Update from our snow leopard volunteering expedition to the Tien Shan mountains
This is a quick update from the field to let you know that the staff team has officially arrived in the Tien Shan mountains. We have spent the last few days working hard to establish our base camp, navigating some pretty foul weather in the process. With heavy skies, wind and rain testing our gear, the camp is now almost fully functional and ready for the weeks ahead.
Given the current conditions, please make sure you come prepared for true mountain weather. High-altitude environments can be highly unpredictable, so ensuring your layers, waterproofs and sturdy boots are packed and easily accessible is essential.
Preparing for the Field
As we get ready to kick off this season’s snow leopard expedition, our primary foci are safety and data collection. More about this during the risk assessment when you get here. For now just remember safety, science, satisfaction.
The challenging weather is a great reminder that we are operating in a wild, remote landscape. So before you depart, please double-check that you have packed and prepared according to your dossier.
Meeting Details for Group 1
For everyone in Group 1, your snow leopard expedition adventure begins very soon. We are looking forward to meeting you all at Hotel Futuro on 6 July, as per the dossier.
Please ensure you are at the designated meeting point on time so we can complete our initial briefings, sort out the remaining logistics and head up into the mountains together to begin our conservation research.
Travel safely, wrap up warm and we will see you at the hotel on the 6th!
Read also: First diary entry of the Tien Shan snow leopard volunteering expedition. All Tien Shan 2026 diary entries on one page.
Author: Darran Keogh
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.