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Location
Ladakh

Details
13 DAYS FROM 7500 PP

Best time to go
JAN

In Search Of The Snow Leopard

In Search of the Snow Leopard in Ladakh

India Small Group

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.

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Snow Leopard Lodge View B W Of
St India Snow Leopard Michal Lukaszewicz

WHY BOOK THIS TRIP


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.

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Day 1 - Arrive in Delhi

Upon arrival in Delhi, you will be met and transferred to JW Marriott hotel. 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.

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Day 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.

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Day 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.

Snow Leopard Profile Ulley O
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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.

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Day 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.

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Day 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.

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Day 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.

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Day 13 - Depart Delhi

Today you will be met and transferred to the international airport to board your international flight home.

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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 Search Of Snow Leopards In India With Harriet Cole

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Your Accommodation

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.

Snow Leopard Lodge

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.

Dates & Prices india

Dates and Prices for india
DateGuestsTrip LengthTrip StylePrices from
09 - 21 January 2025813 DaysSmall Group Safari7500

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