Snow Leopards and the winter world of Ladakh - 7 nights 8 days

ABOUT THE JOURNEY

The Trans-Himalaya is a landscape that overwhelms visitors – every turn of the road, every twist of a walking trail opens exhilarating vistas of mountain and valley, of fissured crags choked with wild rose and crystal streams lined with willows. This range of habitat supports a commensurate diversity of birds and mammals. In an increasingly nondescript and undifferentiated globe, Ladakh remains a fragment of a world where every region was once unique and distinctive.

The holy grail of mountain wildlife, the Snow Leopard is the least spoken about big cat in India. It has always remained an animal that managed to retain its mythical status, until recently. This expedition into the winter world of Ladakh, focusses on the snow leopard, its mountain habitat and the people who share their spaces with these majestic ghost cats. This journey takes you right into the heart of snow leopard country and places you in the hands of some of the best trackers on the planet.

Weather – Max +12.C , Min -12.C                            Fitness Required  - above average

Highlights

• Experience the winter glory of Ladakh
• High chances of encountering snow leopards and other winter wildlife.
• Stay in a remote village in the heart of snow leopard country.
• Immerse yourself into the simple mountain lifestyle and the cultural treasures of Ladakh

Brief Itinerary 

Day 1 - Arrive at Leh and transfer to the Grand Dragon Hotel or similar. Day at leisure to acclimatise. Briefing and Dinner in the evening.

Day 2- Drive into the Ladakh landscape towards Taglang La Pass and villages of Gya, Lhato and Meru. Visit the Monastery at Thikse enroute. Overnight at Grand Dragon Hotel or similar.

Day 3 -  Check out and drive west towards Ulley Village and Snow Leopard Lodge. Check-in to Snow Leopard Lodge during lunch. Briefing and evening exploration. 

Day 3 - Day 6 – Explore the wilderness of Ladakh from Snow Leopard Lodge. Over the next few days you explore the area on foot and SUV’s with our team of trackers at the lodge, tracking the snow leopard.

Day 7 – Check out of Snow Leopard Lodge late morning and return to the hotel in Leh for lunch. Evening walk in Leh Market.

Day 8 – Transfer to Leh Airport to catch the flight back to Delhi

PLEASE NOTE – Those keen on spending more time in Leh to explore or acclimatize, please let us know so that we can make the arrangements for the same. Spending time in Leh is a great way to get used to the altitude. This also gives one the chance to walk the market streets, explore more monasteries and also visit Wari La for wildlife.

Extensions Available - 3 nights Hanley for exploring the wildlife of Eastern Ladakh's high plateau (write to us for details)