Mysterious and beautiful, the snow leopard epitomises the remote and rugged wilderness of the Himalayas. Staying in a comfortable lodge, you join expert local trackers in search of this elusive cat.
For many years the only option available to anyone who wished to see a snow leopard was a rugged trekking and camping trip. However, working in conjunction with an expert local operator, we have developed a less demanding alternative that stays at a simple yet comfortable lodge located in the Ulley Valley, making our tour considerably easier and more comfortable.
Working closely with a team of local trackers from the Snow Leopard Conservancy, renowned for their ability to locate these cats, you follow in vehicles which allows you to move easily between locations and get as close as possible to any sightings before setting out on foot.
Your tour begins in Delhi where you overnight before flying to Leh, the capital of the ancient Himalayan kingdom of Ladakh. Here you have your first introduction of Himalayan wildlife as you spend two days exploring the surrounding area. Wildlife sightings you should enjoy include blue sheep, golden eagle, red-billed choughs, Tibetan partridge, chukar partridge, ibex and bearded vulture. You then continue by road to Ulley and begin your search for the mysterious snow leopard. During the course of the week, you may also be rewarded with other wildlife sightings including ibex, urial, Himalayan fox, wolf, Himalayan griffon and bearded vultures, and golden eagle.
Suggested Itinerary
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Day 1:
Depart the UK
Depart the UK on an overnight flight to Delhi.
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Day 2:
Arrive Delhi
You arrive in Delhi late morning and take a short transfer to your hotel located near the airport. The remainder of the day is at leisure.
Accommodation: Pullman New Delhi Aerocity, 1-night
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Day 3:
Fly to Leh
This morning you have an early start with a morning flight to Leh. On arrival, meet with our local naturalist leader and transfer to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure as you acclimatise to Leh’s higher altitude, situated at 3,500 metres above sea level.
Accommodation: The Grand Dragon Hotel, 3-nights
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Days 4-5
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Explore the surroundings of Leh & search for Himalayan wildlife
Over the course of the next two days you explore the surrounds of Leh and begin your introduction to Himalayan wildlife, On your drives you keep a keen eye out for species such as blue sheep, ibex, golden eagle and bearded vultures.
One afternoon you visit Thiskey Gompa, a picturesque monastery perched high on a hill above the Indus, from where you have a magnificent view of the valley.
You also take time to visit the Snow Leopard Conservancy to meet staff for a briefing on the history of snow leopard conservation in Ladakh to gain an insight into the current threats to highly endangered snow leopards, and the strategies that have been adopted to combat those threats.
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Day 6:
Drive to Ulley Valley
You drive west from Leh following the Indus River to Ulley, passing through the small town of Nimmu, one of the most important in Ladakh, where the Zanskar River meets the Indus. Continuing west for around another hour, you then turn north towards Likir Gompa, one of Ladakh’s famous Buddhist monasteries and enter snow leopard country.
The landscape here becomes even more expansive and by now our guides will have their eyes peeled, constantly scanning the hill side and the skyline for any possible silhouette. This is also excellent ibex country and there are few more evocative sights than a magnificently horned ibex standing vigil on some impossibly narrow outcrop a few hunded metres over a plunging cliff.
Accommodation: Snow Leopard Lodge, 7-nights
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Days 7-12
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Searching for Snow Leopard in the Ulley Valley
You have six full days to enjoy the wildlife and habitats of the high Ulley Valley and surrounding area – your exact programme over the days will be dictated by the latest sightings.
From Ulley you are able to explore three valleys: Hemis Shukpachen, Saspoche, and Ulley itself, all of which support a healthy population of snow leopards and other Himalayan wildlife. Our guide is an exceptional tracker and spotter with an uncanny knack for finding snow leopard. Over the next few days you explore the area with him on foot and by 4WD in search of snow leopards. During your stay you also have plenty of opportunities to gain insights into local folklore and learn about Ladakhi customs and traditions.
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Day 13:
Drive to Leh
After a final morning in the field you return to Leh. Time permitting, you stop en route to visit Alchi Gompa, an 11th century monastery and one of the region’s oldest.
Accommodation: The Grand Dragon Hotel, 1-night
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Day 14:
Fly to Delhi
This morning you take a domestic flight back to Delhi and overnight at a hotel near the airport.
Accommodation: Pullman New Delhi Aerocity, 1-night
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Day 15:
Fly to the UK
Please note: The price of this tour includes a donation of US$200 to the Snow Leopard Conservancy.
