Update from our snow leopard volunteering Kyrgyzstan
Our second group of team members has settled into base camp, marking the successful completion of our first full day in the high mountains of the Tien Shan. The morning began with an introductory lecture led by expedition scientist Emil, setting the stage for the conservation work ahead. Following the briefing, team members plunged straight into practical preparation, undergoing comprehensive equipment checks and mastering essential navigation skills required for traversing rugged terrain safely.
Navigating Alpine Weather and Field Safety
With the initial training complete, the group set off on an introductory walk to get accustomed to the high-altitude conditions. However, as is so often the case in this unpredictable environment, mountain weather rapidly rolled in, forcing an early end to the trek. Far from being a setback, this provided an immediate, hands-on lesson for everyone participating in snow leopard volunteering in Kyrgyzstan: understanding mountain weather, knowing when to stay low and recognising when to call it a day are vital safety skills for any field researcher working above 3,000 metres.
Before wrapping up the afternoon, the team received an introduction to the specialised scientific equipment that will be used throughout the expedition to monitor camera traps, record wildlife tracks and survey prey populations. To conclude an eventful first full day, everyone gathered to enjoy dinner, freshly prepared by a local family.
Read also: First I second I third I fourth I fifth I sixth I seventh I eighth diary entry of the Tien Shan snow leopard volunteering in Kyrgyzstan project. 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.