Day 1
Arrive New Delhi
Welcome to India! You will be met upon arrival at the airport and transferred to your luxury hotel in New Delhi.
In the very northern reaches of India, where the towering masses of the snow-capped Himalayas loom over deep river valleys and vast plateaus, ancient monasteries dot the landscape and people are few and far between. Welcome to snow leopard country! This 12-day itinerary is one of the most remote and authentic adventures that we offer, and it provides an exceptional opportunity to immerse yourself in the local, Tibetan Buddhist culture while tracking one of the most elusive and ethereal creatures on Earth: the snow leopard, locally known as the Schan.
Your adventure begins in the small city of Leh, the stunningly beautiful and culturally rich capital of Ladakh. Explore the colorful local markets and monasteries with your private guide as you acclimitize to the altitude of 11,500’ and enjoy the diverse cuisines of this ancient cultural crossroads.
After adjusting to the altitude, you will be transported to the remote Ulley Valley of Ladakh, where you will basecamp at Snow Leopard Lodge, one of the best places in the world for spotting snow leopards. Hosted by a local family, you will spend multiple days working with trackers and spotters to not only search out the Schan, but to also spot Himalayan wolves, ibex, urial sheep, red foxes, golden eagles, Tibetan hares, and more. Your daily activities will vary based on what the spotters are finding, and you will also enjoy exploring the nearby villages and learning about traditional Tibetan Buddhist culture. Spin a prayer wheel while visiting ancient temples in rural villages that have remained largely unchanged for centuries. Cook traditional bread over an open fire after having tea with a local family and learning about their traditional way of life. Take in the majestic views of the Himalayas and say hello to local shepherds and their yaks as you enjoy an afternoon stroll up the valley.
Snow leopards are wild, stealthy animals and a sighting cannot be guaranteed. Regardless of whether your expedition sees the Schan, you will immerse yourself in one of the most ruggedly beautiful places on Earth and your journey will foster a sense of peace and tranquility, plus a greater connection with the natural world.
Welcome to India! You will be met upon arrival at the airport and transferred to your luxury hotel in New Delhi.
This morning you will be transferred from your hotel to the airport to catch a flight up north to Leh. Be sure to check out the stunning views of the Himalayas as you approach Leh! You will be met upon arrival and transferred to your hotel, where you can spend the afternoon at leisure as you adjust to the time zone changes and altitude.
Today your private guide will take you sightseeing around Leh, with visits to local monasteries and markets. Enjoy a sunset excursion to Leh Palace to photograph Shanti Stupa and the city in evening light.
This morning your private driver will take you across the stark, stunning landscapes of Ladakh as you drive three hours to Ulley Valley. You will stop to take in the breathtaking views of the confluence of the Indus and Zanskar Rivers before finishing your drive into the remote Ulley Valley. Spend the afternoon at leisure, getting to know the host family and some of the spotters at Snow Leopard Lodge.
You will spend five full days based out of Snow Leopard Lodge, going on daily excursions in search of the snow leopard and other wildlife, including Himalayn wolves, red fox, golden eagles, urial sheep, ibex, and more. Your exact daily activities will vary based on what the spotters are finding. In addition to tracking wildlife, you will immerse yourself in the local Tibetan Buddhist culture through village and home visits, temple visits, and walks. In the evenings, enjoy a comforting cup of hot tea as you watch phenomenal nature documentaries about snow leopards and other wildlife of Central Asia beside the wood-burning stove.
Today your private driver will take you back to your hotel in Leh, where you will enjoy an afternoon at leisure. The main street of Leh is within easy walking distance of your hotel, so be sure to do some souvenir shopping and take home some pashmina wool or Tibetan handicrafts.
After an early morning breakfast you will head to the Leh airport to catch your flight to New Delhi. You will be met upon arrival and transferred to your hotel. You will then enjoy an afternoon at leisure to relax, contemplate your experience, and plan for your return trip home.
Your private driver will transfer you to the New Delhi airport to catch your international flight home. Note: these are often very early morning flights.
These are the accommodations available for this trip. Please call and see which one is best for your style of travel.
