Set amidst spectacular mountain scenery in Ladakh, the city of Leh sits at an altitude of 3,500 metres. It is the ideal place to acclimatise to the higher altitude before venturing into snow leopard territory.
About Leh
The capital of the ancient Himalayan kingdom of Ladakh, Leh has a distinctly Tibetan feel. It's a former stopover on important trading routes through the Indus Valley between India, China, Tibet and Kashmir for goods such as grain, salt and cashmere wool. The city has a fascinating labyrinth of winding streets and quaint bazaars backed by staggering mountain peaks, and cultural highlights include the Royal (Leh) Palace and the Shanti Stupa.
Wildlife of Ladakh
Himalayan wildlife including bharal, Asiatic ibex, golden eagle, and urial may be seen on the outskirts of the town, with plenty of birdwatching opportunities that can be arranged as part of a full-day tour on our tailor-made trip ideas - speak to our team to find out more. Leh is most commonly visited at the start of a snow leopard watching holiday.
Led by acclaimed wildlife photographer Nick Garbutt, this trip travels to the remote Ulley Valley on a quest for snow leopards. Based in a comfortable guesthouse, you will be accompanied by expert local trackers to maximise your chances of seeing and photographing this enigmatic mammal.
Find out more about Searching for Snow Leopards
With 15 species across its spectacular diversity of landscapes – more than any other country – India is the undisputed home of cats. This unique tour builds on Wildlife Worldwide’s decades of success tracking big cats in India, taking you in search of snow leopard, Asiatic lion, leopard and tiger.
Find out more about India’s Big Cats
Visiting the forest clad hills of Singalilia National Park for red panda, the snow-capped mountains of Ladakh for snow leopard and the teak forests and grasslands of Kanha National Park for tiger, this is the ultimate wildlife trip to India and Nepal for mammal, big cat and nature enthusiasts.
Find out more about India’s Tigers, Snow Leopards & Red Pandas
This tailor-made trip idea, accompanied by expert local trackers, spends a week at a remote yet comfortable lodge, and offers the chance to search the Ulley Valley for Himalayan wildlife, with a special focus on one of the world’s most mysterious and beautiful big cats – the snow leopard.
Find out more about Snow Leopards of Ladakh
