Overview
Among the rugged mountain landscapes of Ladakh, lives possibly the most elusive of the big cats: the Snow Leopard. As pioneers of this trip, it is specially designed and tweaked over 15 years 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 always ensure a glimpse of this magnificent predator in its natural habitat, as well as enjoy the other unique wildlife that this high-altitude habitat has to offer. The locals of the area are our support system and one gets enthralling insights into local folklore, as well as learn about their customs and traditions.
Key species : Snow Leopard, Blue Sheep, Golden Eagle, Himalayan Vulture, Tibetan Snowfinch, Red-fronted Serin, Sulphur-bellied Warbler, and White-throated Dipper, Tibetan Sandgrouse, Chukar Partridge, Alpine Chough, Eurasian Jackdaw, Ibisbill, Jack Snipe, Common Merganser, Horned Lark
Meals: On own
Accommodation: Hotel Shanti Palace or Similar
Your adventure begins as you touch down in New Delhi, a center 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.
Meals: Breakfast in Delhi, Lunch, and Dinner in Leh
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.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Rest in the morning in Leh to get further acclimated to the elevation. In the afternoon, you can have a relaxed birding session around Leh.
Key species: Chukar Partridge, Eurasian Magpie, Golden Eagle, Northern Raven, Eurasian Jackdaw.
Overnight stay.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
This is where the main part of your adventure starts. Zingchan is the entry point to the Rumbak Valley, the home of the Snow Leopard. The bleak landscape may look incapable of supporting life but look closer and you will be proven wrong. Even here, there are animals and birds uniquely evolved to handle life in a region like this, not to mention many people whose cultures and traditions have been shaped in some way or the other by the harshness of this land.
Key species: Snow Leopard, Asiatic Ibex, Blue Sheep, Red Fox, Golden Eagle, Bearded Vulture, Robin Accentor.
Overnight stay.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Continue on your quest for the mysterious Snow Leopard. Follow in this predator’s footsteps as you explore the area on foot with your amazing guide. But part of attaining a goal is the journey you take to get there. Don’t miss out on the enthralling insights into local folklore, learning about customs and traditions. In addition, there’s always some amazing birdwatching to be done
Key species: Snow Leopard, Asiatic Ibex, Blue Sheep, Red Fox, Tibetan Wolf, Red-billed Chough, Himalayan Snowcock, Tibetan Partridge.
Overnight stay.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Another day will not only increase your chances of spotting the Ghost of the Himalayas but also give you a chance to see the other wonderful creatures that share its home. The open landscape, stark stunning vistas, and unique wildlife make for amazing photographic opportunities, made better with the help of a skilled and experienced guide.
Key species: Snow Leopard, Asiatic Ibex, Blue Sheep, Red Fox, Tibetan Wolf, Red-billed Chough, Himalayan Snowcock, Streaked Rosefinch.
Overnight stay.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Like any intrepid explorer in search of treasure, your quest for the Snow Leopard will continue today with some exploration of the valley on foot.
Key species: Snow Leopard, Asiatic Ibex, Blue Sheep, Red Fox, Tibetan Wolf, Mountain Weasel, Red-billed Chough, Himalayan Vulture.
Overnight stay.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Explore this amazing and unique landscape further with the help of your skilled and experienced guide.
Key species: Snow Leopard, Asiatic Ibex, Blue Sheep, Red Fox, Tibetan Wolf, Red-billed Chough, Himalayan Snowcock, Streaked Rosefinch.
Overnight stay.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Continue on your quest for the mysterious Snow Leopard. Learn to read the signs that can help you track not only this magnificent predator but also the other animals that call this landscape home.
Key species: Snow Leopard, Asiatic Ibex, Blue Sheep, Red Fox, Tibetan Wolf, Mountain Weasel, Red-billed Chough, Himalayan Vulture.
Overnight stay.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Familiarize yourself with the wildlife and people of the Rumbak Valley even further today. The mammals and birds of the region are so mysterious and beautiful that one can easily spend a lifetime looking at and admiring them.
Key species: Snow Leopard, Asiatic Ibex, Blue Sheep, Red Fox, Tibetan Wolf, Red-billed Chough, Himalayan Snowcock, Tibetan Partridge.
Overnight stay.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Explore the area on foot with your guide to try and spot the Snow Leopard and other fauna. In the process, there will also be plenty of opportunities for you to get enthralling insights into local folklore, as well as learn about their customs and traditions.
Key species: Snow Leopard, Blue Sheep, Red Fox, Tibetan Wolf, Himalayan Brown Bear, Red-billed Chough, Chukar Partridge, Tibetan Sandgrouse.
Overnight stay.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel Lotus
Bid adieu to the beautiful Rumbak Valley and the warm and friendly locals as you trek back to Zingchan. With any luck, you have made some new friends in a new part of the world. Take some time to reflect on your adventures in the Rumbak Valley on your drive back to Leh
Key species: Kiang, Chukar Partridge, Northern Raven, Eurasian Magpie, Red-billed Chough, White-rumped Snowfinch, Horned Lark.
Overnight stay.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Shanti Palace or Similar
It’s time to say goodbye to the mountains and beautiful landscapes as you fly back to Delhi from Leh airport. After your adventurous odyssey, an afternoon at leisure in Delhi is well-earned. Relax in your hotel or go sightseeing in the evening.
Overnight stay.
Meals: Breakfast
Sadly, all journeys have an end, and this is the conclusion of your magnificent odyssey in search of Ladakh’s wild denizens. Transfer to Delhi airport to connect flight back home.
Included
- Accommodation on twin sharing basis in the lodges and fully serviced and hotels camps Three meals a day (Except Delhi where hotel will be booked on bed and breakfast basis)
- Snow Leopard tracking and wildlife viewing with trained guides Permits and entry fee | All surface transfers by a private vehicle
Video
Location
Stories
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