland once again, with his attention turned to conservation: Darren is a member of Ireland’s Governing Body for mountaineering’s Climate action group, has another degree in studying Climate, Sustainability and Environment and is a proud member of the Biosphere Expeditions team. More about Darran.