📍 JEWEL OF LADAKH
Embark on an unforgettable Snow Leopard Expedition in Ladakh, exploring the spectacular high- altitude landscapes of the Indian Himalayas in search of the elusive snow leopard. This wildlife adventure takes you into the rugged valleys and snow-covered mountains of Hemis National Park and the renowned Rumbak Valley, offering opportunities to observe this magnificent predator in its natural habitat. Accompanied by experienced local wildlife trackers and knowledgeable guides, you will explore remote mountain trails while looking for snow leopards, Himalayan blue sheep, Asiatic ibex, red foxes and other fascinating Himalayan wildlife.
Alongside wildlife exploration, the expedition includes sightseeing in Leh, the cultural heart of Ladakh. Discover the historic Leh Palace, enjoy panoramic mountain views from Shanti Stupa and explore the traditional streets and local markets. Visit the region’s remarkable Buddhist monasteries, including Thiksey Monastery and Hemis Monastery, to experience Ladakh’s rich spiritual heritage, traditional architecture and centuries-old Buddhist culture.
Combining exceptional wildlife photography opportunities, breathtaking Himalayan scenery and cultural discovery, this expedition offers a rewarding experience for wildlife enthusiasts, photographers and adventurous travellers. With time for acclimatisation and guided wildlife exploration, the journey provides an authentic introduction to Ladakh’s unique natural environment and living cultural traditions. Snow leopard sightings are never guaranteed, but patience and expert local knowledge make the search an unforgettable Himalayan experience
Arrival at Delhi International airport representative from Naturetrek Expeditions India will meet you at the arrival lounge to greet you. Transfer to your hotel.
Morning after early breakfast transfer to airport to board flight to Leh at 09:30 Hrs. Arrive Leh at 10:50 Hrs. Upon Arrival at Leh Airport (11400 ft.) you are met by your guide and transferred to hotel. Check into the hotel in Leh. Late afternoon, you may take a stroll through the peaceful Town of Leh and engage with the joyous local community.
Spend the days exploring the town of Leh at a relaxed pace. Walk through the labyrinth of winding streets and quaint bazaars. Visit the Leh Palace and the white -domed Buddhist Shanti Stupa. Later you will visit the Snow Leopard Conservancy; here you will meet with staff From the Snow Leopard Conservancy for a briefing on the history of snow leopard conservation in Ladakh with insight given into the current threats to snow leopards and the strategy’s adopted to combat these threats.
Today’s road journey of approximately three hours takes you travelling westward on the road to Kargil and Srinagar. Following the Indus River, you will pass through the small town of Nimmu – one of the most important settlements of Ladakh, where the Zanskar River meets the Indus. After a little over an hour, you will head North on a road to Likir – one of Ladakh’s famous Buddhist monasteries. This is all snow leopard country. The landscape here is expansive until you turn off onto a dirt road, winding up a narrow valley, following a stream called the Ulley Chhu. Smaller valleys intersect this area and your guides will have their heads craned at all times, scanning the hillsides and skyline for any silhouettes.This is also excellent ibex Country and there are few more evocative sights than a magnificently horned male ibex. Standing vigil on an impossibly narrow outcropping, a few thousand feet over a plunging cliff. Ulley village: West of Leh, is an area that is only recently being developed for snow leopard viewing. But it is in the center of three interlocking valleys that support approximately 12 snow leopards according to last census. Check into local village house. The house is located at an altitude of about 13,000 feet. With few rooms, simply furnished dining and sitting rooms looking out over the valley and the surrounding hills. The setup is basic but has comfortable beds, toilets and washing facilities.
You will be based in Ulley for five nights and the advantage of Ulley is that it is relatively free of tourism and from here you will explore three valleys, which, apart from snow leopards, are great for finding Urial, Ibex, Wolf, Fox and an array of birds that survive the harsh winter landscape. Over the days you will have the opportunity to venture into the area on foot and with our team of expert trackers.They will interact closely with the local people and use their network of local intelligence to narrow down the likely sites. In the process, there will also be plenty of opportunity for you to gain insight into the region’s folklore, customs and traditions.
This morning drive back to Leh (60kms– 3 hrs.) via the 11th century Alchi Monastry, One of the two oldest monasteries in Ladakh. The wooden sculptures, stucco images and Indo-Tibetans art are exclusive and the style is not to be found in any other monastery in Ladakh. After your visit you will continue onwards to Leh, Check into Hotel in Leh.
Today transfer to Leh airport to board flight for Delhi, upon arrival in Delhi, Transfer to your hotel close to airport. Later after dinner transfer to airport for your return flight or to your next destination.
Submit details to receive direct email confirmation.