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The spectacular towering cliffs and rugged landscapes of the Ulley Valley are home to an array of Himalayan wildlife species, including the iconic snow leopard.

Lying north of the Indus River at the head of the Ulley Chhu Valley, the small village of Ulley in West Ladakh stands at almost 4,000 metres above sea level. The village and surrounding Ulley Valley area has only recently been developed for snow leopard tracking but has quickly gained a reputation for wildlife watching and not just for the number of snow leopards seen.

Other Himalayan wildlife includes Asiatic ibex, urial (native wild sheep with long legs and relatively small horns), Himalayan red fox and wolf.  Amongst the birding highlights are chukor and Tibetan partridge, golden eagle, lammergeier, and red-billed chough, plus bearded and Himalayan griffon vultures.

View suggested itineraries

Key info

  • Ideal for viewing: snow leopard, bharal, red fox, Tibetan partridge, Asiatic ibex
  • Where: Ladakh State, India

Wildlife trips

This wildlife location is featured in the following itineraries:

Searching for Snow Leopards & Pallas’s Cats

Led by acclaimed wildlife photographer Nick Garbutt, this trip travels to the remote Ulley Valley and Hanle on a quest for snow leopards and Pallas’s cats. Accompanied by expert local trackers in both locations, we aim to maximise our chances of seeing and photographing these enigmatic felines. Find out more about Z) Searching for Snow Leopards & Pallas’s Cats

  • Price (inc. flights): 21 days from £10,895
  • Trip type:
    Group Tour
    Tailor-made can be arranged
  • When to go:
    • F
    • M
    • A

India’s Big Cats

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

  • Price (inc. flights): 23 days from £9,695
  • Trip type:
    Group Tour
    Tailor-made can be arranged
  • When to go:
    • J
    • F
    • M
    • N
    • D

India’s Tigers, Snow Leopards & Red Pandas

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

  • Price (inc. flights): 22 days from £7,895
  • Trip type:
    Tailor-made Holiday
  • When to go:
    • J
    • F
    • M
    • A
    • N
    • D

Snow Leopards of Ladakh

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

  • Price (inc. flights): 15 days from £4,595
  • Trip type:
    Tailor-made Holiday
  • When to go:
    • J
    • F
    • M
    • A
    • N
    • D

Wildlife of Ladakh

Travel across the north Indian region of Ladakh with incredible opportunities to see a wealth of remarkable species. Pallas’s cat, snow leopard and Himalayan brown bear are all possible amongst a plethora of birdlife as you traverse through rugged Himalayan landscapes with outstanding views. Find out more about Wildlife of Ladakh

  • Price (inc. flights): 18 days from £8,995
  • Trip type:
    Tailor-made Holiday
  • When to go:
    • A
Suggested accommodation is shown below. Please contact us for further recommendations.

Snow Leopard Lodge

Snow Leopard Lodge

In the heart of Ladakh lies this comfortable lodge, the ideal base for a snow leopard quest. This renovated lodge provides en suite accommodation and western-style facilities amongst the peaks of the Himalayas. With superb views across the valley, you may see ibex, bharal or even snow leopard. Find Out More about Snow Leopard Lodge