11 DAYS LADAKH: SNOW LEOPARD EXPEDITION

Arrive Delhi
On arrival, you will be picked up at the airport and transfer to the Roseate House Hotel.

Acclimatize in Leh
Leh straddles the old silk route and was a nexus of important Central Asian trade routes till the late 1950’s. Today the bustling town serves as an entry point to a dozen different types of mountain and high altitude adventures.

We’ll check-in to our hotel in Leh, the Grand Dragon, and spend the day at a pace that is slower than normal to properly acclimatize to the high altitude. We recommend reading a book, drinking a few cups of tea, and enjoying the view. Time is the best way to acclimatize.

In the evening we’ll have a welcome dinner and trip briefing with the whole crew.

Explore Leh
Optional early start: Head to Thiksey gompa (monastery) to attend morning prayers. This is a beautiful and calming experience steeped in the tradition of the Gelugpa (yellow hat) order of Tibetan Buddhism, headed by His Holiness, the Dalai Lama. The monastery, begun in 1630, features Ladakh’s most gorgeous image, a huge (and surprisingly modern) gilded statue of the Maitreya (Future Buddha).

Afterwards, we drive along the beautiful valley and return to our hotel for breakfast. Then do a walking tour of Leh market. Return to the hotel for a late lunch.

In the evening, visit the Shanti Stupa, a peace pagoda build by the Japanese in the 80’s. It offers commanding views of Leh, the Leh Palace, Namgyal Tsemo, the beautiful 16th century monument to victory that crowns the central peak in Leh, and the mighty Ladakh Range.

To the New Remote Camp
Today we head to our private camp in Hemis National Park. Around two hours drive will take us into the heart of snow leopard territory. Spend the daylight hours searching for the elusive ghost of the mountains with the field teams and the evenings relaxing in cozy camp lounge.

Hemis National Park, located in the union territory of Ladakh, India, is renowned for its stunning high-altitude landscape and rich biodiversity. Spanning 4,400 square kilometers, it is India’s largest national park. Established in 1981, the park is named after the famous Hemis Monastery. It features rugged terrain, deep gorges, and lofty peaks, offering breathtaking views. Hemis is a sanctuary for endangered species, particularly the elusive snow leopard, making it a premier destination for wildlife enthusiasts.

Explore Hemis National Park
Explore Hemis National Park. We’ll explore Hemis National Park with our expert spotters on the lookout for wildlife such as the Argali (Great Tibetan Sheep), Bharal (Blue Sheep), Shapu (Ladakhi Urial), and the elusive Snow Leopard. You’ll be transferred to various points by 4×4.  Depending on where wildlife is sighted, walking or short hikes may be required to achieve suitable viewing positions.

Wildlife in Hemis National Park
Hemis National Park boasts diverse wildlife with over 200 species. Key mammals include Tibetan wolf, brown bear, red fox, and blue sheep. Birds like golden eagle, griffon vulture, and lammergeier thrive here, alongside reptiles such as pit vipers. Snow leopards, as apex predators, control herbivores like urial and ibex, balancing the ecosystem.

Cultural immersion
Dawn wildlife scanning targets initial valleys for leopards and prey; extended observation if sighted. Afternoon cultural immersion at a local village, interacting with herders on community conservation. Evening interpretive talk by expedition leader on snow leopard ecology.

Prey Trail Tracking
Follow blue sheep herds upslope, monitoring for wolves or foxes; field support ensures comfort. Afternoon short walk to nearby monastery for Buddhist insights, and regional history. Debrief talk on conservation challenges.

Valley Ridges
Full morning 4×4-guided scans of valleys and ridges, with hot drinks during prolonged views of Himalayan fauna. Optional photography guidance during wildlife viewing. Debrief on the park’s fragile ecosystem.

Valley Finale
Dawn patrols prioritize leopard signs, with 4×4 to remote spots, short hikes for better angles. Afternoon village homestay features herder-led talks on predator-proofing livestock and community conservation. Evening camp debrief celebrates cumulative sightings over sundowners.

Transfer to Airport
Say goodbye to the mountains as you transfer to Leh airport and then fly to Delhi in the morning. Enjoy a day in New Delhi before your departure flight.