Delhi, Rumbak Valley, Leh

Snow Leopard Special in Ladakh Tour

12 Days | #814-MP |

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Overview

The majestic and elusive Snow Leopard is one of the world’s rarest big cats and getting the chance to see one is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

This tour is specially designed to give you the optimum chance of spotting one of these beautiful creatures. While most only get to see pugmarks of this almost-mythical animal, our trained guides and local trackers will try their best to ensure a glimpse of this magnificent predator in its natural
habitat, among the rugged mountain scapes of Ladakh, as well as enjoy the other unique wildlife that this high-altitude habitat has to offer.

You will also get the opportunity to interact with the locals of the area and get enthralling insights into local folklore, as well as learn about their customs and traditions.

For birdwatchers, see Golden Eagle, Himalayan Vulture, Himalayan Snowcock, Tibetan Sandgrouse, Chukar Partridge, Ibisbill, White-throated Dipper, Yellow-billed Chough, Sulphur-bellied Warbler, Robin Accentor, Horned Lark, Red-fronted Serin, Black-winged (Tibetan) Snowfinch, and more, are among the many feathered denizens of Ladakh.

Tracking the Ghost of the Mountains

As a wildlife buff, I’ve had something of a fascination for the big cats. After seeing tigers in Central India, and lions in East Africa, and leopards in both places, my next target was the elusive Snow Leopard, and after a little bit of online research, I decided a trip to Ladakh for this beauty would be well worth it.

I finally set out on my trip with a few like-minded friends and was thoroughly impressed with the level of skill of the guide and the local trackers. Even in this harsh landscape, and unpredictable weather, we managed to get a great sighting of this almost-mythical animal. The grace and beauty of the Snow Leopard can’t even be put into words!

But even apart from the amazing sightings we had, Ladakh was amazing. We got the opportunity to interact with the locals of the area and got amazing insights into their customs and traditions. The birdwatchers in our group had a thrill too, with sightings of Golden Eagle, Himalayan Vulture, Tibetan Snowfinch, Chukar Partridge, Red-fronted Serin, Sulphur-bellied Warbler, White-throated Dipper, Guldenstadt’s Redstart, and so many more!

Day 01

Delhi

Meals: On own
Accommodation: Hotel Eros or similar

Your adventure begins as you touch down in New Delhi, a centre of civilization for millennia, and now the capital of India! You will be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel. If time permits, perhaps a little birding in Sultanpur National Park can be done to prepare you for the journey ahead. Or maybe take in some of the historical sights like Humayun’s Tomb, India Gate, or Lodhi Gardens.

Overnight stay.

Day 02

Delhi to Leh

Meals: Breakfast in Delhi, Lunch and Dinner in Leh
Accommodation:

Start on the first leg of your quest as a morning flight takes you to your first destination: Leh. This must be one of the most sensational flights in the world. On a clear day from one side of the aircraft can be seen in the distance the peaks of K2, Nanga Parbat, Gasherbrum and on the other side of the aircraft, so close that you feel you could reach out and touch it, is the Nun Kun massif. Arrive in Leh, where you will be transferred to your hotel. You have the rest of the day at leisure. You may choose to stroll along the main bazaar, observing the varied crowds. Looking into curio shops is an engaging experience. When tired of strolling, one can step into any of several restaurants, some of them located in gardens or on the sidewalks and serve local Tibetan, Indian and Continental cuisine.

Overnight stay.

Day 03

Leh