12-Daagse Sneeuwluipaard Wildlife Expeditie in India

The journey begins in Leh, where you will acclimatize to the high altitude before venturing into the rugged terrain of Ulley. Alongside experienced local guides, you will embark on daily excursions designed to maximize the chances of snow leopard sightings. These majestic animals, masters of camouflage, require patience and keen observation to locate, making each sighting a truly rewarding experience.

In addition to snow leopards, Ulley is a sanctuary for other Himalayan wildlife, including ibex, Tibetan wolves, and red foxes, all set against the dramatic landscapes of the Himalayas. The tours are designed to be small and eco-friendly, ensuring minimal impact on the environment and wildlife.

This tour is not only about wildlife observation; it is also an immersive cultural experience in Ladakh. You will have the opportunity to visit local villages, interact with indigenous communities, and learn about life in one of the most remote regions on Earth. Join Nature Safari India for an unforgettable adventure in search of the ghost of the mountains, where every turn reveals new surprises and the overwhelming beauty of nature.

Outline itinerary

• Day 01: Arrive in New Delhi
• Day 02: New Delhi – Leh (flight)
• Day 03: Leh
• Day 04: Leh – Snow Leopard Lodge (75 kilometers, 2-hour drive)
• Day 05: Snow Leopard Lodge
• Day 06 and 07: Snow Leopard Lodge
• Day 08 and 09: Snow Leopard Lodge
• Day 10: Snow Leopard Lodge – Leh (75 kilometers, 2-hour drive)
• Day 11: Leh – New Delhi
• Day 12: New Delhi – departure

Day 01: New Delhi arrival

On arrival at New Delhi Airport, you will be met by a representative of Nature Safari India. The representative will transfer you to your hotel and assist you with check-in. All travel-related documents will be handed over and explained. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 02: New Delhi – Leh (flight)

After an early breakfast, transfer to the airport to board a flight to Leh. Leh Airport is a military airport and photography is not permitted. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel, located approximately half an hour from the airport. When flying from Delhi to Leh, there is an altitude gain of more than 3000 meters within a short period of time, making acclimatization the most important factor for anyone flying in this region.

The first day in Ladakh is reserved for acclimatization to the low oxygen levels. To acclimatize properly, consider the following guidelines:

• Refrain from climbing stairs or engaging in strenuous activities.
• Ensure that you stay well hydrated by drinking sufficient water; hot water is recommended.
• Avoid taking a shower on the first day.
• Try not to nap during the day to prevent difficulty sleeping at night.
• Rest is crucial; however, walking at a leisurely pace is acceptable.
• If you experience nausea or vomiting, promptly inform the hotel front office.
• Report any discomfort or unusual symptoms you encounter.

Following these steps can help ease the acclimatization process.

• Overnight at the hotel in Leh.

Day 03: Leh

This day in Leh offers cultural immersion and natural exploration, further supporting your acclimatization process. Given Leh’s altitude, spending an additional day here prepares you for the higher elevations you will encounter later.

The day begins with a visit to Thiksey Monastery, the largest monastery in Leh. This architectural marvel, resembling the Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet, offers a serene and spiritually enriching experience. As you wander through its halls and courtyards, you will encounter a rich tapestry of Tibetan Buddhist culture, art, and history.

Following the monastery visit, continue with a nature activity in Leh with a visit to the banks of the Indus River. This tranquil setting is a haven for birdwatchers, where you may spot the elusive ibisbill among other native birds. Time spent by the river connects you with the region’s unique avian life and offers moments of peaceful reflection amid the natural beauty of Leh.

After a fulfilling day of exploration, return to the hotel. The remainder of the day is free for rest and rejuvenation or for a leisurely stroll through the nearby market. The market visit offers insight into the local lifestyle, with handcrafted souvenirs, traditional Ladakhi clothing, and a variety of local foods to try. This blend of cultural and natural experiences ensures a memorable stay in Leh and sets a contemplative tone for the adventures ahead.

Day 04: Leh – Snow Leopard Lodge (75 kilometers, 2-hour drive)

After a leisurely breakfast, transfer to Ulley, a small village with only six houses that is renowned as one of the best places to observe snow leopards and other high-altitude wildlife. The journey from the hotel to Ulley takes approximately two and a half hours. As you leave the outskirts of Leh, you will be greeted by the breathtaking landscapes of the Trans-Himalaya. Shortly after joining National Highway 1, arrive at Sangam, the confluence of the Indus and Zanskar rivers. This location provides an excellent photography opportunity, capturing the meeting point of these two mighty rivers.

Continuing towards Ulley, pass through several Ladakhi villages and military bases, immersing yourself in the region’s unique culture and landscapes. If Nature Safari India receives information about a snow leopard sighting en route, the journey will divert to the location and lunch will be served there. Otherwise, continue directly to the lodge. The route to Ulley winds through the twists and inclines of the high Himalayas, leading to the lodge, where a warm welcome awaits with tea and coffee.

After settling in and enjoying lunch, continue to nearby areas known for frequent sightings of the elusive snow leopard. Each morning, dedicated trackers venture out in search of this magnificent creature and share any sightings or signs to maximize the chances of observing a snow leopard in its natural habitat.

After a day of exploration and tracking, return to the lodge in the evening. Unwind and reflect on the day’s experiences over dinner before retiring to the room for a well-deserved rest, ready for the next day’s adventure in the Himalayas.

Day 05: Snow Leopard Lodge

Wake up early, dress warmly in winter clothing, and step outside. The lodge’s trackers will be scanning the mountain slopes. Join them and you may spot an ibex, a red fox, or, if fortunate, catch your first glimpse of a snow leopard near the lodge. Several guests have previously spotted snow leopards in this area. If no sightings occur early in the morning, depart after breakfast to continue the search. If information is received about a snow leopard or another noteworthy sighting, proceed directly to the location. It may be close to the road, or it may require walking or hiking to reach the site.

Be prepared for trekking. Once at the location, observe through a spotting scope or, if close enough, with the naked eye or binoculars. Bringing a mobile holder for the spotting scope will allow clear photographs of the snow leopard using a phone.

Return to the lodge in the evening. After dinner, share the day’s sightings with fellow guests before heading to bed.

Day 06 and 07: Snow Leopard Lodge

Another day brings the same excitement. On this tour, nothing is pre-planned; everything unfolds based on snow leopard sightings. In the morning, get ready to join the team as the trackers scan the surrounding cliffs and mountains for any movement. Spotting wildlife in these mountains is challenging due to their exceptional camouflage within the landscape. Only through careful observation and trained eyes accustomed to the terrain can sightings be made.

After breakfast, set out on a drive in search of snow leopards, the Tibetan wolf, and other wildlife. During the search for the snow leopard, you may also encounter notable bird species of the Trans-Himalayan region. These include the Golden Eagle, a prominent bird of prey known to hunt animals as large as a fox or young Himalayan ungulates, and the Lammergeier, also known as the Bearded Vulture, the largest vulture species with a wingspan ranging from 2.31 to 2.83 meters.

The Bearded Vulture feeds primarily on carcasses, particularly bones, which it carries to a height and drops onto rocks to break them open and consume the bone marrow. Other bird species that may be observed include the Himalayan Snowcock, Chukar Pheasant, Red-billed Chough, Robin Accentor, Eurasian Magpie, and Brown Accentor.

After an active day tracking snow leopards, return to the lodge. Following dinner, retire for the night to rest and prepare for the next day.

• All meals and overnight at the lodge.

Day 08 and 09: Snow Leopard Lodge

Nearby, the villages of Saspoche and Hemis Shukpachen are also key destinations where trackers search for snow leopards. These two villages are considered hotspots for both snow leopards and wolves. Situated between these villages is a small pack of five to eight wolves that has established this area as its home range.

While trekking in search of the snow leopard, you may also encounter other wildlife roaming the Trans-Himalayan cliffs, including the Ladakh urial and the Asiatic ibex.

• All meals and overnight at the lodge.

Day 10: Snow Leopard Lodge – Leh (75 kilometers, 2-hour drive)

In the morning, depending on the weather conditions, begin preparations for your transfer to Leh.

Today is your final opportunity to spot the elusive snow leopard on this tour, so you will not want to miss the chance. Start early and join the tracking team to scan the surrounding area. If something noteworthy is sighted, the transfer to Leh may be delayed. However, departure from the lodge must take place before dark. On the return journey, stops will be made at locations where wildlife sightings are considered likely.

Upon arrival in Leh, take time to rest. If time permits, enjoy a stroll through the market. This is an opportunity to shop for souvenirs to take home.

• Meals and overnight at the hotel in Leh.

Day 11: Leh – New Delhi (flight)

After a relaxed breakfast, transfer to Leh Airport to board a flight to New Delhi. Upon arrival in New Delhi, a representative of Nature Safari India will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel.

• Overnight at the hotel.

Day 12: New Delhi – departure

After a relaxed breakfast and depending on your flight schedule, you will be transferred to the international airport to board your flight home.