In 2013, Tuva, Mongolia and the Altai will offer a new tourist route, created by ecologists of the World Wildlife Fund (WWF). The tour includes visiting habitats of argali and snow leopard.

      The new environmental route called “The Land of Snow Leopard” is connected with the places that are interesting for observation of animals. It is important to note that small groups of tourists do not scare the animals and the development of this kind of tourism doesn't cause any harm to nature. Scientists emphasize that argali living in the habitats of snow leopards quickly become accustomed to human presence.

      Argali is a rare species. According to scientists, there are 4.5-5.5 thousand individuals in the world, with about 28% living in the border areas of Russia and Mongolia.

      Snow leopard (Irbis) is an endangered species that is under threat of extinction. The total number of snow leopards in Russia, according to experts WWF, is no more than 80-100 individuals, with about 30 predators living in the Altai Mountains.

      The cost of a 12-day tour with a visit to the southern territories of the Altai Republic, western Tuva and western Mongolia is about 35-40 thousand rubles per person.

      Source: travel.ru. Image courtesy: www.udivitelno.com.