Venture on an exhilarating safari through the pristine wilderness of Ladakh, unraveling the mysteries of the elusive snow leopard.
In this high-altitude realm, nestled between the towering peaks of the Karakoram and the Great Himalayas, your journey unfolds against a backdrop of snow-capped mountains and untamed beauty. Join us on an expedition that transcends the ordinary, where Ladakh’s unique historical legacy, multicultural markets, and serene Buddhist traditions converge.
Follow the tracks of the elusive snow leopard through stunning Himalayan mountains. Meet members of the Snow Leopard Conservancy, who work tirelessly to protect this endangered species. Spot other species like the ibex, bharal, Himalayan wolf, Tibetan sand fox and golden eagle silhouetted against the stark beauty of the Ladakhi landscape.
Immerse yourself in Ladakh’s cultural richness, intertwined with its Buddhist heritage. From vivid prayer flags to intricately carved ‘Mani walls,’ explore the mesmerizing stupas, chortens, and gompas scattered across the landscape. Experience the peaceful lifestyle of Buddhist monks and their beautiful hilltop monasteries in Leh.
Day 1 - Arrive in Delhi
Upon arrival in Delhi, you will be met and transferred to Hotel Andaz or similar. Upon checking in, you’re free to spend the rest of the day exploring the nation’s capital, or relax at the hotel and recover from your flight.
Your heart skips a beat as your guide points in the direction of one of the world’s most elusive big cats. Watching through a spotting scope to observe the elegant movements of this wild animal, you are one of the lucky few who will ever experience something so magical and so rare as seeing the magnificent snow leopard in its natural habitat.
Read moreDay 2 - Delhi - Leh
Today is an early start as you transfer to Delhi Airport for your flight to Leh, a town high in the Himalayas that will be your home for the next three nights. On arrival you will be transferred to the Grand Dragon, where you will have a free day to relax and acclimatise to Leh’s altitude.
In an area of sublime beauty, both scenically and culturally, the Grand Dragon Ladakh creates a unique blend of traditional architecture with luxurious amenities, in the perfect location on top of the world. Based in the beautiful mountain region of Ladakh, the views from each of the 53 deluxe rooms and 6 royal suites are spectacular. Owned and operated by the Abdu family from Leh, it welcomes each guest warmly throughout the year, whether you are planning on tracking the magnificent snow leopard through the ranges, or rafting down the mighty Indus and Zanskar Rivers.
Read moreDay 3 - Leh
This morning you will visit the Snow Leopard Conservancy; here you will see the efforts made by the authority with the help of the local community to conserve the endangered snow leopard. In the afternoon, you will visit the Thiksey Gompa, the picturesquely situated monastery in Ladakh.
Day 4 - Leh
Today you set out for an extraordinary drive East heading towards Taglang La and the villages of Gya Lhato and Meru. Enjoy the dramatic scenery and have a chance of sighting wildlife including Blue sheep, Golden eagles and Bearded vultures Rafts of Red billed Choughs.
Day 5 - Leh - Ulley
Today we will drive west on the road to Kargil and Srinagar, following the Indus River. This is snow leopard country. Look out for the magnificently horned male Ibex standing vigil on some impossibly narrow outcropping, a few thousand feet over a plunging cliff.
The five bedroom Snow Leopard Lodge is located in the small village of Ulley, Ladakh, and offers superb views across the Ulley Chhu Valley. The lodge is basic yet cozy, with added features such as extra gas heaters, bathroom with warm showers, comfortable mattresses and an assortment of teas and coffees helping to alleviate the cold, making this a more comfortable alternative to camping.
Read moreDay 6 - 10 - Ulley
Over the next few days you explore the area on foot and SUV’s with Norbu tracking the snow leopard. Be amazed at the sheer dedication and commitment he brings to his trade. There will be opportunity to get insights into local folklore, and learn about local customs and traditions.
January through March is the best time to see snow leopards. As the snow begins to melt, the bharal comes down from the higher altitude to the warmer valleys, followed by the hungry hunting leopards.
Read moreDay 11 - Ulley - Leh
After another morning out, we say our goodbyes to our host after lunch and drive back to Leh town. Enroute we visit the Alchi monastery if time permits, one of the oldest monasteries dating back to the 11th century, before spending the night at the Grand Dragon Hotel.
In an area of sublime beauty, both scenically and culturally, the Grand Dragon Ladakh creates a unique blend of traditional architecture with luxurious amenities, in the perfect location on top of the world. Based in the beautiful mountain region of Ladakh, the views from each of the 53 deluxe rooms and 6 royal suites are spectacular. Owned and operated by the Abdu family from Leh, it welcomes each guest warmly throughout the year, whether you are planning on tracking the magnificent snow leopard through the ranges, or rafting down the mighty Indus and Zanskar Rivers.
Read moreDay 12 - Leh - Delhi
Early this morning you will be taken to the airport for your flight back to Delhi. During the flight you will have spectacular views of the Zanskar Range to the west, including the two peaks of Nun and Kun. Towards the east is the amazing Chang Thang Plateau.
Ladakh, much more remote in the northernmost reaches of the Indian Himalayas, is a hugely rugged and lunar landscape, more than the foothills and is one of the best areas to see the elusive snow leopard. Leh, the capital of Ladakh is the starting point of our highly adventurous safaris to track these majestic big cats and observing the preserved culture of the mountain regions en route. Husing is one of the key areas and bases for snow leopard expeditions; a place where three valleys meet, all are used by the leopards as they move to lower altitudes following their prey species. We recommend staying at Snow Leopard Lodge.
Read moreDay 13 - Depart Delhi
Today you will be met and transferred to the international airport to board your international flight home.
Embarking on a quest for the elusive snow leopard is a unique kind of safari, set against the stunning backdrop of the Himalayas. I'm thrilled to share that I had the incredible fortune of spotting two snow leopards during my journey, each encounter distinctly memorable. When the snow leopards were elusive, we were captivated by other wildlife, including golden eagles, the Himalayan fox, and a variety of remarkable bird species. I highly recommend this expedition-style safari to any adventurer seeking a truly different experience. Be prepared for high altitudes, bring plenty of patience, and embrace the unique surprises each day brings.
In an area of sublime beauty, both scenically and culturally, the Grand Dragon Ladakh creates a unique blend of traditional architecture with luxurious amenities, in the perfect location on top of the world. Based in the beautiful mountain region of Ladakh, the views from each of the 53 deluxe rooms and 6 royal suites are spectacular. Owned and operated by the Abdu family from Leh, it welcomes each guest warmly throughout the year, whether you are planning on tracking the magnificent snow leopard through the ranges, or rafting down the mighty Indus and Zanskar Rivers.
Located in the village of Ulley in West Ladakh, north of the Indus River, at the head of the valley of the Ulley Chhu at an altitude of about 13,000 feet. Ulley itself is a hamlet of just about 7 houses beyond which are the high summer pastures of Yak and Dzo. Recently developed for Snow Leopard tracking, the lodge has quickly gained a reputation not just for the high numbers of snow leopards but as one of the best areas to see Ibex, Urial, Wolf, Himalayan fox, Bearded and Himalayan griffon vultures and golden eagles. It began originally as a homestay owned by one of Ladakh’s top snow leopard trackers – Tchewang Norbu – under the auspices of a program initiated by the Snow Leopard Conservancy designed to use tourism as a conservation tool for the preservation of snow leopards and their ecosystem by putting tourism revenue directly into local community.
| Date | Guests | Trip Length | Trip Style | Prices from | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 09 - 21 January 2025 | 8 | 13 Days | Small Group Safari | 7500 |
