Leh, Zingchan, Rumbak Valley
Best Snow Leopard Expedition in Ladakh For 2 Weeks
Overview
Of all of India’s big cats, the Snow Leopard remains the most mysterious. The best place to see this beautiful feline is among the rugged mountain landscapes of Ladakh. As pioneers of this trip, Asian Adventures has handcrafted and meticulously designed this tour to give you the best chance of spotting this beautiful creature. Our trained guides and local trackers always ensure a glimpse of this magnificent predator in its natural habitat, as well as help you make the most of the rich biodiversity of this high-altitude habitat. In addition, you also get a chance to spend time with the local communities of the area, who are not only our support system but a treasure trove of insights as we learn about their customs and traditions.
Key species: Snow Leopard, Blue Sheep, Golden Eagle, Himalayan Vulture, Tibetan Snowfinch, Red-fronted Serin, Sulphur-bellied Warbler, 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
Arrive in New Delhi. You will be met at the airport by our representative and transferred to your hotel.
Overnight stay.
Meals: Breakfast in Delhi, Lunch, and Dinner in Leh
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Leh, the capital of Ladakh. The flight itself is truly memorable, as, on a clear day, one can spot the peaks of K2, Nanga Parbat, Gasherbrum, and the Nun Kun massif. Arrive in Leh. You will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel. You have the rest of the day at leisure to rest and acclimatize to the conditions in Leh. You can explore the main bazaar, observing the varied crowds and curios shops.
Overnight stay.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
You have the morning at leisure today to get further acclimated to the elevation. In the afternoon, you can have a relaxed guided birding session around Leh.
Overnight stay.
Key species: Chukar Partridge, Eurasian Magpie, Golden Eagle, Northern Raven, Eurasian Jackdaw
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Your adventure truly begins, as you travel to Zingchan, the entry point to the Rumbak Valley, the home of the Snow Leopard. The landscape here may look bleak and lifeless but a closer look will reveal a rich biodiversity, with many species of flora and fauna uniquely adapted to life here. In addition, the cultures and traditions of the local communities have been shaped in some way or the other by the harshness of this land.
Overnight stay.
Key species: Snow Leopard, Asiatic Ibex, Blue Sheep, Red Fox, Golden Eagle, Bearded Vulture, Robin Accentor
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, and learning about customs and traditions. In addition, there’s always some amazing birdwatching to be done
Overnight stay.
Key species: Snow Leopard, Asiatic Ibex, Blue Sheep, Red Fox, Tibetan Wolf, Red-billed Chough, Himalayan Snowcock, Tibetan Partridge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Another day exploring Rumbak 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.
Overnight stay.
Key species: Snow Leopard, Asiatic Ibex, Blue Sheep, Red Fox, Tibetan Wolf, Red-billed Chough, Himalayan Snowcock, Streaked Rosefinch
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.
Overnight stay.
Key species: Snow Leopard, Asiatic Ibex, Blue Sheep, Red Fox, Tibetan Wolf, Mountain Weasel, Red-billed Chough, Himalayan Vulture
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Explore this amazing and unique landscape further with the help of your skilled and experienced guide.
Overnight stay.
Key species: Snow Leopard, Asiatic Ibex, Blue Sheep, Red Fox, Tibetan Wolf, Red-billed Chough, Himalayan Snowcock, Streaked Rosefinch
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.
Overnight stay.
Key species: Snow Leopard, Asiatic Ibex, Blue Sheep, Red Fox, Tibetan Wolf, Mountain Weasel, Red-billed Chough, Himalayan Vulture
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.
Overnight stay.
Key species: Snow Leopard, Asiatic Ibex, Blue Sheep, Red Fox, Tibetan Wolf, Red-billed Chough, Himalayan Snowcock, Tibetan Partridge
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.
Overnight stay.
Key species: Snow Leopard, Blue Sheep, Red Fox, Tibetan Wolf, Himalayan Brown Bear, Red-billed Chough, Chukar Partridge, Tibetan Sandgrouse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel Lotus
Today, you will bid a bittersweet 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.
Overnight stay.
Key species: Kiang, Chukar Partridge, Northern Raven, Eurasian Magpie, Red-billed Chough, White-rumped Snowfinch, Horned Lark
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Shanti Palace or Similar
Today, you will be saying goodbye to the beautiful landscapes of Ladakh. Transfer to Leh airport for your flight back to Delhi, where you will be met and transferred to your hotel. 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 adventure in search of Ladakh’s wild denizens. Transfer to Delhi airport for your flight back home.
Tour ends.
Highlights
- One of the very few tours to offer a realistic chance of seeing Snow Leopard.
- Ancient kingdom of Ladakh, Buddhist monasteries and mud palaces.
- Unique flora and fauna or the Trans-Himalayan region.
- Spectacular trans-Himalayan flights to and from Leh.
- Enjoy traditional Ladakhi culture and hospitality.
- Once in a lifetime experience
- 30+ species of mammals
- 300+ species of birds.
- Unique experiences and landscapes
- Open to customisation
- Ideal for solo travellers wanting to join a group, families, small groups.
- Great for mammal watchers, birders and photographers
- Asian Adventures is the pioneer in Snow Leopard Tours in India, which we have been doing for 18+ years with 100% success rates.
- Travelling with Asian Adventures means you are in safe hands.
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
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